After the words of Joseph Stone and Cain, the others also expressed their positions: the division of Kanto did not have much to do with Hoenn, and even if the Hoenn League wanted to intervene, it would not be their matter. The main thing was to do their own work well.
However, for Juan, this represented a signal.
Only four Elite Four–level trainers were no longer sufficient to control a region as large as Kanto. Team Rocket, the recently restless Hunter Guild, and even the newly emerged but clearly powerful Sacred Church.
The appearance—or intrusion—of these major organizations made even the region considered the strongest, Kanto, fall into difficulty.
Especially now, when the Kanto League was in a period of transition between the old and the new generation. It was the perfect moment for those with malicious intentions to seize an opportunity to stab the League in the back.
Rather than saying that the Kanto League had voluntarily requested to divide itself, it was more like the World League planned to use this division as a trap, to lure those elements into making a misstep.
Of course, the division of Kanto was an inevitable trend. It was just that they could take advantage of it to cut off a few fingers—or even an entire arm—of those who were meddling too much.
During the meeting, everyone shared their opinions regarding the division of Kanto, but in reality Juan was much clearer than everyone else about what needed to be done.
The meeting lasted the entire morning without obtaining concrete results.
After it ended, Juan called Cain to his office.
"How was that half year of vacation? Was there progress in your strength?" Juan asked with a smile.
Cain smiled and said, "How can you call it a vacation? I was very busy as well. Of course there was progress. Facing the champion of the Grand Tournament would not be a problem."
But upon mentioning the Grand Tournament, Juan's expression became serious, even a bit heavy.
"What's wrong?" Cain noticed the change.
"This Grand Tournament may have incidents. That's why I wanted you to be present at the final. If possible, I hope we can take that person out. But the subject avoids me and other League veterans. Whenever we appear, he hides."
After thinking for a moment, Juan continued, "But it seems he is specifically targeting you. The only time we managed to draw him out was by accidentally using your name. But upon noticing your absence, he immediately hid again. That's why we decided to use your presence as bait."
"Don't worry. As long as you can hold him back for a bit, we'll arrive immediately. Knowing that a powerful individual who is also so skilled at hiding is in Hoenn... irritates me deeply."
Cain raised an eyebrow. "So he's coming for me? And from what you say, the hostility isn't small... if he doesn't see me, he won't appear?"
"As far as we know, that's the case. If you think it's dangerous, you can refuse," Juan said.
It was true: not knowing the enemy's strength made using Cain as bait risky. If he refused, Juan would not be surprised.
But Cain shook his head. "If he's coming for me, with my current status I can't hide. It's better to face him under the League's protection and preparation than to risk a surprise attack while I'm alone."
"Besides... I'm no longer the same as I was half a year ago. Evaluating me based on my strength back then... would be very dangerous."
Seeing Cain's smile tinged with a cold edge, Juan tensed. "You disappeared for half a year. Even I don't know how much you've grown. Come on, tell me something to put my mind at ease."
Cain thought for a moment and replied, "It may sound arrogant, but using Mr. Sidney as a reference, in an official battle I think I would have a forty percent chance of winning. And if everything goes perfectly, there is a possibility of a true victory."
Juan's eyes shone upon hearing this.
Sidney was not the strongest among the Elite Four of all regions, but he was in the upper middle, especially considering that many veterans were still active.
And Cain knew Sidney's strength well, because in the conflicts against Team Magma and Team Aqua he had intervened several times.
"And if it were a real fight... to the death?" Juan asked again.
After all, Sidney and Glacia were specialists in competitive-format battles, while Cain had forged his reputation in real combat. Like Drake, he was a pure combat trainer.
"Ninety percent!" Cain replied with absolute firmness.
Juan's gaze widened slightly. Ninety percent... that was almost a crushing victory.
In a mortal battle, no one could guarantee one hundred percent. But ninety percent was the ultimate expression of confidence.
Juan held Cain's gaze for ten seconds. He saw no sign of joking in his eyes. He accepted it.
Cain truly believed he had a ninety percent chance. And Juan knew Cain well: he was not someone who boasted without reason. That meant he had truly reached that level.
With that, Juan began to feel much more at ease regarding the incidents that might occur at the Grand Tournament. He even started to feel a bit excited, wanting to see the reaction of the mysterious enemy when facing Cain's current strength.
It would surely be a magnificent scene.
"In that case, I'm relieved. Prepare yourself. The competition starts in three days. To draw out the enemy, the stadium will not be at the League's central headquarters. You may have to face him alone, or them, so please protect the audience well," Juan said.
Cain nodded, narrowing his eyes.
Interesting.
Who would be the person targeting him?
The Sacred Church?
Team Rocket?
The Hunter Guild?
Whoever it was, if they had decided to attack him, there was nothing left to discuss.
"By the way, recently individuals using the name of Team Magma and Team Aqua have appeared. If you can, take care of them to prevent a resurgence. And in the report you submitted before leaving, you mentioned a force called Team Heaven. It matches what we're looking for. I thought about asking Glacia to handle it, but since you're back, continue with it yourself."
Team Heaven?
Cain nodded, revealing a deep smile that was difficult to read.
Very subtle. Juan did not notice it.
(End of chapter)