Unova Region is actually a very interesting region.
The current Champion is Alder, but years ago Alder's ace main roster died, and Alder's mindset was seriously affected.
This made Alder disinterested in battles; to fill the loneliness in his heart he wandered Unova, focusing on the bonds between Trainers and their Pokémon.
However, over so many years, Alder has hardly battled.
That's why in Black & White, to stop N, even risking everything five convictions, the Champion still Lost.
Though Damian personally thinks that, in front of N at his peak, even a flawless Alder would probably have lost.
Apart from a Champion Alder who has almost no will to fight, Unova Elite Four isn't very strong, because Caitlin was lured away by Damian.
Currently the Unova Elite Four, besides Shauntal, Grimsley, and Marshal, has one more: Drayden temporarily promoted.
This Elite Four is just average; not strong, not weak.
But paired with a Champion like Alder, can you call this Unova League strong?
So right now the Unova League is weak, there's a reason for that.
Not to compare with Kanto, Hoenn, Galar, or Paldea Leagues; even Kalos Region's Unova League doesn't have the nerve to compare.
Although Kalos's Champion Diantha isn't very strong in Champion-tier, she's at least mentally healthy.
And Alder, unless a Major event threatens the Unova League's existence, with his mental issues Alder can't battle with conviction.
Of course, Damian clearly sees that the Unova Region isn't actually weak.
Are there many Champion-tier in Unova? Indeed, quite a few.
Naturally special N, the dark scientist Colress, Iris, the Girl Who Knows the Hearts of Dragons, plus a troubled Alder—four there already.
Especially N, he's the one destined to be chosen by Ideals (Truth) and by the Dragon.
And Damian seriously suspects that if Kanto has Red and Blue, Johto has Ethan and Silver, Alola has Selene, Hoenn has May, then Unova should have a "protagonist," right?
So, is it Hilda or Rosa, or both?
So by that calculation, Unova Region isn't weak, but the core issue is:
The undeveloped, skewed thoughts among these Trainers—they aren't united as one.
But that doesn't matter to Damian; in fact, it makes things more interesting.
Driftveil City, a port city in Unova Region.
Driftveil City is called Unova Region's gateway, a harbor city focused on goods and freight, unlike Castelia City, which is passenger-focused.
The harbor in Driftveil is mainly for cargo ships and fishing boats.
And Damian brings Caitlin and Zinnia here because Gladion has reported that Ghetsis has recently been seen around Driftveil City nearby.
"The sea breeze hits hard, but it's tolerable."
Damian walks along Driftveil City's docks; the sea's scent is strong, very different from a typical beach holiday.
"Damian, what do we do next? Just wander here?"
Zinnia, curious, looks around; she's interested in new, unfamiliar cities.
"Sure, if you're bored, you can stroll the streets."
"Okay, I'll go on my own, look for some Trainers to spar with. I wonder how strong Unova Trainers are here."
Zinnia responds naturally; she's restless once she goes out.
"Go ahead." Damian smiles.
"Hey Caitlin, you coming with me?" Zinnia invites Caitlin.
"I'll accompany Damian." Caitlin smiles softly.
"You're really inseparable from Damian all day long."
Zinnia rolls her eyes and teases.
Caitlin still wears a light smile; she'd rather stick with Damian anyway.
"Well then I'll go on my own; if I meet that guy Ghetsis, I'll contact you."
Zinnia waves and moves toward the busier streets elsewhere.
Watching Zinnia's figure fade, Caitlin sighs and comments, "Zinnia has loosened up a lot now."
Previously she carried so much; now she's genuinely relaxed and happy.
"Yeah, thanks to you, Damian; you've carried her life." Caitlin looks at Damian with gentle eyes.
"Haha—this girl talks about you a lot."
Damian laughs; Caitlin is always so witty, and charming, too—lovely.
The two wander, aimlessly at first, and soon arrive near Driftveil Gym's vicinity.
But when they see the two people ahead, Damian's expression tightens.
"Dad, you're really something; I've come back, and you still look so reluctant."
A girl with pink hair stands with hands on hips, scowling at the middle-aged man ahead.
The middle-aged man wears a white hat and brown clothes, his face stern and fierce—Driftveil Gym's Leader Clay.
The so-called "underground boss"—besides Gym Leader, he's also the owner of a mining company, Twist Mountain.
Yes, Clay, he has a mountain!!!
The real mining owner, this name fits him well.
But right now Clay looks helpless and flustered, because the one giving him grief is his precious daughter Lacey.
"Lacey, that isn't what I meant—Lacey, you should be in school, Driftveil City has such a strong fishy smell, you should…"
"Again with that! Dad, I think you're really mean sometimes!"
Lacey raised both arms in front of her and made a large "X" gesture at Clay with a serious expression.
"I'm not that spoiled, and I've got good news—BB League rank is third now."
She's proudly reporting to her dad.
"My daughter is amazing." Clay's harsh face softens with a proud smile.
He doesn't like Lacey coming to Driftveil City; her home is really Nimbasa City, because Clay wants the best living and education for her.
So he sent Lacey to Blueberry Academy, the sister school to Paldea's Orange Academy.
Blueberry Academy is Unova's best educational resource, and Lacey has lived up to expectations; she's already among the top students before graduation.
Clay believes Lacey will achieve even more than him!
"Hmph—" Lacey pouts, about to be modest, then notices two people watching nearby.
Lacey blushes a bit at being seen by outsiders; she's lively and earnest, but still shy in front of people she loves.
But soon Lacey squints, looking at the boy in a black long coat.
She feels this boy looks familiar.
"Ahh—right! I know you. You're Damian, Indigo Plateau Conference Champion last year, aren't you?!"
Lacey taps her fist on her palm, excited.
She follows regionals closely as an aspiring trainer.
Especially in Kanto, last year's Damian swept all opponents and won the title, which left a deep impression on her.
"Yes, I didn't expect to be recognized in Unova."
Damian smiles gently.
"Your Annihilape is really amazing! I've never seen anyone dominate a tournament with just one Pokémon like you!"
Lacey, starstruck by her idol appearing before her, can't help but beam.
And behind Lacey, Clay's eyes narrow slightly at his daughter's moment of worship.
He's never seen his baby girl worship anyone like this!!
"Thank you; I suppose the Indigo Plateau fell short in talent that year." Damian chuckles modestly.
"Really? I don't think the other players were that weak." Lacey tilts her head cutely.
"By the way, Mr. Damian, I'm Lacey, Blueberry Academy student; this is my father Clay, a very in-charge of任 Gym Leader."
Lacey introduces them.
Lacey suddenly remembers and immediately introduces herself.
"You all right, I'm Damian from Kanto, and this is my close friend Caitlin."
Damian smiles and does the same.
"Hello, I heard from my daughter that you, Damian, were the Indigo Plateau Conference Champion last year, is that right?" Clay's mood settles a bit, looking at Damian curiously.
Such a young person winning a regional championship shows talent.
"Yes."
"So, would you be interested in challenging my Driftveil Gym? For someone your age, I, Clay, really admire you; I can go all out in a battle and show you your limits!"
Clay's tone carries a hint of pride; he admits he might be overtaken by these young folks someday, but not yet!
"Uh—Dad, Mr. Damian is very strong, don't say that." Lacey freezes, then hurriedly speaks to Clay.
"You..." Clay's mouth twitches.
What's that supposed to mean?
If he's strong, does that mean I'm not strong? I here in Unova is a famous Trainer after all!
"So, how about it, young people? Want to give it a try?" Clay won't ignore the leak for a moment.
"Maybe later; we have other things to do," Damian politely rejects.
"Don't worry, it won't take much of your time." Clay speaks up.
"… Okay."
Damian must agree.
And Driftveil Gym is right behind them, so they can skip the effort of finding a battlefield.
"Young people, listen up: I won't be going easy on you!"
Clay crosses his arms, exuding authority.
"Go all out and bring it—let me see your limits!"
"I understand."
Damian raised a brow, quietly returns Mismagius's Ultra Ball, and pulls out Armored Mewtwo's Ultra Ball.
"Great! Then I'm going in!"
Clay swung his arm forcefully, full of momentum.
Driftveil Gym Leader Clay has come to challenge!
And then...
Three minutes later.
"Dad!"
Lacey quickly ran onto the field and helped Clay up.
"How... how can it be so strong?!"
Clay stared in disbelief at the unfamiliar Armor Pokémon opposite him. None of his three main Pokémon could withstand even a single attack!
Damn it! This kid is just a regional tournament champion?
What kind of joke is this?
Well, Clay was completely stunned.
He didn't feel the limits of his opponent, but his own limits... did three minutes count?
~~~
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