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Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice-Chapter 161: Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice []
Chapter 161 - Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice [161]
The results of the finals between Leon and Raihan ended unsurprisingly.
Leon defeated Raihan with just four Pokémon, while Raihan used all six. The final clash between Leon's Gigantamax Charizard and Raihan's Gigantamax Duraludon was, if nothing else, visually spectacular. Normally, Stephen would have made fun of the fact that Raihan is probably the only person in the world who uses a Gigantamax Duraludon.
During the award ceremony, while the local Galar audience might have grown a little tired of watching Leon win, they still enthusiastically applauded him. After all, he is Galar's pride. In his post-match interview, Leon expressed his happiness at achieving his fifth consecutive championship. Raihan, on the other hand, once again boldly declared, "Next time, I'll be the winner."
While this was supposed to be a celebratory occasion, the Kanto-based Goldenrod TV broadcast took the opportunity to throw shade: ["Another year of the Champions' Tournament has ended, but it's a shame that the Galar League still hasn't managed to select its Elite Four. If Chairman Rose doesn't mind, Galar's trainers could come to Kanto for further training. We excel at producing trainers above Elite Four level."]
If the Chairman of the Paldea League, Geeta, still harbors her ambitions discreetly, Rose makes no effort to hide his desire to replace Kanto as the leader of the Pokémon League. Naturally, Kanto and Johto's media outlets wouldn't let this slide.
The next day, Rose responded through his own media outlet, Wyndon TV, saying:
["The Galar League is still in its growth phase. Trainers like Bea, Raihan, and Melony all have great potential. Kanto is the birthplace of the Pokémon League, and I have immense respect for them. But I must say, even the most beautiful flowers eventually wither. It's best not to speak too soon."]
Rose's reply was humble, mainly because Stephen had expressed his intention to visit Kanto after the finals. Without a definitive answer on whether Stephen would stay in Galar or leave, Rose had to remain cautious. If Stephen had committed to staying, Rose wouldn't have hesitated to openly call Kanto trash on live TV.
...
"Remember to be more confident when you're giving commands, especially in unexpected situations. Don't hesitate—it'll leave you open to being exploited."
Before heading to Kanto, Stephen rewatched the battle between Nessa and Valerie, giving Nessa plenty of advice. He realized that Nessa's overall strength wasn't that bad. Her main problem was her mentality—she would panic as soon as she fell into a disadvantage, and the more she panicked, the worse her performance became.
"Got it," Nessa replied earnestly, trying hard to absorb Stephen's advice. However, her eyes couldn't help but glance at his face now and then.
"Stephen, isn't it time to leave?" Karen called out from behind with a hint of annoyance.
Previously, Mew's mischievous cat-like nature had made Stephen close to Nessa, so Stephen couldn't just distance himself from her abruptly—it would seem suspicious. Still, Karen found the whole situation frustrating.
"Oh, right, this is for you. Good luck."
Stephen handed a notebook to Nessa, then quickly turned and ran toward Karen and Will, waving goodbye to Bea, Nessa, and the others who had come to see him off.
Nessa clutched the notebook tightly to her chest. It wasn't until Stephen and the others boarded the plane that she finally lowered her gaze to look at it.
"What's that?" Sonia curiously leaned over to take a look.
Bea and the others also turned their attention to Nessa, intrigued.
On the notebook's cover were five bold characters: ["Fishman Karate Manual."]
"Pika~!"
Everyone's focus shifted to Nessa, so they didn't notice the yellow rodent in Sonia's arms emitting a sound that didn't sound anything like Pikachu.
So conflicted—one side offered decadent indulgence, and the other side promised endless entertainment. Which one to choose?
...
"Stephen, there's something I want to ask you."
On the plane, while Karen was in the bathroom, Will finally found an opportunity to talk to Stephen.
"Karen's goal in participating in the Indigo Conference is basically to have her Houndoom exact revenge on her parents' killer, right? But that Pokémon belongs to one of the Indigo Elite Four. If she kills it in front of so many people... won't that be a problem?"
Avenging her Houndoum's parents against Aldus's Kingdra had always been Houndoom's ultimate goal—and the reason Karen joined Stephen's team in the first place. But regardless of whatever secrets Aldus might be hiding, he was still publicly recognized as one of the Elite Four. Killing his Pokémon in an official match would undoubtedly cause an uproar.
"We'll just say it was an accident. If the worst happens, we'll figure out another solution," Stephen replied nonchalantly.
"That excuse won't fly. Houndoom killing Kingdra by accident? That would only happen if Kingdra just lay down and let it happen," Will muttered, unconvinced. Pokémon are famously durable, and barring an overwhelming power gap, it's exceedingly rare for one to die in a match. Such incidents haven't occurred in official battles for years.
"Oh, by the way, one more thing."
As Will was about to return to his seat, he remembered something else.
"Hm?"
"Mary and Iono haven't been active in the group chat for a while."
Will pulled out his phone and opened the Joker Fan Club group chat—the same group that had previously kicked Stephen out.
Stephen raised an eyebrow and was about to ask further when Will noticed Karen returning and quickly slid back into his seat.
...
Johto Region, Olivine City.
A Mismagius wandered the streets of Olivine City, looking anxious.
A few days ago, her trainer Iono had let her out, saying, "If I don't come back, go find reinforcements."
Then, Iono had gone to the Olivine Gym with May.
Iono had learned to leave a backup plan in case of danger.
But, at the end of the day, she was just a 10-year-old kid. While she had some tricks up her sleeve, there weren't many.
The first problem is, Iono only said that she wasn't coming back and sent the Mismagius to fetch reinforcements.
But, who are these reinforcements supposed to be?!
Little Mismagius was spinning in circles, frantic.
It's been days, and her trainer still hasn't returned.
Something must have happened.
Fetch reinforcements, fetch reinforcements, but the problem is... where should she even go to fetch them?!
She's a Pokémon from Paldea, and in this unfamiliar place like Johto, she doesn't know anyone. Who could she possibly find for reinforcements?
Besides, even if she were back in Paldea, Mismagius wouldn't know who to turn to for help.
Little Mismagius was so anxious that she was about to cry.
What to do, what to do, what to do?!
At that moment, an advertisement started playing on the giant screen in the square—
[This year's Indigo League Tournament will officially commence on the 22nd of this month. Among the contestants widely regarded by the media as favorites to win the championship are the following individuals...]
As the narration continued, close-up photos of one contestant after another flashed across the screen.
Falkner, the son of Violet City Gym Leader.
Clair, the daughter of Blackthorn City Gym Leader.
Lily, a female trainer who has participated in the Indigo League twice before and made it to the Top 32 both times.
And... Morgan, the companion of Dr, Stephen!
When Little Mismagius saw the photo of [Morgan] on the screen, her eyes lit up.
She remembered this person!
Back when her trainer went to that research lab for fun, this person was there too.
Little Mismagius also remembered that bespectacled human who was very close to her trainer.
Hmm, yes, if it's him, he should be able to save her trainer.
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No!
Aside from him, she had no other choice.
With this thought, Little Mismagius dared not waste any more time and immediately flew toward Professor Oak's laboratory in Pallet Town, Kanto.
...
March 21st, Indigo Plateau.
Usually, as the headquarters of the Indigo League, this place is not open to the public.
But now is an exception, as it's the time of year for the annual Indigo League Tournament.
And today was the day before the tournament officially began.
"Wow! So many people!"
A boy wearing a hat exclaimed in amazement outside the Indigo Stadium, which stood tall and majestic, like a colosseum.
He was holding a leash in his hand, but the leash wasn't tied to a dog-like Pokémon such as Growlithe or Granbull.
Instead, it was tied to... a Pikachu.
"Pika~chu!"
The Pikachu, clearly displeased about being leashed, shot out an electric current, causing Ash to dance involuntarily in a jolting, electrified manner.
You ran so fast earlier that you threw me, the great Pikachu, to the ground!
"Hah! Still haven't tamed that electric mouse, huh, Ash?"
Gary walked over with a mocking grin.
"Even though we're not participating, could you at least try not to embarrass Pallet Town like this?"
"Damn it!"
Ash gritted his teeth in frustration, but he couldn't argue back.
What could he do if Pikachu just wouldn't listen?
Red, who was accompanied by his mother Delia, silently pulled down the brim of his hat after witnessing the scene, choosing not to comment.
What was Dr. Stephen even thinking?
Was that Pikachu suitable for his younger brother?
"The era of ours truly will arrive in two years. By then, I'll be standing at the top of this peak."
Blue, who was two years away from reaching the minimum age required to become a Pokémon trainer, walked up confidently from another side.
"Whoa~!"
Just then, a commotion erupted behind the four kids from Pallet Town.
The four of them instinctively turned their heads to look.
Even someone as proud as Blue couldn't help but have a change in expression when he saw what was behind them.
It was—the Indigo League's Elite Four!
No, to be precise, it was the Champion and three Elite Four members.
Champion Agatha, and Elite Four members Lance, Bruno, and Lorelei.
Their imposing presence was as intimidating as ever.
What was intriguing, however, was that although Agatha was the Champion and Lance was only an Elite Four member, Lance was the one walking at the front.
"He's so cool; that's Lance of the Elite Four!"
Ash's eyes sparkled as he shouted.
"I heard he's going to challenge Grandma Agatha for the Champion title this year. I specifically begged Grandpa to buy me tickets to see this match live."
Gary sighed, then immediately turned to Ash with a look of disdain.
"And yet Grandpa bought you a ticket too. I have no idea why he's so good to an idiot like you."
"By the way, wasn't Dr. Stephe's companion supposed to participate in the tournament too? Where are they?"
Delia suddenly remembered something and asked.
She was quite grateful to Dr. Stephen.
Although she was just a housewife, she understood how important the Pokédex was for adventuring.
And yet, that precious device was something Dr. Stephen had gifted to both her sons without hesitation.
This made Delia deeply appreciative of Dr. Stephen.
...
"Miss Morgan, your registration has been completed. Best of luck in the tournament!"
Nurse Joy smiled as she handed Karen her registration confirmation.
Stephen waved, ready to head back to the dorms with Karen and Will to rest.
But as they turned around, they found themselves face-to-face with the Indigo Champion and the three Elite Four members standing behind them.
Underneath, Karen instinctively frowned. Was that guy not around?
"Long time no see, everyone from the Indigo League."
Stephen greeted them with a smile: "The last time we met, wasn't it in Nimbasa City in Unova?"
"Yes, a lot has happened since then, and things haven't been stable everywhere."
Among the Elite Four of the Indigo League, the seemingly most normal one, Bruno, bared his teeth in a grin.
"I hope I can relax a bit during this Indigo Conference."
"Is your companion participating in the conference? Are you not joining yourself?"
Lance noticed the competition certificate in Karen's hand, but Stephen's hands were empty.
It was a pity. After watching the video of Stephen assisting Will in capturing Galar's Galarian Articuno, Lance wanted to exchange some thoughts with him.
"There might be a chance in the future. I heard that Elite Four Lance is aiming for Agatha's Champion title. Good luck!"
"Got it."
Lance responded lightly.
He had a good impression of Stephen, who had made remarkable contributions to the harmony between humans and Pokémon.
"It's been a while, too, Lorelei."
Stephen waved to Lorelei.
"Hmm..."
Lorelei's attitude seemed even colder than Lance's ice-like demeanor.
At least Lance had replied with two words.
It was clear that she still held some resentment toward Stephen for his actions in Galar.
Lorelei internally scoffed repeatedly. Weren't we supposed to be comrades-in-arms? Then what's with your attitude now?
...
That evening, in the dining area for participants.
Stephen finally reunited with the Pallet Town group.
"Long time no see, Professor Oak."
Stephen proactively extended his hand to shake with Professor Oak.
"Oh Dr. Stephen! You attract attention wherever you go."
Professor Oak smiled and said, "Revealing the secret the Galarian royalty had hidden for 3,000 years... Honestly, I was always skeptical about that legend. While there are indeed individuals among humans with great power, defeating the mythical Eternatus seemed too exaggerated. As expected, the true heroes are the Pokémon."
"By the way, I've brought you the blueprints for the second-generation Pokédex. If you have time, you can take a look."
Stephen handed a USB drive to Professor Oak.
"Huh? The first generation was just released a month ago, and you're already preparing for a second generation?"
Professor Oak was surprised.
"There was a bit of an issue... Could I trouble you with this?"
"Hmm, leave it to me."
Although he didn't know why Stephen was in such a rush, Professor Oak figured it must be for a very important reason.
...
The next morning, 10 a.m.
Unlike the modern, high-tech design of Galar's Wyndon Stadium, the Kanto Indigo Arena exuded an ancient, majestic charm.
The surrounding spectator stands were already packed.
After Professor Oak, serving as the torchbearer, arrived at the altar and lit the sacred flame, Chairman Goodshow appeared on a central platform that was raised into view. With his hands clasped behind his back, his warm, Santa Claus-like voice spread through the microphone, reaching every corner of the stadium and the entire world.
["The Pokémon League Conference is a sacred place where people who love Pokémon can compete and learn from one another.]
["The Sacred Flame, the fire of Ho-Oh, watches over us.]
["Trainers, give it your all and fight fair battles you won't regret!"]
The chairman's declaration was deeply moving, and the emotions of the audience were fully stirred.
The hundreds of participating trainers standing in formation on the field were all brimming with enthusiasm.
Only Karen squinted her eyes slightly, sneaking a glance at the Elite Four's viewing platform. She wondered if that guy would show up.
After the opening ceremony, Karen followed the instructions and arrived at the preliminary match venue outside the main arena.
Unlike Galar's star-studded tournaments, where battles began with 6v6 full-team matches inside the main arena, many regional leagues, including the Indigo Conference, started with 1v1 or 2v2 preliminary matches in smaller venues.
Only after narrowing it down to the top 32 or 16 competitors would the battles move to the central arena for 6v6 full-team matches.
In the Indigo Conference, the rules were 3v3 for the first five rounds, switching to 6v6 starting in the quarterfinals.
When Karen entered the field, all the spectators' attention shifted to Stephen, sitting in the corner of the stands.
Stephen figured Karen would probably start with her Kubfu to give the inexperienced little bear some valuable battle experience.
"Screeeeeeech—!"
However, the wicked cry of a bird echoed across the Indigo Plateau, completely shattering Stephen's expectations.
"You're kidding, right?"
Even Will, seated beside him, looked dumbfounded.
First match, first round, and she sends out Moltres!?
The opposing trainer looked like his eyes were about to pop out.
They didn't recognize the Pokémon, but just from its aura, they could tell this bird wasn't something to mess with.
The result didn't even need to be said.
Moltres single-handedly annihilated the opponent's entire team, taking all three Pokémon down with just one move each.
After the match, Karen walked up to the camera, looking down at it from above, and declared:
"Bring Aldus here! The only reason I joined this low-level tournament is to take him down!"
Even the cameraman stumbled.
No one expected Dr. Stephen's companion to be this bold!
...
...
...
However, just as countless people were fervently discussing Karen's remarks, back in the laboratory of Pallet Town, where only Professor Oak's eldest daughter, Daisy Oak, was present...
A Mismagius staggered as it flew into the back mountain of Pallet Town, which Professor Oak had recently acquired. Upon spotting the white research facility not far away, it finally collapsed, exhausted, onto the lawn.
Having neither eaten nor drunk for several days, it had flown all the way from Olivine City in the Johto region to get here. It had reached its limit. Moments later, a Kangaskhan's child discovered the unconscious Mismagius on the ground and called out in alarm to its mother.
"Kanga!?"
The startled mother Kangaskhan rushed over and, seeing the state of the Mismagius, hastily placed it into her pouch. Together with her child, she sprinted toward the research lab.