Charles Goodshow's voice was very gentle… so "gentle", in fact, that Sato couldn't detect the slightest trace of authority in it.
And after seeing the man in person, that sense of disparity became even more apparent.
Capri pants, a plain white T-shirt, a tournament commemorative cap issued by the League… Charles looked more like an ordinary old man out for a morning walk in the neighborhood.
But Sato knew this was all an illusion. As the President of the Pokémon League Headquarters, the one who unified numerous League branches and dismantled countless major underground forces, Goodshow was anything but harmless.
"Let's wait a bit more. Wallace and Phoebe should be arriving soon." Just as Charles was speaking, the office door was knocked on again.
Speak of the devil… Phoebe and Wallace soon walked in. Neither of them looked surprised to see Sato. They simply exchanged nods as a greeting.
"Alright, everyone's here. Let's sit down and chat for a while."
As he finished speaking, Charles hopped off his chair. With his short "stature", the action looked almost comical, but the three of them kept their eyes straight ahead, pretending not to notice a thing.
"You're all young, so I figured you wouldn't like coffee or tea. I had juice prepared instead."
Charles led the three to a sofa nearby, where a jug of orange juice and a variety of fruit snacks were laid out, as if he were hosting a group of children.
Once the juice was poured and everyone was seated, Charles finally began discussing the real topic.
"Phoebe, you've been an Investigator for a while now, and your performance has been solid. But it's clear your personal growth has been somewhat delayed due to how busy you've been."
"Yes, President! After this tournament, I've realized that too. I'm planning to take a break for a while and really reflect on myself."
Phoebe responded very obediently, completely unlike her usual energetic self behind the scenes.
"That's good. Your grandparents have always worried that your role as an Investigator would put you in danger. If you can reach Elite Four level sooner, they'll be able to rest easier."
"Mm, I understand."
Charles nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Wallace.
"You didn't even show up to the banquet last night. Are you giving up on developing your Contest career?"
Compared to Phoebe, Charles's tone with Wallace was clearly more severe. Maybe because Wallace was a guy?
"President, I lost to Sato yesterday, so I went back for some self-reflection, and…"
"It was just one loss. If you can't even maintain your mindset over that, how can you hope to forge a new path no one else has taken? Do you really think you're up for it?"
Wallace lowered his head. For a moment, he couldn't find any way to respond to the scolding.
Seeing this, Charles eased his tone slightly and continued, "You're just as talented as anyone else. I truly hope you can blaze your own path, even changing the status quo where traditional Trainers dominate everything.
But you still carry a sliver of self-doubt, always worrying whether you'll succeed. You've got too much on your mind, and it's been holding back your growth all these years.
Wallace, go for it… boldly. Becoming Elite Four or Champion isn't your goal. You need to create your own new path."
Charles's words were spoken with such seriousness that even Phoebe was deeply moved, not just Wallace.
For the President of the Pokémon League Headquarters to personally encourage you to boldly forge your own path… that kind of statement was far more than just empty words.
If word of this conversation got out, Wallace's Contest career would instantly go full green light. People would be lining up to offer help.
"President, I'll do my best!"
Maybe it was because he was too stunned, but Wallace -usually smooth-talking and full of flair- could only muster that one dry sentence.
Charles simply gave him a light nod in response, letting Wallace absorb it all on his own.
Then, it was Sato's turn.
"Sato… Although this isn't our first time meeting, this is probably the first time we've sat down and had a proper conversation, right?"
"Yes, President."
Following the rule of 'the more you say, the more likely you are to mess up,' Sato kept it brief.
"I've read your file. For someone so young, you've already been through quite a lot. You've had talent, luck, and of course, you've worked very hard."
Sato lowered his head, reminding himself to stay grounded. The man sitting before him was the highest authority in the League…
But still… 'don't get cocky!'
"President… I still have a long way to go."
Charles shook his head and continued, "Not that far. After Ace, there's only Elite Four and Champion. You've already surpassed 99.99% of people!"
Sato barely managed to hold back a grin, then lowered his head again to appear "modest". 'Wait… is Charles secretly a fanboy? No… I must be imagining things!'
"But you know… for someone your age, you're way too composed. You're missing the spirit and vitality a young person should have. That's not a good thing."
Sato's heart sank. As expected, praise often comes with a 'but.' He kept his head down, playing the part of the "humble" student.
"So here's a suggestion… maybe you could spend some time at Celadon University. Take on a role as both teacher and student."
"…Celadon University?"
Sato blinked in surprise, and his mind quickly recalled everything he knew about the institution.
Celadon University was one of the top institutions in all of Kanto- no, in the entire Pokémon League.
And who were some of its alumni?
Former League Champion Samuel Oak, Elite Four member Agatha, the future-renowned Professors Elm and Birch…
You could say that most Celadon University graduates ended up as standouts in their respective fields. You might bump into some old man wandering the halls, only to later find out he was a former Elite Four member or Gym Leader…
And now, Charles was suggesting that Sato become both a teacher and a student there?
"Don't give me that shocked look. Lance taught there for a while just last year. It was at Celadon University that he found the opportunity to advance and become an Elite Four member. Don't underestimate the place."
"President, I mean… if I go there to teach… what exactly would I be teaching?"
Sato couldn't help but complain internally. At his current age, even attending university would make him seem a bit too young, let alone teaching at one.
Charles burst into hearty laughter before responding, "Don't sell yourself short. Even 'Dragon Master' Lance's best result back in the day was just second place in a tournament. And your Gardevoir is already at Elite Four level. That's more than qualified to be a teacher."
Sato fell silent again. He still felt this whole idea was a little far-fetched.
"Anyway, you're all still young. I'm just an old man giving you what I think are good suggestions. Whether you take them or not is up to you, no need to overthink it.
Of course, calling you all here today wasn't just for a friendly chat. Finishing in the top three of the tournament also comes with some additional rewards."