"Then let's follow the President's decision. For now, let's focus on treating the spectators who were accidentally injured."
Elite Four Drake also echoed the sentiment, but then added, "We can hold the rest of the matches somewhere more open. If we just call it a draw, these kids won't be satisfied."
Sato stared at Drake's back with eyes that saw through everything.
'You clearly just want me to crush them so you can look good,' thought Sato the Tool, silently.
That's why so many people like to take on tons of "students". Aside from the sense of accomplishment as a teacher, when someone challenges you, you can just casually [Send Out] a Student and instantly elevate your own rank…
"Want to challenge my teacher? Get through me first!"
'Tch, doesn't that line just sound so satisfying?'
And while those thoughts were going through his head, a Nurse Joy had already arrived on the scene with her medical team, efficiently beginning treatment on the injured spectators.
Heal Bell, Aromatherapy, Heal Pulse… one healing move after another was cast on the injured like they were free. After this, those people probably wouldn't even have the chance to develop side effects.
As for whether anyone would hold Norman and Carrol accountable… there was simply no chance of that happening.
Even if someone tried, the Kalos League would suppress it and handle it internally. Otherwise, they'd just look petty.
Drake continued casually chatting with the Kalos League President and Elite Four Wikstrom.
Meanwhile, Sato and the others gathered around Norman, who had just stepped off the battlefield.
"Sorry, everyone. I wasted the advantage Mark built up for us. In the end, it just ended in a draw…"
As soon as everyone regrouped, Norman took the initiative to apologize.
"No big deal! I only won because I was lucky, and Carrol is stronger than me anyway. I wouldn't have done any better out there!"
Mark clapped Norman's shoulder heartily. His carefree personality actually made his attempts at comforting others pretty contagious.
At the very least, Norman's mood clearly improved after hearing that.
"Mm, thanks!"
"Hehehehe~ What's there to thank me for? Boss has our backs anyway. Even if you lost, it doesn't matter~"
Mark, completely smug, blurted out the harsh truth without a second thought.
Sato: Sigh…
Norman: (д)
After another round of laughter, Drake finished his talk and strode over with long steps.
"That's enough for today. Fitzwilliam, take everyone out to explore a bit. Be back before dark."
"What about the match…"
Drake glanced at Sato, who had asked the question, and finally said, "Don't worry. You'll still get your chance to show off."
Sato curled his lips silently. 'I only came here to back you up, sir. Since when did serious battles become an excuse to show off?'
Soon after, the group headed out in full force. But just as they reached the hotel entrance, Drake casually waved them off and returned to his room.
"What are you all interested in? I've been in the Kalos League for a while now, I know plenty of fun spots."
Fitzwilliam crossed his arms, looking like he was ready to grant any wish they had.
And before Sato could say anything, Mark and Akira started speaking one after another.
"Of course Pokémon!" "Wherever there are powerful Pokémon, there you'll find me, Mark!"
"Food! Kalos must have tons of unique cuisine!" Sia held her brother Sina's arm; she had already found her eating companion.
"Is there a Pokémon Day Care? I'd really love to observe the native Pokémon up close," Akira asked seriously while adjusting his glasses.
"Excuse me, where can we find a Department Store? We just want to buy a little bit of supplies."
Ponyo and Lotta were holding hands side by side, but from their excitement, it was clear they wanted to buy a whole lot of supplies…
---◓---
They could tell that the Gym Leader's senpai had a great personality -always smiling warmly- so they immediately made all sorts of requests without holding back.
Fitzwilliam fell silent…
Could he admit he had only asked that question casually?
In the end, they decided to split up and explore. After all, this was the Kalos League Headquarters. Safety wasn't going to be a concern.
Naturally, Fitzwilliam chose to prioritize watching over his "kouhai", so he brought Sato and two others to the Kalos League's internal trading district.
The internal trading district was located on the west side of the League tower. It covered a huge area, and any Kalos League member ranked level 3 or higher could enter to make trades.
Aside from selling rare equipment, Berries, TMs, and other supplies, many Pokémon Breeders were also stationed here, offering personalized growth plans for Pokémon.
Even more importantly, as long as both parties agreed, Pokémon could be traded here!
"I know about the Pokémon trading rules. There are strict limitations, it's nothing like the black market, where wild Pokémon are poached and sold," Joseph said calmly, pressing down on an outraged Mark.
"That's right. When I first heard that the Kalos League allowed public Pokémon trading, I was shocked too. But once I looked into it, I actually think we should adopt the same system," Fitzwilliam added, helping to ease the tension.
Then Joseph and Fitzwilliam took turns explaining everything clearly.
First, only Pokémon at the Ordinary stage or below could be traded in the district. Anything higher was not allowed.
Second, most of the Pokémon available for trade came from well known large-scale breeding facilities. Only a small number came from individual Trainers.
And if individual Trainers wanted to trade Pokémon, they faced strict restrictions. They had to submit applications in advance and could only trade offspring bred by their own Pokémon.
There were even detailed rules on the timing of capture, parental verification for the Pokémon, and more.
In short, wild poaching was absolutely forbidden. Anyone caught would be permanently stripped of their Trainer status.
"In truth, very few individual Trainers trade here for profit. Most just want to find suitable new Trainers for their Pokémon's offspring. The money is just symbolic.
"It's more about sending a message to existing Trainers and to kids who dream of becoming Trainers, that the League provides official, regulated channels to acquire Pokémon that are human-friendly, easy to raise, and mentally healthy from birth.
There's no need to take risks with the black market, underground trade, or hiring Pokémon Hunters to poach wild baby Pokémon at high prices."
Fitzwilliam's words rang with conviction, and the three listening fell silent.
They also knew that eradicating Pokémon trafficking entirely was nearly impossible. So if that was the case, it was better for the League to step in and regulate the industry.
After all, blocking isn't as effective as guiding; and with the rise of the Trainer profession, this was an inevitable trend.