After arriving at Scientist Town together with Ash and the others, Aiden Flint finally saw the legendary figures he usually only watched on television.
Professor Oak from Kanto.
Professor Ivy from the Orange Islands.
Professor Elm from Johto.
Professor Birch from Hoenn.
Professor Rowan from Sinnoh.
And Professor Juniper from Unova.
As for Professor Sycamore of Kalos and the others, they didn't seem to be here—perhaps intercontinental communication wasn't as developed yet, or those regions hadn't fully joined the Pokémon League.
Even so, having six major regional professors gathered in one place was already something extraordinary.
The moment Ash spotted Professor Oak, his eyes lit up.
"Gary! You're here too?!"
Sure enough, standing beside Oak was a spiky-haired, handsome young man—Gary Oak, Ash's lifelong rival.
Gary smirked when he saw Ash.
Aiden couldn't help thinking how natural that rivalry really was.
After greeting Professor Birch, Aiden was introduced to the other professors.
"So you're Aiden Flint," Professor Oak laughed. "Birch has been praising you nonstop. I even heard you defeated Ash before. You're quite the Trainer!"
The other professors nodded in approval.
Even Gary, hearing that Aiden had beaten Ash, showed a flicker of interest.
"I only lost back then," Ash protested. "If I battle Aiden again, I won't lose!"
Everyone chuckled.
Then a cold voice cut in.
"Beating someone that sloppy isn't anything worth bragging about."
Aiden turned—and saw Paul.
Of course it was him.
Aiden frowned slightly.
"So you think you're better?" he replied calmly. "Then why don't we battle and find out?"
Ash was already fuming.
"Hey! If you look down on me, fight me first!"
Gary rolled a Poké Ball in his hand.
"You've got quite the mouth. I'll join too."
Paul sneered.
"If you're so eager, come at me together."
Before things escalated, Professor Oak stepped forward.
"Young Trainers, you were all invited because you're outstanding. And outstanding Trainers all have pride."
"So let's do this properly. In a few days, when everyone has arrived, we'll hold a small tournament—League rules."
"The winner will receive a gift from us old men. How about that?"
Aiden crossed his arms and glanced at Paul.
"Fine. Just don't end up facing me. You're nothing but someone who lost his nerve after being crushed by Brandon."
Paul snapped.
"What did you just say?!"
Aiden didn't bother answering and turned away.
"Honestly," he said coldly, "Ash is far stronger than you in spirit. No matter how many times he loses, he never gives up. That's why, when you meet him, you'll probably lose."
Paul was left seething.
Three days later, all invited Trainers had arrived.
Kanto: Gary, Ash, and Brock.
Hoenn: Aiden, Tyson, Morrison, Steven, and May.
Sinnoh: Paul, Reggie, and Barry.
Unova: Iris, Trip, and Cameron.
Fourteen Trainers in total.
The format was decided:
Round 1: 3v3, random matchups.
Round 2: Seven remain—one gets a bye, three advance.
Round 3: 6v6 semifinals.
Final round: The championship match.
The ultimate prize—
A starter Pokémon from any region.
Aiden smiled.
This tournament… was going to be fun.
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/SorenSwiftTL