"Welcome back to Meet the Trainer," the host began with a perfectly practiced smile, his voice warm and energetic, "the show where we bring you face-to-face with the brightest stars of the Pokémon world."
The studio lights gleamed softly as he let the words sink in, pausing just long enough to build anticipation.
"Today, we have a truly special guest," he continued. "A trainer many young, aspiring Pokémon trainers admire—and more than a few seasoned veterans respect."
He glanced briefly at his cue cards before looking back into the camera.
"He reached the Top 8 in the most recent Kanto Champion Tournament, an achievement in itself, and is also the winner of the Kanto Rookie Tournament." "But he isn't just another Rookie Tournament champion," the host said, his tone growing more dramatic. "He's a record-breaker."
He paused again, clearly enjoying the suspense.
"He claimed victory as the sixth-ranked participant—a feat that stunned the entire region. Before that day, no trainer ranked fourth or Worst had ever managed to win the tournament. Because of this, many believe this record may never be broken."
The host smiled knowingly.
"And thanks to this remarkable performance—along with his impressive showing in the last Kanto Champion Tournament—fans across Kanto have given him a fitting nickname."
He spread his arms slightly.
"The Master of Tactics."
"And today," the host concluded, "we have the honor of welcoming this exceptional trainer right here on our show."
At the director's signal, the cameraman slowly zoomed out.
For the first time, Alex appeared on screen, seated comfortably on the studio sofa. He sat relaxed but alert, posture casual, eyes calm—someone clearly used to being watched.
The host turned toward him with a welcoming smile."That's right—please welcome our guest today, trainer Alex Stark. Alex, welcome to the show."
Alex returned the smile easily, offering a small nod."Thanks for having me. It's great to be here."
The host leaned back slightly. "I have to ask—do you still get nervous before interviews, or have battles completely cured you of that?"
Alex chuckled softly."Battles? No. Interviews?" He shook his head. "Absolutely terrifying. At least Pokémon don't ask trick questions."
The host laughed. "Good to know. I'll try to be gentle, then. Speaking of pressure—your fans believe you're some sort of tactical genius. Do you really plan everything out, or do you just pretend and hope it works?"
Alex thought for a moment, then shrugged."A little planning, a little pretending—and a lot of trusting my Pokémon to bail me out when things go wrong."
The host raised an eyebrow dramatically. "Ah, the classic strategy."
"Hey," Alex said with a grin, "it hasn't failed me yet. Mostly."
"We'll call that professional confidence."
"That's what I tell myself every morning."
The some of the crew chuckled, and the atmosphere lightened.
After several more minutes of relaxed, entertaining small talk, the host finally straightened and clasped his hands together.
"Alright, Alex," he said with a good-natured chuckle. "Let's get started properly—or we'll be sitting here all day."
This time, his smile softened into something more neutral, more serious.
"Alex, many of our viewers know that you didn't have an easy beginning. You started out as a poor trainer. What kinds of challenges did you have to overcome to become who you are today?"
Alex paused, eyes drifting slightly as if recalling distant memories.
"Well," he said slowly, "after I became too old to stay in the orphanage, I had to get a job. I'd wanted to be a trainer my entire life, so I saved money for months—every spare coin—just to buy my first Pokémon."
His expression remained calm, controlled.
Carefully, he mixed truth with omission. Alex wasn't foolish enough to expose the entire story—or to lie outright to the entire region.
"My first Pokémon wasn't born an S-rank," he continued with a small smile, "but I didn't let that stop me."
"Once I bought my first Pokémon and it agreed to give me a chance as his trainer," he added, "things slowly became easier."
The host nodded approvingly. "That's truly inspiring."
Alex returned the smile. "As long as you don't give up—and don't mistreat your Pokémon—anyone can become a good trainer."
He paused briefly before adding, his tone calm but serious,"Of course, only if you're prepared to risk your life."
The host let out a quiet laugh. "I can't argue with that. The life of a trainer certainly isn't for everyone."
They continued talking for several more minutes, discussing Alex's early journey, his first battles, and the lessons he learned along the way. Gradually, the host guided the conversation toward a more familiar topic.
Smiling again, he said, "Now let's talk about your experience in your very first tournament. But instead of starting this the usual way… I've prepared a little surprise for you."
Alex blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing his face."A surprise?"
Still smiling, the host gestured behind him."Please turn around and look at the screen behind you."
Alex did—and immediately felt a knot tighten in his stomach.
The screen changed, showing footage of a much younger Alex standing proudly beside a Kirlia. The image quality was rougher—but unmistakable.
A female reporter's voice echoed through the studio.
"Alex, you seem very confident that you'll place better than sixth. Why are you so sure you'll surpass everyone's expectations?"
The younger Alex wore an unmistakably arrogant expression.
"Because levels aren't the perfect way to measure a Pokémon's strength," he said confidently. "What truly matters is willpower."
The reporter smiled politely."Willpower is certainly important. But what about move mastery, body mastery, levels, and tactics? How important are those to you?"
The young Alex scoffed.
"Hmph! All of that is useless against true willpower. Levels are the only reason to train—everything else can be ignored."He laughed loudly. "Especially tactics. Who's stupid enough to waste time thinking like a coward? With burning willpower, my Pokémon and I will crush everyone in our path!"
Alex felt heat creep up his neck as the clip continued to play.
Even if that was technically a tactic, he thought grimly, it's still painfully embarrassing to hear that come out of my own mouth.
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if the story gets 150 powerstones in 24 hours, I will upload 1 bonus chapter tomorrow.
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