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The blonde woman was indeed a famous celebrity—an internationally renowned one at that. Her name was Elesa, one of the most popular superstars in the entire Pokémon world.
Originally, she had been a well-known model from Nimbasa City in the Unova region. After being discovered by the middle-aged man who now served as her agent, she quickly rose to prominence in the film industry thanks to her outstanding acting skills and impressive Trainer strength. Last year's hit movie Pokémon Adventure had made her explode into superstardom.
The main reason she had come to Slateport City this time was to promote her new film in the Hoenn region.
However, before arriving in Slateport, Elesa had already visited several major cities in both the Kanto and Johto regions—nonstop. The relentless schedule had left her physically and mentally exhausted.
So, wanting a break, she had secretly slipped out of the international hotel in Slateport to relax.
Unfortunately, she was simply too famous. Not long after she sneaked out in disguise, paparazzi waiting outside the hotel spotted her. Soon after, waves of fanatic fans began to appear.
While trying to shake off both paparazzi and frenzied fans, she happened to run into Sato, who had just finished dinner.
It was clear that her agent possessed considerable influence. He had even managed to enlist the help of the deputy chief of Slateport's local League Police Department.
Though only a deputy, the man wielded significant power in Slateport. After hearing the clues provided by the agent, within minutes he arranged for surveillance footage from the restaurant where Sato and Elesa had met.
As a result, the identity Sato was currently using—Tyler—entered the deputy chief's attention. Tyler's information registered in the League system, along with his recent League ID usage records, was quickly retrieved.
Not long after, the information that Sato had left a valuable handbag under his real name at the Pokémon Center's Lost and Found was relayed to the agent through the deputy chief's secretary.
"Found it, Miss. It seems this psychic is quite the gentleman. He delivered your bag to the nearby Pokémon Center's Lost and Found. According to Nurse Joy there, everything inside is intact."
After receiving the news, the agent quickly asked his secretary to convey his gratitude to the deputy chief, then turned to Elesa with a smile.
"Really? That's wonderful! Aside from my League ID, there were so many keepsakes from fans in there. If they'd been lost, I'd have been heartbroken."
"By the way, what's the name of the good person who returned my bag? He not only helped me shake off those annoying paparazzi, but also returned everything untouched. I must personally thank him."
The worry on Elesa's face vanished instantly, replaced with joy.
Clearly an impatient person, she immediately prepared to head to the Pokémon Center with her Emolga to retrieve her beloved bag.
The agent had been busy nonstop since entering the ice drink shop and hadn't even touched the chilled watermelon juice on the table. Seeing Elesa's urgency, he hurriedly gulped down the now watery drink in one go before following after her.
...
By the time Sato left the Pokémon Center, night had fallen.
After walking along the street for some time, he stopped before a massive building bustling with activity.
Pokémon battles were the most popular competitive sport in the world. As Hoenn's largest and most economically developed port city, Slateport naturally had its own battle arena.
Though not as famous as the Battle Tower in LaRousse City, Slateport attracted huge numbers of Trainers from around the globe every day due to its status as Hoenn's largest harbor. As such, the arena was always lively—especially at night, when people got off work and the crowds peaked.
Here, Trainers from around the world could command their Pokémon against equally ranked opponents, exchange techniques, and sharpen their skills. Spectators, meanwhile, could watch intense battles up close—and perhaps place a small wager for fun.
"It's been a long time since I fought somewhere like this. Not bad… before leaving, I'll show off a bit—and earn some extra cash."
A trace of nostalgia appeared on Sato's face as he stepped inside.
Because Tyler's Pokémon had previously been too low-leveled—and due to the many missions he had been carrying out—Sato hadn't visited this arena before.
Now that he was about to leave, he felt the urge to test the results of nearly two months of training.
The registration process was simple. Within fifteen minutes, Sato was standing in a sparsely attended battle field inside the arena, facing another Trainer who was also competing there for the first time.
Most initial opponents were relatively weak. Relying on Kadabra, Sato easily defeated his first opponent's three Pokémon. Soon, his winning streak began to climb steadily.
After about an hour, he had already secured nine consecutive victories.
Then, in his tenth battle, he finally encountered a formidable opponent.
"Ladies and gentlemen! You're in for a treat tonight! Two outstanding newcomers have arrived at the arena. In just one hour, both have achieved nine consecutive victories!"
"Now, these two powerful Trainers will clash in a battle for their tenth straight win! Place your bets while you can!"
"Let's welcome our Trainers to the stage—give them a round of applause!"
In a packed large-scale arena, a sharply dressed male referee descended from above using a jetpack. Under the blazing spotlights, he raised his microphone and shouted passionately.
As soon as he finished speaking, the audience erupted in cheers and applause, welcoming the two competitors emerging from opposite battle corridors.
Moments later, Sato and a handsome blonde young man stepped into view. Above the battlefield, the giant screen displayed their portraits along with their battle statistics from the arena.