Without a doubt, the two figures before them were Sato and Mark, who had traveled all the way from Johto and Hoenn.
Behind them, three boys and three girls followed closely. Naturally, they were the first five trainees -now Gym Trainers- from Shadownight Gym, along with the Dragon-type specialist Breeder, Lotta.
To ensure Mark could meet up with everyone smoothly, Sato had directly asked Phoebe from Hoenn for help, having her personally escort Mark onto the ship bound for the Kalos Region.
Once he boarded, there was no way Mark could get lost at sea…
Sato had timed everything perfectly. He led the others from the Gym to the Olivine City port and boarded another ship heading toward Kalos.
The group finally gathered in Ambrette Town, then took a plane straight to Lumiose City.
All the transfers along the way, and the complicated security checks every time they changed transportation, made everyone realize something: the Kalos League still did not acknowledge the authority of the Kanto Headquarters!
"Tch, it must've been hard for Mama Joseph to come all the way from so far," Mark sighed.
Sato glanced at him and said plainly, "Don't worry. It wasn't harder than Phoebe finding you in that endless forest."
Mark: (Д｀)っ?
Akira and Sia exchanged glances, both struggling to suppress their laughter.
Indeed… wherever Mark was, there was always laughter.
As the newest member of the team, Lotta stuck to her principle of staying quiet whenever possible. She silently observed everything, and her previously "heard-through-the-grapevine" impression of Mark began to take a much clearer shape.
The mascot truly had no human rights…
Mark crossed his arms in a spiral stance, then let out a heavy "hmph," expressing how SUPER ANGRY he was right now!
…But once everyone left the Airport, no one paid him any attention.
Feeling bored, yet unable to keep his mouth shut, Mark started grumbling under his breath.
"These uniforms are way too hot! I've never been this uncomfortable in my life. NO WAY, I'M TAKING IT OFF!"
Whoosh~
A cold, emotionless gaze instantly locked onto Mark, freezing his movement just as he was about to remove his jacket.
"B-Boss… we can't… take our clothes off?"
Sato turned around, looking at Mark, who had immediately fallen into line. He then gave a small signal to Akira beside him.
Akira's lips curled slightly as he adjusted his glasses with a faint push, the reflected light making Mark squint uncomfortably.
"Joseph-senpai, full name Joseph Narcissus, Sixth Young Master of the Narcissus Family in the Kalos Region.
Years ago, he publicly berated his father for remarrying and, with his uncle's help, escaped from the family and disappeared.
Five months ago, Joseph suddenly returned home. After two quiet months, he appeared at the family's training grounds, defeating one sibling per day… four in total.
It's said that only the fifth sibling was spared because they were close in age and had gotten along well since childhood.
Among those four was none other than the eldest brother, Siebold Narcissus, an Elite Four candidate of the Kalos League!
Joseph won all four battles, earning widespread fame…"
Akira recited the entire story in one breath, feeling deeply proud of his own sharpness.
After arriving in the Kalos Region, as a data-oriented Trainer, Akira naturally took on the task of gathering information.
Everything they knew about Joseph had been researched by him during their very first night in Kalos.
Otherwise… how could the Gym Leader have brought everyone to the Department Store the next day and bought each person the most expensive and trendy training uniform and backpack on the market?
Everyone, who had originally thought they were just on a sightseeing trip, instantly felt their status rise after changing clothes. They looked so sharp that no one on the street dared talk to them!
…Except Mark, of course.
"So, what does that have to do with me wearing the uniform or not…?"
"Please use your brilliant little brain. If you still don't get it in three seconds, I'll explain it to you myself."
Sato revealed an exceptionally charming smile, one so "handso- terrifying" that even the Pikachu on his shoulder didn't dare move.
Pikachu: I'M SCARED (っ-)!
One second… two seconds… two and a half…
"Ahhhh~ I get it!" Mark suddenly understood, then quietly retreated to stand beside Sina.
"Sina-sama, please explain!"
Sina's whole body stiffened, and his neck turned with a series of creaks.
He looked at Mark with sheer terror on his face, his eyes screaming, 'Mark, you got yourself into this mess, don't drag me down with you!'
Sina then looked around and realized that Ponyo and Sosuke had somehow already moved a meter away from him, eyes wandering to avoid his gaze.
"I… I also…"
The honest Sina began stammering under Sato's gaze, until Sia, protective of her brother, came to his rescue.
"What Gym Leader means is: since Joseph is so incredible, as his companions we absolutely cannot make him lose face, right? That's why we all need to wear this training uniform. After all, clothes make the man, and a Ponyta needs a good saddle."
After finishing, Sia nudged Akira with her elbow, signaling him to say a few more words.
"O-Oh, right! Today is Joseph's coming-of-age ceremony, we need to hurry over or we might miss it!"
The two finished speaking, and Sina and Mark both nodded frantically in agreement, clearly saying, 'That's what we meant too!'
Ponyo and Sosuke also returned to their places in sync, pretending like nothing had happened.
Lotta blinked, watching the lively group with nothing but admiration in her heart.
She couldn't help but wonder when she'd be able to truly fit in.
Finally, Sato glanced over everyone, and out of kindness chose to let Mark off the hook… because time was really tight.
---
Meanwhile, Joseph's coming-of-age ceremony had officially begun.
The Narcissus Family's current Head Wife, Mandy -Joseph's stepmother- was the first to step on stage. After giving him a few harmless compliments, she quickly stepped down.
Mandy was very aware of her position, so she just went through the motions and didn't waste anyone's time.
Next, Joseph's second brother went up. He pretended to be affectionate, complimented Joseph, and even made up a few embarrassing childhood stories before stepping off.
Finally, Joseph and his father Mars stepped on stage together.
This last segment was, of course, full of face-to-face praise from Mars. Compliment after compliment, over-the-top and extravagant.
Until the microphone passed to Joseph. He kept smiling as he scanned the crowd of "family" below.
Some smiled, some looked disdainful, some curious, some cold. Joseph saw them all clearly.
And at last, his gaze landed on his father, Mars…
•
•
250 PS - CH