Standing beneath the blazing Sacred Flame, Logan raised his hand in salute to the audience that surrounded him on all sides. When his eyes swept over the special seating reserved for Gym Leaders, he gave an especially strong wave.
Erika, Sabrina, and Misty each thought that gesture was meant for her. Without realizing it, their lips curved into smiles. If it weren't for the eyes of thousands watching, they might have abandoned all restraint and rushed down to cheer for him openly.
The official League orchestra struck up another triumphant symphony. Tonight—was destined to be the Champion's sleepless night.
"How about it, Lance?"
Inside one of the private viewing rooms, Lorelei rose from her seat to stand beside Lance. Her eyes followed Logan, bathed in sacred light as he received the worship of tens of thousands, and her expression carried a rare weight of seriousness.
"That final Draco Meteor was a bit forced," Lance said, lips curling into a faint smile. "But to reach such a level in just one year… he has every right to be proud."
"You're not planning to recruit him now?"
"Not yet," Lance replied calmly, eyes sharp as a dragon's. "Our base on Suofang Island still isn't complete. The plan isn't ready. Approaching him now would be premature. When everything is in place… I'll personally invite him."
His voice was calm, but resolute. After a pause, he added, "For now, I'm leaving Suofang Island in your hands. I need to make another trip—to the Unova Region."
"You still haven't given up, have you, Lance?"
"How could I possibly abandon it so easily?"
Closing his eyes, Lance turned sharply, his cape whipping like dragon wings behind him. To the other three Elite Four members present, he said firmly:
"Come. The Indigo League is over—there's no reason to linger here."
And with that, the four Elite of Kanto turned to depart.
"Hmm? Bruno, you're not coming? You still have business here?"
Lorelei glanced back when she noticed Bruno sitting unmoving in his chair, his massive frame steady as stone.
"You go ahead, Lorelei," he rumbled, resting his chin against the back of his fist.
"Suit yourself."
Lorelei shook her head. Among the four, Bruno was always the least cooperative, a solitary iron nail within the team. But as long as Agatha and Lance stood firm, Bruno's independence never caused real waves.
When the others finally left, Bruno rose slowly, his eyes flickering as though weighing a decision.
Three days after the closing of the Indigo League, the crowd upon Indigo Plateau had finally begun to thin. Visitors from distant regions returned home, satisfied after the grand spectacle and final Champion's Night. Life would now resume—whether that meant continuing the path of a Trainer, or returning to a simpler, ordinary life.
During these three days, Logan hadn't gone out much. Aside from a single trip to the League Headquarters, where the Champion's Cloak was officially embroidered with a dragon emblem, he spent most of his time in his hotel. He even avoided meeting with Sabrina or Erika.
He knew the media frenzy was at its peak. Every movement of his would be followed by reporters and cameras. Seeking out either woman now would have been reckless. There would be plenty of time later—why risk it?
Even so, Logan wasn't aloof. At the League's request, he accepted several interviews, appeared on programs, and once again showed his face to the world as Kanto's new Champion.
But now, three days later, it was finally time to leave Indigo Plateau.
"Well, everyone… I suppose this is goodbye for now!"
At the Trainer flight plaza, Logan, Red, Blue, and Green gathered for farewells.
Professor Oak and the Gym Leaders had already left two days prior to tend to their duties. Now, of the many he had met during the Indigo League, only these three companions remained.
"I'm heading back to Pallet Town first, to spend some time with my mom," Red said with a determined smile. "Then I'll continue training. I lost to you this time, Logan… but next time, I swear I won't lose again!"
"Pika!" Pikachu cried, sparks dancing from its cheeks, as if swearing the same oath.
Three days of rest had restored Red's fiery spirit completely.
Logan chuckled, scratching the chin of the Eevee perched on his shoulder. "Then you'd better give it your all, Red. I won't be standing still waiting for you."
Blue said nothing. He simply released his Charizard, mounted it, and soared away without a word. No one was surprised. Everyone already knew—Blue never accepted defeat quietly.
"Then, I'll be off too!"
Red, watching Blue vanish into the sky, summoned his Aerodactyl. With a final wave to Logan and Green, he too took to the skies.
"What about you, Green? Are you leaving as well?" Logan turned to the last one remaining.
"Mm. My journey isn't over yet. There are still so many mysteries left unsolved. And after making such a splash at the League, it's about time I look for my parents."
For once, Green's mischievous air was gone. She smiled gently, speaking with calm resolve.
"Well then, I'll be off, my dear~~ You've got my contact info. Call me anytime you need me!"
With a wink and a playful kiss blown through the air, she grasped Jigglypuff's hands as the Pokémon floated upward, carrying her into the sky.
In an instant, Logan was alone.
"Well then… I suppose it's my turn to—"
But just as Logan reached for a Poké Ball, a deep, iron-strong voice rang out behind him.
"Wait, Champion."
"Hm?"
Logan turned—and his eyes narrowed in surprise, muscles tensing.
"…Elite Four, Bruno?!"
It wasn't fear. Logan could handle Bruno in a straight fight. But for one of the elusive Elite Four to appear here, in such a secretive way… Logan couldn't be certain if Bruno came in peace—or not.
"What business do you have, Bruno?" Logan asked coolly.
"No need for tension. I'm here by my own will," Bruno replied, his voice heavy and unyielding like steel. "Three days ago, I watched your final match. Your strength is immense, Champion. The battle was magnificent. But you also revealed a weakness."
"A weakness?"
"Yes. Your Pokémon's mastery of techniques and the sheer force of their moves is extraordinary—unlike anything I've seen. But when it comes to close combat… your team falters. You lack understanding of fighting spirit."
Bruno's words were sharp, precise, carrying absolute clarity.
"And what are you suggesting?" Logan asked carefully.
"I'm suggesting this: would you train with me? Not just a spar—but intense, long-term special training. I will teach you all I know of fighting techniques… even one of the highest martial secrets: the Iron Fist Oath."
His tone was so earnest, so solid, that it left no room for doubt.
Logan hesitated.
"Of course, I don't expect an answer immediately. But for the next while, I'll be training at Mt. Moon. If you decide you're ready, come find me."
With that, Bruno turned firmly, ready to leave.
"Wait!"
Logan called out. "There's no need to hesitate. If you're willing to share the highest martial secrets with me, it would be cowardly to delay my answer."
He stepped forward, eyes blazing.
"Then—please guide me, Elite Four Bruno!"
At Logan's words, Bruno exhaled deeply, relief softening his stern expression into a smile.
Far away, in a grand mansion of the Sinnoh region, a young noble girl sat before a television, watching the replay of Logan's Indigo League finals.
"Young lady, it's time for your studies. As for battles of that level… they're not something you should focus on just yet. First, you must solidify your foundation."
A butler bowed respectfully, speaking with utmost politeness.
"I understand, Butler."
The girl reluctantly turned off the TV. Her voice was calm, deliberate, carrying an air of refined wisdom.
"Oh, and—Professor Rowan has invited you to assist in his lab as an intern. This is a rare opportunity. Please, make the most of it."
"Yes. I'll do my best," the young lady replied, stepping toward her study without another glance back.
With measured steps, she entered and gently closed the door behind her.
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