Ethan studied the villa James had pointed out—the smaller estate styled like a giant Master Ball, silver crest gleaming on the gates. His lips quirked. Of course. Silph Co.'s president wouldn't settle for anything less garish.
"Yes," James said, smiling nervously. "Grandpa Takuma and my father are close. He chose this villa so he could visit me easily. In fact, he's here now. Come, I'll introduce you. Maybe he'll even gift you something."
Ethan arched a brow but followed. Gifts from the head of Silph Co. didn't sound bad.
They crossed manicured gardens until they reached a koi pond shimmering in the morning sun. A suited man with a stiff mustache—James's father—sat on one bank. Beside him, a white-haired elder in plain clothes cast his line with calm precision.
At first glance it seemed ordinary, until Ethan noticed the diver beneath the water discreetly hooking Magikarp onto James's father's line. He stifled a laugh. So that's how the rich fish—stack the deck.
James leaned close, whispering, "My father cheats because he can't stand losing to Mr. Takuma. Don't tell him I said that."
Ethan's eyes shifted to Takuma's rod. No bait, no lure, yet a Magikarp swam up willingly, mouth hooking itself. The old man reeled it in with a chuckle.
"This world," Ethan murmured, "never runs out of cheats. Just changes the price tag."
Takuma laughed heartily. "Another catch! You've lost again, Dalang."
James's father forced a smile. "Indeed, Uncle Takuma. I'll have to train harder."
When he spotted James approaching with Ethan, his expression soured. "Kojiro. Bring your guest here."
Ethan followed James onto the dock, gaze still on the elder's rod. A company that perfected the Master Ball… no doubt they've also invented a rod that convinces Magikarp to volunteer. A little trick dressed as genius.
"Father," James said brightly, "this is Ethan, the instructor I told you about."
James's father looked Ethan up and down, his face already spelling contempt. "So you're the one. You hold only two badges, correct?"
"Yes," Ethan said.
"Unacceptable. I arranged for instructors with five, six, even nearly seven badges to train my son. Why should I entrust him to you?"
James stiffened. "Because he's better. He just beat Cerulean's ace Kingdra yesterday—"
"Silence." His father's tone cracked like a whip. "Two badges is still nothing."
James opened his mouth again, but Ethan laid a hand on his shoulder. "Don't."
Then Ethan faced the man squarely. "Sir, strength isn't measured by how many trinkets you've collected. If you doubt me, test me. Better than wasting time on posturing speeches."
The air stilled. James's eyes shone with admiration. Takuma chuckled softly, enjoying the drama. James's father, however, flushed red.
"You insolent boy. I will not let vulgar arrogance teach my son."
Ethan shrugged. "Sounds like you're scared."
His father's eyes narrowed. "What did you say?"
"If you weren't afraid," Ethan said evenly, "you'd call one of your 'superior' candidates to battle me here and now. Then we'd see who deserves to teach James."
Silence pressed in. The only sound was Takuma's line hitting the water.
After a long pause, James's father snapped, "Fine. I'll summon one immediately. Then we'll see who's the coward."
Ethan tilted his head, feigning disinterest. "Forget it. Not worth my time."
The man barked a laugh. "Backing out already? So you admit you're afraid."
"Not at all," Ethan replied. "I just realized the reward is too small. Even if I win, all I gain is a contract worth half a million credits a month. Pathetic."
James's father stiffened. "Half a million not enough?"
"You're scared," Ethan repeated, voice calm as still water.
"Who said I was scared?"
"If you weren't," Ethan countered, "you'd double the stakes. A million a month. Unless, of course, you're bluffing."
The man sputtered. "Absurd! Are you one of the Elite Four? The Champion? To demand such a sum—"
Ethan smirked. "So you admit it. You're a coward."
His father's fist clenched. "Fine! A million it is. I'll show you what a real man looks like!"
"Vulgar," Ethan muttered, just loud enough to sting.
James nearly doubled over trying to contain his laughter. Takuma's shoulders shook as well, though he masked it with a cough.
Face purple with rage, James's father stormed off to summon his chosen trainer.
Ethan stretched, yawning. "Well. That was easy."
James leaned closer, whispering with awe, "You're unbelievable."
"Not unbelievable," Ethan corrected. "Predictable. People this rich can't resist a dare. You just have to push the right button. Or call them cowards until they crack."
Takuma chuckled deeply, his eyes glittering with interest as he reeled in another willing Magikarp.