The guard saw the three of them looking utterly bewildered and burst into laughter.
"You don't know yet?"
"Nope, not a clue."
Ash was genuinely confused.
They had just gone out to tackle an issue at the Cobalt Coastlands and took a break for two days.
How come the way people were addressing them changed when they got back?
"You've been outside for the past few days; it's normal for you not to know."
The guard was clearly in high spirits.
"Team Galactic has announced what you did before, and now it's all over Jubilife Village."
"The Kleavor in the Obsidian Fieldlands, the Lilligant in the Crimson Mirelands, and the newly appeared New King Arcanine at the Cobalt Coastlands were all helped by you with quelling the problems."
"Also, there was the Ursaluna situation and various commissions you helped solve for the village earlier. People are saying that you two have resolved over half of Hisui's most dangerous troubles."
The guard was getting more excited as he spoke.
"So now the village is calling you heroes of the Hisui Region."
Ash: "..."
Cynthia: "..."
The title came somewhat suddenly.
Cynthia paused briefly and soon focused on a key point.
"These announcements were initiated by Team Galactic?"
"Yeah." The guard nodded, "The headquarters directly passed it down."
Cynthia's eyes flashed with thought.
Previously, Team Galactic had been relatively low-key about their achievements, but now they announced matters from multiple regions all at once, evidently not a decision made lightly.
"Let's head inside and see what's going on."
"Right."
After registering, the two walked into Jubilife Village.
Upon truly entering the village, they discovered the guard was not exaggerating at all.
Previously, when villagers saw them, most would just greet them normally, while those who had received help would be a bit more enthusiastic.
Today, it seemed like the atmosphere had suddenly changed.
"Ash!"
"Cynthia!"
"I heard the New King at the Cobalt Coastlands was also quelled by them!"
"Is that really Pikachu?"
"It's so small?"
"Pika!"
Pikachu immediately puffed out its chest.
So what if it's small? Small can be mighty!
Seeing its reaction, someone burst into laughter, and many villagers who had previously received help emerged from their shops to greet them.
Ash waved back all along the way and, after walking some distance, finally couldn't resist moving closer to Cynthia.
"Sis."
"Huh?"
"I feel a bit out of place."
Cynthia nodded lightly; being surrounded by the village in such a friendly manner was indeed quite different.
Ash glanced back at the villagers still waving at them.
"I kind of prefer them acting normal."
"Pika pika."
So do I.
Cynthia couldn't help but chuckle.
The Team Galactic Headquarters soon appeared in their line of sight, and instead of heading home, they went directly to the investigation office.
"Knock knock."
"Come in."
A familiar voice sounded from inside.
Ash pushed open the door and looked at Cyllene in the room, saying, "Leader Cyllene."
Cyllene lifted her head from the documents, "You're back?"
"Yeah," Ash walked straight to the table, "Leader Cyllene, what's going on outside? We were gone only a few days, and suddenly we've become the heroes of the Hisui Region."
Cyllene's expression scarcely changed.
"It's just like what you saw."
"Team Galactic announced some of your previously completed tasks, including the three times you quelled the Kings and Queens."
Cynthia looked at her.
"Why choose now to make it public?"
Cyllene put down the file in her hand.
"During the first two times you resolved the Kings' issues, your time with Team Galactic was still short. Broadly publicizing all the achievements then would have only attracted too much attention too soon."
"Now the situation is different."
"You are already Five-Star Investigators, having consecutively handled the problems in three areas. Both Diamond and Pearl Clans recognize your continued involvement with the Kings. Keeping these achievements limited to a few people makes little sense now."
Cyllene paused briefly.
"Additionally, Jubilife Village has been continuously changing its view of Pokemon."
"Letting everyone know that truly resolving these dangers involves not just driving away or eliminating Pokemon but is a task completed collaboratively by Trainers and Pokemon, would help the village continue welcoming Pokemon."
This reason made immediate sense to Ash.
"So, we've conveniently been turned into heroes?"
"Not conveniently," Cyllene replied earnestly to Ash, "These are your accomplishments; we've merely made the facts public."
Ash: "..."
Hardly seems able to refute.
Cynthia remained silent for a moment before gently smiling.
"I understand."
She figured out what's behind it, almost certainly a decision by Kamado.
No matter what additional considerations the leader might have, at least this disclosure did not distort their actions or unjustly assign any added identity.
But... this guy's peculiar sense sure hasn't diminished!
"We'll sort out the detailed report for Cobalt Coastlands and submit it later."
Cynthia continued, "As for the Electrode at the Coronet Highlands, we're planning to rest for a few days before heading over. If Adaman asks in the meantime, please have Team Galactic relay our message."
"Sure," Cyllene nodded, "You've been carrying out missions non-stop lately; the Coronet Highlands issue can wait a while since it's already been so long."