Matsuba walked over and patted Tetsuya on the shoulder. "Well done."
At this moment, Matsuba truly felt grateful to Tetsuya. His "outstanding" performance had successfully saved Ecruteak Gym's evaluation.
"Congratulations, Matsuba. Ecruteak Gym has passed this year's evaluation," Pryce said.
"Thank you, Elite Four Pryce." Matsuba was now refreshed and elated.
Pryce nodded, gave Matsuba a look, and said, "Matsuba… there's a personal matter I'd like to discuss with you."
Matsuba understood. "Please, Elite Four Pryce, let's go to my study."
Pryce nodded and then turned to his driver. "Take my assistant to the hotel. I'll join you later."
---◓---
Inside Matsuba's study.
Only Pryce and Matsuba were present.
Pryce let out a long sigh. "Matsuba, do you know why I specifically came to your Gym for this evaluation?"
Matsuba thought for a moment. 'So Pryce had come to Ecruteak Gym deliberately? That explained why the notification had come so late.'
"I don't know. Please enlighten me, Elite Four Pryce."
"Sigh… You know that ever since I became an Elite Four, I've pushed a lot of bold reforms. I've likely stepped on the toes of many 'big' Families, and even Gym Leaders like yourself. Across the League, and especially here in the Johto Region, those in power probably wish they could kill me just to vent their anger."
Pryce was fully aware of his precarious situation. Matsuba, however, didn't dare respond.
"Elite Four Pryce, I really can't comment on that…"
"You don't have to worry, Matsuba. Today it's just the two of us. The fact that I'm saying this to you means I trust your character. I've investigated all the Gym Families in the Johto Region. Out of all of them, you're the only one who's honest, clean, and truly upright. That's why I came to Ecruteak Gym."
Matsuba truly was a man of integrity. But limited by his strength, he had always been cautious and low-profile, never able to act on a grand stage like Pryce.
In truth, Matsuba had always held a deep respect for Pryce. And hearing these words today stirred a long-buried passion within him.
"Elite Four Pryce, we both understand the current political climate. No single person can change it…
Your strength has long surpassed that of the current Champion. I've heard that you've applied for the Champion Challenge multiple times but were never approved by the League. You probably understand why better than anyone," Matsuba said.
Pryce's face darkened. "So even you, Matsuba, fear hardship and conflict? I suppose my visit today was a waste."
Matsuba immediately stood up. "Elite Four Pryce, you underestimate me! I… I just regret that my abilities are limited and can't be of greater help."
Pryce laughed heartily and guided Matsuba back into his seat. "Heh. Do you know why I chose to evaluate your pupils today?"
If Pryce hadn't mentioned it, Matsuba's earlier confusion would have remained unanswered. "That, I truly don't know."
"I wanted to gauge your pupils' strength."
Pryce's words left Matsuba more confused. "…Wasn't that for the Gym evaluation?"
"It wasn't. In fact, I came here with a request," Pryce said seriously.
Seeing how serious Pryce looked, Matsuba knew this had to be important. He replied, "What can I help you with, Elite Four Pryce?"
"That boy of yours… the one who uses Gastly. Could I borrow him for two months?" Pryce asked.
"Tetsuya…? Why do you want to borrow him?" Matsuba's first thought was that Pryce had taken a liking to Tetsuya's exceptional talent and intended to take him in as a student.
If that were the case, he would definitely fight for it. Ecruteak Gym needed talents like that.
"Sigh… It's a long story," Pryce began. "As I said earlier, the League is doing everything they can to get rid of me. This time, the League Council has organized a Johto-Sinnoh Elite Four Exhibition Match, calling it a special 'New Year's gift' to the citizens of both regions."
"An Elite Four Exhibition Match? With your power, what is there to worry about?" Matsuba asked.
Pryce sighed. "If it were just that, I wouldn't be concerned. But the problem is… they're going straight for my weakness. The Elite Four 'exhibition' is symbolic. The real competition is a showdown between the students of each Elite Four."
"A battle between students? Ugh… I can't believe they'd go that far!"
Matsuba let out a laugh of disbelief, a chill running down his spine. This hit right where it hurt.
Pryce could only shake his head and smile bitterly. "Heh. You know how harsh I am. The two students I did take couldn't endure my training and ran away. Since then, I haven't taken another.
For this event, me having no pupil to represent Johto, as traditional as we are, would disgrace the entire region. And afterward, they'll surely use it as ammo to force me to step down from the Elite Four."
"It's already almost October. That only leaves two months," Matsuba said.
"Exactly! That's why I'm in such a rush. I need to find someone who already knows Ice-type Pokémon and can handle them skillfully. The other Elite Four's students have been training for years, so I can't just throw in someone random.
I came to your Gym this time after checking others, hoping for luck. I didn't expect to find it. Your pupil Tetsuya is incredibly gifted. Two months should be enough to get him ready for this battle," Pryce explained.
Matsuba gave a cryptic smile. "…Have you thought about taking him as a formal student?"
"Heh~ Only if you're willing to part with him," Pryce laughed.
Matsuba shook his head. "Two months. That's all. After the match, he returns to Ecruteak Gym. Though, he may not leave immediately; I'm heading to Sinnoh for a few days. I'll have him manage the Gym while I'm away."
Matsuba had deliberately arranged for Tetsuya to stay a few more days. Tetsuya hadn't yet been formally registered as a pupil of Ecruteak Gym. Matsuba feared Pryce might try to claim him early. So, he would finalize the formalities before letting Tetsuya go.
"No problem at all. I never planned to take him away with me right now anyway. If I just walked out of here with someone, people would get suspicious, say I was just making up numbers.
Don't worry. Over these two months, I'll make sure his strength rises to the next level. Go call him in. I've got some things to tell him," Pryce said.
In truth, Pryce was also planning ahead. As an Elite Four, as long as he offered Tetsuya enough benefits, even if Tetsuya was formally Matsuba's pupil, he could still inherit Pryce's legacy in private. After all, Pryce's power far exceeded what a Gym Leader like Matsuba could offer. And from Tetsuya's eyes, he had seen something familiar… ambition, and a hunger for strength.
A fire that mirrored his own!
Soon, Matsuba brought Tetsuya into the study…