Matsuba brought Tetsuya into the study, where Pryce explained the full situation to him.
As he listened, Tetsuya was already thinking it through.
There were pros and cons to spending two months with Pryce. Training under him would certainly accelerate his growth. If he could learn Pryce's Ice-type Pokémon training methods, that would open a new path for his future. His road to success would become even broader.
Then Pryce dropped a bombshell right in front of Matsuba. "Once your Leader Matsuba returns from Sinnoh, you'll head straight to Mahogany Town. I'll be waiting for you there, that's where my Ice-type Pokémon breeding base is located.
You saw my Swinub earlier, right? One of its offspring was just born a few days ago. I've checked it. It surpasses even my Swinub in potential, talent, and Ice-type sensitivity. If you help me out with this match, that Swinub is yours. Consider it a symbol of our… cross-generational friendship."
Pryce hadn't said this earlier because he feared Matsuba might refuse to lend Tetsuya to him. But now, saying the words "cross-generational friendship" to Tetsuya was no different than treating him like a future student.
Matsuba's emotions were in turmoil, though he held his tongue. Gifting such a powerful Pokémon to Tetsuya was clearly a message.
He deeply regretted agreeing to Pryce's request!
If only he had loaned Raine instead…
Tetsuya carefully weighed the pros and cons. He was definitely going to Mahogany Town. He'd already witnessed the strength of that Swinub. If he could get his hands on one like that, his power would rise by several levels.
In his past life, he had specialized in Poison-types and, despite his lifelong efforts, only reached the level of a "powerful Gym Leader". In this life, if he wanted to go further, he couldn't be limited to just Poison-types. That was why he had gone to such lengths to get into Ecruteak Gym, hoping to steal the ancient Ghost-type training methods and tomes.
Now, if he could add Ice-types to his arsenal, his path forward would be even clearer. And to receive a powerful Ice-type Pokémon for free -something that had only happened in dreams in his previous life- was now within reach.
That Swinub with "innate" Hail and the Snow Cloak Ability likely could only be bred by someone like Pryce. Even Lorelei, the Ice-type Elite Four from Kanto, was still a few notches below him.
Combining Hail with Snow Cloak, that Swinub was already a core battler. If Tetsuya ever wanted to achieve something in the Ice-type domain, this Swinub would undoubtedly become the backbone of his team.
Tetsuya could also tell Pryce intended to make him his student -pupil, apprentice-. But he wasn't foolish. Once he got the Swinub and spent two months with him, he'd naturally learn part of Pryce's Ice-type training methods. And once the Elite Four Exhibition Match was over…
'Heh.'
He'd make sure to cut ties!
Tetsuya knew Pryce's reputation all too well. The man had made too many enemies. Probably the entire Johto League was out to get him. If Tetsuya got too close, or even became his "official pupil", those enemies -unable to hurt Pryce- would certainly come after him. Then he'd be living every day with a target on his back.
In his previous life, he knew that after Pryce became an Elite Four, he had accepted several students. All of them mysteriously vanished. Rumors said they'd been killed by hired assassins, or kidnapped by a "Villainous" organization. Whatever the truth, no one who got too close to Pryce ever had a good ending.
No wonder Pryce eventually grew disheartened and retired to Mahogany Town…
Pryce was waiting for Tetsuya's response.
"Alright… But that Swinub must become my Pokémon, and I'll raise it myself! If you're willing, you can teach me your training methods," Tetsuya said.
Pryce was overjoyed. Tetsuya's words clearly implied that he wanted Pryce to teach him. "Don't worry, that Swinub was prepared just for you. I'll share everything I know about training with you. Besides, I'm counting on you and that Swinub to bring me honor."
'Sigh… The Johtonian and their honor...'
"Then I'll thank you in advance, Elite Four Pryce. But I have one more request," Tetsuya said.
"Go ahead."
"The road to Mahogany Town is still a long one. If anyone with bad intentions finds out I'm headed to see you, Elite Four Pryce, it might not be safe. So, I'd like to borrow one of your Pokémon for protection. I'll return it as soon as I arrive."
After hearing this, Pryce found the reasoning sound. He was all too aware of how many enemies he had made. And with the kind of battle instincts Tetsuya had shown at his age… aside from that prodigy girl from Sinnoh, there probably wasn't a third like him in the world.
If Tetsuya were harmed because of Pryce, it would be the loss of a genius. Not only would Pryce lose a participant for the exhibition match, but his conscience would never be at peace.
Besides, he didn't need to worry about Tetsuya running off with one of his Pokémon. All the Pokémon he had spent years raising only recognized him as their Trainer. That Swinub, in particular, was connected to him by telepathy.
So Pryce gave the Swinub a few instructions and handed its Poké Ball over to Tetsuya.
Of course, Tetsuya had bigger plans for that Swinub. He had a feeling something was off; Raine had been missing for a while. There was no way he was just out shopping. Tetsuya suspected Raine would make his move once Matsuba left.
Whether his guess was right or not, having this Swinub gave him an extra layer of protection.
And this Swinub's strength clearly surpassed that of the Mega Gengar. At the very least, Tetsuya didn't have to fear it anymore.
---◓---
After Pryce left, Tetsuya tucked Swinub's Poké Ball into his inner pocket. He then turned to Matsuba. "Leader Matsuba, please keep the matter about Swinub a secret."
"Don't worry, you're right to ask. This time, just think of it as helping Elite Four Pryce out. Becoming his student would be too dangerous!
Living every day on edge doesn't allow you to fully focus on battle."
Matsuba added the comment while the iron was hot, he had his own intentions too.
Tetsuya nodded.
"Alright, you did well today. Ecruteak Gym passed the evaluation. Tonight, let's celebrate. Tomorrow, Morty and I will escort Fantina to Hearthome City. The Gym will be yours to manage for a few days. When I return, we'll formalize you and Raine as official pupils. Go get some rest."
Tetsuya left Matsuba's study.
---◓---
That evening, Matsuba was generous. He took everyone to the best hotel in Ecruteak City to celebrate. Though the food was exquisite, the only ones truly enjoying it were Matsuba, Morty, and Fantina.
Ryuto, ashamed by his earlier embarrassment, sat at the table with an awkward expression.
Tetsuya and Raine remained distracted...
The next morning, Matsuba handed the Gym Badges over to Tetsuya, gave a few final instructions, and then left with Morty and Fantina.