A few days ago, Brock suddenly made a decision.
He withdrew from the Masters League.
Brock explained his reasoning.
"I met an interesting young man from Pallet Town, just like Red, and I want to travel with him."
Brock handed the Gym over to Forrest.
He left his main Pokémon like Steelix and Tyranitar at the Gym, taking only Geodude and Onix as he set off again.
Blue commented: "My grandpa told me about him too. He's indeed a hot-blooded idealist."
Wayne vaguely remembered that Red had also learned about Pokémon battles under Brock's guidance.
After guiding Red, he was now guiding Ash...
Brock really was something special.
Who was the number one Pokémon Trainer?
To this, Wayne expressed his approval. "Long live Brock!"
Ash without Brock accompanying him had no soul.
When Wayne had seen Brock in the group before, he'd felt it was a shame, thinking it might mean Ash would be traveling alone.
He didn't expect Brock, who had been participating in the Masters League, to make such an unexpected decision.
What female companion?
Brock was the true companion!
The speed of challenging the regional Leagues wasn't as slow as one might imagine—taking a year or two.
In reality, half a year was usually enough.
The schedules for each regional League conference weren't uniform.
If one planned their time well, there were even people who participated in three Leagues in one year.
For example, participating in the Kalos regional conference in February, finishing the Sinnoh Lily of the Valley Conference in July, and then going to Unova for the Vertress Conference at the end of November.
If one had enough energy, they could even repeat the cycle.
Furthermore, Ash was someone who had rushed through Viridian Forest in one day, so being fast was understandable.
However, according to Wayne's estimation, Ash would likely finish both the Indigo Plateau Conference and the Silver Conference this year.
As for Gary?
Wayne had asked, and Blue didn't have a younger brother—only an older sister named Daisy.
It made sense. If Gary existed, Blue wouldn't allow him to be so high-profile.
It wasn't that one couldn't be high-profile, but being high-profile required matching strength, which a newly-departed trainer like Gary wouldn't have.
Currently, Ash had truly cleared the Vermilion Gym with his own strength, winning his third Gym Badge.
It should be said it was truly his first legitimate win.
Misty had gone easy on Ash to let him pass.
Lt. Surge—how embarrassing!
Wayne knew about this because Lt. Surge had been complaining in the group that Ash's Pikachu was cheating.
At that time, Gold had mercilessly mocked him. "Raichu lost to Pikachu?! You really outdid yourself, Lt. Surge!"
Red slowly typed a question mark.
Remembering Red's Pikachu, Gold restrained himself considerably. "I suppose it's not impossible."
Blue stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I've seen that Pikachu. It indeed has unique qualities."
It probably had unique qualities in... well, being extraordinary.
After all, it was Pikachu—Red's partner.
...
Most Mythical Pokémon were rare existences. Only a few Mythical Pokémon had existing populations.
The Shaymin currently staying at Wayne's home was a Mythical Pokémon that belonged to a population.
Lance had asked Wayne to temporarily protect this young Shaymin, and Wayne didn't restrict it.
As long as Shaymin wanted to return to Floaroma Town, Wayne was always willing to take it back.
Shaymin didn't want to go back, though. Although there were no Gracidea flowers here, it had food, shelter, and protection.
Cynthia had also sent people to strengthen the protection of Floaroma Town, to prevent any Pokémon Hunters from attempting to poach there.
Wayne was planning to take Shaymin back to Floaroma Town. The reason he'd waited until now was to go together with Steven.
...
Early morning.
It was six-thirty in the morning.
It was time for Wayne and Lucario's training session.
After the Breeding Center opened at nine, training became more complicated with people coming and going.
Wayne also had to be busy with work.
At that point, Lucario also had to help with childcare duties, especially when there was a serious staff shortage.
Looking at Shaymin sleeping soundly in the crib, Wayne pulled the blanket up over it again.
"Shay..." Half-asleep, Shaymin opened its drowsy eyes.
Wayne whispered, "It's okay, go back to sleep."
Riding on Arcanine, he traveled to a wild area far from his home and the staff dormitories.
A river branched here, and due to the terrain, it also formed three small lakes where Wayne's Milotic resided.
"Milotic, are you awake?"
"Miiii~"
Ripples appeared on the water, but it wasn't just Milotic that emerged.
Buizel, Goldeen, Quagsire, and Lotad all came to the riverbank.
Wayne's family and the wild Pokémon lived together in this quiet and peaceful Safari Zone.
"Come here. Let me do some grooming for you first."
"Miiii~"
This weekend, he was going to participate in the Breeder Competition's round of 32, and Wayne planned to bring Milotic with him.
...
A busy and fulfilling Saturday.
Wayne's phone rang. It was Steven.
"Mr. Wayne, I'm almost there."
"Just call me Wayne."
"But didn't you always call me Mr. Steven? I thought since you hadn't changed the way you addressed me, I would..."
Wasn't that just showing respect to Steven?
"Isn't it because you're older than me?"
Steven laughed heartily. "Hmm... it seems I still need to become more approachable. I need to work on that."
Hearing Steven's words, Wayne was silent for a long moment. "Steven, you have a girlfriend, right?"
Steven paused. "No, why do you ask?"
Wayne explained, "I have a vague feeling you'd be great at sweet talk."
If Metagross were beside Wayne at this moment, it would definitely be recording at full speed.
Steven lightly propped his chin. "This is probably just natural talent, since I'm excellent at everything I do."
"..."
Damn, couldn't argue with that.
"Do you need me to pick you up?"
"No need, I'll be there very soon."
Steven didn't have the problem of getting lost like Leon did.
From every perspective, Steven was a very accomplished Champion.
Around ten o'clock, Steven arrived.
He had neatly trimmed light blue hair, dressed in a suit with a brooch pinned to his lapel that exuded elegance, and a gentle smile on his face.
He didn't make a grand entrance on his Shiny Metagross, but simply walked over carrying a briefcase.
But even so, it was difficult for people to take their eyes off him.
Some people looked good on camera, some people were attractive in person, but Steven was even more handsome in person than on camera.
If Wayne stood opposite him, the difference would be clear.
Steven's light blue eyes lit up, a gentle, shallow smile on his face. "Didn't you say I didn't need you to pick me up?"
"Is standing at the door considered picking you up?"
Upon arriving at Wayne's home and sitting down, Steven received a very warm welcome.
Longans, cherries, iced berry juice made from Sitrus Berries... more and more items were placed in front of him.
Kinsley, Claire, Shion... even the married woman came. They all wanted to see Steven in person.
Wayne thought to himself with exasperation, "Please, I made that juice, okay? Is this really how you're going to take credit for my work?"
Steven nodded with a smile. "Thank you."
Wayne waved his hand. "Alright, alright. Steven and I have important matters to discuss."