"Defeat your cousin?"
Hearing Lance's request, a vague figure appeared in Red's mind.
"Oh! I remember now—your cousin should be the Gym Leader of Blackthorn Gym in Johto… Clair, right?"
(Clair image)
Red recalled the Gym Leader who used Kingdra and Dragonair.
Unlike most Gym Leaders who appeared once and faded away—
Clair had multiple appearances.
She even showed up in the Unova region, where she went to capture a Shiny Druddigon.
"A Gym Leader?"
Lance shook his head helplessly.
"If only she were willing to just be a Gym Leader…"
Seeing Lance's troubled expression, Red grew curious.
"What happened?"
Even someone as proud as Lance showed a pained expression when talking about his cousin.
"Clair… doesn't want to be a Gym Leader."
"She's idolized me since childhood."
"She wants to become an Elite Four member—no, even a Champion-level trainer."
"Isn't that a good thing?"
Red casually sipped the tea Ninetales had prepared.
Lance sighed.
"In theory, yes."
"But her talent… is limited."
"At best, she's suited to being a Gym Leader."
"As for becoming an Elite Four…"
He shook his head.
The title "Elite Four" might suggest Elite-level strength—
But in reality, it meant far more.
For example—
The Kanto Elite Four were undeniably Champion-level.
Even in other regions—
Elite Four members were still among the strongest of the strong.
"So I came here to ask for your help."
"Defeat Clair—and make her understand that Gym Leaders are also powerful trainers."
"And that being a Gym Leader isn't just playing house with beginners every day."
Red was actually quite interested.
After all—
He genuinely liked being a Gym Leader.
But…
Looking at Lance—
Red felt that if he didn't get something extra out of this—
It would be a waste of the Dragon-type Elite Four making a personal visit.
"I can do it."
"But, Mr. Lance… you can't expect me to work for free, right?"
"You know that a guided battle is very different from a normal one."
Lance nodded.
"Of course."
He handed over a dragon scale.
Judging by its color and energy—
Red immediately recognized it.
A Kingdra-grade (Elite-level) Dragon Scale.
[Dragon Scale (Blue): A scale from an Elite-level Kingdra. Can be used as a high-quality evolution item and a premium Dragon-type material.]
Seeing it—
Red immediately thought of the Seadra at Songzao Gym that had recently evolved.
This scale—
Was perfect to help it evolve into a noble Kingdra.
After all—
Water/Dragon typing was far superior to a certain "Dragon-type Elite Four."
Red's thoughts drifted—
To Ash and Gary, whom he had left at the Gym.
He was a little worried.
But right now—
Leaving the island required defeating Mewtwo's cloned Pokémon.
He was 98% confident he could win.
But—
What if Mewtwo didn't play fair?
What if it escalated to a real battle?
He would need backup.
And the man standing right in front of him—
Was perfect.
"The Dragon Scale is nice."
"But I'd like a small promise as well."
Lance paused, then nodded.
"As long as it's reasonable."
Red smiled.
"Nothing excessive."
"I just want you to ensure my safety while I'm on this island."
"I've… stirred up a bit of trouble here."
"Oh—you mean that rich kid?" Lance replied casually.
Red didn't answer.
Lance felt it was a bit unnecessary—
But still agreed.
"Very well."
"I, Lance—Elite Four of Kanto and Champion of Johto—guarantee your safety on this island."
"No one will be allowed to harm you."
The moment he finished—
Red turned to someone behind him.
"Did you record that?"
At some point—
Ninetales had appeared, holding a camera.
"Recorded."
Lance looked at them, speechless.
Then sighed.
"Gym Leader Red, the Dragon Clan always keeps its word."
"Better safe than sorry."
Lance nodded.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
"I've adjusted the match schedule."
"You and Clair will face each other in the first match tomorrow morning."
"I hope you can make her understand—being a Gym Leader is not a bad path."
"Leave it to me!"
With Lance's guarantee secured—
Red was in an excellent mood.
"I'll take my leave then."
Just as Lance was about to go—
Red suddenly spoke.
"Wait a moment."
"Since you're here—why not also tell me about Clair's current team, strength, and battle style?"
"The more I know, the better I can guide her."
Lance's mouth twitched.
But after a moment—
He nodded honestly.
"…You have a point."
"Her strongest Pokémon is a Level 33 Seadra."
"Her battle style focuses on…"
Just like that—
Lance sold out his cousin completely.
With zero hesitation.
"I'll be looking forward to your performance tomorrow."
Red closed his notebook and smiled.
"Don't worry."
"I'll make your cousin understand—"
"What it truly means to be a Gym Leader."
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