Going to See the Boss

Five hours later.

In the office of the top vice president of the Breeder's Guild branch in Saffron City.

Aoki held a newspaper in his hand and looked at its contents with a flushed face.

He was really blushing.

These reporters had gone too far.

"Hahahaha, good! That's how it should be! My only disciple deserves this kind of treatment that attracts worldwide attention." Matsuda, who was sitting on the sofa opposite Aoki, laughed loudly.

Matsuda had arrived at the Breeder's Guild branch in Saffron City just two hours ago.

It's a well-known saying—polish and refine the disciple, but don't let him get too full of himself.

But after seeing him, Matsuda never stopped laughing.

It was like a flower was about to bloom on his face.

Sitting on the other side, Qi Bao and Jiu Bao patted their heads, feeling a headache coming on.

When Qi Bao heard Matsuda's order to make a big publicity push from the beginning, he knew it was all for Matsuda's vanity.

You're so old—why do you still need vanity? Really...

It was exhausting for them.

They were all high-level breeders, all teaching apprentices, so why was there such a huge difference?

In fact, they didn't know that Aoki had also become Matsuda's apprentice halfway through. If they did, they probably would have been truly infuriated.

"Alright, Qi Bao, Jiu Bao, thank you for your trouble. This matter is nearly finished. Please go back and give my regards to the boss," Matsuda said as he put down the newspaper and clapped his hands.

Qi Bao and Jiu Bao exchanged glances, a flicker of relief in their eyes.

The showboating was finally over.

How many times a year does he show off in front of them? Did he really have to go this far this time?

However, the two of them didn't say much. They had been old friends with Matsuda for years, and there was no need for unnecessary words.

They got up and saw Matsuda and Aoki off from the Breeder's Guild branch in Saffron City.

"The result this time is better than I imagined," Matsuda sighed after stepping out.

"Actually, even if I don't take you to meet that person now, the influence of the Breeder's Guild is enough for you to open a Gym in a small town like Verdanturf Town. But since I've stepped in, I'll still take you to meet him. It's a way to elevate your status in the world," Matsuda continued.

Hearing this, Aoki nodded.

The impact of this mid-level breeder's assessment was much greater than he had expected. He thought it was just a wave of prestige and recognition, but he didn't expect it to stir up the heart of the Breeder's Guild.

At the time of the assessment's conclusion, a flood of reporters had arrived. Aoki had been surrounded for over half an hour before he managed to break free. Qi Bao and Jiu Bao had helped block the crowd for him.

Under the stunned expressions of Flint and Mikako, Aoki had sent them away.

Before Flint left, he had told Aoki to train his Pokémon well in the future, so they could become outstanding competitors.

Then Flint had revealed his true identity, assuring Aoki that if he ever needed help, he could seek him out anytime.

Regardless, the two kept in contact after that.

Then came the interviews with Qi Bao and Jiu Bao.

It was unclear whether the decision had been made by them alone or if they had coordinated with higher-ups, but they had directly announced that Aoki would be the next rising star to be cultivated by the Breeder's Guild.

In other words, Aoki was not only a direct member of the League but also a key figure within the Breeder's Guild.

Of course, before Matsuda arrived, Qi Bao and Jiu Bao had spoken with Aoki after learning about his background.

They had urged Aoki to abandon his focus on training as a competitive Trainer and instead dedicate himself fully to breeding. They even guaranteed that, within ten years at most, Aoki could reach a level beyond that of an advanced Trainer. Forget Gym Leaders—if he wanted, he could rise to the position of President of the Breeder's Guild, and many people would support him.

But Aoki had politely refused.

Ten years?

In ten years, he might already be a regional Champion, which was far more prestigious than the president of the Breeder's Guild.

And who said that the roles of Trainer and Breeder couldn't develop together?

Hadn't Wallace in the Hoenn region reached the peak in both coordinating and training?

Although when he ultimately became Champion, some had claimed it was due to Steven's influence...

There was also the compromise between the League and the Hoenn Coordinators' Association to promote Hoenn's growth, but strength was still necessary to become Champion.

How else could one command the Elite Four?

If others couldn't do it, it simply meant they lacked the talent.

Hadn't Steven still become the regional Champion while mastering everything Devon Corporation needed?

Under Steven's leadership, Devon Corporation only grew stronger.

However, those reporters were exaggerating, comparing Aoki to the leader of the next generation of breeders.

"Teacher, isn't this a bit too much? I'm afraid this kind of exaggerated publicity will make me a target," Aoki said.

Matsuda glanced at him and replied, "What are you afraid of? Isn't this exactly what we wanted? You are famous now and have strong support from the Breeder's Guild. As long as you don't do anything reckless, they will always have your back. Your application for a Gym will have no obstacles whatsoever.

And if you want to develop Verdanturf Town, a small town in the middle of nowhere, and attract more people, your Gym alone isn't enough. How many Gyms are there in Hoenn? Why should people come to you? Why venture to a remote town?

It's not like neighboring Fallarbor Town, which has the natural advantage of hot springs.

So you have to become the main attraction—a huge magnet pulling in challengers. Some will come out of admiration, others because they don't believe the hype and want to test you. The more challengers you get, the more people will talk. And that means Verdanturf Town's popularity will rise.

For my apprentice, I have truly given my all."

Aoki looked at Matsuda's self-satisfied expression and could only offer a wry smile.

Fine.

Don't pin all of this showboating on me.

Even if the Breeder's Guild valued him, there was no need to bring in so many reporters, right?

Can't we just stay low-key?

Doesn't anyone understand what it means to "pretend to be weak to lure the tiger out"? At this rate, he might have to start covering his face like Wallace whenever he goes out.

It was like being a celebrity.

"Ahem, well, things are already like this. You don't have to worry about being targeted. Now, you're in the brightest spotlight. Anyone who tries something will be immediately exposed, and the heads of those powerful forces won't dare make a move on you. If they do, the veteran members of the Breeder's Guild will go berserk."

Matsuda continued, "Let's go. I'll take you to meet the person I mentioned."

As he spoke, he pulled out two Pokéballs, releasing an Aerodactyl and a Charizard on the spot.