Chapter 439: Assigning Pokémon

After successfully "recommending" three candidates in a row, Mark walked proudly at the front, ready to take the group to the next house.

But unfortunately, the next two people they evaluated didn't pass. Honestly, they were better than most kids their age, but there was nothing about them that made Sato feel they absolutely had to be chosen.

"Sato, Shadownight Town isn't that big. I've only managed to pick out a few people for now," Mark explained with a pout after his moment of pride quickly faded.

"Being able to select three in one day has already exceeded my expectations. We'll take it slow after this. We can also check the two villages under Shadownight Town. Try to pick one from each village."

"Got it, boss~" Mark relaxed after hearing that. He also hadn't taken them to visit Ethan, whom he had casually mentioned before.

'Just like boss said…' Whether someone can stay or not isn't up to Mark. That actually lifted a weight off his shoulders. Now he had a reason to reject requests from friends and family.

But if this situation caused others to resent him, that was fine too. It would be a good way to see their true character.

Mark was never actually dumb… he just didn't like using his brain. Once he figured everything out, even his last bit of hesitation vanished.

---

When the group returned to the Pokémon Center, they were informed that Akira and his parents had already arrived and were waiting for them.

After a conversation, they learned that during work hours, Akira had called them, saying that the soon-to-be Gym Leader had taken an "interest" in him and wanted to bring him into the Gym for training.

After that, his parents couldn't focus on work at all. They both immediately took time off, rushed home, and brought Akira straight to the Pokémon Center.

"From now on, we entrust Akira to the Leader. If he does anything wrong, please don't hesitate to discipline him," Akira's mother said sincerely, without showing any disrespect just because Sato was young.

Akira's parents weren't fools. They had looked into Sato. For someone his age to become a Gym Leader, it was impossible without considerable skill and background.

"The Gym needs to grow, so we'll naturally train talent seriously. But the process won't be easy. Akira has talent, which earned him his entry ticket, but whether he can stick it out will depend on his own effort," Sato said bluntly, laying down a clear warning.

"Don't worry, Leader! I'll train hard and strive to become an outstanding Trainer!" After what happened earlier that day, the chubby kid had been "tempered." At least on the surface, he no longer looked so nervous.

Though Akira's parents were still worried, they knew how rare this opportunity was. Compared to being a Trainer wandering on their own, becoming a registered Trainer at a Gym was way, waaay better.

So from start to finish, both parents were completely sincere. They weren't clueless or unhelpful.

After the family of three left, Joseph finished preparing dinner. Sia had helped the whole time, clearly adapting quickly to her new role.

As for her brother Sina, while asking Amber for guidance, he also began adapting to his new position. And deep down, he was beginning to look forward to it; being able to fully focus on becoming a Trainer instead of struggling just to survive was truly a wonderful thing.

---

Early the next morning, everyone gathered in the living room, waiting for Sato's work schedule for the day. Akira had also been brought in by his parents and sat obediently at the far end.

"Sato, when will I get my Eevee and Houndour? I can't wait any longer," Trish pouted, speaking up first with a pitiful tone.

"Mhm, I was just about to mention this. Shadownight Gym is a Dark-type Gym, so all registered Trainers must have at least two Dark-type Pokémon.

There aren't many native Dark-types in the Johto Region, but they're all quite good. They include the Eeveelution Umbreon, Murkrow, Sneasel, Houndour, and the pseudo-legendary Tyranitar, which gains the Dark type upon final evolution.

…Forget about Tyranitar. As for the rest, you can pick any two based on your preferences. These Pokémon are a benefit from the Gym, provided by me."

At that moment, the three new members' eyes lit up. They hadn't even done anything yet, and they were already getting Pokémon.

'This was awesome…'

"But don't get ahead of yourselves. During training, if someone can't keep up or gets dismissed for not meeting expectations…

The Pokémon will be reclaimed by the Gym. If you've got money, you can buy them back, of course, the price won't be in the Gym's favor."

Sina and the others all stopped smiling. They realized things weren't going to be easy and immediately became tense and serious.

"You can now start considering which two Pokémon you want. Also, keep in mind that Eevee's evolution is unstable, and the development cycle is long. Once evolved into Umbreon, it's better at defense than offense. Sina, I don't recommend you pick that one."

"Understood, Leader," Sina nodded, deep in thought.

A few minutes later, all three had selected their preferred Pokémon. Sina chose Sneasel and Houndour. Sia picked Eevee and Murkrow, while the chubby Akira chose Eevee and Houndour.

After receiving the list, Sato handed it straight to Joseph. At some point, a large black box had appeared next to Joseph.

Joseph opened the box. Inside were rows of Poké Balls, neatly arranged. The sheer number of them left the new recruits staring in awe.

Most of these Pokémon had been provided directly by the League, but the Eevee came from Kabuki family in Ecruteak City, whom Sato had contacted and paid handsomely.

In fact, the clan leader Fuyuko only agreed to sell them after seeing how well Sato had raised his own Umbreon and learning where these Eevee were headed.

After all, the Eevee produced by the Kabuki family were known for their quality. And because the parents were strong, it was common to get individuals with excellent inherited moves. They were always in high demand.

That's why, for the founding of the Gym, Sato had gone to such great effort and expense. Once things stabilized in the future, new recruits would have to catch their own Eevee.

Joseph handed out the Poké Balls according to the list, including the two for Trish. However, Trish's two had the potential of reaching Pseudo-Elite Four, while the others were just Elite level potential.

…After all, Zillion wasn't short on money, and most of his wealth was managed by Amber. In the future, all of it would belong to Trish.

These two Pokémon were actually "supplemented" by Amber behind the scenes to cover the extra cost.

"The Pokémon you've been given aren't lacking in potential. I hope you train them well. Of course, your own Pokémon can be trained alongside them, and all related expenses will be covered by the Gym. Training is the only thing the four of you need to focus on during this period."

"Understood, Leader!" the four of them answered in unison.

"Also, Mark, tomorrow I want you to find someone familiar with the roads to go with you to the two villages. See if there are any other good candidates."

"Got it, boss! But why not today? I'm free today too."

"Because today… we're all moving."

"To the Gym?!" Mark lit up with joy. Staying at the Pokémon Center wasn't ideal, he'd been wanting to move into the Gym for a while now.