Chapter 54: You Are the Future Glory of Kanto!

'Beep~ Litten, Fire-type, Fire Cat Pokémon.

Ability: Intimidate 

Moves: Lick, Ember, Growl, Scratch, Fake Out (Egg Move)

Description: By grooming itself, it burns the loose fur gathered in its stomach and spits out flames. The flame's characteristics vary depending on how the fur is ejected.'

Without leaving a parting shot, this is incomplete.

Dylan nodded as he reviewed the move set of his Litten. Fake Out was a good move, but it still lacked a strong parting shot.

It wasn't a big deal. He could let Litten learn it from other Pokémon that knew the move, or even if it couldn't, he had Mimic Herb.

"Speaking of which, do I have too many Dark-types now?"

Dylan pondered, thinking of his Meowscarada, Drapion, and the future Incineroar. Without realizing it, he already had three Dark-type Pokémon...

This was clearly a coincidence, combining both Dark and Poison-types.

Initially, Dylan planned to slowly build a Ghost-type team so that he could occasionally let the cute challengers experience the joy that Ghost-types could bring.

"A stall team might also be good. The windows of the gym shouldn't get smashed, right?" Dylan seriously considered this possibility.

Hmm, challengers shouldn't go that far... right?

"Gym Leader~"

A lively shout from his receptionist came through.

"What's up?"

Dylan stood up, stretched, and checked the time.

After setting up a special training plan for Meowscarada and the others, it was already almost noon.

"A reporter just came by, saying they want to interview you."

"Oh?"

Dylan raised an eyebrow. Reporters don't just show up out of nowhere for interviews.

This reporter probably received some news and rushed over as soon as possible.

"Let's go take a look."

Dylan didn't think too much about it. Having a reporter interview him was a good thing.

Speaking of which, the games also have Interviewer-type trainers consisting of a reporter and a cameraman, but they weren't in the first generation. However, this is the real world of Kanto; how could there not be reporters?

Upon entering the gym, Dylan immediately noticed a striking woman with black hair and a man holding a camera.

"Hello, I'm Dylan."

Dylan approached the pair with a warm smile.

"Hello, Gym Leader Dylan. I'm Abi, and this is our cameraman, Abu. We're from the Vermilion City TV station."

Abi showed Dylan her credentials.

Dylan glanced at them and nodded. They were indeed reporters.

"So, what can I do for you two?"

"It's like this: we've heard about the S.S. Anne incident from yesterday. According to the police report, you were one of the key individuals involved."

"Could we interview you about the incident?"

"Of course."

Dylan didn't refuse.

"Thank you very much. Shall we get started after a bit of setup?" Abi was pleased; this was big news!

Team Rocket had hijacked the world-famous S.S. Anne, endangering an entire ship full of passengers. In the end, numerous trainers banded together to defeat Team Rocket.

Upon learning that Dylan had returned to Rota, Abi rushed over immediately.

After some preparation, the interview began. Dylan first briefly described the events of the incident and how Officer Jenny arrived with reinforcements.

"Lastly, I want to ask, Gym Leader Dylan, what were you thinking when you went after Archer?"

"Archer is a high-ranking officer of Team Rocket. What if you weren't strong enough to defeat him?"

As she recorded, Abi voiced her concerns.

Team Rocket was notorious for their cruelty, and based on Dylan's account, Archer was one of their top officials, even threatening the passengers with a cargo hold full of Voltorb and Electrode.

Such a dangerous person!

"I didn't have any particular thoughts. As a trainer, especially a League Gym Leader, I felt it was my duty and responsibility to ensure the safety of those innocent passengers."

Dylan shook his head, his expression serious.

Abi was stunned by his words, while the two teenage girls at the front desk looked at their Gym Leader with stars in their eyes, filled with admiration.

"Even if I wasn't strong enough, even if I might get hurt, those weren't things I could afford to worry about. Perhaps it was a bit impulsive, but that was honestly how I felt at the time."

Dylan smiled wryly.

"However, Archer's strength was indeed formidable. If it weren't for the fact that I had two like-minded companions fighting alongside me, we might not have been able to defeat him."

"For that, I must apologize. If I were stronger, I might have been able to capture Archer and Proton, those two criminals."

"My priority was the safety of the passengers."

Dylan spoke with some regret.

"No, no, Gym Leader Dylan, you did an incredible job!"

Abi quickly interjected.

"If it weren't for you and your companions defeating Archer, the other passengers might not have been able to hold on until Officer Jenny arrived."

"You're a hero!"

Abi praised him sincerely, genuinely moved by Dylan's resolve.

That was Team Rocket! The infamous, evil Team Rocket!

This young Gym Leader, only eighteen years old, already had such a selfless sense of duty! What an amazing person!

No wonder the sign outside Rota described Dylan as a 'man as warm as the sun.'

It made perfect sense!

"I believe, Gym Leader Dylan, that you will one day become a beacon of hope for the Kanto region!"

Abi expressed her heartfelt admiration. Not only was Dylan young and strong, but his sense of justice and kindness made him a perfect candidate for the Kanto Pokémon League's future development.

With such an outstanding and righteous young man, how could the Kanto League not nurture him?

"Ms. Abi, you're too kind. Future glory... I don't deserve such praise." Dylan smiled modestly, signaling for Abi to stop.

"This accomplishment wasn't just mine. It wouldn't have been possible without the help of my two anonymous friends and the bravery of the passengers."

"They too fought against Team Rocket. If it were just me alone, I wouldn't have been able to do it."

Dylan's tone was earnest.

"That's true, but your contribution can't be overlooked either," Abi replied with a smile.

Not only was he filled with a sense of justice, but he was also humble and unassuming. Abi was certain that Dylan's future would be extraordinary!

After discussing a few more routine questions, the interview concluded.

"Thank you very much for agreeing to the interview, Gym Leader Dylan."

Abi extended her hand to thank him.

"You're welcome. Actually, you're also helping to promote my Rota Gym." Dylan responded humorously.

He wasn't lying. Once the TV station aired this interview, it would undoubtedly bring attention to Rota Gym.

This would attract more challengers, which was definitely beneficial for the gym.

"Don't worry, I'll be sure to give your gym a good mention."

Abi chuckled and playfully winked at Dylan.

Before coming, she and Abu had researched Dylan's background. Hmm, this gym didn't have the best reputation before.

But recently, the reviews had been gradually improving, indicating that Dylan was working hard. Although some of those reviews seemed a bit... odd?

Abi didn't quite understand.

"If you and Mr. Abu aren't in a hurry, feel free to explore Rota."

"Thank you, Gym Leader Dylan."

Abi and Abu prepared to take their leave.

However, just then, the gym doors were pushed open.

"Dylan! The young master is back!"

A confident young man strode in, flicking his hair with a strong presence.

Umm...

Was this a challenger? What a character...

Abi pressed her lips together, unsure how to describe her thoughts.

"Ah, it's Gary. Are you confident you can beat me this time?"

Dylan looked at the determined Gary, slightly surprised.

"Of course! I've been training hard for half a month!"

Gary glanced at the interviewers, losing interest quickly. Reporters? Who cares?

"Dylan, I was careless last time, but this time I'm definitely going to beat you and get that badge!"

Gary was brimming with confidence, and it showed.

"Gary, Gary, you're the best~!!"

A group of cheerleaders immediately sprang up, cheering energetically behind Gary.

"???" Abi and Abu exchanged glances, both with question marks in their eyes.

Even Selene, who was witnessing this spectacle for the first time, widened her eyes. Was this what gym challengers were like?

"I see. Then I accept your challenge."

Dylan's warm and sunny demeanor remained unchanged as he faced the challenger.

He never refused a trainer who dared to challenge him. This was his responsibility as a Gym Leader.

"What do you think?" Abu asked Abi in a low voice.

"Of course, we're staying to watch the battle!" Abi replied with interest.

Abu nodded in agreement. Gym battles were always worth watching.

"I wonder what lineup Gym Leader Dylan will use? Online sources say he uses Water-types?" Abi asked curiously as they took their seats in the audience.

"I think it might be Fire-types, considering the sign outside." Abu had a different opinion.

"..."

The receptionist, who had also taken a seat in the audience, listened to their conversation with a slightly awkward but polite smile.

Speaking of that sign, it was written by Irene. Hmm, you could say it was pretty stereotypical.

(End of Chapter)