Chapter 111: Elite Four and Champion

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The title of the Elite Four and the Champion, is a mark of both power and supreme honor, and in every region governed by the Pokémon League, only five trainers can earn this prestigious title.

These five trainers, without exception, have climbed to the very peak of their journey as Pokémon trainers. Their strength far surpasses that of the average trainer, and they represent the strongest force under the banner of the Pokémon League.

Most trainers who earn the title of the Elite Four, or the Champion, have achieved extraordinary feats within a specific Pokémon type. In these areas, they can rightfully be called Pokémon Masters.

However, in the Kanto region, there are currently only four individuals who have attained the Elite Four title: Dragon-type Master Lance, Ghost-type Master Agatha, Fighting-type Master Bruno, and Ice-type Master Lorelei.

As for the title of Champion, the ultimate trainer in Kanto, it has remained vacant ever since the previous Champion, Red, voluntarily stepped down.

The reason for this vacancy is largely due to the fact that no one has been able to successfully defeat the Kanto Elite Four. Likewise, none of the current Elite Four members have been able to overcome the others, leaving the Champion's seat empty.

Despite not having a reigning Champion, the Kanto League is still widely regarded as the strongest league. Even without a Champion, the Kanto Elite Four consistently ranks first in total points at the regional Elite Four Tournament.

In short, the current Kanto Elite Four are each so strong that they could easily earn the title of Champion in the other regions.

Now, with two of these incredibly strong trainers coming to Saffron City for an exhibition match, it presents a rare opportunity for all aspiring trainers who wish to become stronger.

Even if someone could have the chance to battle them and ends up losing, it would still be an invaluable experience, providing deep insight into the gap between themselves and the top-tier trainers.

Of course, even if one doesn't get the opportunity to battle them, simply being a spectator and watching the match up close would be an enormous opportunity to gauge their own level compared to the elites.

"Great! If I can get a sense of the gap between myself and the Elite Four, that would be an amazing gain. I'm definitely entering this pre-battle tournament," Sato thought to himself as the light in his eyes grew brighter after reviewing everything he knew about the Elite Four Champions.

Sato's goal in this life is to live brilliantly, and challenging the Elite Four Champions—something that the whole world pays attention to—is naturally a part of that. Having the chance to face off against the world's top trainers is, by itself, an incredibly exciting prospect.

With this in mind, Sato decided that even if the typhoon in the Hoenn region clears, he will temporarily stay in Saffron City, waiting for the arrival of the two Kanto Elite Four members. He wanted to witness their strength firsthand, to better understand the gap between him and the top trainers.

After all, once he completed the trial mission given to him by Team Rocket's higher-ups, there may not be many chances to personally witness such Elite Four exhibition matches in the future. It's an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss.

Before long, Ditto's treatment was complete. Sato went to the counter to retrieve Ditto, releasing it once again. As soon as it emerged from the Pokéball, even before the white light faded, Ditto quickly transformed into an Aipom and climbed back onto Sato's shoulder.

Sato then made his way back to the service counter.

"Hello, how can I assist you today?" Nurse Joy, still maintaining her professional smile, asked as Sato approached the counter.

"Yes, I'd like to enter the pre-battle tournament for the Elite Four exhibition match in Saffron City. Here's my ID and the two Pokémon I'll be registering for the competition." Sato got straight to the point, placing his ID on the counter and informing Nurse Joy of his intentions.

Based on the conversation of the chatty trainers earlier, the entry requirements for the Elite Four exhibition pre-tournament are quite simple. Anyone can participate, regardless of whether they are a League Trainer or not. As long as you register successfully at any Pokémon Center in Saffron City, you can join the pre-tournament.

However, unlike League Trainers who can participate for free, non-League Trainers must pay an entry fee of 10,000 PokeDollars.

Since Sato is currently a League Trainer, even though he's not from one of the main branches, he qualifies for free entry. The whole process went smoothly, and after learning of his request, Nurse Joy quickly helped him register for the tournament.

"The pre-tournament will be held two days from now. It will be a one-on-one elimination format, and you can only use two Pokémon. Now, please bring out the Pokémon you want to register for the tournament," Nurse Joy explained after completing Sato's personal information registration.

Sato didn't hesitate much when choosing his tournament Pokémon. He immediately registered his strongest team members: Zubat and Bellossom.

After completing the registration of his two Pokémon, Sato also requested a single room from Nurse Joy. Once he received the key, he headed off to his room.

It was now noon, just the right time to get some lunch.

Entering his single room, Sato began preparing meals for all four of his Pokémon. Since Ditto had already eaten two grilled corn earlier, he didn't prepare lunch for it.

"Everyone, come on out!" Once the food was ready, Sato released all four of his Pokémon.

In the next moment, amidst a flash of white light, Zubat, Nidoran, Bellossom, and Growlithe appeared in the room.

"Let me introduce you to our new companion, Ditto. Everyone, let's get along well from now on," Sato said, smiling at the four Pokémon that had just been released.

At this point, Ditto, who had transformed into Aipom, curiously observed the four newly-released Pokémon. Sensing their friendliness, it quickly jumped off Sato's shoulder and headed straight for Growlithe.

In Growlithe's surprised gaze, Ditto transformed, using Growlithe as its model, and changed from an Aipom into a Growlithe. It then greeted the original Growlithe cheerfully.

Seeing Ditto suddenly transform into a fellow Growlithe, the real one was naturally quite surprised. However, happy to see another of its kind, Growlithe immediately started playing with Ditto.

After successfully befriending Growlithe, Ditto began changing its transformation targets, turning from Growlithe into Nidoran, then into Bellossom, and finally into Zubat.

Although it seemed unbelievable, thanks to its transformation abilities, Ditto quickly bonded with all four of Sato's Pokémon.

Moreover, Ditto seemed very pleased to have made new friends and began to show off its impressive transformation and memory abilities. It transformed into a total of nine different Pokémon in front of Sato and the group.

In the end, Ditto still preferred to remain in its Aipom form, returning to that shape to interact with the others.