Author's Note: This chapter might have AI use only for reactions rest written by me , also for most that did message in the chat hope I have done justice.
Third Person POV
Inside the Indigo Headquarters, Lance sat before a screen, engaged in a video call with three other regional Champions: Steven Stone of Hoenn, Diantha of Kalos, and Alder of Unova. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the final details of the upcoming S.S. Anne tournament. The vision behind the event was twofold: to encourage the growth of youth trainers and to scout for those with the potential to reach greatness in the future. Beyond that, it served as a vital public display of unity. It was a sign that the trade deals established in recent years were not merely for economic gain, but that the regions were committed to a peaceful future—a necessary gesture after the scars left by previous inter-regional wars.
Lance opened the floor with an update. "Cynthia won't be able to make it. She was recently appointed Champion after defeating the previous one, who decided to retire altogether. While we had a standing deal with her predecessor, I did extend the same offer to Cynthia. She was interested, but due to the political instability following the transition of power, she has to stay in Sinnoh to stabilize her new position."
"I see," Steven replied. "Say, Lance, next time we host a tournament like this, let's hold it in Hoenn. I'd love for the talent in my region to experience it firsthand."
"I'm fine with that, provided the others agree and this event actually works out," Lance said. "It should, hopefully. It took quite a bit of convincing on my part to get the board here in Kanto to even approve the setup. The tournament will allow Johto and Kanto trainers with exactly three badges to enter—no more, no less. Additionally, one of those three badges must be from Surge. That way, we ensure no weak trainers show up and we can keep the numbers under control."
Alder gave a hearty nod. "Works for me. Hopefully, we get to see some high-quality matches from your regional trainers. I am always a supporter of the youth."
"Yes, hopefully we see some talent," Lance agreed. "I know one of the trainers from my own clan is participating, so I hope he performs well. Even if he doesn't, we should still see some decent matches. I've heard from Surge that there might be some especially tough trainers entering this time around. That said, I wanted to ask if we have finalized the Pokémon we will be awarding the winners. While I doubt many would be interested in the one I procured, the specimens from your regions will likely be the highlight."
Steven spoke up first. "Yes, I've spoken with Professor Birch. The Pokémon from Hoenn will be the Grass-type starter, Treecko."
"After some talks with Professor Sycamore," Diantha added, "the Water-type starter from Kalos will be Froakie. It is quite a strong Pokémon for a starter, but since it will be awarded to a three-badge trainer, it should be a good fit."
Alder laughed. "I decided to try something a bit different, aha! The Pokémon from my region is Pawniard. It's not a starter, but it is a formidable specimen of its species."
"It's a good thing I suggested these categories in advance, lest we all ended up giving out similar types," Lance noted. "The Pokémon representing my region will be Charmander. I obtained this one from my cousin Liza, who manages the Charicific Valley."
"Then it's settled," Alder said. "I will be arriving in Kanto in three days—one day before the tournament begins." Steven and Diantha confirmed they would be arriving on the same schedule.
Lance nodded, informing them that officials and an elite Ace team would be sent to escort each Champion upon their arrival. They thanked one another for making the collaboration possible and ended the call.
Once the screens went dark, Lance sighed, hoping the event would be a success. He was the Champion of the Johto region, but Kanto currently had no Champion of its own; there simply hadn't been anyone strong enough to claim the title. Lorelei had been preventing Lance from taking the Kanto spot as well, though he knew that wouldn't last forever.
Lance looked down at a stone on his desk marked with a strange helix pattern. He hoped he would find capable trainers during the S.S. Anne tournament, as Kanto had severely lacked top-tier talent for quite some time.
Pokénet Forum: Kanto/Johto Regional Hub
Thread: [NEWS] Champions League Announces "S.S. Anne Invitational" – 3-Badge Tier!
thegodfather18
Anyone else smelling the Tauros crap here? Lance, Steven, Diantha, AND Alder? All in one place for a "youth tournament"? Yeah, right. This isn't about the kids. This is a high-level summit disguised as a PR stunt. Look at the "Surge Requirement." They aren't looking for trainers; they're looking for future replacements for ACE. Why else would you gatekeep it behind the only Gym Leader with a military record? Wake up, people. Something is coming.
Chopper4ever
Calm down, Grandpa. Who cares if it's PR? THE CHAMPIONS ARE COMING! I've been saving up for months just to see Diantha in person. I heard rumors they're giving away rare Pokémon from other regions as prizes. Imagine getting a Kalos or Hoenn mon just for hitting 3 badges. This is a dream come true for rookie trainers!
Route666rascal
"No more, no less than 3 badges." That's a brutal bracket. Most trainers at 3 badges are still figuring out which end of the Pokéball to hold. To make it past Surge? That's going to filter out 90% of the applicants. The S.S. Anne is basically going to be a floating gladiator arena this year. I'm putting 500 Poké-yen on a total blowout in the first round.
truthofdark
@thegodfather18 might be onto something about the "unity" talk. Every time the Champions start shaking hands and talking about "economic benefits," it's usually because the Elite Four is worried about something. But hey, if it keeps the peace and we get a sick tournament out of it, I'm not complaining. Does anyone know which ship we're talking about? Is it the original S.S. Anne or the luxury refit?
dazoroark74 [Verified: Unovan]
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Kanto again?! Why does Kanto always get the spotlight? Unova has the best battle facilities, the best infrastructure, and ALDER is literally right there. Why are we sending our Champion to some rusty boat in Vermilion? Kanto doesn't even have its own Champion—they're basically a Johto colony at this point. This tournament should have been in Castelia City. Kanto trainers can't even handle a lillipup , let alone a real battle!
Jefemon
@dazoroark74 cope harder. Kanto is the OG. Besides, if Alder is going, it means he thinks there's talent worth seeing here. I'm just hyped to see the "Mystery Pokémon" prizes. I've heard rumors of everything from rare stones to starters. If it's a Johto starter, I'm quitting my job and heading to Vermilion right now.
Pratik911
I just passed the Vermilion Gym and the line is literally three blocks long. Trainers are coming in from as far as Pewter City just to try and get that third badge. I saw one kid crying because his Geodude got Self-Destructed by Surge's Electrode. It's a bloodbath out here. Only the real ones are making it onto that boat.
jake_kanto_dragon
Imagine being a 3-badge trainer and having Lance and Steven Stone watching your match from the VIP box. I'd probably faint before I could even call out my Pokémon. The pressure is insane!
Vermilion_Vibes
@Pratik911 I saw that too! But did you see that guy with the Exeggcute earlier today? He actually pushed Surge to his limit and won he might have a shot . If that's the level of competition we're getting on the S.S. Anne, this might actually be the greatest rookie tournament of the decade. No cap.
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Authors' Note: And thats wrap if anyone else wants to mentioned the next time comment in the chat group and if I missed out anybody just comment about it will try to remember next time , also tommorow I might take a gap as too many back to back chapters .