Xia Yan stiffly turned his head and looked at Igor, the Pokémon League Chairman sitting in a wheelchair with a sickly appearance.
Are you sure you're not messing with me?
The smile on Igor's face remained gentle.
At first, the opponent he had arranged for Xia Yan had not been Agatha.
But later, Agatha had approached Igor herself and said—
As Xia Yan's teacher, she could take on the role of his opponent in this exhibition match.
Regarding that—
Igor had naturally had reservations at first.
Because Agatha was too strong.
Even among the veteran Elite Four, Agatha was considered one of the very best. Her strength was obvious to all.
For a newcomer like Xia Yan, who could not yet truly be considered to possess Elite Four-level strength, such an opponent was far too powerful.
Although winning and losing did not matter in an exhibition match—
It would still be inappropriate if he lost too badly.
But then Igor gave it some thought.
Agatha was now famous for being fiercely protective of her own.
She probably would not let her prized disciple stumble the moment he took this step.
Perhaps—
Agatha's greater intention was to pave the way for her student in the name of a teacher.
Think about it.
If Xia Yan defeated the renowned veteran Elite Four Agatha in an exhibition match, how astonishing would the fame he gained be?
Even those who might harbor designs on Xia Yan's position in the future would have to consider whether they were truly a match for him.
Even if this was merely an exhibition match.
Once the initial image had been established, it would not be so easy to change it later.
Therefore—
Not only did Igor not refuse—
He even agreed to Agatha's request that Xia Yan could