Twice a year, the Decision Meeting.
It was still held in Goldenrod City. With the Elite Four arc drawing to a close, Indigo Plateau had become increasingly inferior to Goldenrod City. If Kanto had not already had a Champion while Johto did not, perhaps the Pokémon Association of Indigo Plateau would one day have been swallowed up by the Pokémon Association of Goldenrod City.
Of course, that was just speculation. No matter how much Indigo Plateau lagged behind Goldenrod City, something like an annexation could never happen.
Unless Kanto and Johto became one, but that was equally unrealistic.
Heiduo had arrived early this time. He did not see Red or Green outside, and since he did not want to wait for them anyway, he went straight in.
The meeting room was mostly empty, with only a few scattered people sitting around whom Heiduo did not recognize. Of the sixteen Gym Leaders, he was the most eager to curry favor.
He sat in his seat with his eyes closed, quietly resting.
For the title of Gym Leader Chief, he had mobilized every connection he could. From Yunsheng's father at the top to Falkner and Bugsy at the bottom, he had pulled in practically every vote he could get.
He had also asked Professor Oak for help. The latter did not mind doing Heiduo this favor, though he could not understand why Heiduo was not working hard to become a Regional Champion and instead wanted to be Gym Leader Chief.
Naturally, Professor Oak could not understand Heiduo's aversion to trouble, nor the harsh requirements for Golden Finger to raise a move's level.
After sitting there idly for half an hour.
More and more people arrived, including Clair and Morty. They had intended to greet Heiduo, but seeing his eyes closed, they assumed