Kanto, Indigo Plateau.
This was the birthplace of the Pokémon League, a sacred land in the hearts of all Trainers.
The League headquarters stood majestically here, bearing witness to nearly a century of glorious coexistence between humanity and Pokémon.
Over a thousand kilometers away from Indigo Plateau, in Pewter City, a Gym built around a stone motif stood quietly on the city's eastern side.
Its outer walls were stacked from enormous gray stone bricks, growing ever sturdier through wind and rain, much like the Rock-type Pokémon that the city took pride in—steady, solid, and unbreakable.
Inside Pewter Gym, a middle-aged man who looked somewhat like Brock stood before a dark wooden door and gently knocked.
This man was Flint, the current Gym Leader of Pewter Gym.
"Knock, knock, knock."
"Come in." An aged yet vigorous voice came from within.
Flint pushed open the door, entered, and gently closed it behind him.
The room was simply furnished: a desk, several wooden chairs, and a few ancient Pokédex illustrations of Rock-type Pokémon hanging on the walls.
An elderly man with white hair and beard sat behind the desk, his eyes narrowed. Though advanced in years, he faintly radiated the imposing Presence of a top-tier Trainer.
He was Wu Shan, Flint's father and the former Gym Leader of Pewter Gym—once one of Kanto's Elite Four.
Flint walked up to the old man and gave a slight bow. "Father, I'm back."
The old man nodded, his gaze lingering on his son's face for a moment before he asked directly, "Mm. How did it go? Was there a result?"
Flint shook his head, helplessness showing in his expression. "No. We still couldn't reach an agreement."
The old man sighed, his breath heavy with insight into the situation and helplessness toward it. "I see..."
"This outcome