The man sat back down in his chair, his gaze falling on the antique desk lamp as though, through its dim yellow glow, he could see somewhere far more distant.
"What you people see is only a small part of the iceberg above the sea." His voice was low, carrying both emotion and wariness. "The League's true strength is hidden beneath the surface, where you cannot see it at all."
The butler lowered his head thoughtfully.
The man continued, "The Kanto League has existed for nearly a hundred years since its founding. How many upheavals has it weathered in that time? Foreign invasions, internal divisions, natural disasters and man-made calamities... Which of those was not a towering wave capable of toppling a kingdom? Yet it still stands to this day. What do you think it relies on?"
Without waiting for the butler to answer, he supplied the answer himself. "It relies on the forces hidden beneath the surface. Those old fellows usually keep a low profile, but once the League truly faces a crisis... that is when they will truly act."
A sharp gleam flashed through the man's eyes. "This time, all we moved against were a few Gym Leaders in the public eye. It may cause some turmoil, but to truly shake the foundations of the Kanto League..."
Just as the man was about to continue, the communicator on the desk suddenly lit up and emitted a gentle notification chime.
His words halted as his gaze fell upon the communicator's screen. Once he saw the caller ID, his previously relaxed expression tightened slightly, and he waved his hand.
The butler immediately understood. He bowed and took several steps back, silently standing in the corner of the study.
Only then did the man reach out and press the answer button.