The Battlefield for the Champion Challenge was set in a secondary arena at the very heart of the Hoenn Pokémon League!
A few spectators were already scattered across the enormous circular stands.
Among them were Reggie, Iris, Ash, and Gary, along with Professor Oak, Professor Carolina, and Bertha Grandmother, who had skipped the meeting room and were chatting comfortably in the arena instead.
Strictly speaking, all three were among the Pokémon League's most senior veterans, and each stood at the pinnacle of their respective field. Rather than accompanying Steven and the others to the meeting room, they had chosen to watch this match simply as spectators.
As the three chatted and laughed, Professor Oak looked at Ash and Gary seated below and said to Professor Carolina and Bertha Grandmother with a smile,
"These two boys are my grandsons. In another two years, they'll be setting off on their journeys. If you happen to meet them then, I hope you'll give them a little help."
Professor Carolina smiled.
"Boys from Pallet Town. I'm certainly looking forward to it!"
Professor Oak laughed heartily.
"Don't get your hopes up too much, Professor Carolina. These two are still a long way behind Yong!"
By now, Yong and Cynthia's relationship was no secret among the Pokémon League's senior leadership. Professor Carolina had always tacitly approved of it, and the support she gave Yong made it clear that she was pleased with him. Naturally, she did not mind the others' teasing.
Just then, Bertha Grandmother spotted several people emerging from the passage and suddenly smiled.
"More company..."
Professor Oak and Professor Carolina looked over at her words, and the former said in surprise,
"Isn't that... Roxanne from Rustboro City and Tengshu from Dewford Town? Then those two behind them..."
Professor Carolina rose with a smile.
"Yes,