The Gym Leaders gathered in the Kendo Championship's meeting room. Seated at the head of the table, Wu Yong surveyed them with an imposing expression.
Wu Yong tapped a finger lightly against the conference table, and every Gym Leader turned their attention to him.
"There's nothing we can do to stop Genjiro now. He's already reached the finals, and we have no means left to hold him back. But that isn't why I called this meeting. We're here to prevent this from happening again!"
Wu Yong looked solemnly at the assembled Gym Leaders, then stated his purpose.
"I propose that, after this tournament, we petition the higher-ups to make the Kendo Championship a competition exclusively between dojos, excluding all outside competitors!"
His words shocked everyone in the room. Since the Founding of the Nation, the Kendo Championship had brought together competitors from dojos and the general public. Wu Yong's proposal to exclude outside competitors would undoubtedly create an enormous divide between dojos and ordinary Pokémon Trainers.
After all, the Kendo Championship had originally been established to weaken the influence of the country's martial sects. Would the higher-ups really agree to exclude the general public now?
For a moment, everyone in the room lowered their heads in thought, considering whether this approach was feasible.
Indeed, these Gym Leaders were not opposed to Wu Yong's proposal. The Kendo Championship determined the allocation of funding among their dojos. Although his suggestion carried considerable risk, success would eliminate a great many competitors.
While everyone was thinking it over, the Emei Daoist stood and raised a question. "But what do we do about Genjiro? Are we just going to let him win the Kendo Championship? Wouldn't that be a slap in the face for all of us Gym Leaders?"
At that, a meaningful smile appeared