At President Tristan's words, every researcher in the room sat a little straighter.
Everyone understood that the role of Chief Commander would most likely go to either Dr. Holden or Elder Jorge— that much was expected. But the position of Deputy Commander was another matter entirely. That was still very much up for grabs, and the reward attached to it was enough to make anyone's pulse quicken.
A Legendary Pokémon selection slot for the Deputy Commander alone. In the right hands, something like that could change the trajectory of an entire family for generations.
"I nominate Dr. Holden as Chief Commander."
"I nominate Elder Jorge as Chief Commander."
One voice after another rose and fell across the room. The overwhelming majority of nominations were split between Dr. Holden and Elder Jorge. Only a small handful of voices were raised in support of Jacob.
Jacob and Raya exchanged a glance from across the room. A subtle nod passed between them.
Raya leaned forward slightly and spoke, her voice smooth and unhurried. It had been more than two weeks since Jacob had last seen her, and she carried herself with the same easy confidence as always. "I would like to nominate Dr. Jacob Yu as Chief Commander of this operation. I understand he is young, but he has already developed exclusive Z-Move patterns and cracked the secret of Mega Evolution. I have every reason to believe he is fully capable of doing the same with Gigantamax."
"Jacob is far too young for a role like this." The objection came quickly, cutting Raya off before she had fully finished.
The speaker was Vice President Ruben, Vice President of the Pokémon Association and someone Jacob had crossed paths with before — never on good terms. Ruben had long been at odds with the Lin Family, and by extension, with Jacob. His gaze moved between Raya and Jacob, his expression cold. "Jacob may have a certain talent for research, but the role of Chief Commander demands broad strategic vision and experienced judgment. He lacks the experience needed for a responsibility of this scale."
Jacob's eyes drifted to Vice President Ruben. The corners of his mouth curved slightly. He had expected this.
"Vice President Ruben." Raya turned to face him, her expression open and pleasant. "That is simply my personal nomination, and I respect your perspective. Jacob is young — that is true. But I would argue that his youth is not a weakness. If anything, it is one of his greatest strengths."
She continued, her tone measured. "Younger researchers bring intensity and drive to their work. And the results speak for themselves — in a single year, Dr. Jacob completed two separate research breakthroughs: exclusive Z-Move pattern development and Mega Evolution. That kind of output, in that kind of timeframe, is something no one else in this room can match. One year. Not three. Not five. Not ten." She looked at Vice President Ruben with a calm half-smile. "I say that with respect to everyone present."
"And if I understood President Tristan correctly, speed is the most critical factor in this operation. Given Dr. Jacob's research pace, I can think of no one better suited for the role."
Vice President Ruben's expression stiffened. He had no clean rebuttal. "Heavenly king Raya," he said at last, his voice taut, "I maintain my position. I support Dr. Holden as Chief Commander."
"That is completely fair," Raya replied simply. "You support Dr. Holden. I support Dr. Jacob. There is no contradiction."
President Tristan, who had been observing quietly from the head of the table, raised a hand. "It seems the nominations have settled around three candidates — Dr. Holden, Elder Jorge, and Dr. Jacob. Before we proceed any further, I think it would be appropriate to hear directly from each of them." He looked to his left. "Dr. Holden, let us start with you."
Dr. Holden straightened slightly and addressed the room. "I will be honest — at my age, I had little desire to take on a responsibility of this magnitude. But Gigantamax is not something we can afford to take lightly. If the country needs me, I am prepared to give it everything I have left. I will not rest until we find an answer."
"Jorge," President Tristan said, turning to Elder Jorge beside him, "and you?"
Elder Jorge nodded easily. "I agree with Holden. Truthfully, whoever holds the title of Chief Commander matters less than the work itself. We all want the same outcome — to solve the problem of Gigantamax. I will commit fully, whatever role I am given."
"Jacob." President Tristan's gaze settled on the young doctor at the far end of the table.
Jacob rose from his seat.
Every eye in the room turned to him.
He looked out across the assembled researchers and officials, his expression composed. "There is something I would like to share with everyone here, and today seems like the right moment to say it."
"I intend to put my current research project on hold." A ripple of surprise passed through the room. Jacob let it settle before continuing, a quiet confidence in his voice. "I plan to redirect my full attention to Gigantamax research."
Brows furrowed around the table. Murmurs passed between seats.
"President Tristan, I also have a proposal — and I acknowledge it may sound unconventional." Jacob continued.
"Go on," President Tristan said, his expression guarded.
"When it comes to research, I have certain habits. I work best independently, and I tend to be most effective when I have full control over the direction of a project." Jacob paused, aware of how the words might land. "So my proposal is this: rather than a single unified team, we form two separate research groups and run the project in parallel — as a competition."
"I would serve as Chief Commander of one group and build my team independently."
President Tristan's brow furrowed. "That would divide our resources and fragment our talent pool. We should be concentrating everything we have, not spreading it thin."
"I think there may be a misunderstanding," Jacob said, meeting the President's gaze with a calm smile. "When I say I would form my group independently, I mean exactly that — independently. I would not be drawing on the Association's resources, personnel, or funding. I would find my own collaborators and secure my own support. I am confident there are people who would be willing to work alongside me."
The room went quiet.
Before anyone could respond, Jacob added, "And if my team solves the Gigantamax problem first, the research findings would belong to my team and our collaborators. I would not be claiming any of the rewards the Association has offered today. None of it."
President Tristan drew a slow breath. He looked at Jacob — this young researcher, so plainly certain of himself. The phrase young and reckless came to mind. And yet, something in Jacob's tone made it difficult to dismiss. There was no bluster in it. He spoke the way someone speaks when they already know how the story ends.
"Dr. Jacob," President Tristan said at last, "your proposal has been noted. We will give it serious consideration."