Cain only discreetly spread a few pieces of information, such as the discovery of the Fairy type, and amplified the videos of his battle against the Sacred Church. But he did not expect public opinion to evolve on its own, shifting from viewing him as the number one of the new generation to people in Hoenn wanting him to assume the position of Champion.
This was not something he directly controlled, but rather a spontaneous reaction from the people of Hoenn. So when Juan investigated, suspecting that someone was manipulating public opinion, he discovered that there was no such control, only a natural shift in sentiment.
Although he did find that someone was promoting Cain in a positive way, that was something the League itself already did, so in the end Juan could only conclude that the people truly wished for Cain to become Champion.
Whether in credibility or social stability, it would have a great impact.
Even Cain himself had not anticipated this.
...
"Brother Cain! Brother Cain! Ah...!"
A black-haired, black-eyed boy, dressed in a blue T-shirt, about six or seven years old, shouted excitedly. But halfway through his shout, a woman in her thirties, in the prime of her life, struck him lightly on the head, making him immediately fall silent.
Beside him stood another boy with brown hair, wearing an orange shirt. He appeared calmer, around the same age. Although he was not shouting as much, the excitement in his eyes was no less.
Behind them stood an elderly man wearing a white coat, with a square face and a wide smile, who said to the first boy:
"Ash, you can't call him that anymore."
That elderly man was the famous Professor Oak, a leading figure in Pokémon research.
The boy who had been struck was Ash, and the woman who struck him was his mother, who always accompanied Professor Oak.
As for the other boy, he was his grandson, Gary Oak.
"Professor!" Gary said respectfully to Cain. Although he was calmer than Ash, his excitement was obvious.
"P-pro... professor..." Ash said as he rubbed his head, almost in tears, but obediently addressed him properly.
Professor!
That's right, Cain was now the professor of both Ash and Gary. Through the mediation of Professor Oak and his own teacher Matsuda Takashi, Cain had officially become their instructor in Pokémon knowledge.
In reality, mainly Gary's instructor. Ash had practically been "packaged" and handed over to Cain by Professor Oak.
"Since you think Ash has good talent, why not teach both of them together?" he had said.
This role of "professor" was not like Drake's relationship with Cain, but literal: teaching them basic knowledge about Pokémon.
In reality, it was more of a symbolic title. With someone like Professor Oak, founder of the Pokédex and a central figure in Pokémon research, was Cain really needed to teach basic knowledge?
In the end, it was about strengthening relationships. Although Professor Oak did not hold an official League position, his status was special and he possessed great influence. When Cain became Champion of Hoenn, he would enter the core of the League's power structure.
Being the teacher of Professor Oak's grandson carried certain weight.
This was also something the old Matsuda had arranged for him.
Since both of his teachers were thinking about his future, Cain did not refuse.
Even he himself had not expected to become the teacher of the "child of destiny" of the Pokémon world, Ash Ketchum. Thinking about it gave him a strange sense of excitement.
Cain smiled and placed his hands on Ash and Gary's heads, ruffling their hair.
Probably not many people could do that. Cain even deliberately applied a bit more force.
Until their hairstyles resembled bird nests, he finally let go.
"There's no need to be so serious. Gary, you too. Children should behave like children. Learn from Ash. Even though he's a bit foolish, it suits his age."
Hearing that Gary should learn from him, Ash became extremely excited.
Gary looked at Ash, who seemed rather silly, imagined himself like that, and involuntarily shivered before immediately discarding the idea.
Behind them, Ash's mother and Professor Oak smiled even more.
What mattered was not what Cain said, but that despite his status and power, he had not changed his attitude toward others.
"Professor Oak, Miss Delia..."
Cain was unsure how to address her. Although Ash called him "brother," calling a woman "aunt" right away seemed impolite, so he chose a younger form of address.
As expected, Delia was very pleased and praised him, asking him to take good care of Ash.
Professor Oak had also come because Mega Evolution was a major discovery in Pokémon research.
After speaking for a while with them, as well as with Cynthia and Diantha, it was finally time to go on stage.
"The opening remarks are over! Now let's get straight to the point!"
"Let us welcome the First Elite Four of Hoenn! The Sandstorm Elite Four... Cain!"
The League's host clearly knew how to build excitement.
Cain slowly stepped onto the stage.
At that moment, all the photographers became alert, with cameras and spotlights aimed directly at him.
In the stands, those who had been waiting for a long time straightened in their seats one after another. The host had said far too many useless things, and finally the main figure was about to appear!
From backstage to the front of the stage was not a short distance. In order to showcase Mega Evolution, when he reached halfway, Cain released a Pokémon into the sky.
"GROOOAARRR!!!"
A blue Pokémon with blood-red wings appeared in the air. Following what Cain had taught it beforehand, Salamence circled the entire stadium, releasing its aura without any restraint.
Many relatively weaker trainers in the stands, along with the Pokémon accompanying them, were directly intimidated by Salamence.
After all, many of the attendees came from various large and small families across different regions. And in order for their descendants to broaden their horizons, they had brought them along as well.
These young people, compared to ordinary people, were considered true prodigies, so upon arriving, their faces showed, to varying degrees, a certain arrogance.
Times had progressed, and the resources they enjoyed were far superior to those of the previous generation. Therefore, compared to elders at the same age, they were naturally more outstanding. This was also one of the reasons for their pride.
But now, these young people of similar age to Cain were being completely suppressed by the fierce aura released by Salamence.
Only at that moment did they understand the enormous gap in strength between themselves and Cain. Everything they had been proud of was worthless in front of him.
(End of Chapter)