It seems that life is quite relaxed; even the mighty Elite Four can only pass the time by knitting.
However, Kikuno's fondness for knitting scarves is no secret among some of the high-ranking members of the alliance.
The scarves she wears around her neck are all knitted by herself.
One can only say, her craft is impressive.
But in front of Natsuhiko, who is about to become one of her subordinates, Kikuno doesn't want to reveal her gentle side.
After all, as the Elite Four overseeing the various Dojo Leaders in the Sinnoh Region, Kikuno even has veto power over some leaders. If she believes a leader hasn't met the alliance's standards, she'll remove them from the Sinnoh League Gym Leader industry.
She randomly selects a few Dojos from time to time for Gym Leader assessments, and those who fail to meet the standards will also be removed.
It can be said that her power is immense, holding the lifeline of all Gym Leaders in the Sinnoh Region.
Thus, occasionally you might spot a figure in a thick scarf traveling through the various city Dojos of the Sinnoh Region. Although there is a certain amount of disguise, make no mistake, that's Elite Four Kikuno.
Her favorite activity is to hide her identity and visit different Dojos for secret investigations.
Though sometimes she is recognized, she enjoys it nonetheless.
She believes that only secret visits can reveal the true essence of some Dojos.
And Natsuhiko, who is about to gain the title of Gym Leader, is nominally indeed one of her subordinates.
"Elite Four Kikuno," Natsuhiko greeted respectfully.
He didn't belittle her because of Kikuno's peculiar hobbies.
Someone who can, with her own strength, make a veteran King concede the Ground Type, how could she be simple?
Besides, who doesn't have a little quirk?
His cheap mentor, Agatha, loves to go around scaring people.
Age may go, but the heart remains young.
Boom!
Kikuno quickly entered the role, pulling a thick booklet from the drawer.
"This is the Sinnoh Gym Leader's Code of Conduct; make sure to go home and read it thoroughly, because I might conduct random checks next time."
Looking at the hefty booklet on the table, easily one to two hundred pages thick, Natsuhiko's right eyelid twitched wildly.
"This thick?"
Are you sure this is a code of conduct?
Kikuno glanced at him, surprised.
"This is the index. It covers various sections like 'Dojo Building Specifications', 'Leader Regulations', 'Trainer Assessment Standards', among dozens of others."
Natsuhiko: "...."
Are you sure there are several Gym Leaders in Sinnoh who can thoroughly read this thing?
By the time they finish reading, they might as well be ready for the grave!
It's a miracle there are still Gym Leaders existing in Sinnoh to this day.
"You can also ignore it, if you're able to rank in the top three in every Gym Leader assessment battle." Kikuno said indifferently.
She was actually just giving Natsuhiko a warning.
Let him not assume that because he's clinched the runner-up and has Agatha backing him up, he can do as he pleases in Sinnoh.
The waters of Sinnoh run deep; you're a newcomer, you won't grasp it easily.
Sinnoh, with its long history, how can it not have a few historically rooted families?
Some of which can even influence certain decisions within the Sinnoh Alliance to some extent.
This was also a way for her to protect Natsuhiko instead.
After all, now Natsuhiko is somewhat a precious gem in the eyes of the Sinnoh Alliance, just without deep roots, unlike Hilona, so initial warnings must be clear.
Hearing he could ignore the code of conduct if he ranked top three in Gym Leader assessments relieved Natsuhiko slightly.
Having undergone nine years of mandatory education, his qualifications have reached their peak; he's here not to study!
"By the way, have you decided on a place? If not, I have a list you can choose from."
"I've decided, Suiyi Town," Natsuhiko replied frankly.
"Suiyi Town..." Kikuno slightly furrowed her eyebrows.