"Elite Breeder, Gym Leader John"
"Youngest Gym Leader in History"
"Hank's Trainer Career"
"Strategy Analysis: The Battle of Grassmere Gym"
The battle between John and Gym Leader Hank completely took over the trending searches, dominating the top eight spots within an hour.
Unlike when John had previously been recognized as a senior breeder, this time, the public reaction to him becoming a Gym Leader was pure amazement. Every trending topic was a celebration of "John the Great."
There was almost no skepticism.
It wasn't because of media manipulation, every major outlet had already posted footage of the match from multiple angles.
Even though Gym Leader Hank ultimately lost because his body couldn't handle the strain, analysts confirmed that John would have won regardless.
With Mega Garchomp and Mega Gardevoir under his command, John had demonstrated undeniable Gym Leader-level battle prowess.
Countless Pokemon experts weighed in, praising his tactical brilliance and calling him a strategic genius.
As for John himself, he felt a bit regretful that Hank's body had given out before the battle could be fully decided.
"If Gym Leader Hank had been younger..."
"What are you saying?" Hank interrupted with a hearty laugh from his hospital bed, where he was hooked up to an IV. "If I were younger, I would have lost to you even faster! At least this way, I got to witness your magnificent Mega Gardevoir in action."
His condition wasn't serious—just exhaustion. A bit of glucose, some rest, and he'd be fine.
Hank had no regrets. He had given it everything he had. Winning or losing didn't matter.
"We were supposed to have lunch together, and now we can't even have dinner. That meal we planned all those years ago keeps getting pushed back," Hank sighed, looking at Principal Saul Badman.
"I'll be waiting at Riverstone University. Once you're recovered, come visit me anytime. I have a bottle of wine ready for you," Saul replied with a smirk.
"Perfect! I've been waiting for that invitation!" Hank's eyes lit up.
A few minutes later, the visitors left to let Hank rest. Principal Saul Badman had to return to Riverstone University, and John had business to handle in Grassmere.
Having officially defeated Hank, John was set to take over as the new Gym Leader.
A formal succession ceremony still needed to be arranged.
Before that, however, there was some housekeeping to do—specifically, sorting out the Pokemon ranch attached to the Gym. Hank's Pokemon would be leaving with him, meaning John had to manage the transition.
Hank needed to oversee the ceremony himself, so they had to wait for his health to improve.
Fortunately, that wouldn't take long. Everything could be wrapped up within three days.
For now, John would stay at his hotel.
John turned to see Zach, Hank's senior apprentice, approaching him.
"I will challenge you and take back the Gym!" Zach declared, his eyes burning with determination.
John chuckled. "You're welcome to challenge me anytime!"
He knew Zach wouldn't be the only one. The youngest Gym Leader in history was bound to attract a long line of challengers.
Even though John's team was Gym Leader-tier, his roster wasn't as deep as veterans who had spent decades refining their strategies. It was only natural that ambitious trainers would line up to test him.
This was something every new Gym Leader experienced. But after enough victories, the hype would die down.
Leaving the hospital, John threw on a mask and sunglasses before heading back to his hotel.
It didn't help much—he still ran into over a dozen fans asking for autographs.
After ordering room service, John called his friend Azure.
"Did you seriously challenge the Gym and win? Or are you pulling my leg about Grassmere Gym?" Azure's voice was full of disbelief as soon as he picked up.
John pulled the phone away from his ear. "When have I ever exaggerated?"
As long as everything I say turns out to be true, it's not exaggeration.
Azure was silent for a moment before laughing. "Damn! Gym Leader John the Great!"
John smirked. "Has my breeding facility been approved yet?"
"Not yet, but don't worry. Now that you're the Grassmere Gym Leader, it'll definitely be approved by tomorrow morning at the latest!"
The Gym's $6 million monthly revenue was nice, but it wasn't enough for what he had planned.
Azure, picking up on John's enthusiasm, asked, "Why are you in such a hurry to open a breeding facility? Got rare Pokemon to sell?"
"You could say that," John replied casually.
His storage system was filled with valuable Pokemon.
Hundreds of Ralts, over a thousand Arons, and quite a few Bagons, Deinos, and Gibles.
With the breeding facility secured, he'd finally have the means to flood the market.
"I'd suggest you secure some Ralts through your mentor's connections first," Azure suddenly advised.
"You don't get it, do you?" Azure sounded amused. "Check the trending searches. Mega Gardevoir is number one."
John raised an eyebrow.
"The news only broke at 1:00 PM, and by 7:00 PM, major breeding houses quadrupled their Ralts prices. The cheapest ones are now going for hundreds of thousands, and they were fully booked by 2:00 PM!"
Azure's voice was full of excitement.
"And the price is still climbing!"
"As the trainer of a Mega Gardevoir, any Ralts you sell will be snapped up instantly! You should specialize in Ralts breeding. You could establish a prestigious brand around it!"
"The stronger your Mega Gardevoir becomes and the more titles you earn, the more valuable your brand will be!"
Azure sounded way too enthusiastic, almost like he was the one benefiting from this.
John chuckled. "Is that so?"
He had been wondering how to make a splash when his breeding facility opened.
Now he had the perfect opportunity.