Pokemon: My Pokemon Has a Tailed Beast Template

Chapter 282 282: Gathering at Indigo Plateau

Indigo Plateau.

This was Sam's second time visiting Indigo Plateau.

The last time had been over a month ago, when he participated in the Indigo Plateau Conference.

Since there was still some time before the Kanto–Johto Gym Exchange Tournament officially began, Pallet Town remained relatively quiet.

The merchants around town all wore cheerful smiles. Another major tournament was about to begin at the Indigo Stadium, which was wonderful news for business. It meant another wave of booming sales was coming soon.

Although tourists had not fully arrived yet, the shops had already prepared all kinds of souvenirs in advance, eagerly waiting to make a fortune.

Merchants were always better informed than ordinary people.

Even before the official announcement was released, they already knew the contents of the competition.

Various Gym Leader merchandise had already begun appearing throughout the shops.

Sam even spotted a cartoon doll modeled after himself.

"How much is this doll?"

Yellow happily held the Sam doll in her arms as she asked the shop owner.

This was Yellow's first time leaving Viridian City, and her excitement was obvious.

The shop owner had already noticed Sam standing behind her. He immediately waved his hands nervously.

"No need to pay, little miss. It's a gift."

Although portrait rights didn't really exist in this world, privately selling merchandise based on Gym Leaders was still technically prohibited. If Sam seriously pursued the matter, it would be enough to cause major trouble for the shop owner.

After recognizing Sam, the man no longer dared to charge any money. He only hoped Sam would let the matter slide.

"Let's go, Yellow."

Sam had no intention of making things difficult for the shop owner, so he simply called Yellow and left.

When they arrived at the hotel prepared by the Pokémon League, Sam immediately saw several familiar faces.

"Ah, Lt. Surge. Long time no see."

Sam stepped forward and greeted him first.

It was always better to resolve conflicts than continue holding grudges. Their previous clash had only been a competitive rivalry, and now that he had the chance, Sam took the initiative to make peace.

Lt. Surge clearly hadn't expected Sam to greet him so casually. Though surprised at first, he quickly recovered and smiled in response.

Both of them were adults. There was no deep hatred between them in the first place.

Besides, Sam had already become one of the most talked-about figures in the Pokémon League. More than once, Lt. Surge had heard rumors that Sam was likely to become one of the next Elite Four members.

If that happened, Sam would effectively become his superior.

Now that Sam had voluntarily given him an easy way out, Lt. Surge naturally wouldn't refuse.

Besides Lt. Surge, Blaine from Cinnabar Gym and Brock from Pewter Gym had also already arrived.

Sam invited everyone to sit together while chatting casually.

"Leader Blaine, do you know why the Pokémon League suddenly gathered all of us together?" Sam asked curiously. "I still don't really understand the purpose behind this exchange tournament."

As a veteran Gym Leader with significant status inside the League, Blaine naturally knew much more insider information than the others.

Not only Sam, but also Lt. Surge and Brock immediately focused their attention on him.

After finishing the tea in his cup, Blaine slowly began explaining:

"This Gym Exchange Tournament was most likely proposed by Lance. The main purpose is to display the League's strength to the public. Everyone knows that Team Rocket has become increasingly active recently."

"Another reason is the conflict between Kanto and Johto. Although the two regions have merged into a single League, disagreements over resource allocation still haven't been settled."

"So this exchange tournament is also closely tied to the interests of all of us Gym Leaders."

Hearing this, everyone's expressions became more serious.

If the tournament was connected to their own future interests, then nobody could afford to be careless.

"There's one more thing," Blaine added calmly.

"Lance is planning to reshuffle the Gyms."

"If anyone performs poorly during this exchange tournament, they may lose their authority to recommend Trainers for Gym qualification exams… or even lose their position as Gym Leader entirely."

Both Lt. Surge and Brock sucked in a sharp breath.

Now they finally understood.

This exchange tournament was anything but simple.

Although both of them were fairly confident in their strength, they still couldn't help feeling uneasy.

Seeing their reactions, Sam smiled and comforted them.

"Don't worry too much, Leader Brock, Leader Lt. Surge."

"The people who should truly be worried are over there."

Following the direction Sam pointed, both men instantly relaxed.

Over in the corner sat the sisters of the Cerulean Gym.

Compared to them, everyone else suddenly felt much safer.

The two men immediately calmed down and resumed drinking their tea.

Meanwhile, over by the Cerulean Gym group—

"Sister Sakura, did you see that?" Violet whispered nervously.

"Why does Sam keep looking at us?"

"I don't know…" Sakura muttered uneasily.

"But I have a bad feeling about that smile of his."

"What do we do, Sister Sakura, Sister Violet?!" Lily cried nervously.

"I'm suddenly so scared!"

---------------Author---------------

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