The long meeting finally came to an end. The leaders from both sides slowly stood from their seats. Some stretched their arms while others gathered their documents and notes. The discussions had lasted for several hours, and everyone looked mentally exhausted.
However, there was also something else in the room now. Hope. The atmosphere was no longer tense like it had been at the beginning. The old wounds from the Infinite Pokemon War had not disappeared, but for the first time in many years, people were willing to look toward the future instead of the past.
Champion Rowan remained seated for a few moments. His fingers lightly tapped the wooden table as if he was thinking deeply about something.
Finally, he looked at the other Sinnoh officials. "Would you all excuse me for a few more minutes?" he asked.
The Sinnoh officials looked at one another and slowly nodded. "We should discuss that matter now," one of them said quietly. The Indigo delegation also noticed their serious expressions.
Blaine raised an eyebrow. "It seems there is something else on your minds." Champion Rowan let out a small sigh. "There is." He looked toward Gladion. "Before we conclude today's meeting, there is another matter that concerns Sinnoh." Gladion sat back in his chair. "What matter?" The room suddenly became serious again.
One of the Sinnoh ministers cleared his throat. "Although the majority of our people support reopening our borders, there might be... hindrances." Gladion frowned slightly.
"Hindrances?" The old minister nodded. "Yes. Some groups will not welcome this peace agreement." Cynthia folded her arms. She herself did not know this but was smart enough to know what they meant. "You mean the radicals." The minister nodded again. "Yes."
Another official spoke up. "There are still people in our army who have not forgotten the war. Many of them lost their families, their friends, and their Pokemon during those dark days." His expression became troubled.
"They have spent decades believing that the other regions are enemies. They see isolation as safety. To them, opening our borders is the same as inviting danger into our homes." Silence filled the room.
Champion Rowan sighed. "We do not expect everyone to accept this change immediately. Some protests are natural. However..." He paused.
"There are some radical elements among our military forces." Sabrina narrowed her eyes. "You think they might take action." Rowan nodded.
"It is possible." Blaine looked surprised. "You believe your own soldiers might oppose the government's decision?" The old Champion looked tired. "Not all of them. Most soldiers are loyal to Sinnoh and its laws. But there are always a few who believe they know what is best for the region."
One official added quietly, "Some may attempt to sabotage the agreement. Some may try to incite riots. Others may challenge the government's authority." The room became silent again.
Then Rowan looked directly at Gladion. "Which brings us to our request." Gladion raised an eyebrow. "And that is?" The Champion looked him straight in the eyes. "We would like your help." For a second, Gladion simply blinked.
"My help?"
"Yes."
"What exactly do you want me to do?"
Another official answered. "We would need your power to calm the situation down."
Gladion stared at him. For several moments, he said nothing. Then he pointed at himself. "Me?"
The officials nodded. "Yes."
Now even Blaine looked confused. "Would it not be more appropriate to request support from Indigo itself?" he asked. One minister shook his head.
"That would make matters worse." Sabrina looked curious. "How so?" The minister explained patiently. "If Indigo sends soldiers into Sinnoh, many radicals will see it as foreign interference. They will believe their fears were justified."
Another official nodded. "They may even think we have become puppets of Indigo." Blaine slowly understood. "I see."
Champion Rowan looked at Gladion once again. "But you are different." Gladion blinked. "I am?"
Rowan nodded. "You are not just an Indigo representative."
Cynthia smiled slightly. "You are also one of the most famous trainers in the world currently even with the borders closed." Another official spoke.
"Your actions of saving Hoeem from a outerspace legendary Pokemon had spread across every region. Stories about you have reached even the smallest villages in Sinnoh." Another minister chuckled.
One elderly minister continued. "You are respected because of your strength. Even many of our military officers admire you. Some of them have openly stated that they wish to battle you one day."
Another official added, "You are also young. You represent a new generation that was not born during the Infinite Pokemon War."
Champion Rowan folded his hands. "If someone like you publicly supports this peace agreement and stands beside us, many people may calm down. And for this, We would want you to travel with us to many of our cities as a sign of respect between the two regions."
Gladion leaned back in his chair. 'I was expecting many things when I came to Sinnoh. I was not expecting to become a political symbol.'
He looked at Rowan. "And what exactly would this help involve?" The Champion thought for a moment.
"We may request your presence during certain public speeches. There may be meetings with military leaders and veterans. There may also be demonstrations where your support for peace could reassure the people."
Another official smiled. "And perhaps a few battles." Gladion blinked. "Battles?" The man nodded. "Nothing calms an angry soldier more than getting beaten by someone stronger."
Gladion rubbed his forehead. "This sounds like a lot of work." Rowan nodded honestly. "It is." The room became quiet again.
Gladion leaned back in his chair again. Then a small smile appeared on his face. "Oh?" Everyone looked at him.
He crossed his arms. "But my help does not come for free, you know."
Sabrina closed her eyes. She covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing. She knew that expression. Gladion was about to make a business deal.
One official blinked. "You... wish to be compensated?" Gladion nodded seriously.
"Of course." The officials looked at one another. The young man before them was worth billions. Yet somehow, he still managed to negotiate every opportunity into another business deal.
Champion Rowan looked amused. "And what would you ask for?" Gladion smiled. "That depends on what you are offering."
The officials exchanged glances. Finally, one of them spoke. "Well... we are willing to pay you and your businesses." Gladion listened quietly. T
he official continued. "How about free entry into Sinnoh without unnecessary procedures and easier rights to establish your businesses here?"
Everyone's eyes slowly turned toward Gladion. His expression had frozen. One second passed. Then another. Suddenly, a massive smile appeared on his face. A very, very big smile. It looked almost dangerous.
Even Sabrina looked away. She had seen that smile before. Someone was about to lose a lot of money. "Deal." The answer came instantly. It came so quickly that several officials blinked.
Finally, the Champion stood up. "Then it is settled." He extended his hand. "On behalf of Sinnoh, I thank you for your assistance."
Gladion stood as well. He looked at the old Champion. Then he firmly shook his hand. "On behalf of Indigo and my businesses, I look forward to working with Sinnoh."
-----Author Notes------
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