"Kid, do you really think this matter is over?"
"I don't think it's over either… but some things…"
"Sigh… let's just leave it at that."
Red knew very well—there were definitely problems within the League. There might even be traitors.
But right now, he simply didn't have the strength to pursue it any further.
His unreliable father patted his shoulder.
"Don't worry. I came back this time to back you up."
"You? A newly promoted Elite Four-level trainer? Forget it."
Red showed no attempt to hide his disdain.
Seeing this, Red Pingfeng almost lost his temper.
'Your strongest Pokémon isn't even level 30 yet, and you're looking down on me?!'
Still, thinking about how the League's younger generation was becoming stronger and younger, he couldn't help but sigh.
"Your old man doesn't have much ability. I'm already over forty and still just a bottom-tier Elite Four."
"But your grandfather—that's a different story."
"Although he passed away early, and many of his Pokémon returned to the wild… some of them chose to stay."
Red froze for a moment before asking quietly:
"Then… what level were Grandpa's Pokémon?"
Red Pingfeng only said two words—
But they made Red feel his spine straighten instantly.
This—
This was what true Gym foundation looked like!
"Then let's go, Dad!"
"Oh? Now you remember to call me 'Dad'?" Red Pingfeng twitched.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Of course to storm the League headquarters and demand an explanation!"
Red Pingfeng was stunned.
"Storm the League headquarters? You've got guts."
"You do know there are Legendary Pokémon stationed there, right? You still want to go?"
"…Then the regional League branch?"
Red Pingfeng looked at his bold, reckless son and felt his head ache.
He had thought he was daring—
But his son was even worse.
Rubbing his temples, he said:
"Enough. Go do what you're supposed to do. After this battle, Songzao City still has a lot to deal with."
"As for the League—I'll handle it and get justice for you."
Red sighed regretfully.
"Too bad I won't get to personally beat up those old fossils…"
Red Pingfeng couldn't take it anymore and raised his foot to kick him—but Red slipped away instantly.
"I'm leaving. This time, I might be gone for a while. Take care of yourself."
With that, Red Pingfeng took out an ancient-looking Poké Ball and released the Pokémon inside.
A Dragonite—with a gentle smile.
When it saw Red, it reached out and patted his head, then plucked one of its scales and handed it to him.
Then it carried Red Pingfeng into the sky and disappeared.
"So that's Grandpa's Pokémon…"
Using the system interface, Red finally saw Dragonite's true strength:
[Pokémon: Dragonite]
[Level: 70+ (Champion)]
[Talent: Perfect]
[Description: A Champion-level Dragonite. Thanks to the long lifespan of Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, it continues to live long after its trainer's death.]
"Another Champion-level Dragonite…"
This was the second Champion-level Pokémon Red had seen—and it was another Dragonite.
Combined with Lance's Dragonite—
He almost felt like Champion-level Dragonite were everywhere.
Riding on Dragonite, Red Pingfeng looked back at him.
"Take care of the Gym. It's your grandfather's life's work."
"If something like this happens again, drag that Oak kid into it. Old man Oak is pretty strong—and better connected than me."
"He's also half a victim in this incident. There's no way he'd risk his grandson."
Red nodded.
After a moment of hesitation, he said:
"If it doesn't work out… forget about seeking justice."
"Give me a few years—I'll take it back myself."
Red Pingfeng didn't reply. He simply laughed loudly and left.
As he disappeared—
The morning sun slowly rose, bathing Songzao City in light.
Red took a deep breath.
"Sigh… without strength, you're nothing."
After this night of battle, everyone present had grown significantly.
...
A few days later—
All personnel who had come to research Tyranitar were withdrawn.
Although Songzao City had been attacked by poachers, Gym Leader Red had single-handedly repelled them.
As a reward, Songzao Gym's待遇 (treatment/status) was raised by one level.
At the same time, the League Daily released an official "debunking" video.
Professor Oak personally appeared to clarify:
The so-called "Tyranitar evolution" was fake—just fabricated online footage.
As for the form change, it was attributed to Songzao Gym's unique training methods. Professor Oak had already begun research, hoping to make it available to trainers soon.
Of course—
These were only the surface-level changes.
Beneath the surface, far darker currents flowed.
For example:
The massive crater that appeared on the Indigo PlateauThe sudden death of a retired Elite Four memberThe confiscation of their assets
All of this remained hidden beneath the tide.
As for Red's unreliable father—
He seemed to vanish from the world.
If not for occasional contact, Red might've thought he died at the Indigo Plateau.
Regarding this, Red Pingfeng complained:
"You think I wanted this? I killed a retired Elite Four right in front of the League!"
"If Old Man Oak hadn't mediated, I might've been finished."
"Anyway, I can't return to Kanto for now—but those old guys won't dare trouble you again."
"Just focus on growing stronger."
"Oh, and I took Tyranitar with me. Keeping it with you isn't good for either of you. With me, it'll attract more attention."
"And watch how you talk—what do you mean I 'stole' your item?"
"Until your Larvitar evolves, what's wrong with me borrowing the stone for a few days? I worked myself to death helping you kill an Elite Four, and I can't even use your stone?"
"And what exactly is this Mega Evolution? You're not hiding it from your own father, are you?"
Given the situation, Red had no choice but to tell him about Mega Evolution and the Mega Stone.
"Mega Evolution… what an incredible concept…"
"Oh right—the League also gave you compensation. When you have time, go see Professor Oak. He has the list."
"Sigh, I've got to go. Someone's tailing me again—so annoying."
After hanging up, Red stroked his chin.
"League compensation…"
"What I lack most right now is a Pokémon for protection."
"If I can get Celebi's Life Spring, I could restore Ninetales' strength. Then even against someone like Hunter J, I'd stand a chance."
After losing Tyranitar, he felt a clear drop in security.
He needed a Elite Four-level bodyguard Pokémon.
"Let's go find Professor Oak first."
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