Dragon King's return, taking charge of Johto?
"Wait a second."
Natsuhiko suddenly realized that he was asking about the ranking in the competition, so how did it lead to the Johto Alliance?
Even if the establishment of the Johto Alliance meant additional slots for the Elite Four or even a Champion, his strength wasn't enough.
Even if it was enough, the Sinnoh Alliance wouldn't let go of him.
"Tsk—" Agatha snickered once more; she seemed to have guessed what Natsuhiko was thinking, "The Kanto side can barely manage itself, unless you leave Sinnoh, otherwise, don't even think about it."
"Uh... teacher, I didn't say anything." Natsuhiko mumbled.
"One question, do you want to become an Elite Four?"
Agatha was unpredictable; her tone suddenly became serious again.
Natsuhiko stood still, glancing at the lively shop next to the street.
He still remembered, just a few days ago, an old man had asked him if he wanted to become a Doctor.
Unexpectedly, a few days later, an old woman was asking if he wanted to become an Elite Four.
"Hmm... I do."
Natsuhiko only paused for a moment before quickly responding.
To say he didn't want to would be a lie.
But since Agatha was also an Elite Four, what she said didn't count.
"Hmph, at least you're honest," Agatha snorted, "then aim for the Championship."
"This competition's Championship... can become an Elite Four?"
The weight of this competition seems a bit heavy.
"You're dreaming."
Agatha mocked without hesitation.
However, after spending so much time together, Natsuhiko gradually got used to his quirky teacher's temper.
She had an unpleasant personality, a sharp tongue, and appeared mysterious, but wasn't truly bad inside, as long as she acknowledged you.
Classic case of a sharp tongue and a soft heart.
He's heard of how protective she is.
Before Natsuhiko could speak, Agatha continued, "However, due to the Kanto Alliance serving as a cautionary tale, it's taken seriously by the main Alliance and all regional alliances alike."
She took a slight breath.
"So, not long ago, before your competition started, the Alliance passed a policy, known only to senior Alliance members and a select few."
Natsuhiko, holding the phone, listened silently, his feet unmoving.
"'Regulation on the Cultivation and Promotion of Outstanding Talent within the Alliance'."
Natsuhiko could guarantee that Agatha was holding the regulation now, reading the title aloud as written.
"Outstanding talent selection?"
Agatha ignored Natsuhiko and continued, "To put it simply, the 'outstanding talent' here refers to those who can potentially reach or have the opportunity to reach the level of the Elite Four."
"What are the criteria?"
Natsuhiko asked instinctively.
This kind of talent surely can't be decided by someone's recommendation or birth, right?
That would be too trivial.
But as soon as he asked, he suddenly realized.
Quickly adding, "So this so-called 'outstanding talent' selection is based on the competition?"
"Heh— not dumb," Agatha's words were unforgiving.
"The Alliance will determine if a competition qualifies for evaluation based on its level and difficulty."
She paused slightly, "For example, this 'Island Competition' is the first ordinary event considered under this regulation since it was issued..."
"Ordinary event?"
"Yes, mainly divided into ordinary events and Master League tournaments," Agatha explained.
Then she scolded, "You brat, don't interrupt me."
Natsuhiko shrank his neck.
Then he heard the voice on the other end continue, "Using a points system, the first place earns ten points, second place six points, third place five points, the top eight two points, and the top sixteen one point—this is the points allocation for this 'Island Competition'."
Although the points aren't many, you can clearly see that first place has a significant advantage over the others.
"If your points exceed five, you're granted the qualification to participate in the Master League tournaments."
This means, actually, only the top three in this Island Competition gain significant benefits.
At the same time, Natsuhiko also finally understood why the 'Island Competition' had a decent format in the early rounds, but became an unlimited battle for the finals.
Natsuhiko thought someone was giving him a shortcut.
Now it seems this was a complete rehearsal for a Master League tournament.
With Agatha's explanation, Natsuhiko understood the setup of the 'Island Competition'.
No wonder the 'Island Competition' was hosted by Professor Oak without any inside information.
Because.
This involved the Elite Four and things central to the Alliance's foundation.
No one dared to tinker with these matters internally.
"So, teacher, besides qualifying for the Master League tournament, the points should serve other purposes, right?"
Although the Master League tournament is considered the highest competition in the Pokémon Realm and Pokémon Alliance.
Natsuhiko believed that even without these points, participating in it wouldn't be too difficult in the future.
After all, it's not just a tournament for the Elite Four and Champions.
"Of course," Agatha hummed, "if it's only a Master League tournament, you could probably enter in a few years, though these years would delay your progress."
"The functions of the points include but are not limited to participation in the Master League, Alliance job assessment standards, reserve force selection, and... challenging the Elite Four!"
Challenging the Elite Four?
Natsuhiko was momentarily taken aback.
He then slowly savored the idea.
The Alliance is stirring things up, huh!
Although challenging the Elite Four has existed before, whether to accept challenges was up to the Elite Four themselves, and whether to make it public was also their decision.