Pokémon: Above the Top

With their trip to Ecruteak City coming to a successful conclusion, Sato and White boarded the train back to Silver Town.

At the villa, the six members of the Brave Fights the Evil Dragon Team gathered in the living room to discuss their upcoming plans.

"In two months, I'll be representing Goldenrod Gym in the Young Elite Tournament. Until then, my main focus will be improving my strength and helping Carvanha break through!"

Sato was the first to announce his plan. Four months ago, he had already received a slot in the tournament from Leader Howard, the Goldenrod Gym Leader.

"Huh? You're competing already? Isn't it too soon? You only became a Trainer this year!" White looked shocked.

The Young Elite Tournament had an age requirement of 10 to 18, but most competitors were 14 or older. Younger contestants were extremely rare.

"If he can compete, he should. It's a great training opportunity," Lance nodded approvingly at Sato's decision.

"Sato, just wait! In two more years, I'm entering as well! I'll win the championship for Blackthorn City Gym, just like my cousin!"

Clair puffed up her chest with determination. Although she was still behind Sato, she was already one of the best among her peers.

Sato? Was he even in the same league as his peers anymore?

"Sato, you've always had your own unique training methods. Will and I won't interfere. Just focus on preparing for the tournament."

"Got it!"

"I also need to focus on my Advanced Breeder Exam," White added after Sato finished.

"So soon?"

This time, even Lance was surprised.

An Advanced Breeder held a status comparable to a Pseudo-Elite Four Trainer.

However, even if ten Pseudo-Elite Four Trainers appeared, there was no guarantee that even one Advanced Breeder would pass the exam.

Beyond that, anyone above Advanced Breeder rank was considered an elite expert, a true rarity.

But thinking about it, if White failed, he'd be forced to go home and inherit his family business, so no one felt the need to comment further.

In the eyes of others, Lance, Will, and Sato were all Trainer prodigies.

But White? White was a genius among Breeders.

Compared to them, Sato looked like an imposter.

"I'm heading to Mt. Silver to break through my limits," Will stated firmly.

Lance placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm coming with you. Don't refuse. I wouldn't have broken through without everyone's help back then."

"…Alright!"

"Everyone has their own plans, huh? Then I'll take the League Certification Exam, and when the Johto League tournament starts, I'll dominate!"

Clair excitedly punched the air before throwing a smug look at Sato.

There was still a little over a month until the Johto League tournament. She didn't have enough time to collect the badges, but the League Certification Exam was a solid alternative.

"Assuming you even pass the exam."

"White, go to hell!" Clair grabbed a cushion and angrily hurled it at the smirking White.

"Hahaha! You missed!"

After some playful chaos, everyone's plans were set.

Aside from Rose, who would remain at their base, everyone else would be busy with their own goals and training.

----

Sato stuck to his usual routine of intense training and practical battles, focusing on improving his team's combat effectiveness.

Carvanha's priority was breaking through. It had already accumulated enough power, now it was just waiting for the perfect moment.

For his other Pokémon, Sato focused on battle tactics and ensuring that each of them had hidden trump cards.

Even Pupitar had a strict training regimen planned through video calls.

However, training in the high-level simulated environment resulted in a significant increase in the consumption of elemental items!

But it was only for two months, Sato could afford the cost!

...

…Two months later…

Everything had gone according to plan, and finally, two months later, Sato received his tournament registration application from Howard.

He filled out his entry details online and submitted six Pokémon for the competition, all except Eevee.

The first rule of the Young Elite Tournament stated that each contestant could only use the six Pokémon they initially registered, with no substitutions allowed during the competition.

If a Pokémon sustained severe injuries and was unable to compete, the Trainer would be considered to have forfeited the tournament!

This was great news for Sato. Compared to other competitors, he had the least experience and foundation.

Having a fixed team of six Pokémon greatly leveled the playing field, minimizing the gap between Sato and more seasoned Trainers who had been training longer.

If there were no limits on Pokémon numbers, then in a battle between two equally skilled Trainers, the one with a stronger base could easily sacrifice Pokémon in a battle of attrition, securing victory through sheer endurance.

That would go against the spirit of the "Young" Elite Tournament!

Since this year's tournament was hosted by the Hoenn League, it would be held in Mauville City, Hoenn!

Without hesitation, Sato packed his bags and boarded a flight from Silver Town to Mauville City that very day.

Both cities were highly developed within their respective regions, making travel incredibly convenient. By the afternoon, Sato had already arrived in Mauville City.

Feeling the vastly different atmosphere compared to Johto, the slight nervousness he had been carrying began to fade.

Silver Town had already entered winter, but in Mauville City, people were still wearing short sleeves, enjoying the warm weather.

Compared to Johto, the Hoenn region was situated further south, meaning that even during winter, it remained comfortably warm.

However, unlike Johto, Sato was relatively unknown to the local Nurse Joys in Hoenn.

After completing his in-person tournament registration at the Pokémon Center, he declined the free lodging offer and went out to find a hotel on his own.

During registration, Sato also received detailed information about the tournament's format and structure.

The preliminary stage would be a battle royale.

Based on previous tournaments, the number of contestants was usually around one hundred.

These 100+ Trainers would be randomly divided into sixteen groups, with each group containing 7 to 8 competitors.

Only the top two from each group would advance to the next stage!

Once the final 32 Trainers were determined, the tournament would shift to a one-on-one elimination format.

The Young Elite Tournament did not sell tickets to the public.

Only official League members and representatives of League-recognized major organizations were permitted to attend as spectators.

Howard had already told Sato:"If you don't pass the preliminaries, come back on your own."

Only if Sato qualified past the first round would Leader Howard bring Whitney to watch his matches.

Most other Gym Trainers followed the same rule. Since they saw each other all the time, no one wanted to lose prestige in front of their peers!

Honestly, the fact that Sato was competing in his first year as a Trainer was already something Goldenrod Gym could boast about.

Whether Leader Howard actually planned to attend, who knew?

----

With three days left before the tournament, Sato, who had been training relentlessly for nearly two months, chose to pause all training.

Instead, he gave his Pokémon a break, letting them enjoy themselves in the hotel's Pokémon relaxation area.

Meanwhile, Sato took his tiny Eevee and wandered through Mauville City, exploring the unique atmosphere of Hoenn.

"Vee~"

Eevee curled up in Sato's arms, holding a small ice cream with its little paws, licking it in tiny bites. With every bite, it let out a delighted chirp.

The adorable sight instantly caught the attention of several passersby, with both guys and girls stealing glances at Sato.

This Eevee... was way too cute!