Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Cain had finished crafting the Pokéblock. However, the ten advanced-level breeders didn't rush to examine his work. Instead, Shiro Nakamura stood up with a serious expression, fixing Cain with a penetrating gaze.

"Cain, who is your master?" Shiro Nakamura asked.

This question arose because they needed to ensure Cain's identity was secure. As semi-high-ranking members of the League, they were aware of the conflicts between the League and Team Rocket. Both sides often planted spies, a practice that had occurred numerous times before.

If Cain couldn't provide a reasonable identity, they wouldn't invest many resources in him, no matter how talented he was.

Cain remained calm. After all, he already had some backing within the League.

"My master's name is Matsuda Takashi," Cain replied.

"Takashi?" Shiro Nakamura and Haruto Fujimoto echoed simultaneously.

Takashi? What does this mean?

Cain was confused.

But the expressions of the ten advanced-level breeders immediately relaxed.

Although Old Matsuda had little interest in power, his reputation within the breeder community was quite high. At the very least, Shiro Nakamura and Haruto Fujimoto considered themselves inferior to him. And now, one of his students had accomplished such a feat.

Decided! They wouldn't attend the next triennial advanced breeder conference. It would be too discouraging!

They didn't think it necessary to confirm Cain's identity with Old Matsuda. If Team Rocket or any other organization wanted to plant someone, would they really send someone with such outstanding talent?

Furthermore, although Old Matsuda didn't involve himself in administrative matters, he was known for being reliable. He would never have accepted a student without verifying their identity, no matter how talented they were.

Hearing the name Matsuda Takashi, those who recognized it showed surprise, while those who didn't appeared puzzled. This indicated that Old Matsuda was primarily known among the higher echelons of breeders.

Someone like Cain, participating in a breeder's exam for the first time, wouldn't likely know Matsuda Takashi's name, making it improbable that he was lying.

Even so, Haruto Fujimoto gestured for Daichi to verify the information as a precaution. Only then did the ten advanced-level breeders begin evaluating the Pokéblock Cain had created.

Although they had never seen this Pokéblock before, as advanced-level breeders, they could assess its quality.

Eventually, the ten concluded there was no issue.

Suddenly, Haruto Fujimoto's phone rang. He hadn't intended to answer, but upon seeing the number, he reluctantly glanced at Shiro Nakamura and answered.

Immediately, a shrill voice emerged from the speaker:

"Fujimoto! What's going on? My apprentice attended your exam, and now you're questioning his identity? Or are you suppressing newcomers now?" Old Matsuda's voice rang out clearly.

Haruto Fujimoto and Shiro Nakamura seemed familiar with Old Matsuda, showing no signs of irritation at his tone.

"Takashi..." Haruto Fujimoto began.

"What do you mean, Takashi? Is that how you address me? Call me Master!" Old Matsuda interrupted.

This was the first time Cain had heard Old Matsuda speak in such a manner, surprising him.

Did his master reveal his true nature when speaking with his peers?

"Uh, your apprentice is here," Haruto Fujimoto coughed, trying to mask his discomfort.

In reality, in terms of status and skill, Old Matsuda stood above Haruto Fujimoto. Matsuda Takashi was an Honorary Elder of the Breeder Guild, whereas Haruto Fujimoto was merely an elder at the Saffron City branch.

Their relationship was more akin to that of a master and a friend.

"Oh, really?" Matsuda's tone immediately cooled.

Cain stifled a laugh.

The fact that Old Matsuda had called immediately was a surprise to Cain. It seemed this master, whom he had almost accidentally acquired, wasn't so bad after all.

Afterward, Haruto Fujimoto continued speaking with Old Matsuda on the phone for a while, constantly reassuring him there was no problem.

When he finally hung up, Haruto Fujimoto gave Cain a strange look. He called over Daichi and gave him a few whispered instructions, after which Daichi also glanced at Cain peculiarly.

Cain couldn't understand what was happening. What exactly had his master ordered?

Not only Cain but also the others were confused.

However, the other advanced-level breeders didn't remain in the dark for long. Haruto Fujimoto quietly explained the situation to them.

Suddenly, all ten began looking at Cain in a peculiar way.

Cain felt his skin crawl. Being scrutinized like this by a group of elders in their fifties and sixties felt strange in every way.

For some reason, the elderly women pulled out mirrors to touch up their makeup, while the elderly men adjusted their hair as if trying to appear more presentable.

In the midst of this odd atmosphere, Cain felt uneasy. Fortunately, Daichi was efficient and didn't take long.

Soon, several people with cameras rushed in, followed by a large group of journalists and photographers. Daichi had even procured a banner from somewhere.

On it were the words: "We enthusiastically celebrate the apprentice of Master Breeder Matsuda Takashi, Cain, for becoming the youngest Intermediate Breeder in history at just sixteen!"

Well, it certainly was an enthusiastic celebration.

Were they celebrating his achievement, or was Matsuda Takashi simply showing off to his old friends?

Cain watched as a group of reporters surrounded him. One by one, microphones were practically shoved into his mouth.

Was this what his master had mentioned?

That he would become famous?

And use his reputation to pressure the League into letting him open a Gym in Leafy Town?

It seemed like a fairly reasonable strategy, but could the reporters be a little more considerate? Did they want him to swallow the microphones?

Moreover, the camera flashes were so intense that he could barely keep his eyes open.

In all his three lifetimes, Cain had never been under such intense scrutiny. It didn't feel entirely comfortable.

Still, if he became well-known, it wouldn't just bring fame to Leafy Town; it would also provide greater protection for his identity within the League.

At the very least, now that the League had publicized him so much, almost proclaiming him as the future President of the Breeder Guild, they were unlikely to dig further into his identity.

As long as his identity wasn't exposed, Cain could gradually rise within the League.

Moreover, even if someone tried to expose him, the League might not believe them.

Otherwise, if anyone could easily discredit their talents, how could the League's prodigies live peacefully?

They wouldn't be able to train or grow in peace.

(End of Chapter)