Pokémon: Who let him leave Pallet Town?

Chapter 444 The Divided Interior

The Pokémon Center at the foot of the mountain specially cleared out a quiet meeting room.

The faint aroma of tea wafted in the air, contrasting sharply with the gradually subsiding noise outside the window.

Damaranchi sipped his tea slowly, as if the probing attempt halfway up the mountain had never happened.

Natsume lazily stroked his middle-parted head, waiting for the other party to begin.

"This tea is quite good, Natsume, champion. Want to try some? It's a local specialty of Kanto." Damaranchi smiled and pushed a cup of tea in front of Natsume, as if it were just a casual chat between an elder and a junior.

Natsume took a symbolic sip and got straight to the point: "Chairman, who exactly makes up the Alliance's Supreme Committee? How is the power of discourse distributed among the regions?"

He made no attempt to hide his interest in the core of power, and this direct question caused Damaranch's fingers, which were holding a teacup, to pause slightly.

"Hehe, it's a good thing that young people care about the future of the league."

Damaranchi put down his teacup, his eyes becoming more profound. "The Supreme Council, of course, is the brains of the league. Chairman, several highly respected regional champions—like Lance, whom you know well, he is both the Kanto champion and a member of the council."

"Besides that, there are several Elite Four members who have served for a long time and made outstanding contributions, such as Granny Kikuno, the Ground-type master in Sinnoh."

"Of course, figures like Dr. Oki, who laid the foundation for the Alliance's scientific research, and the administrative core like the Secretary-General are also indispensable members."

“Occasionally, a very small number of guardians who are recognized by the ‘special beings’ and are willing to serve the alliance will attend.”

He avoided the main point and did not reveal the specific number or list, but the framework he outlined confirmed Natsume's previous understanding: this was a core circle composed of top combat power, top wisdom, and administrative leaders, and strength and contribution were the thresholds for entry.

"As for the right to speak," Damaranchi leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, "upon closer inspection, the champions, kings, and many doctors here are more symbolic than practical."

"The Alliance Chairman is not elected by the Supreme Council, but rather directly nominated at the Alliance's administrative headquarters."

Natsume nodded slightly.

From this perspective, the power of discourse still mainly lies with the heads of government.

"From a macro perspective, all committee members participate in the proceedings on an equal footing, with one person and one vote. But in reality, the four ancient and closely connected regions of the Old World—Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh—have deep roots, hold a majority of committee seats, and naturally wield greater influence."

"Their champions, doctors, and kings often come from generations and share similar philosophies." D'Amaranch paused, implying something, "Of course, this is based on the common goal of maintaining the stability and development of the league."

Natsume caught the key information: "The Old World? Does that mean there's a New World?"

Damaranchi nodded approvingly: "Good."

"The region in which the Alliance participated in its first liberation war was the Old World, and the region in which it participated in its second liberation war was the New World."

Hearing this, Natsume nodded.

The Second Liberation War was indeed induced by the resurgence of the war dragon in the United States.

"In addition, there are Unova, Carlos, Alora, and the emerging Galar. These regions are either far away across the ocean, or they are self-contained. They have joined the League relatively recently, or they have very unique histories, cultures, and development paths."

“They have relatively weak representation in the Supreme Council, but also greater autonomy in day-to-day affairs.” Damaranchi picked up his teacup and blew on non-existent steam.

"The alliance respects diversity, but 'diversity' sometimes means higher communication costs and greater difficulty in coordination."

Then, Damaranchi changed the subject, his gaze sharp as he looked at Natsume: "Speaking of 'diversity,' Champion Natsume, you must have gained a lot from your ascension to the divine level and meeting 'that being' this time, right?"

"Does that person have any special instructions or expectations?"

This is the core purpose of D'Amaranchi's trip.

The leaders of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh need to know what this newly appointed "Chosen One" has gained, what he intends to do in the future, and whether he will impact the existing power structure.

Natsume paused for a moment, his fingertips gently tracing the smooth surface of the Poké Ball at his waist. It seemed that Damaranchi wasn't there to test him on behalf of the entire league.

The other party only represents the four regions of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh. It seems that in the story, the other party is only qualified to govern the tournaments of these regions.

No wonder, the other regions are quite independent, and D'Amaranchi couldn't get involved.

Sensing the pressure in D'Amaranch's words, Natsume understood that he represented the scrutiny of the Old Continent Alliance's top leadership.

The Peace Dog's mission—to unify the loose alliance and become the new ruler—is too ambitious and too dangerous, especially given the already loose nature of the alliance.

Natsume frowned slightly. He needed to send a signal, a signal that would both intimidate the other party and not prematurely reveal his ultimate ambitions.

Natsume slowly raised his hand, and an ancient and peculiar seal appeared in his palm.

The main body of the seal is a majestic dog head relief. The material is neither gold nor jade, yet it exudes a restrained and profound radiance, as if it contains some kind of supreme will.

Damaranchi's gaze froze instantly!

For the first time, a crack appeared in the smile on his face, his pupils contracted sharply, and his breath caught in his throat for a moment.

"The seal of a great man!"

Damaranchi's voice was slightly hoarse. He forced himself to steady himself and put on a smile again, but that composure had been replaced by awe.

"I see. Mr. Natsume, you have truly received an unparalleled honor!"

His gaze toward Natsume had completely changed. He was no longer looking at a promising new star, but at a key figure who held a "trump card" and was capable of influencing the league's landscape.

“An honor?” Natsume calmly put away the seal, and the flowing light disappeared. “Chairman Damaranchi, I prefer to see it as a heavy responsibility. ‘That One’ wants to see a more united, more efficient, and more capable alliance to meet future challenges. He is tired of internal strife and pointless barriers.”

Natsume remained calm, directly pointing out the attitude of the peace-loving dog.

His words were brief and to the point, yet they struck Damaranchi's heart like a heavy hammer.

"More united," "more efficient," and "tired of internal friction and barriers"—these clearly point to the Alliance's biggest problem: regional divisions, especially in the "New World" regions.

Damaranchi took a deep breath, quickly digesting the explosive information and assessing the position of the "Old World" region.

The Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh regions he represents are closely connected and have a high degree of identification with the League's central authority. Natsume possesses the dog-head seal, which, in their view, may bring some unknown changes, but is not unacceptable. They may even be able to use this "divine favor" to strengthen the Old World's voice in the League.

As long as Natsume's actions do not directly harm their core interests, they are happy to see it happen, and may even provide limited support—the risk of going against that being is too great.

For some unknown reason, Damaranch suddenly shuddered.

The problem lies in those new continents.
Damaranchi's smile returned to its smooth form, but this time it carried a hint of seriousness and a subtle warning: "Champion Natsume, your sense of responsibility and vision are admirable."

"The Alliance does need a fresh start, but," he paused, choosing his words carefully, "on the Old World, with us old guys here, there shouldn't be any major problems."

“Everyone understands the importance of things and is willing to facilitate changes approved by ‘that person’.”

“But…” he changed the subject, lowering his voice even further, “In places like Unova, Carlos, Alora, Galar… the situation is much more complicated.”

"First and foremost is the United States, where terrorists are rampant."

"Terrorists?" Natsume was taken aback.

This was the first time he had ever heard this term in the Pokémon world.

A strong sense of unease welled up inside me.

(End of this chapter)