Chapter 223: Cynthia’s Invitation
Hearing Rio’s approval, the two trainers nodded frantically, relieved that he wasn’t going to scold them.
"Alright—I won’t keep you. I’m going inside to have a look around," Rio said, waving them off as he walked in.
But he’d barely taken a step before they stopped him.
"What are you doing?" Rio raised an eyebrow. Quite bold, blocking his path.
"Gym Leader—could we get a photo and an autograph?" They exchanged a glance and grinned.
A moment later, after satisfying their request, Rio continued inside. The entire Gym was thriving and full of youthful energy. Many trainees were complaining about the crowds outside, but there was also a hint of pride in their voices—they were grateful they’d joined early. If they tried to join now, they wouldn’t even qualify.
When the trainees spotted Rio, they went wild, surrounding him.
"Alright, alright—no pushing. Photos one by one. And don’t tell anyone outside that I’m back—I don’t want to cause a commotion," Rio said with a helpless look at the crowd.
In the past, they’d line up for Pokémon training advice; now they were lining up for photos, completely forgetting about training. The difference between being a champion and not being one is huge.
The only one who didn’t ask for a photo was Blue—his eyes always burned with fighting spirit, as if to say, One day, I’ll take your place.
Rio just patted his shoulder and smiled: "Keep at it, Blue. I believe one day you’ll cross Champion’s Road, defeat the Elite Four, and stand before me. But until then, I’m entrusting this Gym to you."
With that, Rio left—after finishing the photos and organizing things at the Gym, he planned to sneak over the wall to the Pokémon House to see Mr. Fuji.
Just as he was about to climb over, his communicator buzzed. He picked it up and smiled—it was Cynthia from Sinnoh.
"Rio—how did you become Champion already?! And not just any Champion—the League Champion! How could you move so fast?! I’ve only just prepared to challenge the Sinnoh Lily of the Valley Conference!" Cynthia’s voice was a mix of excitement and frustration, as if she couldn’t accept that Rio had become a League Champion.
"Cynthia—you’re a bit late to the news. Champion? That was a month ago," Rio laughed.
"That’s because I was trapped in some ruins until this morning! I just talked to Grandpa Fuji and found out you’re the League Champion—I called immediately," Cynthia said, her tone full of frustration at being left behind.
"But just wait—one day I’ll become the Sinnoh Champion. And I’ll be the strongest Sinnoh Champion in history."
"Sinnoh Champion? The strongest in history? That should be easy for you—why even say it?" Rio said with a smile.
At that, Cynthia’s anger melted away instantly. Rio knew exactly what to say—his compliment had hit right where it counted.
Finally, she said with slightly less fire: "Don’t think flattery will make me give up on beating you. Once I become Champion, I’ll definitely defeat you in the World Coronation Series Masters Eight and become the strongest Champion!"
"Alright, alright—I wish you the best in defeating me and becoming the strongest Champion," Rio shrugged, not wanting to argue over the phone. Better to save it for in person.
"But—what’s this about being trapped in a ruin?"
"That’s a long story. I actually talked to Grandpa Fuji about inviting you to visit Sinnoh." Cynthia’s tone turned serious. "But now it’s harder—you’re a League Champion, and a dual-region one at that. You probably don’t have time."
Hearing that she wanted to invite him to explore Sinnoh ruins, Rio’s pupils contracted. His mind immediately went to Sinnoh’s legendary trio—Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina—and the three lake guardians. Sinnoh had a rich history, and its ruins were renowned. A visit there would certainly yield something valuable.
He had also promised Gengar to help it meet its trainer from a hundred years ago. Keeping promises was important—if a Pokémon was meant to be yours, it would stay; if not, forcing it wouldn’t help. Rio prided himself on being magnanimous. A journey to Sinnoh would be the perfect opportunity to look for Dialga, the Time God.
"I can always make time," Rio said. Though he had a seven-day vacation now, he planned to use it to search for Mewtwo—he couldn’t go to Sinnoh just yet. That would have to be arranged separately. And seven days definitely wouldn’t be enough for Sinnoh.
"Alternatively—if Sinnoh has any kind of event that could invite me in an official capacity, the League higher-ups wouldn’t be able to stop me from going."
"Official capacity?" Cynthia paused, then replied, "I’ll talk to my grandmother—she has some sway in the Sinnoh League. Maybe we can organize an event to invite the new dual-region Champion for a visit."
"Perfect—I’ll wait for good news," Rio smiled.
They chatted a while longer, agreeing to meet in Sinnoh. After hanging up, Rio quietly climbed over the wall again and entered the Pokémon House.
The Pokémon House was just as crowded as the Lavender Gym—all those hoping to adopt a Pokémon like Rio’s Charizard. But no sooner had Rio jumped over the wall than a Houndour barked at him.
"Kid—however you got in, get out the same way. Otherwise, we’ll have to call the Pokémon Police," said two Pokémon House volunteers.
Rio looked at the one on the left—he’d been a volunteer when Rio first arrived. Over a year later, he still hadn’t adopted a Pokémon. Either he’s too picky, or he really loves this place.
"It’s me," Rio said, taking off his mask and sunglasses.
Just like at the Gym, the two volunteers froze. "Rio!" they said in unison, then excitedly asked for photos.
Rio was now their ultimate idol. Starting from the Pokémon House, with an abandoned Charmander from an underground arena, an abandoned Munchlax, and a trainer-beating Mankey—three outcasts—he had climbed to the top of the Indigo Conference, becoming its strongest champion ever. Then he challenged the Elite Four and claimed the long-vacant League Champion seat of both Kanto and Johto. Every step was awe-inspiring.
They were from the Pokémon House too—and now they dreamed of following Rio’s path: adopt a Pokémon, defeat all challengers, and reach the pinnacle.
After taking photos with them, Rio wandered inside. The Pokémon House was much nicer than before he left for the Indigo Conference—new toys, new facilities everywhere.
"Because of your championship, a lot of people have donated. Grandpa Fuji used the money to renovate and upgrade everything," the volunteers explained.
Rio nodded, feeling a sense of pride. Helping the Pokémon House was deeply satisfying.
Soon, he made his way to Mr. Fuji’s office. Mr. Fuji was lounging in his chair, watching Rio’s interviews on TV, flipping through channels to see if there were more reports about him. Sensing something, he turned—and when he saw Rio, his eyes lit up.