Robert's victory resonated through the arena, and it was truly an exciting match.
"Congratulations!" Suzuye said as she returned her Pokémon, extending her right hand towards Robert.
"Thank you!" Robert gently shook her hand.
"Carry my share to victory!" Suzuye added.
"Absolutely!" Robert accepted graciously.
After Robert and Suzuye's match, there was a brief intermission before the battle for third place, which Suzuye won convincingly.
Now, it was time for the final showdown.
While Sora displayed impressive skills, he still had a gap to bridge compared to Robert. Just like in the Verdanturf Pokémon Contest, Robert secured an easy victory.
Perhaps because Robert and Suzuye's match in the semi-finals had been so spectacular, the final appeared rather uneventful, and the audience's response was quite subdued.
Perhaps everyone simply expected Robert to clinch the victory.
Finally, Robert had secured the Grand Festival of Pokémon Contest, establishing himself as a top-tier Pokémon Coordinator.
In the evening, Yuga, Robert, and Mr. Juan held a celebration at the villa to mark Robert's victory.
As for Wallace, he had vanished without a trace once the competition ended.
"Come, let's raise a toast to celebrate Robert's triumph," Mr. Juan happily raised his glass.
Robert's victory was particularly gratifying for Mr. Juan, who had always taken pride in his two apprentices. Today, Robert's success made him happier than anyone else.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Yuga and today's protagonist, Robert, also raised their glasses.
However, the two of them were drinking berry juice, not alcohol.
Although both were of legal drinking age, they simply weren't accustomed to alcohol.
The three of them celebrated late into the night, with Mr. Juan eventually becoming quite intoxicated.
With Robert's Pokémon Contest concluded, Yuga planned to return to Verdanturf Town the next day.
While Yuga was packing in his room, Mr. Juan knocked on his door and entered.
"Aren't you staying a few more days? You could take the opportunity to visit Sootopolis City. I'd be happy to host you as the local host."
Sootopolis City was right next door to Verdanturf Town, making the trip quite convenient.
Yuga smiled and replied, "Thanks, but there's so much to attend to at the Day Care. Maybe next time; there will be plenty of opportunities."
Juan nodded and said, "True."
"Is there something specific, Uncle Juan?" Yuga inquired.
He didn't believe that Mr. Juan had come over for a casual chat about visiting Sootopolis City.
"Well," it turned out that the Pokémon League had recently discovered a rich deposit of Fire Stones, and they were quite abundant. The League was now planning to start mining them.
However, the area around the Fire Stone deposit was inhabited by numerous Fire-type Pokémon, many of which were quite powerful. So, the League had delegated the task of clearing out these Fire-types to various Day Cares and Gym Leaders.
This was typically how the League handled such situations.
The League Day Cares required seeds to nurture Pokémon, which was the fastest way to tame them.
Most importantly, Pokémon that have lived around Evolution Stone deposits for an extended period tend to have higher potential than those grown in typical environments, making them ideal candidates for breeding seeds.
The League has always favored major Gym Leaders who play vital roles in cities, so they usually allocate some slots to them when opportunities like this arise. After all, many Gyms specialize in certain types of Pokémon and require a steady supply.
However, even if they receive slots, not all Gyms send representatives, as is the case this time.
The Sootopolis Gym is a Water-type Gym specializing in nurturing Water-type Pokémon, so they have no interest in the task of capturing Fire-type Pokémon.
Initially, Juan considered declining the offer, but then he thought about Yuga. After all, Yuga ran a Day Care, and he could use these Pokémon. Fire-type Pokémon weren't particularly valuable to their Water-type Gym. Besides, if the slots weren't used, it would be a waste, so why not let Yuga go?
So, that's why he had come to see Yuga.
After all, they were already allies, and sharing benefits made sense.
"Are you suggesting that I represent the Sootopolis Gym in this operation?" Yuga asked, trying to contain his excitement and maintaining a calm demeanor.
Juan replied, "Yes, I thought since you run a Day Care, you would need these Pokémon. Fire-type Pokémon aren't that useful for our Water-type Gym, so we have no interest in the slots. You can go in our place."
"But is this really okay? Won't the League inquire if they find out?" Yuga was somewhat concerned; this seemed like snatching someone else's opportunity.
Juan waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Don't worry. The League won't interfere in such matters. They've allocated the slots to us, so we can use them however we want, and they won't intervene."
Furthermore, the Sootopolis Gym still had some reputation, so this minor issue wouldn't be a problem.
Yuga joyfully exclaimed, "Thank you so much, Uncle Juan!"
Yuga had always aimed to build a Three Speciality Pokémon of Water, Fire, and Grass-type. He already had the Water-type Clauncher and the Grass-type Tsareena, so he only needed the Fire-type now. If he could capture an appropriate group of Fire-type Pokémon in this operation, he would be halfway to realizing his goal.
Juan said, "Since you've called me Uncle, no need to be so formal!"
"Where is this operation taking place?" Yuga inquired.
Juan replied, "On an island in the eastern sea near Fallarbor Town. Interestingly, Verdanturf Town is relatively close to that location."
Yuga nodded in response. Fallarbor Town was close to the sea, and its eastern side bordered a vast, endless ocean. It was unexpected to find a Fire Stone deposit in that area.
"In a week, the team for the operation will assemble in Fallarbor Town. This is your participation certificate." Juan handed Yuga an envelope. "Inside, I've filled in your information. Just hand it over to the person in charge when you arrive."
Yuga accepted the envelope and said, "Thank you very much."
Afterward, Juan provided Yuga with some guidelines for participating in the operation and then took his leave.
Yuga never expected that offering assistance to Robert would not only lead to a significant business deal but also bring such a favorable opportunity. He felt incredibly lucky.
At the airport, Robert came to see Yuga off.
"Having won the Pokémon Contest, what are your plans for the future?" Yuga asked Robert.
Robert replied, "I haven't decided yet, but I'm not far from catching up to my senior. I must continue working hard! I'll need to think carefully about my next steps."
Yuga nodded and said, "I need to keep pushing forward as well!"
Then, Yuga boarded the plane to return to Verdanturf Town.