Faced with Opal's gratitude, Summer remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.
"It seems I did the right thing. But still, the fact that you've achieved so much—it's thanks to your own efforts as well."
"Ohoho, such a polite young man," Opal chuckled warmly. "Much more polite than Gideon, that old grump."
"Huh? You know Old Man Gideon?"
Opal tapped the side of her head. "Of course I do. Don't forget—I'm the oldest Gym Leader in Galar. I remember all the old fogeys who've retired from the League."
She sighed with a nostalgic smile. "And now, I'm traveling across Galar, looking for a successor—someone who can carry on my beloved Battle Theater."
Then, she smirked. "Oh, and by the way, Gideon panicked when he saw your picture. Poor guy looked terrified that I was gonna steal you away."
Summer blinked. "…Picture?"
Wait. How did Opal even get a picture of me?
As if reading his thoughts, Opal explained, "It was from the Ranger exam. Your battle against Kabu was recorded as an exemplary case."
She chuckled. "All the Gym Leaders saw it. Probably because they want us to recruit potential Gym challengers for next year's tournament."
Summer gave an awkward smile. Of the ten current Gym Leaders, I personally know at least seven. What were they thinking when they saw my battle?
"It wasn't just Rangers," Opal continued. "There were taxi drivers, League employees, mail carriers—many professions participated. Some of them were quite strong, too."
That meant he was already on Chairman Rose's radar.
…Then again, Rose wouldn't waste his time on me, right? The man was probably too busy gathering Wishing Stars for his grand scheme.
"Miss Opal, you mentioned searching for a successor," Summer suddenly asked. "Have you found anyone suitable yet?"
Opal sighed. "Not yet. I still haven't found my kind of pink. Oh?" She tilted her head, intrigued. "It seems you have something to say. A time traveler's insight—go on, let me hear it."
Summer thought for a moment before speaking.
"I remember you once said in an interview that you believe in the saying, 'True character is revealed in adversity.' So… why not search for someone who's struggling but refuses to give up?"
He needed to push Opal toward a certain someone.
Because if events played out like in the game, there was only one person in all of Galar who was a perfect fit for Opal's Gym.
Bede.
That boy had been handpicked by Chairman Rose himself, given a special recommendation, and gifted a Pokémon that changed his life. Raised in an orphanage, he viewed Rose as a god-like figure.
So when Rose ordered him to collect Wishing Stars, he obeyed without question.
And now, Summer had seen the latest news—the ancient mural in Stow-on-Side had been destroyed.
No doubt, Bede was responsible.
And that meant his actions would soon have consequences.
Chairman Rose would strip him of his recommendation.
He would be disqualified from the Gym Challenge.
With his pride, Bede would refuse to give up—he would desperately try to prove himself worthy again. But Rose? Rose was a businessman. He had no need for a broken tool.
If Bede wanted another chance, Opal would be his only way forward.
So, whether he liked it or not—he was about to be swallowed by the color pink.
"Ohoho, an interesting thought," Opal mused. "But where would I find such a child?"
Summer shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe tomorrow. Maybe in the next second.
"Or maybe…" He smiled knowingly. "…You'll run into them on your way home."
"Hmm…" Opal's eyes twinkled. "A reminder not to be impatient, is it?"
She suddenly reached into her coat, producing a pink, diamond-shaped crystal.
"A Fairy-type Z-Crystal," she said. "A gift from my travels in Alola.
"You've already proven you can use Z-Moves, so I know you'll put this to good use."
Summer hesitated for a moment, but Opal urged him, "Take it. I'm already at the twilight of my years—I have no need for it anymore.
"And since my parents sent you their gratitude, naturally, I must do the same."
Summer nodded, accepting the Fairyium Z. "Thank you, Miss Opal."
"That's more like it." She turned away with a smile. "Now then, I'll be on my way.
"After all, I just might run into my successor any second now~"
With that, she slowly disappeared into the Dreamwood.
Summer watched her leave—until something poked his back.
He turned around to find Hatterene staring at him expectantly.
"Summer, the Fairy Z-Crystal—come on, come on! Let me try a Z-Move!"
Her excited voice echoed in his mind.
Summer sighed. "Fine, but I need to go get my Z-Ring first, so be patient."
"Yay! Oh, by the way—what's the Fairy-type Z-Move called?"
"Twinkle Tackle."
"…Hmm. Not very cool-sounding, but at least it's cute! That works too!"
At the Wyndon Battle Court, a League official was barely restraining his annoyance as he listened to the white-haired boy before him.
"Please, sir!" Bede pleaded, holding up a stack of papers. "I've won ten consecutive battles in Wyndon! That includes victories over the apprentice Trainers of this very stadium! My strength is undeniable—can't you at least—"
The official held up a hand, cutting him off.
"Bede. Or rather, just Bede. Chairman Rose is a very busy man."
His voice turned sharp. "Do you even realize you broke the law? You should be grateful we're only giving you a light punishment!
"So quit wasting my time. If you keep pestering me with useless requests, don't blame me if I call the police!"
"But—"
The official sneered. "Tch. Even Chairman Rose can make mistakes. Should've never picked an arrogant brat like you."
Bede's fists clenched.
He wanted to snap back.
But…
He couldn't.
Because the official was right.
I was desperate to prove myself. And because of that, I did something utterly foolish…
He turned and left without another word.
The official watched him go before muttering under his breath, "Tch. Cocky little brat. Lady Oleana gave strict orders—like hell I'd let him through."
As Bede walked through the streets of Wyndon, deep in thought, a single question circled his mind.
If Wyndon won't let me in… then I'll try another city.
As long as I can reach Chairman Rose, I'll do whatever it takes…
Suddenly—
"Pink! Pink! PINK!"
An elderly woman suddenly popped out of nowhere, circling around him with a disturbingly eager expression.
Bede nearly jumped out of his skin. "What—?! Who the hell—?!"
Then, recognition hit him.
"Wait. You're—Opal?!"
Opal didn't seem the least bit offended. Instead, she smiled.
"Congratulations, child.
"You are the one I've been searching for.
"My perfect successor."
And so, the gears of fate began to turn.
Bede was about to be drowned in pink.
And the mastermind behind it all?
Currently enjoying Alcremie cream back in Sunset Forest.