Pokemon: The Legendary Trainer

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Sato first handed all his Pokémon to Nurse Joy, asking her to provide them with a full check-up. After that, he slowly made his way to the board where the missions were posted.

Since unexpectedly obtaining the identification of a League affiliated Trainer in Saffron City, Sato had yet to participate in any official League activities or complete any missions that non-mainstream trainers usually pursued with great enthusiasm.

For a non-mainstream trainer to establish themselves within the League, the first step was to become a recognized League Trainer. 

To achieve this, they needed to complete various League missions distributed across different regions to earn contribution points.

Typically, once a non-mainstream trainer accrued 10,000 contribution points, the League would assign them a promotion task. 

Upon completing this task, they would officially become a recognized League Trainer.

However, earning League contribution points was no easy feat. Generally, only C-rank missions offered contribution points. 

The missions were categorized into five levels—S, A, B, C, and D—in descending order of difficulty.

Each rank corresponded to trainers of varying skill levels. S-rank missions were exclusively for Elite Four-level trainers or above, A-rank missions for Elite/quasi-Elite Four (same thing) level trainers, while B, C, and D missions catered to Professional trainers, Advanced trainers, and rookie trainers, respectively.

(Note: Elite Four-level trainers are not synonymous with the Elite Four themselves. The title "Elite Four & Champion" simply denotes the top five trainers of a region. Please don't equate the two—they are distinct concepts.)

Initially, trainers could only accept D-rank missions. To access higher-ranked missions, they needed to undergo a Trainer Level Evaluation Test at a League branch in a major city. 

Passing this test would officially upgrade their trainer rank within the League records.

S-rank and A-rank missions, however, were exceptions. 

These missions were exceptionally difficult, often impossible to complete single-handedly. The League only permitted Elite Four-level or Elite trainers to accept these missions first and recruit others to assist.

The mission Sato was looking at now—an operation against a rogue biker gang—was classified as an A-rank mission. 

It had already been taken by a trainer named Wattson, an Elite trainer certified by the League, who was currently recruiting other trainers to help.

Yes, this Wattson was the same character appointed as the Mauville City Gym Leader in the games. However, it seemed he had yet to assume that role officially.

"Wattson, huh? It must be the same person. If he's leading this recruitment, it could be worth considering. But passing his test might be troublesome. I remember he's also a tech engineer," Sato thought, carefully recalling what he knew about the Mauville Gym Leader.

From Sato's memory, Wattson was a jovial old man, kind and approachable. He had once been the project manager for New Mauville under Mauville Holdings, a rival to the Devon Corporation. 

However, after the project failed and Mauville Holdings went bankrupt, Devon gained dominance in the Hoenn region. Wattson returned to Mauville as a city designer and later became a Gym Leader.

Wattson's strength was commendable. 

Though ambushed by a member of Team Aqua's admin trio, he managed to defeat the Pelipper and Ninjask using his Manectric before eventually falling in the skirmish.

Having encountered one of Team Magma's admins at Mt. Pyre, Sato had experienced firsthand the strength of such individuals, who were undoubtedly at the quasi-Elite Four level. 

He assumed other Team Aqua's admins were similarly skilled.

Thus, Sato had no doubts about Wattson's quasi-Elite Four-level strength. 

He even speculated that Wattson might have been an Elite Four-level trainer in his youth but had declined with age, unlike trainers like Pryce, who grew stronger over time.

"Wahaha! Young man, are you interested in joining this operation? You seem quite capable," a sudden voice exclaimed, startling Sato as he turned to find a chubby old man standing silently behind him, smiling warmly.

The old man was accompanied by two trainers. One was a stern-faced man with an intimidating air, while the other was a sweet-looking young woman with lively, mischievous blue eyes.

"May I ask who you are?" Sato asked, feigning ignorance despite recognizing the man as Wattson. 

The sudden approach made him wary, as he hadn't yet interacted with the Gym Leader personally.

"Wahaha! I am Wattson! So, how about it? Want to do some good for Mauville City and the League? If you're interested, I can waive the recruitment test," Wattson offered with a hearty laugh, clapping Sato on the shoulder in a friendly manner.

"So you're Mr. Wattson! It's an honor to meet you," Sato replied politely. 

"My name is Sato. I would like to join, but I have urgent matters back in Kanto and can't afford any delays. Without knowing the mission's duration, I can't accept your invitation."

"Wahaha! No worries, young man. Everyone has their own priorities. Perhaps we'll meet again someday," Wattson responded kindly, shaking Sato's hand warmly before leaving.

Once Wattson was gone, Sato found a quiet corner in the waiting area, ordered a juice, and opened a trainer magazine while waiting for his Pokémon to finish their treatment.

While pretending to read, Sato discreetly unfolded the slip of paper Wattson had given him, noting its contents before tucking it into the magazine and resuming his act.

Eventually, Sato's name was called, signaling that his Pokémon were ready. Collecting them, he quickly rode his off-road bicycle out of the Pokémon Center.

He stopped in front of Mauville City's urban park. As he entered, he noticed the mischievous female trainer from before waving at him.