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"Over here, over here. Yes, tighten the guardrail."
"Make sure it's sturdy. We don't want the crowd to break it during the rush."
"Is the Athlete Village finished?"
"There aren't enough hotels in the outskirts. Add more. This isn't just a regular holiday; the number of visitors will definitely exceed everyone's expectations."
A week before Alliance City was set to open for the contestants, all the construction department members, except those at Yggdrasil, had been called back.
Tom was overseeing things at Yggdrasil, while Iceburg managed the operations in Alliance City. Iceburg even called in Franky as an external helper.
These days, Alliance City was practically filled with builders constructing various unknown structures. With the help of Pokémon, the progress was astonishingly fast.
January still had a fair amount of snow, but by February, when the tournament was set to begin, it might all be gone.
Fortunately, Alliance City was equipped with Vegapunk's underfloor heating system, ensuring that the city's temperature wouldn't get too cold, maintaining a comfortably cool environment.
"Swampert, over there, please."
Iceburg directed his partner towards a high platform.
According to Dak's vision, they needed to build a high platform and altar to display and house the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh's flame in the most prominent position.
The plan was for the eight Gym Leaders to each select a contestant they deemed most outstanding and deserving to participate in a Ho-Oh Flame Relay.
The first runner would start from the southern outskirts of Alliance City, running with their Pokémon partner, and the last runner would finish at the high platform next to the tournament arena.
This long journey meant each runner would need to cover an average of 15 kilometers before meeting the next runner.
If this relay were in the Pokémon World, it would be very simple, as the people's physical condition there would make it a breeze.
However, on Pokémon Island, most people were just regular "mortals," so 15 kilometers wasn't so easy.
Moreover, not every contestant was a healthy, young, physically fit male; there were also female trainers, child trainers, and elderly trainers.
Considering these participants, Iceburg had to ensure the safety of the route and the locations of the medical team.
Although the journey might be exhausting, many people were eager to be one of the eight selected participants, especially eyeing the first, last, and middle fourth and fifth legs.
These four positions were the most coveted.
The first leg symbolized the beginning, the last leg the end. These two positions might not have the largest audiences, but they certainly attracted the most influential figures. Gaining the favor of one such figure would secure a comfortable life.
The fourth and fifth legs passed through the busiest central streets of Alliance City. Even those not attending the opening ceremony would likely be out enjoying the area, inevitably noticing the relay runners. These were the most visible positions.
It's worth noting that being a Pokémon trainer had become a profession.
Many new companies sought trainers to help advertise their brands.
Wearing a T-shirt with the company's logo during the relay was a highly effective advertisement.
If one became one of the eight relay runners, countless companies would approach them for advertising deals, making the runners rich enough to run without feeling tired.
In the Pokémon world, this relay traditionally carried Moltres's flame.
Perhaps they couldn't obtain Ho-Oh's flame there.
However, Dak could. While he didn't plan to bring Ho-Oh directly, Ho-Oh's flame was a rare item available for purchase.
Given this, he saw no reason to hold back.
They would use the more prestigious and visually impressive Ho-Oh's flame.
This relay was part of the Pokémon Battle Tournament's opening tradition, a ritual held before every tournament.
And in the Pokémon World, it was a tradition in every region.
Dak intended to keep this tradition and pass it down.
Currently, the number of contestants with eight badges eligible to participate in the tournament wasn't high enough, making the relay relatively short.
In the future, when the number of participants increased, they could have hundreds or even thousands of people running for days, starting from Yggdrasil, passing through Fishman City, and finally reaching Alliance City.
"Swampert!"
Swampert effortlessly carried a massive rock toward the direction Iceburg had pointed.
With the first-ever Pokémon Alliance Battle Tournament approaching, not only were people buzzing with excitement, but the Pokémon were also eagerly anticipating it.
Swampert, in particular, was in high spirits, feeling no pain or fatigue while working.
. . .
Meanwhile, Dak and the eight Gym Leaders of the Alliance had gathered in the conference hall.
They were discussing the selection of the eight contestants for the tournament's opening ceremony.
"As for me, I recommend Trafalgar D. Law. He was one of the first to challenge my gym. Although he was a bit reckless and failed on his first attempt, his performance on his second visit greatly impressed me. I was particularly struck by his attitude towards Pokémon and his dedication to Pokémon battles."
Gan Fall, the Gym Leader of Apayado, was the first to speak.
Each Gym Leader had one nomination, and generally, the other Gym Leaders wouldn't oppose it.
Unless someone had performed well at a previous gym but then performed poorly at the next, prompting a Gym Leader to object and provide reasons for their objection.
"I'll recommend Admiral Kuzan. His command skills, battle attitude, and his rapport with Pokémon are all impeccable."
Fukaboshi, the Gym Leader of Water Seven, recommended Aokiji, the lazy admiral.
Garp and Borsalino, sitting in the corner, couldn't help but smile at the mention of Kuzan.
"I've encountered an interesting fellow myself, and I have high hopes for his future. What's his name again? Oh, right, Brook! The skeleton with the big afro."
Sentomaru, the Gym Leader of Alabasta, brought up someone that surprised Dak a bit, though Sentomaru had some concerns. "By the way, Dak, this guy is a Devil Fruit user. He's alive as a skeleton thanks to the Yomi Yomi no Mi. Can he even be on Pokémon Island?"
"No problem, it won't be an issue."
Dak shook his head, reassuring Sentomaru.
The Yomi Yomi no Mi grants the user abilities related to souls and a one-time resurrection.
If Brook died on Pokémon Island, the fruit wouldn't allow him to resurrect; that ability would be suppressed.
But since Brook had already been resurrected and his ability had been utilized, Pokémon Island couldn't suppress it.
Brook would continue living as a skeleton, and, in a twist of fate, he had effectively achieved a kind of immortality on Pokémon Island.
As for Brook's participation in the Pokémon Battle Tournament, Dak had already figured out his motivation.
It was undoubtedly for his fellow Rumbar Pirates. Given their numbers, Dak suspected Brook intended to spend the rest of his life participating in Pokémon Battle Tournaments.
"I recommend Newgate," Garp said unexpectedly, shocking everyone.
Seeing the mischievous smile on Garp's face, everyone understood his intention.
Having the former strongest man in the world run for everyone to see was sure to be a spectacle.
"I recommend Sabo," Dragon spoke calmly, exchanging a knowing glance with Garp.
The others weren't aware of the connection between Dragon and Sabo, but Dak knew well and understood that Dragon was subtly using his influence.
However, Dak didn't object; Sabo was indeed a capable trainer.
But one thing puzzled Dak…
If he remembered correctly, Sabo's Pokémon partner was primarily Typhlosion. Was he planning to bring in Infernape, Emboar, and the others for the battles?
That wouldn't violate any rules since the Pokémon on Mt. Corvo were registered under the "Monkey Family," making them Sabo's partners.
It was similar to how Ash could bring his mom's Mr. Mime to battles, so it wasn't against the rules. Newgate had a similar arrangement.
"I recommend the former Warlord of the Sea, Dracule Mihawk, fufufu~"
Ivankov, the Gym Leader of Kamabakka Kingdom, made a surprising nomination.
Dak raised an eyebrow, showing a "Are you serious?" expression at Mihawk's name.
Dak found himself puzzled by Mihawk's lineup. How did he manage to earn gym badges with those Pokémon?
The last time Dak saw Mihawk was six months ago, and Mihawk had four Pokémon at that time.
Psyduck, Slowpoke, Lotad, and Natu.
From Slowpoke onwards, Dak had repeatedly recommended suitable Pokémon eggs to Mihawk.
But for some inexplicable reason, Mihawk insisted on choosing for himself and always ended up picking white-quality eggs.
With this lineup...
Mihawk could participate in the Pokémon Battle Tournament?
Dak could only admire his persistence.
"I also recommend a former Warlord, Boa Hancock."
Borsalino's suggestion surprised everyone.
Everyone in the room, including Dak, knew Boa Hancock didn't even qualify as a trainer. How could someone as willful and unruly as her become a trainer?
Just as Dak furrowed his brow and considered investigating this further, Borsalino added,
"This woman has changed a lot. I recognize her as a trainer."
As Borsalino finished his sentence, he subtly glanced at Dak, which left Dak feeling perplexed.
If you want to mention Boa Hancock, just mention her. Why give me that look?
(End of Chapter)