Pokémon: Starting From Zero as a Legendary Pokémon Chapter 44 44: The First Meeting with the Sinnoh Champion

But the na Ogerpon—that was one Cynthia had truly never heard before.

Seeing the Sinnoh Champion deep in thought, Sora found the mont rather amusing. He chose not to interrupt.

"Sorry, that was presumptuous of ."

Cynthia suddenly ca back to herself and offered an apology.

She introduced herself formally first, then asked for Sora's na.

"Sinnoh Champion, Miss Cynthia."

"It's an honor to et you."

"My na is Sora," he replied calmly.

"I'm a traveler from Unova."

"A traveler?"

That genuinely surprised her.

She wasn't an ordinary trainer like Reggie or Daxiang.

With a Champion's trained eye, Cynthia could instantly gauge Ogerpon's strength.

This was a Pokémon capable of standing toe-to-toe with the core mbers of her own team.

And because she had never encountered this species before, engaging in battle without preparation—even for a Champion—could lead to a dangerous first-contact disadvantage.

A powerful Pokémon obeying a trainer's command was, in itself, proof of the trainer's capability.

Seeing how closely Ogerpon clung to Sora, Cynthia could tell their bond ran deep.

"What is it?" Sora asked.

"It's just… unexpected," Cynthia admitted frankly.

"This child seems very strong. A trainer recognized by her—aren't you planning to challenge the League?"

"Haha, not for now."

For now.

He deliberately left the door open.

It wasn't that Sora had any resentnt toward the League.

In this world, the League wasn't so shadowy organization.

It represented order, responsibility, and protection.

Claiming every single mber was perfect would be unrealistic—but believing that the overwhelming majority stood on the side of good felt accurate to him.

After all, figures like Cynthia, Officer Jenny, and Nurse Joy ford a system of accountability.

Any corruption that existed would struggle to grow in the open.

"Not for now?" Cynthia repeated with a knowing smile.

She clearly caught the implication.

Soday, he would step onto that stage.

"I look forward to battling you when that day cos."

"So do I."

Sora showed no trace of nervousness despite standing before a regional Champion.

They shook hands naturally.

Then he extended an invitation—to sit together at a nearby dessert shop.

Cynthia hesitated for exactly one second.

But the mont she heard the word ice cream, she agreed without hesitation.

Her well-known weakness had struck again.

And besides, Sora possessed things she found deeply intriguing:

Ogerpon's origin.

Victini's existence.

"This is…?!"

When Victini erged from thin air, Cynthia removed her sunglasses, her attention completely captured.

"I'd like to introduce—"

"The Victory Pokémon, Victini."

She spoke the na before he could finish.

Sora wasn't surprised.

A regional Champion's knowledge base far exceeded that of ordinary trainers.

"I always thought it was only a legend," Cynthia murmured.

Almost unconsciously, she reached out to poke Victini.

Victini instantly dodged, zipped back into Sora's arms, and stared at her with wary eyes.

The adorable reaction made Cynthia laugh softly.

"Vi!"

"Oh—sorry, sorry," she said quickly, raising her hands in surrender.

Only then did Victini float back into the air, allowing Cynthia to observe more closely.

"Incredible…"

Cynthia had believed she was already giving Sora a generous estimate of his capability.

Now she realized she had still underestimated him.

Sora had carefully considered revealing Victini.

If the person standing before him were any other trainer, he might have kept his cards hidden.

But this was Cynthia.

Everything he knew—from research, history, and reputation—told him she was trustworthy.

And more importantly:

He needed her help.

Trust had to be mutual.

Being a good person didn't an granting favors freely.

A regional Champion didn't assist just anyone.

If Sora wanted friendship, the relationship had to stand on equal footing.

Showing strength was part of that equation.

"Ogerpon is a Pokémon from the legends of Kitakami," Sora began.

They had taken seats outside the dessert shop.

Cynthia was working through a towering three-scoop ice cream, while Sora calmly narrated Ogerpon's story.

Naturally, he had also ordered ice cream for his own team.

Two benches sat side by side:

On the left: Sora and Cynthia

On the right: Ogerpon, Victini, Buneary, Eevee, and Lilligant

Ursaluna was too large—and uninterested in sweets—so he kept it inside its Poké Ball.

"She suffered there," Sora continued quietly.

"Alone for many years…"

As he spoke, Cynthia finished her ice cream without noticing.

Her full attention was fixed on the story.

As both an archaeologist and myth researcher, she was deeply familiar with regional folklore.

She had heard of the Loyal Three and the Oni legend of Kitakami.

But she had always assud it was a fabricated tale—sothing invented to attract tourists.

Years ago, she had even visited the region herself.

Her impression of the place?

Difficult to describe.

Much like Daxiang—or Sora after his visit.

"I understand now…"

After hearing the full account, Cynthia looked at Ogerpon again.

Her expression softened.

Warmth.

Sympathy.

Protectiveness.

"I'll take responsibility for this matter."

She had understood Sora's intention perfectly.

He wasn't rely telling a story.

He was filing a complaint—seeking justice for Ogerpon.

And Cynthia had no intention of refusing.

As for whether Sora might be lying—

That possibility didn't even register.

After all, this was the Sinnoh Champion.

Calling her a Pokémon Master wouldn't be an exaggeration.

She didn't need a second glance to know exactly what kind of Pokémon Ogerpon was.

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