Pokemon: A Gym Leader's Rise(SI)

The morning sun cast long shadows as three professionals stumbled out of the sleek, glass-fronted building of PokéData Solutions in Pewter City. A burly security guard stood behind them, a stack of personal belongings in cardboard boxes at their feet.

"We're releasing you due to budget cuts," the corporate representative had said moments earlier, his voice devoid of emotion. "Your data collection project has been deemed... unnecessary."

Max, a senior IT professional, looked bewildered. "Unnecessary? We've spent the last two years developing a comprehensive system for tracking Pokémon battle statistics, trainer performance metrics, and regional competitive trends!"

Maya, their network security specialist, had tried to remain calm. "This doesn't make any sense. We've generated breakthrough insights into Pokémon battle dynamics that could revolutionize training methodologies."

Derek, their marketing strategist, picked up one of the boxes. "They're throwing away years of research. Just like that."

"We've got families to feed," Max muttered, his glasses sliding down his nose. "Two months of severance. What are we supposed to do with that?"

Gladion who was walking around the city after defeating Flint for his first badge happened to see the scene play out before his eyes.

Gladion's ears perked up. Their conversation was interesting, but their desperation presented an opportunity for him.

'Huh, It looks like that I would be able to enact another plan for me to make money. This one is going to earn me much more than the prism scale business too. Oh, I can't wait to revolutionize this world.' Gladion thought giddily.

He approached the group with the confidence of someone far beyond his ten years.

The moment of despair of the three fired employees was interrupted by a young voice. "Excuse me."

The three turned to see a ten-year-old boy watching them with an unusually analytical gaze.

The three professionals turned, initially looking at him with a mixture of confusion and mild annoyance.

"And what do you want, kid?" Derek asked curtly.

"I might have a business proposition for you," Gladion responded coolly.

The man with glasses - Max - let out a bitter laugh. "A business proposition? From a child? Is this going to be our life now? A joke?"

Maya, the woman, nudged him. "Let him speak, Max. What could it hurt? It would not fire us from a job that we no longer have "

Gladion pulled out a crisp document from his backpack. "Before we discuss anything, I need you to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement."

Derek, the third professional, burst out laughing. "An NDA? From a kid? This is ridiculous."

"Is it?" Gladion raised an eyebrow. "I know you were working on developing a software on data collection from Pokémon battles for your previous company. What if I told you I have a far more lucrative opportunity?"

His direct approach caught their attention. Raj adjusted his glasses, suddenly intrigued. "And what might that be?"

"First, the NDA," Gladion insisted, sliding the document across a nearby bench.

Derek thought 'The kid looks smart or the kid might just be an idiot. We can always steal his idea if it's something good. What is there to lose?'

Unknown to him, his thoughts were being heard by Gladion who just smirked.

Maya picked up the surprisingly professional-looking document. She scanned it quickly, her eyes widening. "This... this is actually a legally sound document."

"My mother's law connections are quite extensive," Gladion said with a small smirk.

Derek looked skeptical. "And who exactly is your mother?"

"Erza Vortex. The Fire Witch of Kanto, She needs the lawyer to help her out if she or her Pokemon accidentally burns something important in their rage" Gladion responded casually.

The atmosphere changed instantly. The professionals exchanged meaningful glances.

Derek's hand trembled slightly as he picked up a pen. His thoughts of cheating the kid disappearing in an instant.

"Where do we sign?"

After they had signed, Gladion leaned forward. "How would you like to create the Pokémon world's first social media platforms?"

"Social media?" Derek scoffed. "We just lost our jobs developing complex data systems, and you want to talk about social media?"

He clearly did not understand what social media was and how it could help them earn money.

"Not just social media," Gladion corrected. "A complete digital ecosystem."

The next hour was a whirlwind of discussions. Gladion meticulously outlined his vision for Pokebook, Pokegram, Poke-Twitter, and Poke-LinkedIn. He explained monetization strategies, unique features tailored to trainer needs, and potential market penetration.

'It's a pity that there is a Pokétube already.' Gladion thought sadly

"You're telling me," Maya said, her initial skepticism replaced by genuine excitement, "that you want to create an entire digital ecosystem for not only trainers but every person in the Indigo region?"

"Precisely," Gladion responded.

Derek couldn't help but chuckle. "Kid, you're either a genius or completely insane."

"Why not both?" Gladion replied with a mischievous grin.

By the meeting's end, what had started as a chance encounter had transformed into a legitimate business venture. The despair of unemployment had been replaced by the excitement of a revolutionary digital strategy.

"When do we start?" Max asked, his earlier frustration completely forgotten.

Gladion looked at his watch. "How about now? Go to Moonwood town. Start by buying a building near the town's gym. I will inform my dad who would help you with that. We would launch one of Pokébook or Pokegram first followed by Pokelinkedin and Poke-Twitter."

As the newly formed team began discussing initial development strategies, none of them—not the seasoned IT professionals nor the young trainer—fully realized they were about to launch a digital revolution in the Pokémon world.

Gladion began outlining his vision, platform by platform.

"Pokebook will be more than just a social network. Imagine a platform where trainers can showcase their Pokémon teams, track achievements, and connect globally with friends and family. Verified trainer badges that mean something. Sponsored content from equipment manufacturers. Advanced team analysis tools that break down battle statistics in ways never seen before."

Max leaned in, his professional curiosity piqued. "Go on."

"Pokegram will focus on visual content. Battle recordings, rare Pokémon sightings, training techniques. But with professional-grade editing tools. Imagine a platform where a trainer can upload a gym battle, and get instant professional-level analysis."

Gladion took a pause before a smile appeared on his face.

"But here's where it gets really interesting. Memes and reels will be a massive part of Pokegram."

"Memes?" Derek looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"Imagine short, hilarious video clips," Gladion explained. "Like a Psyduck getting confused and accidentally using water gun on its own trainer. Or a Snorlax falling asleep mid-battle. People love comedy, and these short-form videos will go viral instantly."

Maya chuckled. "You mean like those 15-second battle fails?"

"Exactly!" Gladion's excitement was palpable. "We'll have categories. 'Epic Fails', 'Unexpected Victories', 'Pokémon Pranks'. Trainers can create and share these quick, entertaining clips."

Raj raised an eyebrow. "And how does this generate revenue?"

"Sponsored challenges," Gladion responded quickly. "Imagine a Pokémon food brand sponsoring a 'Most Hilarious Training Moment' contest. Trainers create content, the brand gets exposure, and we take a percentage of the sponsored content. They would have to pay advertising fees among other things. But the most important thing would be data that we would be collecting. We would be able to sell the data to various companies."

Maya couldn't help but laugh. "You've thought of everything, haven't you?"

"Not everything," Gladion winked. "That's why I need you."

Maya's technical mind was racing. "Bandwidth requirements would be massive."

"Which is where the monetization comes in," Gladion continued. "Tiered subscriptions. Basic free accounts, premium accounts with advanced features. Influencer marketing for top trainers."

"Poke-Twitter will be real-time updates," he explained. "League events, breaking news, instant battle results. Verified accounts for gym leaders, sponsored trending hashtags."

Derek, the marketing expert, was now fully engaged. "And Poke-LinkedIn?"

"Professional networking for every adult," Gladion said. "Job postings from research labs, breeding centers etc. It would make it easy for trainers to find jobs easily after they have made a profile listing their skills and Pokemon along with their experience."

The professionals were no longer seeing a child. They were seeing a visionary.

"And how exactly do you plan to fund and develop this?" Derek asked.

Gladion's smile was both innocent and calculating. "That's where I and my money comes in."

---Author Notes-------

Y'all can read 12 extra chapters on my pat*reon.

https://pat reon.com/mrmime24

[No Space]