Video;

[truthdecided]

[Akechi addresses the Pearl with his usual calm and poise, disregarding the cloak draped around him. Pay it no mind.]

In light of recent events, I felt it best to inform you all about Umbreon-san. Having spoken to Mightyena-san recently, she informed me that he mapped out the cave system in which we Oran Berries dwell. He actively trains lower ranked members and has played a pivotal part in Pokémon swarms. Evidently, he was an active player in the ordeals with Dondozo and Spiritomb, providing rescue to those in need...

And he volunteered for the good of his guild, not himself.

[He pauses to let that sink in, though his thoughts ripple with an odd air of relief and an undercurrent of distrust toward politicians on the whole.]

Make what you will of that, but I believe that this places him in a position where he could make a fine leader. I've made my vote, but I bear no ill will toward those who favor other candidates.

[...]

That being said, I do believe it may be in our best interest to share our findings amongst each other regarding the recent Wayfinding missions. The lands beyond Death Blood Murder Skull Town are wild, unpredictable, and full of mysteries...

For instance, the temple in the peaks of Heavy Downmoor suggests the area was once far more populated despite the wild winds. I'm quite curious how the rest of the region compares...

Comments

[wolfcut]

You're right. It's not your place, and yet here we are.

[ Touchy-touchy. He's just going to take a deep breath. ]

Look. I get wanting a well-meaning pick, but let's respect the individual first, huh? Not that it even matters for either of us at this point, but. [ For any eavesdroppers out there. Obviously. ]

[truthdecided]

Indeed. I already placed my vote.

[He shrugs, calm despite the badgering.]

The purpose of this message was to share what I learned, so those who have yet to vote can make an informed decision.

[wolfcut]

A bit of friendly advice, kid: let people speak for themselves. It'll make life a whole lot easier.

[truthdecided]

Fair enough. I won't deny that it would have been better in that instance, but while the locals undoubtedly know of Umbreon-san's accomplishments, I simply wanted to investigate the matter in the interest of clarity.

[...]

Detective's intuition, I suppose.

[wolfcut]

[ Detective. That suddenly gives him some pause. Not because he doubts it, but because he knows the type very well. ]

... My point still stands. Facts are one thing. Knowing why they're not already out in the open is another.

[truthdecided]

Fair enough. As a former celebrity, I can understand the irritations of prying eyes and ears.

[Really, it was all for curiosity. To find answers from a trusted source.

Please ignore the vague image of a lumpy, thrashing sweater sneaking into his thoughts.]

[wolfcut]

A celebrity detective. [ He didn't mean for that to slip out, but it does anyway. They really have all sorts around here. ]

Some people just work better behind the, uh. Hm. [ What... what was that image you just beamed into his head, Akechi. ] Sorry, is this... bringing up some memories or something? [ He absolutely can't not ask. ]

[truthdecided]

...You could say that.

[Oh god, no. The image of the thrashing sweater only intensifies! Emmet and Ingo are there, too.]

Let's just say that Umbreon-san had an... interesting intervention when Shoka-san and I had some... friction.

[wolfcut]

Wait, is that—

[ Akechi confirms it before he can even ask. It's not visible, but the smirk on his face now sure is something. Suddenly his tone is a lot lighter than before. ]

Bunch of troublemakers, huh? Figures Umbreon would set you right. [ He is very much stifling a laugh on the other end. ] What'd you even do to need that level of teambuilding?

[truthdecided]

I was... frustrated with the outcome of a mission in the Northern Forest, which led to friction with Shoka-san, who did not read the room, so to speak.

[...]

Admittedly, I was frustrated that her group succeeded when my own group had put in a significant amount of work to prepare.

[So, yes. He was partially at fault. He can admit that much.]

But we resolved the matter months ago, so it hardly matters.

[wolfcut]

[ At first, he gets a little defensive. Shoka's not even here to speak for herself, but she was the problem? Yeah, right. Luckily, Akechi adds the other side before he has any reason to get fully irritated at the notion, though admittedly, that emotion might still sneak through the connection. ]

... Still got a lesson from it. Wouldn't discount that. [ So he presumes, anyway. Kids. ] Sometimes you just have shit luck, no matter how prepared you are.