Chapter 18 - A Peek into History (1): A Spark and a Storm of Steel
Alex leaned back from the reception computer, the glow reflecting in his silver eyes. Understanding the current Indigo League structure – sixteen badges across two regions – required understanding its origins. He found a link: "Pages of History: The Kanto-Johto War."
Clicking it, he settled in to read the official account presented on what looked like a Kanto-based historical site.
Pages of History: The Kanto-Johto War
Part 1: The Goldenrod Dispute
The uneasy peace between Kanto and Johto shattered over conflicting claims to the prosperous Goldenrod City. Kanto historians unearthed ancient maps suggesting the city, a vital economic hub for Johto, had ancient ties to Kanto territory.
Citing these historical rights, Kanto leadership demanded its return, framing it as a matter of correcting past territorial losses.
Johto vehemently rejected these claims, presenting counter-evidence and highlighting Goldenrod's long-standing integration and development under Johto governance.
Key figures emerged during the escalating tensions:
For Kanto: The renowned Champion Samuel Oak, advocating a strategic blend of strength and diplomacy, alongside the decisive military mind of Lt. Surge of Vermilion City, who saw Goldenrod as essential for Kanto's dominance. Operational command often fell to ambitious figures like Major Giovanni, known for meticulous, albeit sometimes severe, strategies.
For Johto: The staunch defender of Johto's heritage, Champion Drasion of the esteemed Wataru clan, vowed to protect Goldenrod at all costs. Diplomatic efforts, though ultimately overshadowed, were pursued by figures like Ambassador Sakura of Ecruteak.
Despite calls for reason, tensions reached a breaking point. Mobilization began on both sides, the shadow of war stretching over the land, particularly unsettling the citizens of Goldenrod caught in the middle.
Part 2: Kanto's Opening Salvo
Dawn broke not with birdsong, but with the flash of Hyper Beams. Kanto initiated a decisive two-pronged invasion.
Southern Front (New Bark Town): Led by Major Giovanni, Kanto forces struck swift and hard, aiming to cripple Johto's gateway. Utilizing well-coordinated pincer movements and employing disruption tactics against supply lines, Giovanni's forces, featuring Pokémon like his signature Persian, quickly overwhelmed the initial defenses commanded by Johto figures like Violet City's Gym Leader, Hayato. Despite valiant resistance, the element of surprise and Kanto's strategic planning led to early Kanto gains in the region.
Coastal Front (Olivine City): Simultaneously, Lt. Surge spearheaded the assault on the crucial port of Olivine City. The objective: sever Johto's maritime capabilities and secure a staging point. Surge's Electric-type Pokémon, Raichu and Electabuzz, spearheaded the attack, meeting fierce resistance from Olivine's Gym Leader (Jasmine's grandfather) and his Steel-types, supported by allies like Chuck from Cianwood. However, Kanto's relentless pressure and Surge's command led to Olivine eventually falling after intense urban combat, though not without significant cost to the attackers. Jasmine's grandfather was reported grievously injured in the final defense.
Alex frowned, rereading the description of Kanto's initial strikes. The article painted Kanto's actions as decisive, strategic, almost inevitable. Johto's defense, while acknowledged, felt like a foregone conclusion in this telling. He scrolled down, continuing his dive into the conflict that reshaped the Pokémon world he now inhabited.
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Chapter End