>>23037250The league.
Back in the old days, outside of Johto, before modern poke balls only the strongest humans could become trainers by taming Pokemon the hard way. These primal trainers were practically unstoppable by the common people due to no easy mode poke balls to catch their own variety of Pokemon and fight back. Eventually the dust settled as a feudal system emerged. Local primal trainers were allowed by run their areas, while the region's top primal trainer and direct subordinates were grudgingly acknowledged as the overall rulers. As times changed and society advanced, eventually these positions would be ingrained and known as Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, and the Champion. It is no coincidence that Drayden in particular is both the gym leader and mayor of Opelucid City.
On a side note Ghetsis probably envied the primal trainers, which led to him planning to disarm the populace again and achieve similar power.
