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"Sigh~ Don't worry, I won't act recklessly. Todd is still in those bastards' hands. If I'm not absolutely certain, I won't make a rash move. That would only put him in danger."
Hearing Sato's words, Captain Reggie let out a long sigh, speaking with a hint of weariness.
Having sailed between Johto and Hoenn for many years, he was more than familiar with the Team Aqua, that notorious maritime crime syndicate. In his youth, he had even taken part in a campaign to suppress them.
Unfortunately, the organization was deeply rooted, and their mastery of the seas far exceeded the League's. Every attempt by the League to eradicate them ended in failure. Even if they were severely wounded, Team Aqua would revive not long after.
In recent years, with technological advancements and the improvement of shipbuilding, intercontinental trade became more frequent, and Team Aqua grew stronger than ever.
On the seas, they were like emperors in their domain. Their movements were secretive, with countless eyes and ears across the oceans, and their strongholds were nearly impossible to track. The League struggled to pose any real threat to them.
Reggie, despite sailing the seas for decades, knew that even at his peak he could do little against such a massive criminal organization.
"Don't worry, Prof. Todd is a good man—he'll have fortune on his side. Captain, you don't need to be too anxious. I believe the League must also be searching for his whereabouts. Before long, there will be news."
Sato nodded, letting out a quiet breath of relief, then comforted the old captain.
Truthfully, he was afraid this hot-tempered elder might charge straight at the Team Aqua in a reckless confrontation. If that happened, Sato would lose a rare pillar of support within the League. He still hoped the captain might someday write him a new letter of introduction.
But for now, it was best not to mention that.
Given his current low strength, Sato had no thought of involving himself in matters tied to Team Aqua. After reporting his findings at the Ocean Research Institute, he respectfully excused himself.
His shortcut of becoming a League trainer through the "back door" was currently closed. That meant—for now—he would have to join the League through regular channels.
Before leaving, he stopped at the restroom. When he came out again, he had returned to his original disguise.
He then headed to the Pokémon Center's Capsule transmission area, and from there, contacted a high-class breeding house in Goldenrod City. Before long, he was holding four PokeBalls.
Inside were Pichu, Kecleon, Duskull, and Misdreavus.
As usual, Pichu disliked the confines of the PokeBall, quickly escaping to perch joyfully atop Sato's head. Kecleon, as always, remained on Sato's shoulder, serving as his invisible bodyguard.
As for the two Ghost-types, Sato kept Misdreavus inside its PokeBall with strict orders not to come out on her own.
Duskull, with its obedient nature, only needed enough life energy to keep it content. Once fed, it never cried or fussed, and always followed orders to the letter. That made Sato feel at ease releasing it to serve as another hidden guard via invisibility.
Misdreavus, however, was more troublesome. Like most of her kind, she was mischievous and loved to pull pranks or frighten others. Even after gorging herself on the fear energy from the Nightmare Crystal, she constantly sought to cause trouble.
Her favorite target? Her own trainer. Unfortunately for her, she was still young and inexperienced, and her pranks often failed, leaving her sulking in frustration.
At such a critical time, Sato could not allow her antics to jeopardize things.
....
Duskull Data:
Level: 12
Type: Ghost
Ability: Levitate
Gender: Male
Known Moves: Leer, Night Shade, Disable, Astonish, Foresight
EggMove:Pain Split
Tutor Moves: None
TMs: Protect, Hidden Power [Poison]
Held Item: None
IVs:
HP: 31 (31)
Attack: 31 (31)
Defense: 31 (31)
Sp. Atk: 30 (31)
Sp. Def: 31 (31)
Speed: 30 (31)
Overall IV Rating: Gold (Total 184/186)
....
Misdreavus Data:
Level: 13
Type: Ghost
Ability: Levitate
Gender: Female
Known Moves:Growl, Psywave, Spite, Astonish
Egg Moves:Curse, Shadow Sneak, Sucker Punch
Tutor Moves: None
TMs:Protect, Hidden Power [Electric]
Held Item: Nightmare Crystal
IVs:
HP: 28 (31)
Attack: 26 (31)
Defense: 27 (31)
Sp. Atk: 28 (31)
Sp. Def: 26 (31)
Speed: 30 (31)
Overall IV Rating: Purple (Total 166)
....
After reclaiming the four Pokémon, Sato left the Pokémon Center and checked into a small inn nearby.
For the following week, under the alias "Tyler," he lingered around Slateport City. Occasionally, he battled local trainers.
Since his win rate was high, Tyler's name quickly became known among trainers, along with the newer Pokémon on his team.
On his third day in Slateport, Sato received his high-grade space storage bracelet via air delivery. He retrieved important items like the Light Ball, Water Stone, and Mega Stone. But, to avoid suspicion, he stored everything except the Light Ball in a private bank.
Why keep only the Light Ball?
Because on the second day after he recovered his Pichu, it had evolved into Pikachu at level 15. Once equipped with the Light Ball (a mutated Thunder Orb), Pikachu's power skyrocketed. With a single Thunderbolt, it could easily overwhelm opponents.
Unless the foe was vastly stronger or resistant to Electric-type moves, few could withstand Pikachu's attack.
....
Item: Mutated Thunder Orb (Light Ball)
Effect:
i) Increases Pikachu's Attack and Sp. Atk by 2.5×
ii) Grants continuous charging effect
iii) Grants Static ability
Restriction: Cannot be used by Pikachu without Gold IV Rating or without the Lightning Rod ability.
Note: This orb was left by a powerful Level 83 Pikachu with a Gold IV Rating who, due to its Lightning Rod ability, absorbed electricity from battles with Zapdos, Raikou, Thundurus, and Zekrom, transforming it into its own.
....
Pikachu Data:
Level: 19
Type: Electric
Ability: Lightning Rod
Gender: Male
Known Moves: Thunder Shock, Charm, Tail Whip, Sweet Kiss, Nasty Plot, Quick Attack, Electro Ball, Thunder Wave
Egg Moves:Wish, Volt Tackle
Tutor Moves:Magnet Rise, Thunderbolt, Electric Terrain
TMs:Protect, Hidden Power [Ice]
Held Item: Light Ball (Mutated Thunder Orb)
IVs:
HP: 30 (31)
Attack: 30 (31)
Defense: 31 (31)
Sp. Atk: 31 (31)
Sp. Def: 28 (31)
Speed: 30 (31)
Overall IV Rating: Gold (Total 180/186)
....
On the eighth day in Slateport, around noon, Sato—disguised as Tyler—was battling a local trainer at the outdoor arena of the Pokémon Center.
On the field, Pikachu faced down a Graveler. Already, it had defeated three of its opponent's Pokémon, all in one hit with Thunderbolt.
Though Pikachu was at a type disadvantage, it used Magnet Rise to float above the ground, rendering Graveler's Ground-type attacks useless. In the end, Pikachu defeated it with a boosted Hidden Power [Ice].
"Pikachu—use Thunderbolt!"
Sato thrust out his hand, excitement flashing across his face as he commanded his partner with this iconic phrase, who had already downed five opponents.
"Pika—CHU!!"
Hovering midair, Pikachu's cute expression shifted into a mischievous grin. With its iconic cry, a massive surge of electricity burst forth.
In the blink of an eye, the opposing Grovyle, still trying to dodge, was struck head-on by the devastating Thunderbolt. With the Light Ball's amplification and charging effect, the power was overwhelming.
The Grovyle, five levels higher than Pikachu, managed only a scream before collapsing to the ground, body charred black.