Time was of the essence. Carl glanced at his watch and stated, "I can only stay for another two hours before I have to set off." He needed to return to the World Tree for a check-in; the rewards there were far more valuable than any alliance gifts. Although he could have the three Cosmog teleport him back, he preferred not to use that ace unless absolutely necessary.
"Just two hours?" Everyone was surprised. They had expected Carl to linger longer, not realizing he didn't even have enough time for a plane journey.
"It's mainly because of this," Carl explained, revealing the shiny Ralts egg. It was a reasonable explanation that everyone could accept.
Professor Oak nodded knowingly; this was in line with what he understood about Carl's ways.
Serena looked puzzled, "Isn't there still two hours before the battle to stop Team Rocket from capturing Mewtwo?"
Carl shot her a glance, "What's that got to do with me?"
"Wait a minute!" Carl rubbed his forehead with an expression of exasperation, "You didn't think I was going to join in that battle, did you?"
"Wouldn't you?" Serena blinked in surprise.
She genuinely believed Carl would get involved.
Carl smirked slightly, "I'm just an elite trainer and a gym leader of the Westvale Alliance. Getting involved in such a high-stakes battle would be suicidal."
The crowd couldn't help but roll their eyes.
Who didn't know how strong his Lucario was?
Yet, in terms of official duties, Carl indeed had no reason to interfere.
Surely, he didn't travel all this way just for a Pokémon egg, did he?
Of course not. A flash of determination crossed Carl's eyes.
Ten minutes later, at the Indigo League's Vermilion Branch.
"Come in quickly," Carl opened the door for Sabrina, smiling, "I need you to create an alibi for me; I have to step out for a while."
Sabrina nodded, her face expressionless, "This was your real reason for coming to Kanto, wasn't it?" Carl nodded straightforwardly, never intending to hide this from her.
"You don't have to go out of your way to tell me," her eyes flickered but her tone remained calm, "Everyone's too busy planning the operation against Team Rocket to notice you're gone."
Earlier, Carl had not only rebuffed Serena but also asserted that Team Rocket would act soon. His reasoning was solid: with both sides laying their cards on the table, the alliance had the upper hand. Giovanni was eager to settle scores with the masked man and couldn't stay in Kanto for long. A swift, decisive strike was in Team Rocket's best interest and could prevent the alliance from sending reinforcements. It was possible that as Giovanni ended the call, Team Rocket was already on the move.
The others found his analysis sensible and immediately convened to strategize. Sabrina, assigned to protect Carl, didn't attend the meeting.
"I insist!" Carl released Cosmog, his tone resolute, "I trust you, and with your help, it's even more foolproof."
Though not a romantic gesture, Sabrina's heart skipped a beat, stirred by his words.
"I'll leave this to you and be back soon," Carl said, gently patting her shoulder, unaware of her reaction. He instructed Cosmog, "Teleport southeast, one kilometer."
Effortlessly, Cosmog obeyed, and Carl vanished in an instant.
Sabrina, feeling drained, sank into the sofa, a rosy flush coloring her cheeks. Yet, no one was there to witness this fleeting moment of vulnerability.
Meanwhile, Carl appeared mid-air, stabilizing himself with psychic power. After confirming his location, he continued teleporting, reaching a rooftop in under a minute.
"Hmm?"
He narrowed his eyes, noticing several Team Rocket members patrolling the building below.
What were they doing here?
Was it coincidence or something more?
"Take me to the rooftop," Carl mentally instructed Cosmog.
In a blink, he landed safely on the deserted roof. Team Rocket seemed stretched thin, lacking guards here.
Gently, he opened the rooftop door, enveloping himself in psychic energy to silently infiltrate the building. The entire three-story structure served as the entry to a hunting zone, functioning both as a ticket office and staff dormitory.
Adjacent to a wild plains area, the hunting zone simulated a natural environment, surrounded by guard posts. While capturing Pokémon was allowed, it mandated the use of special hunting balls, prohibiting direct battles. Such a vast area obviously required more than just a few staff.
Carl crept along the third-floor corridor, peering down into the hall. All the employees were under Team Rocket's control, forced into a corner. Leading them was none other than Jessie and James – old adversaries of the Rocket trio.
Jessie was addressing them, "We don't want to hurt anyone, nor are we here to steal Pokémon. Cooperate, and you'll be free soon."
At that moment, a henchman whispered to her, "Boss, everything's ready. We can create chaos on your signal."
They believed their conversation was discreet, unaware Carl's aura powers had intercepted it.
"Hold off for now," Jessie checked her watch, "Wait for the signal from the main operation."
As the henchman retreated, James muttered, "I wish I were at the main battle. If only I could prove myself to the boss, Jessie and the others wouldn't stand a chance."
"James, think long-term," Jessie chided, frowning, "Performing well in front of the boss is crucial, but our task to create chaos and divert the alliance's attention is equally important."
"Rack up enough achievements, and Jessie will never outshine us."
"I get it," James sighed, frustrated, "And how many times do I have to tell you, call me James."
"Got it, James."
"It's James!"
"So picky."
James grumbled, "Tsk~"
Hearing this, Carl withdrew his aura, a thoughtful smile playing on his lips.
"A diversion?"
"Lure the tiger from the mountain?"
"Giovanni's move is clever; it plays right into my hands."
"I've found it."
"It's right here."
In the hunting zone headquarters, while Team Rocket herded everyone downstairs, Carl searched room by room until he found his target.
Under a pillow lay an old, yellowed photograph of a young man in sunglasses holding a fishing rod, with a cute Dratini by his side.
Carl immediately recognized the young man as Caesar. That Dratini must still be hiding somewhere in the hunting zone, undetected by anyone.
"Smart people hide crucial clues well; no one would foolishly reveal Dratini's whereabouts."
"This Caesar is quite capable. Judging by his office's prestige, he held a significant position in the hunting zone."
"If he became the director, he might have had the influence to capture that Dratini."
"But now, that opportunity is mine!"
Using his psychic abilities, Carl returned the photo to its original spot, and with Cosmog's help, he teleported away, leaving no trace.
Back behind the corridor railing, he quietly waited.
Time ticked by.
About fifteen minutes later.
On a secluded section of Vermilion City's coast, Team Rocket's secret base stood hidden.
Team Rocket members stood in formation, listening to the rumbling sounds emanating from within the base.
Suddenly, Giovanni, astride a Pidgeot, burst from the base, his expression dark as he waved, "All units, move out!"
The continuous rumbling was the result of his recent activities in the base.
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