"So, what you truly desire is the descendant of that Dratini from years ago?" Carl's tone was a mix of intrigue and skepticism.
"Exactly," Caesar replied with a straightforward nod.
"Incredible, truly remarkable!" Carl couldn't help but look at Caesar with newfound admiration.
Outwardly, Caesar appeared indifferent, but in reality, he was more forward-thinking than anyone else. As an ordinary person, he knew he couldn't protect a pseudo-legendary Pokémon, nor could he afford to raise one. Yet, he was unwilling to simply trade the Dratini for resources.
Thus, he devised a cunning plan: he leaked information about the Dratini to attract tourists, boosting business and securing a promotion. At the same time, he feigned ignorance about the Dratini, merely arranging to meet its offspring in the future. This way, no one could force him to reveal the Dratini's whereabouts, nor would anyone suspect his true intentions.
With the growth rate of a pseudo-legendary, by the time he rose to a high position and amassed enough resources, perhaps the Dratini would return with its young. This scheme was flawless on the surface.
Carl mused to himself, "Appearances can be deceiving. Who would have thought a low-level employee in the Kanto League could craft such a long-term plan?"
"Looks like I'll have to search the place where you released the Dratini," Carl said thoughtfully. "After all, in the future, Dragonair did return with its offspring."
He gave Caesar one last glance, casually waving goodbye. Originally, Caesar's plan might have succeeded, but now he had encountered Carl.
"Sorry about this," Carl whispered, and in an instant, he vanished without a trace.
Meanwhile, at the Westvale League's Vermilion City branch, Ethan Cross was receiving an urgent report from Officer Jenny.
"What? Team Rocket attacked the Safari Zone?" He stood up abruptly.
Professor Oak immediately questioned, "Could it be a diversion?"
Given their experience, such a trick was easy to see through.
"Hard to say," Ethan Cross replied, frowning.
He had considered Oak's point, especially suspicious given the timing. But because it was so obvious, it made them question it even more.
"What's the situation exactly?" Oak pressed further.
"First, the service hall alarm went off, followed by an explosion. There are herds of Tauros rampaging in the streets," Ethan Cross explained in detail. "Most importantly, Caesar called for help, saying someone intended to attack the Safari Zone. The call was suddenly cut off, confirming it was Team Rocket's doing."
"So, Officer Jenny stumbled upon Team Rocket by accident?" Oak confirmed.
"That's correct," Ethan Cross nodded. "I suspect Giovanni sent people to the Safari Zone while we were focused on the port."
"Team Rocket might be pulling out of Kanto, and Giovanni could be at odds with the masked man. It's plausible," Oak said with a wry smile. "This is exactly the kind of public plan Carl often mentions, laying out all possibilities before us and making us choose."
"If we send people to support the Safari Zone, we won't have enough manpower at the port; if we don't, we risk falling into a trap."
"It's quite a headache," Ethan Cross said, rubbing his temples.
Lorelei suggested, "Should we ask Carl? He knows Team Rocket best."
"Great idea!" Ethan Cross brightened up, "And we can deliver the thank-you gift we prepared for him."
"I'll go," Lorelei was about to stand up when Caitlin, who had been dozing off, suddenly rose. "Let me go instead."
Compared to the League's conflict with Team Rocket, she preferred being around Carl and Sabrina.
"Alright, I'll leave it to you, Caitlin," Ethan Cross agreed with a smile.
Her reluctance was written all over her face, and they didn't want to force her.
"I'm off then!"
Caitlin used teleportation to leave the scene.
Elsewhere, in Area A of the Safari Zone near the wild expanse.
Carl stood atop a large tree, surveying the surroundings. "This must be the place Caesar mentioned."
He unleashed his aura power, searching for his target by sensing the Pokémon's auras. Though it was energy-consuming, he was up for the challenge in this area.
"Nothing."
Not only did he fail to find any trace of the pseudo-legendary Pokémon, but even potential candidates were scarce. With a hint of disappointment, Carl flew over a river.
While he couldn't fully trust future predictions, they still held some reference value. If Dragonair returned with Dratini, it would surely choose a secluded and suitable place to reside. That hidden pond was a crucial clue.
"There are several possible directions; I'll check this way first."
Carl chose a direction and flew off.
Meanwhile, on the VIP floor of the Vermilion City League branch.
"Where's Sabrina?" Caitlin stood in front of the room door, frowning in confusion.
Before heading to the meeting room, she had noted Sabrina's room number. Now, wanting to find Carl, she preferred not to go alone since she wasn't very familiar with him.
"Could she have already gone to protect Carl?" Caitlin wondered.
It seemed like the most reasonable explanation. She couldn't understand why Carl, with all his abilities, needed a bodyguard, and why he chose Sabrina, a woman, which wasn't very gentlemanly.
"Guess I'll head over directly."
Caitlin turned and walked down the corridor to the right. Sabrina and Carl's rooms were not far apart, so there was no need to use teleportation.
"Ding dong~"
"Sabrina, are you there?"
Caitlin called Sabrina's name first.
But there was no response from the room.
"Sabrina?" She called again.
After several attempts with no answer, Caitlin frowned in confusion.
With both Sabrina and Carl absent, they might have gone out. Carl was often elusive, perhaps off on another escapade.
Just as she was about to leave, she heard Sabrina's weak voice, "Caitlin, I'm inside."
"Sabrina, open the door. I have something for you," Caitlin said excitedly.
"Not now, it's inconvenient," Sabrina declined directly.
Caitlin's smile froze. "I'm here to deliver the Kanto League's thank-you gift."
"Later, we're resting," Sabrina's tone was cold.
Hearing it was rest time, Caitlin immediately understood. As someone who valued sleep, she knew it was impolite to disturb others' rest.
"Alright, enjoy your rest. I'll come by later." She left cheerfully.
Once Caitlin had left, a weary Sabrina finally breathed a sigh of relief. She had almost resorted to using her psychic powers to divert Caitlin.
Back at the meeting room, Cynthia asked, "Back so soon? What did Carl say?"
"I didn't see him. Sabrina said they were resting," Caitlin replied honestly.
"They're resting together?" Everyone exchanged knowing looks.
"Yes, Sabrina said so herself," Caitlin explained earnestly. "It's impolite to disturb people while they're sleeping."
The group exchanged glances, and Professor Oak chuckled, "Ah, youth is splendid."
"Indeed," Blaine agreed.
Ethan Cross smiled knowingly.
Agatha's comment left everyone speechless.
Lance watched from the side, feeling a bit envious, thinking this was the way to live life.
Sabrina, though not very talkative, was beautiful and well-proportioned.
Caitlin blinked in confusion.
She couldn't understand why everyone suddenly went quiet. Had she missed something, or had she not expressed herself clearly?
Dealing with people was exhausting! She sighed inwardly.
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