"That's pretty much all of it."
Nozomi lifted the cup from the table, took a slow sip of water, and cleared his throat.
He had just finished explaining in full detail to Lorelei everything he had discovered over the past two days in Vermilion City — and particularly, what he'd uncovered about Vermilion Gym.
The Gym's activity had become increasingly suspicious recently. Although Lt. Surge had stopped using excessive force on challengers, Nozomi knew that was only a façade.
"So you're saying Lt. Surge and the entire Vermilion Gym can no longer be trusted?" Lorelei asked, her brows furrowed.
"That's right." Nozomi's voice was steady. "I infiltrated Vermilion Gym myself, disguised as a Team Rocket member. I can confirm beyond any doubt — from the janitors to the Gym staff — everyone inside that Gym is Rocket."
He had snuck into Vermilion Gym multiple times over the past two days using his alias as 'Inoue'. In that sense, he spoke from solid ground — he knew the place inside and out.
Lorelei nodded. She trusted Nozomi — not blindly, but through careful observation.
She had her own way of reading people, and with both Professor Oak and Agatha vouching for him, the odds of Nozomi being compromised were virtually zero.
Besides, if Nozomi had ulterior motives, he would have never resisted taking advantage of her when she was drunk that night.
"So, when is Team Rocket planning to make their move?"
"Tomorrow. When the S.S. Anne sets sail."
Nozomi leaned forward slightly, his tone lowering. "Once the ship leaves port, Team Rocket will first cut off all communications. Then they'll abduct the captain and the passengers. A large number of Rocket agents have already infiltrated the ship — even several sailors have been replaced."
Lorelei's eyes narrowed. "Agatha's plan is to use the S.S. Anne as bait, draw Rocket out, and capture them all in one sweep. But the potential casualties…" She hesitated. "Is there any way to take them out before the Anne leaves port?"
"No." Nozomi shook his head.
"From what I've learned, the two key Rocket executives overseeing this operation won't be aboard the Anne at first."
Lorelei frowned. "What do you mean?"
"They'll set out separately in smaller vessels," Nozomi explained. "Once the S.S. Anne is at sea, they'll intercept her along the route. If we move too early, they'll sense something's off and flee. We'd lose our only chance to catch them both."
"So this is the only viable approach?" Lorelei sighed, displeased but thoughtful. Team Rocket's caution impressed even her.
Still, she couldn't afford to waver now — not when lives were on the line. She believed in her own strength. She would protect the civilians onboard.
She let the hesitation fade and nodded firmly.
"How many agents is the League deploying?" Nozomi asked. The answer would determine their tactical scope.
"We've mobilized three hundred elite investigators," Lorelei replied, her tone confident. "And four patrol vessels. It's not a massive force, but more than enough to crush Rocket."
Nozomi nodded in approval.
Though outnumbered, the League's high-ranking investigators far outclassed the average Rocket grunt. With equal leadership strength, the advantage still lay with them.
"As for Vermilion Gym," Lorelei continued, "Agatha and I agreed — we don't move on it yet."
"Don't move?"
"Exactly. Even after we attack the Anne, Lt. Surge won't necessarily realize he's been exposed. After the operation, we'll send him an official League order to 'assist in the cleanup of remaining Rocket forces.' That should keep him complacent."
She didn't finish the thought aloud, but the implication was clear — once Team Rocket's sea operation was dismantled, Lt. Surge would be next on the chopping block.
"What about Viridian Gym?"
At the mention of Giovanni, Nozomi's tone hardened. That man had haunted him long enough; if Giovanni wasn't dealt with, he'd never stop watching from the shadows.
"We'll wait for Lance to return."
That one sentence told Nozomi everything.
Neither Agatha nor Lorelei had full confidence in taking down Giovanni yet.
Viridian Gym — the so-called strongest Gym in Kanto. Giovanni himself was revered as "Giovanni of the Earth." The League's internal assessment placed his power on par with the Elite Four.
And as the leader of Team Rocket, he was never without powerful subordinates.
Without Lance — Kanto's strongest Trainer — it would be reckless to make a move.
Only when Lance returned would the League dare to strike. With him, the odds of success would rise dramatically.
Lorelei clasped her hands lightly. "That's the gist of the plan. Do you have anything to add?"
Nozomi shook his head. "No — Agatha and you have already covered everything. The rest will depend on how the situation develops in the moment."
"Good. Then it's settled." Lorelei stood, decisive. "Tomorrow, you'll be boarding the ship with me."
"No problem."
Both of them seemed satisfied. In fact, they were surprised at how seamlessly they worked together — their thinking matched almost perfectly.
"Let's grab dinner together," Nozomi suggested, glancing out at the darkening sky.
The Next Morning — Vermilion Harbor
The port was overflowing with people.
Today marked the departure of the S.S. Anne, the luxury cruise liner's grand voyage around the world.
Because several companies had recently distributed promotional tickets, countless Trainers had flocked here to board.
"What a crowd," Nozomi whistled softly. "My instincts tell me these 'free tickets' are definitely part of Team Rocket's setup."
"What's their real goal?" Lorelei asked.
"You mean the League hasn't received intel yet?" Nozomi looked genuinely surprised. He'd already brought this up to Agatha, who promised to look into it — but apparently, even the League hadn't found the answer.
After a pause, he lowered his voice. "From what I overheard at Vermilion Gym, Rocket's target seems to be some kind of device. I don't know what exactly — but it must be important."
Lorelei frowned slightly but said nothing more; it was their turn to board.
Thanks to official funding, their VIP tickets allowed them to bypass the long queues entirely.
"Welcome aboard, sir, ma'am. Please, follow me."
Guided by a smiling attendant, Nozomi and Lorelei were led toward their first-class cabin — a stark contrast to the envious Trainers still waiting in line clutching their complimentary tickets.
Nozomi sighed dramatically. "The evil power of money…"
Even as he thought it, he maintained his calm, unreadable smile — while dozens of young Trainers glared at him with a mix of envy, jealousy, and despair.