At this moment, Blaziken's level had reached 47.
After a month of training and exercise, it had come to this point.
Cain, accompanied by the newly evolved Aggron and Blaziken, was heading toward the area where fire had been spotted.
After Aggron's evolution, the Team Rocket members aboard the flying fortress had also arrived at the islands.
They all split into three groups, beginning exploration in different directions.
The target was the three different mountains on the islands.
"Blaziken, High Jump Kick!"
"Aggron, Stone Edge!"
Blaziken leapt into the air, bending his knees, and delivered a direct kick to a ferocious-looking Mightyena.
Aggron, for his part, remained still, while sharp rocks of various shapes emerged from the ground and sky, launching toward another Mightyena.
Boom!
BOOM!
BOOM!
Blaziken's kick struck a Mightyena head-on. At the same time, Aggron's attack landed on the other.
Both fell defeated without resistance.
A clean and efficient victory.
"Well done, Blaziken. Your High Jump Kick is well-trained. If you pay attention to the enemy's movement, you can land a devastating blow."
"Aggron, your Stone Edge is also well-practiced, but it would be better if the launch was faster and the flight pattern of the rocks more chaotic," Cain said, evaluating the battle.
When Blaziken had just evolved, he didn't yet master either High Jump Kick or Flare Blitz. Over the past month, in addition to leveling up, he had focused on training these two moves until he could use them proficiently in real combat.
Aggron, though recently evolved, had already learned Stone Edge from the last Team Rocket exchange fair, and with enough practice, he could now use it smoothly.
Even so, both Pokémon still had room for improvement.
After the battle, Cain looked up at the sky.
"Everyone must have separated by now. It's time to execute my mission."
"Come out, Honchkrow," he said as he threw a Pokéball.
"Honchkrow, scan the sky to see if you can spot any Team Rocket movements," Cain instructed.
Honchkrow nodded and took off with a flap of its wings.
Now with Elite-level strength and hidden by the night, it would be almost impossible to detect.
While Honchkrow investigated, Cain continued moving with the others.
Shortly after, Honchkrow returned.
It reported back to Cain what it had seen.
Indeed, several Team Rocket members were still grouped up and had not begun deep exploration of the mountains. Cain needed to wait.
He could step in when they encountered Moltres or if they dispersed without finding it.
According to the information provided by Giovanni and Umbra, Cain's task was to deal with the members of the Nishikawa family. To receive the best possible reward, he had to eliminate Rox and Regi along with their followers.
So the time had not yet come.
With Honchkrow watching from above, Cain continued lurking in their tracks.
...
Three days later
Three Bird Islands
After three days, Team Rocket had still not found any trace of the Legendary Birds.
Neither Moltres, sought by Rox, nor Articuno and Zapdos, being hunted by Tenebris and Umbra, had appeared.
But they didn't give up.
Team Rocket's records confirmed that the birds lived on this island.
As they approached the three mountains, they also found traces of their presence, so they decided to wait patiently.
The mission had a deadline of two weeks; only three days had passed.
Rox and his team were already prepared for a long-term operation.
But for Cain, three days were more than enough to be fully ready.
He had already understood the movement range and patterns of Rox's group and was waiting for the perfect moment.
He had to complete his mission without affecting Team Rocket's objectives.
"Kiiiirrrr!"
Suddenly, a thunderous bird cry tore through the sky. At the same time, lightning began to flash in the clouds.
Zapdos!
It was approaching, flying from a distance toward the island.
Upon seeing the powerful and majestic electric Pokémon, Cain narrowed his eyes.
"Three days of waiting... it finally appeared."
The appearance of Zapdos didn't guarantee the manifestation of the other two birds, but Cain had a feeling they wouldn't be far behind.
The operation could begin!
Cain threw two more Pokéballs.
Pupitar and Politoed appeared.
Along with Aggron and Blaziken, he now had a team ranging from Advanced level to nearly High Advanced level.
In these three days of intense combat: Aggron had reached level 46, Blaziken level 49, Pupitar remained at 46, and Politoed had reached level 49.
Together with Swampert at Quasi-Elite level, these four Pokémon could easily face other quasi-elite level trainers.
During this time, in addition to training, Cain had fully scanned this section of the volcanic island in the system.
He now had a detailed map of the jungle surrounding the volcano.
He moved quickly through the jungle.
His first target: the members of the Nishikawa family operating under the name of Team Rocket.
In their hearts, family always came before Team Rocket.
"Pupitar, Precipice Blades!"
"Blaziken, Blaze Kick!"
"Aggron, Stone Edge!"
"Politoed, Scald!"
The four Pokémon attacked in unison. Before two members of the Nishikawa family could react, they and their Pokémon were eliminated.
Cain didn't even look at them as he passed.
The ground beneath his feet shifted, covering the bodies with mud and rocks.
He didn't stop.
Many still remained.
Cain had already begun the operation.
In the distance, thunder rumbled. The first bolts of lightning could be heard.
The battle between Umbra and Zapdos had begun!
The more Nishikawa family members disappeared, the fewer responses were received on the communicator.
Rox and Regi began to sense that something was wrong.
Rox gave a cold smile, while Regi had a grim expression.
"Uncle, it looks like someone is hunting us," said Regi.
"Hmph. This operation will come down to who has more hidden resources. If they reveal themselves this early, how much will they have left after?" replied Rox, not taking it too seriously.
They had been in Team Rocket for many years. If they still weren't Captains, their potential wasn't that high. If they died, it wouldn't affect the Nishikawa family much.
"I'll go investigate," proposed Regi.
"Fine. But be careful. If you find someone too strong, request reinforcements immediately," Rox responded.
For some reason, the image of the black-hooded figure flashed in his mind...
(End of chapter)