The day after N's arrival.
Ryuka initiated the first step of the "Peaceful Revolution"—leading a group to occupy the Team Snagem headquarters.
Frobo had said they would avoid armed conflict as much as possible and that Kashiwagi's help wouldn't be needed. However, Kashiwagi couldn't stay away. He took Takeo and stood at the base of the tower, waiting for news so he could provide immediate support if things went south.
He remained incredibly wary of the neighboring Crystal Group.
When he heard from Soshiro that Chester, the leader of the Crystal Group, was also going to rescue the Boss, he was stunned. It didn't fit Chester's "traitorous rebel" persona at all. Had the man seen the Jackal Gang collapse after losing their leader and suddenly grown a conscience?
Logic told Kashiwagi it was possible; instinct told him to stay vigilant.
However, the transition went much smoother than anticipated. Ryuka and his team had clearly prepared thoroughly; in less than ten minutes, the "leadership" of Team Snagem had changed hands.
"Don't be so surprised. For these people, you only need to give them one reason to switch sides," Frobo said, smiling as he descended the stairs. "The chance to become a 'normal' trainer."
"Normal...?"
"Exactly. This building is full of people who are the closest to being Pokémon trainers, yet also the furthest away. They have the knowledge to understand the world, yet they are forced to stay in this building, doing tedious work with no future," Frobo explained with a sigh.
In Team Snagem, Pokémon were treated as absolute military assets controlled by the middle and upper management. Even if lower-level staff had enough money to buy a Pokémon, they were strictly forbidden from owning one until they achieved official member status.
The original "Kashiwagi" had once dreamed of saving enough money to buy a Pokémon—a dream that had once misled the current Kashiwagi. But upon rising to official status, he realized that even if the money was there, the leadership would never give outer members or administrative staff the chance.
Thus, a large portion of the staff in HQ had spent years envying the Pokémon of others. Furthermore, not everyone was suited for looting and killing; many longed to be normal trainers like those in other regions.
Ryuka—or rather, the Salvation Organization—offered these people hope.
Actually, Soshiro and the others' decision had first offered them despair. Everyone knew that a faction without enough trainers to protect it was just food for someone else. Going to Phenac City was dangerous, but staying in Pyrite Town was just as risky. When the Combat Division heartlessly abandoned them, Ryuka's arrival and his promises became a life raft they clung to desperately.
Frobo continued: "By controlling the HQ, we control Snagem's logistics—everything from water, electricity, and supplies to mines, smelters, and data signals."
"So it's over?"
"Of course not. We still have to win over the last remaining combat squads."
"...What about the Crystal Group?"
"Do you think someone like Chester would leave people behind to guard his wealth? He moved everything he could long ago. Those left behind are just the 'unfavored children'." Frobo chuckled. "Rest assured, whether he lives or dies, Chester has decided not to return to Team Snagem. Most likely, he'll try to return with Es Gan's forces, waiting for Pyrite's factions to be suppressed before helping his own new power rise."
In other words: Chester intended to betray Soshiro and Yugo to side with Es Gan.
The critical question, however, remained.
"Will Es Gan accept a traitor like Chester? Use someone who has already betrayed their own once?" Kashiwagi was fascinated by how Chester had even managed to get a line to the big boss.
"We think it's unlikely. But before fully understanding the situation in Pyrite, Es Gan's commander will see Chester as a useful asset. Once the suppression is over, Chester's days will be numbered."
Frobo spoke of "discarding the tool after it's used" with a grim matter-of-factness. It made Kashiwagi feel a strange sense of pity for Chester. Although they had never met, the man had caused him plenty of trouble; if Chester met a miserable end, it would be one less thing for Kashiwagi to worry about.
"Alright, relax. I told you we wouldn't need you on the front lines," Frobo patted his shoulder. "Tomorrow, our superiors are sending reinforcements. He's not much older than you and originally from the Orre region. You should get to know him."
Reinforcements? Kashiwagi was intrigued.
-----
Due to the immense efforts Ryuka and the others had made behind the scenes, the shift in Team Snagem's leadership was surprisingly quiet.
Naruhisa and the others only realized at this stage that their "Big Brother" had been in league with the Salvation Organization all along. They were both relieved and a bit annoyed that he hadn't told them sooner.
Kashiwagi didn't offer a defense.
He knew that while Ryuka was successfully expanding and absorbing civilians, most people were simply following the flow. Their understanding of "Saving Orre" was shallow—limited to the fact that the Salvation Organization provided food, fair pay, and an end to "protection fees."
To be fair, that was enough for a revolution, but not nearly enough to actually save the region.
While Ryuka was busy with politics, Kashiwagi focused on making sure those closest to him understood their future goals. His main project was Otsuka, the man who had once bullied others due to the pressure of the old system.
Otsuka had been very busy lately.
Under Kashiwagi's guidance, he was spending his own money to apologize to and compensate those he had mistreated. Fortunately, he hadn't committed any major crimes or caused permanent injuries. Still, he had to pay the price.
This was Otsuka's own choice, not something Kashiwagi forced, though Kashiwagi had told him: "Everyone makes mistakes, but admitting and taking responsibility for them is hard. The world is changing, and you must change too, Otsuka. Learn to do the right thing, or you'll never keep up with the new world."
Inspired, Otsuka began making amends. Some accepted the money and the apology; others refused. For those who wouldn't forgive him, Otsuka let them hit him. Since his worst offenses had been verbal abuse and the occasional beating, he felt a "tooth for a tooth" was only fair.
Kashiwagi stood by throughout the process, giving the victims the courage to strike back at a squad leader. Without his presence, the shackles of the old class system would have likely kept them from acting.
The people who got their revenge were happy, and Otsuka—bruised and swollen—was happy too.
"I don't feel the weight anymore, Kashiwagi," Otsuka grinned, showing off two missing teeth. His expression was a mix of pain and relief.
"No, you're far from done," Kashiwagi replied, causing Otsuka's face to stiffen.
"Eh?"
"Go to Magnetic Barium Street and help rebuild the houses," Kashiwagi said softly. "That is the punishment you deserve."
Seeing Kashiwagi's serious expression, Otsuka agreed without hesitation. "Okay!"
The young man didn't yet realize that Kashiwagi wasn't just punishing him; he was giving him a chance to truly become part of the community.
At that same moment, a new guest arrived at the Team Snagem borders.
"Pyrite Town... it's been a long time."
The man rode a hovercycle. In the sidecar, an Espeon and an Umbreon let out cries of agreement.