Chapter 408:

Guided by Mewtwo and Gardevoir, Hayashi Kaede moved through the Team Rocket’s research facilities as if it were unguarded territory. The only things he needed to avoid were the surveillance cameras. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

He was well aware of this, of course. In areas covered by cameras, he simply had the two Pokémon Teleport them past which is far more convenient.

What pleasantly surprised Kaede, however, was something else.

The senior Rocket executive overseeing the research division had already formulated a plan after Mewtwo’s previous attack.

To Team Rocket, the valuable assets weren’t the instruments—those could be replaced anytime. Nor were the escaped Dragon-type Pokémon, though precious, weren’t their highest priority.

The most invaluable treasures were the research data and the researchers themselves. As long as they remained, even if the first Mewtwo was lost, given time, a second could be created. Moreover, with the experience gained, the next one could be made both stronger and more obedient.

The problem was, after Mewtwo’s last rampage, this sea area had drawn the League’s attention. Investigators patrolled the waters periodically. Therefore, the relevant Team Rocket executives decided to relocate this research operation inland.

Right now was the transition period for transferring the researchers—a handover to other facilities.

Since the previous incident had left some specialized researchers injured or missing, for their safety, those involved in the Mewtwo project were being dispersed to various institutes under protection. The goal was to prevent the League from discovering and wiping them all out in one sweep.

Coincidentally, over the next few days, the other researchers at this institute would begin their relocation.

By closely monitoring the transfer personnel these coming days, one could uncover the locations of nearly all Team Rocket’s research facilities in the Kanto region.

"Perfect! It’s decided then!"

After searching through who-knows-how-many people’s memories, Kaede had a clear picture in his mind.

"Mewtwo, Gardevoir, let’s go for now..."

Once decided, their figures vanished from the institute. Within the facility, after a brief silence, those who had fainted awoke one by one, bewildered. They found it odd—how had they suddenly fallen asleep? But they didn’t dwell on it, simply returning to their work.

None knew that within this silent undercurrent, a young man from Eastova, driven by a Salamence, was planning to cripple Team Rocket’s entire research network in one fell swoop!

...

March 21st.

Central Kanto Region.

Lance, the acting champion clad in his signature cape, looked puzzled at an email marked "Important" sent by Blue.

His memory of those two young men, Blue and Red, was vivid.

They were an odd pair. First, Blue, through Professor Oak’s introduction, challenged the Elite Four and briefly became the Regional Champion. But he hadn’t even warmed the seat for ten minutes before the other one showed up.

It was as if they had an agreement. Red challenged them with absolute strength, then defeated Blue in their subsequent match.

Hmm...

They didn’t seem interested in being champion; it was more like they were competing for first and second place. After Red claimed the title, he relinquished it. In the end, after all the back-and-forth, Lance, as one of the Elite Four, was deemed the most suitable to fill the role...

He was speechless. The other three Elite four were equally baffled.

But there was no helping it. The two youths were genuinely too young, and their hearts weren’t in administrative work. One preferred a free, unconventional life, taking up work as a Breeder and now serving as a Gym Leader. The other pursued the pinnacle of being a Trainer.

Yet, it was this same Blue who would send him such a private email now.

"Strange, very strange."

But as Lance opened the email and read through it, his expression grew increasingly grave. "Team Rocket?"

The email contained address after address, detailed down to the specific alleyways and underground passages. Attached were photos: Pokémon in various states of experimentation, some even annotated with their origins—which wilderness zone they were captured from.

The severity of their conditions was one thing. In Kanto, and under most region’s regulations, unauthorized capture and experimentation on Pokémon, especially by means against the Pokémon’s will, were strictly prohibited.

"Team Rocket!!"

As he scrolled through the photos, Lance felt his hair practically stand on end. He restrained his anger, committing each location to memory as he reached the end, where he saw this final message:

>"On March 24th, at 10 AM, I will ask Red to leave Mt. Silver and handle the facility near Pallet Town. Champion Lance, please use these three days to prepare for the operation. The offshore research institute will be handled by the source of this information. Do not worry; he and his Pokémon possess the capability. Exercise utmost caution in selecting personnel—ensure there are no tip-offs!

>

> — Blue"

"Phew..."

Reading this, Lance clenched his jaw, then slowly exhaled in relief.

The sheer number of detailed locations, the photographic evidence, the fact it came directly from Blue, and that Blue had even persuaded Red to descend from Mt. Silver—all this confirmed the information’s authenticity.

Moreover, Blue understood the situation well. Lance had just taken office; he wasn’t familiar with everyone in the Kanto League yet. That’s why Blue proactively took responsibility for one area and even managed to get Red involved.

Which raised the next question... What did that last line mean?

*"The offshore research institute will be handled by the source of this information."*

Lance was deeply curious about this informant.

This intelligence clearly came from deep within Rocket’s research facilities. Close-range photos, taken right under their noses... and yet, they hadn’t raised any alarm? Moreover, uncovering so many institute locations? How was that even possible?

By his estimation, even a Trainer with immensely powerful Psychic-type Pokémon would struggle to accomplish this. So how did this person do it? And just who was this Trainer?

Lance couldn’t figure it out, nor did he obsess over it. If Blue vouched for this person’s capability, then it was likely true. This would significantly lighten the operational burden.

Yet, it planted a seed of intrigue in Lance’s mind.

Just who could this person be?