Pokémon, Inkaros, my starter Pokémon

As they spoke, Yu Longdu's expression became extremely solemn, and the Heavenly Kings nodded in agreement.

Indeed, it seems that the enemy knows the route in advance every time they are deployed. By the time they arrive, the captain-level members have already evacuated, and all the important research data has been taken away. What is left are some unimportant Team Rocket members and waste paper documents.

Yulongdu continued:

"However, Shi Dou is different. He is not an investigator within the league's regular system, and his actions are highly sudden and autonomous. It is difficult for the Rockets' inside agents to keep track of his movements in time. It is precisely this 'unconventional' way of attacking that allows him to strike like a precise dagger straight into the enemy's heart, achieving results that our regular forces cannot match."

There was a brief silence in the meeting room.

The rise of the Rockets not only brought substantial results in dealing with the Rockets, but also served as a mirror, reflecting the hidden crisis within the league.

Faced with this situation, Chairman Damaranchi nodded heavily and said, "Yes, Lance is right. The League is a big tree with many branches and leaves, but it is also bound to breed termites. It has long been riddled with holes by Team Rocket. However, the number of members is huge and the relationships are intricate. If one thing is done, it will affect the whole thing. It is not easy to thoroughly investigate."

"What's even more troublesome is that some people operate in the gray area, even having connections in both the legitimate and criminal worlds. If we rashly take action to arrest them, we can certainly eliminate some pests, but many of the alliance's affairs and resource channels in the legitimate world may also be paralyzed, and the resulting losses and turmoil will be equally unbearable."

As he spoke, Chairman Damaranchi couldn't help but sigh.

Lorelei, the Ice-type Elite Four member, adjusted her glasses and calmly suggested, "In that case, we should pay more attention to and make good use of this 'little hero' who has suddenly appeared. His existence may become a key piece for us to break the deadlock."

Yu Longdu agreed: "I agree. I think we can grant him some non-public privileges privately, such as higher-level database access, priority in mobilizing local police forces in certain situations, and limited access to some special facilities within the alliance. At the same time, he has made a great contribution this time, so the rewards and commendations in public must be generous, and we cannot discourage a righteous man."

"Alright, you can handle these matters, but be careful not to overstep the bounds." Chairman Damaranchi approved the proposal.

Kona spoke again, her voice filled with concern: "Besides that, I think we must prioritize his personal safety. He has disrupted two important Team Rocket operations and even captured Athena, a high-ranking executive. He must have already been placed on Team Rocket's 'watch list.' Given Team Rocket's vengeful nature, they are likely to retaliate against him, or even... eliminate him completely. We need to secretly deploy forces to protect this 'little brother' with unlimited potential."

“Yes, security is indeed a serious matter.” Chairman Damaranchi said solemnly, “This matter is also entrusted to Du. You will be fully responsible for ensuring his safety.”

"Yes!" Yu Longdu solemnly accepted the order.

------

Meanwhile, at the Rockets headquarters.

In a luxuriously decorated office that exudes a cold atmosphere, a middle-aged man sits upright in a large executive chair. He has his hair neatly slicked back, his face is resolute, and a faint, indifferent smile habitually plays on his lips, giving off an aura of authority that commands respect without a hint of anger.

It was none other than the Rockets' supreme leader—Gakki!

At this moment, Sakaki's long, slender fingers gently stroked the cat lying on his lap. The cat squinted comfortably and purred softly.

At the desk, Apollo, the executive, stood respectfully, head bowed, and reported: "Boss... this is the detailed report on the failure of Athena's executives in the operation in Lavender Town, and... their arrest by the Alliance."

Sakaki continued stroking the cat without pausing, only giving a faint "hmm," as if he had heard something insignificant.

After a moment of silence, Sakaki slowly asked, "Who was the person who captured her?"

Apollo quickly replied, "It's the new gym leader of the Goldenrod City Fighting Dojo, named Tokito. He was the one who ruined Lance's plans on the St. Anne last time."

"Tokito..."

Sakaki murmured the name repeatedly, then reached out his hand, and Apollo immediately handed him a thin sheet of documents respectfully.

Sakaki opened the documents and quickly scanned them.

The information records Tokito's recent activities: taking over the Fighting Gym that was on the verge of closing, defeating Lt. Surge of the Vermilion Gym, the St. Anne incident, and his achievements in Lavender Town last night.

Looking at this legendary experience, Giovanni's eyes showed obvious interest and a hint of doubt for the first time.

In just one month, he rose from an unknown dojo master to a high-ranking official, defeating two senior officers in succession...

This rate of growth is simply unbelievable.

Could it be... that he has a reclusive master guiding him?

Or perhaps they have mastered some unknown, magical power?

Chapter 72: A Short Story about the Dream Eater and Gardevoir (1.2 words)

Sakaki carefully examined Tokito's information, but unfortunately, the information about Tokito's background, mentors, and Pokémon origins was scarce, as if it had been deliberately erased. Even the records within the League were vague.

This sense of mystery did not annoy Sakaki; instead, it deepened the controlling smile on his lips.

Sakaki put down the documents, turned his gaze to the window, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and muttered to himself in a voice only he could hear:

"Shi Dou... is interesting. Is he a butterfly stirring up trouble? Or... a rough gem worth polishing?"

Sakaki has always admired true strength and ability, regardless of whether the other party is friend or foe. Tokito, this dark horse who suddenly emerged, undoubtedly piqued his interest greatly. He stared intently at Tokito's photo in the file, his eyes deep, as if he were plotting something.

At this moment, Apollo cautiously asked, "Boss Sakaki, what... what should we do about Athena?"

Sakaki withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "Find a way to rescue her. Athena is indispensable for research in the field of evolution, the organization has invested a lot of resources in her, and... she is quite loyal to Team Rocket."

“Yes! I understand!” Apollo immediately bowed and accepted the order. “We will formulate a rescue plan as soon as possible.”

Sakaki waved his hand, indicating that Apollo could leave.

When the office fell silent again, his gaze returned to Shi Dou's documents, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, forming a meaningful arc.

…………

That night, at the Golden City Police Department, in the underground special detention area.

As the core police station of the largest city in the Kanto region, its security level is top-notch. Athena, a senior member of Team Rocket, is being held in solitary confinement in a specially designed cell, guarded in shifts by several fully armed police officers. She is expected to be secretly transported to the Indigo Plateau, where the League headquarters is located, early the next morning for further interrogation and detention.

However, shortly after the shift change in the early morning, one of the guards suddenly felt a strong wave of drowsiness, and his eyelids were so heavy that he could hardly open them.

He shook his head, trying to stay awake, only to see a Dream Eater holding a pocket watch appear in the shadows of the corridor, gently shaking the watch at him.

The Hypnos, a hypnotic Pokémon, is a very dangerous Pokémon that moves around holding a pendulum-like object, but people seeking a good night's sleep call it a savior.

If you accidentally encounter it and make eye contact with it, it can be dangerous. It is said that when an opponent makes eye contact with it, it will use various superpowers such as hypnosis.

The Dream Eater swings its ever-present pendulum in a fixed rhythm, causing anyone who gets close to it to involuntarily fall asleep. There have been incidents where it used hypnosis to take away beautiful girls, Gardevoir, and Lopunny...

"Tick...tick..."

The officer's eyes instantly became dazed and empty, and his movements became stiff and slow. Under the mental suggestion of the Dream Eater, he seemed to be sleepwalking, and in a daze, he took out the key and mechanically opened the heavy electronic lock of Athena's cell.

The prison door slid open silently.

Athena, who had been waiting for a long time, tidied her somewhat messy hair and clothes. Her face showed no surprise, but rather a hint of impatience. She swaggered out.

Athena glanced at the police officer who stood there like a puppet and snorted coldly.

Apollo, who had already infiltrated to provide backup, emerged from the shadows.

"Hmph, arriving so late, what inefficiency! Making me stay in a place like this for so long!"

As soon as Athena met Apollo, she launched into a tirade of complaints, venting all the frustration and anger she had suffered at Tokito's hands.

Apollo frowned and retorted without any politeness, "I'm already being kind enough to get you out of here! If it weren't for Boss Sakaki's orders, do you think I would have risked coming to this Golden City Police Department? Mission failed, arrested, and you still have the nerve to act all high and mighty here?"

"You!" Athena choked for a moment, her face turning even uglier. She gritted her teeth and said, "This time I was careless and got tricked by that brat. If I run into him again, I'll definitely teach him a lesson and steal all his rare elves!"

Apollo simply responded with a cryptic "heh," too lazy to argue further. He quickly made a gesture, and the two, under the cover of the Dream Eater, swiftly disappeared into the complex passageways of the police station, leaving no trace.

……

The next morning, Shi Dou had just finished his morning exercise when his communicator rang urgently.

The caller ID showed it was Officer Jenny from Golden City.

As soon as the call connected, Officer Jenny's voice, filled with guilt and anxiety, came from the other end: "Gym Leader Tokito! I'm so sorry! We...we failed in our duty. Last night, Athena, the Team Rocket executive who was being held at the police station...she...she was rescued!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Dou was taken aback for a moment, then a helpless expression of "I knew it" appeared on his face. He took a deep breath and calmly reassured Shi Dou:

“Miss Officer Jenny, please don’t blame yourself too much. Team Rocket’s influence is deeply entrenched. The fact that they were able to launch a rescue operation so quickly and successfully shows that they were prepared, or... there are indeed problems within our ranks.”

After hanging up the phone, Shi Dou looked out the window at the city gradually waking up, his brows furrowed slightly.

It wasn't that simple after all.

They could easily infiltrate even a core police station like Golden City, and their methods of rescuing people were as if they were in an empty field.

It seems unrealistic to think that capturing one or two officers will cripple Team Rocket; they're like a centipede, stubbornly persistent even when dead. Unless their core headquarters can be located, or decisive evidence is obtained to wipe them out, this cat-and-mouse game will continue.

The news of Athena's rescue was clearly being strictly suppressed by the League's top brass; the official statement released was still that she had been "safely taken to Indigo Plateau." Tokito didn't bother to delve into the political maneuvering behind it; his immediate priority was the upcoming open tournament with Sabrina to decide the ownership of the official Gym in Goldenrod City.

……

Early in the morning, Ash and his friends woke up in their gym room. Misty yawned and came out of the room, just in time to see Toki feeding the Pokémon in the yard. She greeted him.

Good morning, Mr. Tokito!

Before she could finish speaking, Ash rushed past her, his face full of eagerness: "Mr. Tokito, Misty, Brock. I'm going to challenge Sabrina right now!"

Seeing Ash's excited state, Tokito also became interested. He really wanted to witness this classic scene with his own eyes, so he said, "Let's go, I'll go with you to take a look."

Standing once again before the imposing gate of the Saffron City Psychic Gym, Brock and Misty couldn't help but recall their terrifying experience of almost being turned into dolls, and obvious fear appeared on their faces.

“I’m here this time, it’s alright,” Shi Dou said calmly.

With Shi Dou's promise, Xiao Gang and Xiao Xia did not back down.

Shi Dou could sense that the mischievous Gastly was now invisible, following Ash closely. Even if it temporarily failed him, he still had the new Gengar, which could easily go and make Sabrina laugh.

With Shi Dou's assurance, Xiao Xia and Xiao Gang finally mustered up their courage and together pushed open the heavy door of the dojo.

The dojo remained eerily dark inside. However, as everyone stepped into the center of the arena, a blinding white light suddenly illuminated the surroundings, turning the entire arena into a stage.

At the far end of the dojo, on that high and mighty throne, Sabrina sat quietly. She possessed a stunningly beautiful face, with long purple hair cascading down like a waterfall, but her large eyes were empty and lifeless, as if unfocused.

Most strikingly, in Naz's arms, she was carefully holding a doll that looked exactly like her as a child, with the same empty eyes.

The whole scene had an indescribable eeriness about it.

Ash took a deep breath, stepped forward, and said loudly, "Miss Sabrina, I am Ash from Pallet Town! Today, I challenge you to a gymnastics challenge once again!"

Sabrina slowly raised her head, her empty gaze falling on Ash. She didn't say anything more, just nodded slightly to indicate acceptance. She didn't even get up, but simply tossed a Poké Ball from the doll in her arms.

"Yongjira!"

A yojira holding a spoon appeared on the field, surrounded by powerful psychic energy.

Kadabra, a psychic Pokémon, emits a special alpha wave that causes headaches when people get close. Strange things, like clocks reversing, seem to happen when Kadabra is nearby. Sometimes, mysterious shadows are projected onto television screens, and it's said that anyone who sees these shadows will suffer misfortune.

"We won't lose this time!" Ash was full of fighting spirit. Instead of sending out Pikachu or other Pokémon, he shouted to the empty space beside him, "I choose you, Gastly!!"

"Hehe ...

Suddenly, an exaggerated and eerie laugh echoed through the gym. With the laughter, the air distorted, and the Gastly that had followed them from the Pokémon Tower revealed its gaseous form and two separate ghostly arms. It grinned and floated above the battlefield, making all sorts of funny faces at Sabrina and Kadabra.

Unlike the original, this time Gastly did not leave halfway, but kept its promise and appeared on time!

Sabrina's perpetually blank expression seemed to show a slight, almost imperceptible fluctuation when she saw Gastly's comical appearance.

The game officially begins.

"Yongjira, use Psychic Beam!" Sabrina's cool voice gave the order.

Kadabra's eyes glowed blue, and its powerful psychic abilities coalesced into a dazzling yet dangerous beam of energy, shooting towards Gastly.

"Ghostly, retaliate with Shadow Ball!" Ash shouted urgently.

Gastly chuckled and quickly conjured a dark energy ball shrouded in black mist in front of it, then hurled it at the psychic beam.

"boom!"

Two energies, one pink and one black, collided violently in mid-air, producing a loud bang and blasting out a chaotic cloud of energy dust, showing that they were evenly matched.

"Great! Finally... finally, I have a chance to face Sabrina's Pokémon head-on!"

Ash clenched his fist with great excitement, as if he could already see the dawn of victory. Misty and Brock were also happy for Ash.

"Haunter, don't stop! Use Shadow again..."

Ash immediately prepared to press his advantage, but before he could finish giving the command, the dust on the field gradually dissipated, and a scene that shocked everyone appeared...

Gastly has vanished!

"Haunter? Haunter?!" Ash panicked, looking around the arena and shouting anxiously, "Where are you? Come out here!"

But no matter how much he called out, Gastly seemed to have vanished into thin air, offering no response.

A hint of displeasure flashed in Naz's empty eyes, and the doll in her arms seemed to pout as well.

A cold voice rang out, tinged with a hint of mocked anger, saying, "What are you doing? For a Pokémon to desert its post is the greatest insult to a battle. Since you can't take the match seriously, then... I'll turn you all into dolls and leave you here forever."

A powerful surge of psychic energy began to gather around her, and an invisible pressure enveloped Ash, Misty, and Brock.

"No!!"

"We don't want to become dolls!"