"Let's head to the forest first."
After arriving in Sootopolis City, Ron set his sights on the nearby forest.
Following his command, Gardevoir used Teleport, instantly whisking Ron away.
The docks of Sootopolis City, normally bustling with crowds, appeared unusually quiet.
"Any updates? Has the VIP arrived yet?"
Hiding in the shadows, Officer Jenny, disguised in a simple outfit, observed the docks while questioning her subordinate.
"Based on the VIP's earlier response, they're currently en route. They'll choose the right moment to take action depending on the situation."
"According to League intelligence, it seems that Team Aqua has also made a move, so the VIP cannot reveal themselves recklessly."
"I understand. But since they're here, even Team Aqua won't be able to stir up too much trouble.
Inform the others to prepare for battle. We'll likely have to team up with Kuro to deal with the Elite Four-level Trainer aboard the ship."
"Understood!"
After the brief exchange, Officer Jenny silently released her Arcanine and Sceptile.
Time ticked away as a faint black silhouette emerged on the vast blue sea, gradually growing larger.
Seeing this, the officers on standby instinctively tensed up, even without being given direct orders.
Meanwhile, in Sootopolis City, Juan had already dispersed the Gym's trainers to reinforce the city's security alongside the outnumbered police force.
The reason for Juan's heightened vigilance was none other than Team Aqua—one of Hoenn's two major underground factions!
"All units, stay on high alert! The ship is about to dock, and Team Aqua could appear at any moment. If you spot any suspicious individuals, engage immediately!"
Officer Jenny's voice echoed through their earpieces as the undercover officers around the area sharpened their focus, scanning for any abnormal activity.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion erupted—not from the dock, but from the waters just ahead of it.
A massive surge of water shot into the sky, visible even from the dock, as a large crack split across the ship's hull.
"Damn it, Team Aqua! All units, move in for rescue! Stay on high alert for enemy attacks!"
Abandoning all attempts at secrecy, Officer Jenny was the first to charge forward.
In a flash of white light, she released her Water-type Pokémon.
The other officers quickly followed suit, snapping out of their daze and swiftly summoning their own Water-types, ready to launch an immediate rescue operation.
The speedboats stationed along the shore roared to life, setting out in waves, creating a scene akin to a fleet charging into battle.
"Alert Juan—there's a high probability that Team Aqua will attack within Sootopolis City itself. Proceed with extreme caution."
Standing at the shore, directing the rescue efforts, Officer Jenny's Arcanine and Sceptile remained poised for combat.
Unfortunately, in an aquatic battlefield like this, their strengths couldn't be fully utilized; otherwise, Jenny would have already joined the fray.
"Protect the civilians! Leave this fight to me!"
Kuro's furious roar echoed across the ship, prompting a significant number of sailors to retreat into the cabin.
Standing on the deck, struggling to keep his balance amid the rocking vessel, Kuro kept his eyes locked on the ship's bow—where Team Aqua had already boarded.
"Swampert, drive them back with Surf!"
"Gyarados, strike freely in the water!"
"Everyone else, command your Water Pokémon to attack! Force these Team Aqua grunts back!"
With his booming voice rallying them, Kuro's Pokémon took the field. The sight of Swampert leading the charge immediately reignited the sailors' morale.
"Crawdaunt, Skyshaker!"
A woman's voice rang out. In the next moment, the Gyarados Kuro had just sent out was sent flying, crashing heavily onto the deck.
Footsteps echoed as a woman with sun-kissed skin, an alluring figure, and flowing black hair stepped onto the deck.
Her mature, intelligent features, combined with her striking outfit, made her a mesmerizing sight wherever she went.
However, the Team Aqua grunts around her dared not steal a single glance, knowing full well who she was.
Kuro and his crew, on the other hand, felt no allure—only an overwhelming chill.
That chill came from the Crawdauntstanding at her side, a Pokémon wielding top Elite Four-level strength!
"Take them all down. Find Tyro and Bord."
Her cold words were spoken in a flat, emotionless tone. Immediately, Team Aqua's grunts swarmed the deck like locusts.
"Swampert, Tidal Surge!"
"Crawdaunt, Skyshaker!"
Charging forward with raw power, Crawdaunt rocketed out like a bullet.
Swampert retaliated with an overwhelming wave, surging forward with immense force.
But the power gap was evident—Swampert's tidal wave was effortlessly shattered into countless water droplets as Crawdaunt's Skyshaker move blasted through it.
Finding Swampert within the shattered waves, Crawdaunt landed a devastating punch, taking down the last remaining Elite Four-level Pokémon aboard the ship.
"Crawdaunt, Aqua Blade Storm!"
The moment Crawdaunt touched the deck, the woman's next command rang out.
Instantly, streams of water coalesced into razor-sharp blades, raining down upon Kuro and his crew like a torrential storm.
"Milotic, Aqua Tail!"
A sudden voice broke through the air. Almost instantly, a powerful Aqua Tail formed from seawater lashed against the deck. The impact shattered the incoming Aqua Blades, yet barely left a scratch on the deck—clear proof of how precisely this Milotic controlled its power.
"Wallace, this is really quite troublesome."
Standing firmly on the deck, Wallace's presence was undeniable. Although Shelly's expression remained unchanged, she knew all too well—her mission had already ended in failure.
"Shelly, would you kindly accompany me to the League Headquarters?"
Wearing a faint, composed smile, Wallace's arrival brought a sense of tranquility and grace, as if his presence alone was enough to resolve any conflict.
Beside Wallace stood Milotic, often revered as the most beautiful of all Pokémon. This particular Milotic seemed to embody every ideal trait of its species—just one glance was enough to be captivated by its nobility, elegance, and breathtaking beauty.
"Sorry, but I have other matters to attend to today. Maybe some other time."
Shelly waved a hand dismissively and began stepping backward.
"That won't do. If I let you escape, who knows how many more lives will be lost because of you? So, I must insist that you come with me."
"Milotic, Dragon Vortex!"
A swirling vortex of water gathered before Milotic, generating a terrifying suction force.
The ocean itself seemed to respond to the call, transforming into streams of surging water that rushed forward, sweeping up the helpless Team Aqua grunts along with their Pokémon.
"Crawdaunt, let's go!"
At Shelly's command, Crawdaunt grabbed her with one claw while using its other to unleash Crabhammer, mustering all its strength to break free from Milotic's Dragon Vortex.
"Attention! A Team Aqua Elite Four-level Trainer has been identified! All personnel, evacuate the vicinity of the ship immediately!"
"Repeat! A Team Aqua Elite Four-level Trainer has been identified! All personnel, evacuate the ship's vicinity immediately!"
The urgent voice of Officer Jenny rang out. Hearing the warning, the charging police officers and their Pokémon halted in their tracks.
"Secure these criminals! Leave the rest to me!"
Under the relentless pull of Dragon Vortex, the remaining Team Aqua grunts and their Pokémon, unable to escape in time, collapsed onto the deck, completely incapacitated.
Without another word, Wallace turned and, with Milotic at his side, pursued Shelly.
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