---
Kai had just finished greeting Looker when the tent flap lifted again. A man and a woman stepped inside.
He turned toward the sound and though he had never met them before, Kai recognized them instantly.
The man had mid-length violet hair and wore an elaborate red-and-black suit. A half-mask covered his eyes, concealing his age and giving him a mysterious air.
The woman beside him had long, wavy, aqua-blue hair and wore a strapless yellow top that revealed her slender waist. She was undeniably beautiful, her expression gentle and smiling, yet her eyes held a shadowy edge a cold sharpness that gave the impression of deep cunning.
"You're here!" Looker stepped forward and gestured to the two newcomers. "Let me introduce them. These are key allies we've brought in for this mission. On the left is Mr. Will, a master of Psychic-type Pokémon. On the right, Ms. Karen, an expert in Dark types."
As I thought Will and Karen.
Kai hadn't expected even these two to show up. Clearly, like last time, Interpol was treating this operation with the highest priority.
They were far from ordinary trainers. Both were extraordinarily powerful. In fact, within a few years, Will and Karen would join Koga and Bruno as next generation of Elite Four.
And according to rumour, no one had ever seen Will's real face beneath his mask.
Sensing that Kai and Sabrina might not be fully familiar with the pair, Looker added, "Will and Karen hold significant influence in Johto. It took quite a bit of effort working through the Pokémon League to reach them. They've come to assist us in bringing down Team Rocket."
With that said, he turned to introduce Kai and Sabrina.
The following etiquette, he began with the lady.
"This is Ms. Sabrina, Gym Leader of Saffron City in the Kanto region. Like Mr. Will, she specializes in psychic types and she is a renowned master of psychic power."
Will's expression lit up the moment he heard her name.
"So you're Ms Sabrina?" he said, bowing with practised elegance. "To finally meet you in person what an honour. You're as graceful as your name implies. Even though you reside in Kanto, your reputation among Johto's psychic community is legendary. I'm Will. The pleasure is mine."
He smiled warmly, clearly awaiting a response.
But Sabrina didn't reply. She merely furrowed her brow and said nothing at all.
'Huh?'
'What just happened? Was I rude?'
He had spoken with such courtesy complimenting both her appearance and abilities. Surely, she could offer a polite greeting in return?
Then, as the silence stretched, he remembered: Sabrina was known not only for her psychic talents but also for her cold, distant demeanour an untouchable ice queen.
His body tensed. Under the half-smirking gazes around him, Will awkwardly straightened his posture.
Looker cleared his throat, acting as if none of that had happened.
"And this," he continued, pointing to Kai, "is my close friend his name is—"
But before he could finish, Kai raised a hand to interrupt.
He adjusted his Gengar mask with flair and, in an overly dramatic tone, declared, "Codename: Player. Pleased to meet you."
'Oh no. Not again.'
Looker sighed and rubbed his forehead in disbelief, while Sabrina shifted her gaze away, pretending she didn't know him.
Every time he puts on that mask, it's like he becomes a different person…
"Player?" Karen echoed, raising an eyebrow.
Both she and Will seemed caught off guard.
Will blinked at the figure whose face was more hidden than his own, clearly puzzled by the name.
Karen, however, examined Kai with amused curiosity. "Player? As in… like a video game avatar?"
"Exactly."
"What made you choose that?"
Kai grinned. "Pull back the veil, and what is this world but a game without end? We are merely data lines of code playing our parts."
"…That's an interesting way of seeing things." Karen, oddly enough, nodded thoughtfully. "To me, this world really is a playground. And honestly? Compared to 'Looker,' your codename sounds more grounded. Let me reintroduce myself: I'm Karen. I love Dark-type Pokémon. They're strong, untamed, and their wicked aura is irresistible to me."
'Is she serious?'
Kai had only been pretending to be Chuuni. But this woman? She was the real deal.
Will struck a pose with dramatic flair. "And I am Will, a travelling magician devoted to the lifelong pursuit of Psychic-type perfection!"
With a sweep of his hand, he conjured a red rose seemingly from thin air and held it in his teeth.
Another awkward silence fell over the tent.
Just then, Zero cleared his throat, recapturing the group's attention.
"Let's focus," he said. "The reason I've gathered you all here is because of an urgent development."
The air shifted. The humour vanished. Everyone's expression grew serious.
Karen spoke first. "Why the sudden briefing? Has something changed?"
Zero cast a subtle glance toward Kai but withheld details.
"There has indeed been a change. Team Rocket has begun retreating. We're launching the operation immediately."
Looker stepped up to a large tactical board and waved them over.
"We will be travelling to Mahogany Town"
"What?"
----
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