Chapter 65: Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice [65]
The next day, the Olivine Gym began reconstruction work.
Meanwhile, the media in Johto went into a frenzy, reporting on the Joker trio.
Goldenrod TV Station:
["Their previous actions as so-called righteous thieves were nothing more than a facade by Team Rocket to cover up their crimes. Their attack on Gym Leader Altair this time proves that Joker is no different from those Kanto villains of Team Rocket. As Elite Four Lance said: 'Once a Rocket, always a Rocket.' We urge everyone not to be deceived by the hypocritical masks criminals wear."]
Cianwood TV Station:
["The League has decided to intervene and shut down the accounts of self-proclaimed Joker fans online, as their influence is harmful to the internet's atmosphere. Furthermore, given the uncontrollable power Joker demonstrated last night, the League has officially raised Joker's wanted level from A to S."]
Unova Flying Cloud Daily:
["It's clear that Team Rocket's actions are a blatant provocation against the League. However, as we all know, Johto is the main activity area of the Shadow Organization. We hope the Indigo League can eradicate both of these major organizations soon. Lastly, we welcome everyone to visit Unova, where the people are simple and honest, and you'll never encounter criminal groups like Team Rocket or Shadow!"]
...
The backyard of Goldenrod Gym.
Whitney and her friend Mary were sitting together.
Their Pokémon, a Smeargle and a Miltank were playfully wrestling, forming a stark contrast to Mary's worried expression.
"Whitney, do you think Joker is that kind of person?"
"Uh... well..."
"There must be some kind of misunderstanding!"
Mary, usually as shy as early-series Hinata from Naruto, suddenly shouted with uncharacteristic passion, startling Whitney.
Scratching the back of her head awkwardly, Whitney knew her friend was a senior member of the Joker Fan Association.
As for herself, having been involved in the Goldenrod Train incident, she had to admit she had a favorable impression of Joker.
After all, it was Joker who saved the over 1,000 passengers on that train.
But as the granddaughter of a Gym Leader, she couldn't publicly defend a wanted criminal.
"I've made up my mind!"
Mary suddenly declared.
"Huh?"
"I'm going to become a journalist, a news broadcaster! I'll investigate the truth myself and share it with the world!"
Seeing her friend's determined look, Whitney blinked twice.
Was she serious?
...
Around noon.
At the Indigo Plateau, the headquarters of the Indigo League.
The Elite Four and the Champion had gathered a rare occurrence.
Even Aldus, who was notoriously elusive, was present.
"The politicians are thrilled," Lorelei said, sipping her tea, her legs crossed in black stockings.
"Joker's previous acts of righteous thievery had put the League in a tough spot. But now that he's caused such a mess, all the goodwill he'd accumulated has been destroyed."
Joker had repeatedly captured wanted criminals in public and even saved over a thousand passengers during the Goldenrod Train incident.
This had earned him the title of righteous thief in the eyes of many.
At the same time, it led to criticism of the League, as Joker was always one step ahead of both the League and the police.
More and more people started questioning the League's competence: "Are you even capable of doing your job?"
But this recent incident gave Joker's detractors in the League leadership the perfect opportunity.
"Just a case of criminals fighting among themselves, though they sure are flashy about it."
Lance scoffed.
A thief is a thief—what "righteous thief"? What a joke!
"But why would Joker target your brother? Does he have something Joker wants?"
As the current Indigo Champion, Agatha turned her gaze toward Aldus.
Even among colleagues, it was rare for them to see the elusive Elite Four member.
"Who knows? How could we normal people possibly understand the minds of criminals?"
Aldus maintained a neutral expression, or rather, no expression at all.
"Is that so?"
Agatha studied him for a moment but said no more.
She was more interested in the person who had just arrived.
"Champion Agatha, Elite Four members, Professor Oak is here."
...
"I tested it with the Houndoom that Professor Birch sent from Hoenn. Houndoom as a species doesn't have any special abilities related to shared vision."
In the meeting room, Professor Oak lectured as if he were giving a seminar.
The audience, however, was an impressive lineup:
The League President Goodshow, the Indigo Champion and Elite Four, as well as several Gym Leaders and high-ranking League officials.
Beside Professor Oak stood a middle-aged man with a kind face, a small mustache, and a round belly.
This was Professor Birch from Hoenn.
At their feet lay three Houndoom.
Two belonged to Professor Oak, while the third had been borrowed from Hoenn's current Fire-type Elite Four member, Moore.
Incidentally, Moore was the grandfather of Flannery, the future Gym Leader of Lavaridge Town.
After learning from Officer Jenny in Olivine City that Joker's three Houndoom were capable of sharing vision—and even other senses—Professor Oak was stunned.
He immediately called his academic colleagues, asking them to bring a Houndoom to test this phenomenon.
However, things didn't go as hoped.
Or rather, the results were predictably disappointing.
They couldn't replicate the ability!
Joker had specially modified his three Houndooms.
Agatha turned her head away disdainfully as Professor Oak continued his lecture.
She still resented him for abandoning his path as a Pokémon Trainer to become a researcher.
"Could it be due to their levels or the bonds between the Pokémon?"
Goodshow proposed a possibility.
"That... seems unlikely," Professor Oak replied after a moment of thought.
His two Houndoom were one thing, but the Houndoom brought by Professor Birch belonged to an Elite Four member.
It was unlikely to suffer from insufficient level or bond issues.
The room buzzed with discussion.
Only Giovanni allowed a subtle smirk to appear on his face.
So you've come up with something new again, Stephen-ken. As expected of you.
"Perhaps... it's Pokémon modification," Aldus suddenly suggested.
The room fell silent.
Lance and Lorelei's expressions darkened instantly.
Of all things, they despised Pokémon modification the most.
"Calm down, Lance, Lorelei," Goodshow said firmly. "We can't jump to conclusions yet."
"Heh, I doubt Team Rocket has the technology for something like this," Giovanni said with a sly smile, glancing at Aldus.
To be honest, even Giovanni was curious.
Why had Stephen targeted Aldus's brother?
The League's reports claimed Joker had psychological issues and was acting out of petty revenge.
To that, Giovanni scoffed.
That kid would never do something so pointless.
There was more to this group than met the eye!
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