Chapter 153: Gary Oak: (...)
"I'll join. So, our department is called—"
Before Professor Blaine could finish his sentence, Asahi grabbed his arm. "Excellent! Welcome to the International Police—Kanto Division! We've been looking for someone with your talents!"
Professor Blaine: "?"
He stared blankly. International Police—Kanto Division?
Wasn't this supposed to be a League auditing department?
Looking at Asahi's smiling face, Professor Blaine suddenly felt like he had been tricked.
Had he known it was the International Police from the start…
Uh, actually, he probably wouldn't have had a choice anyway.
After all, his past involvement with Rocket Team wasn't something he could erase easily. If joining the Kanto Division's law enforcement unit meant he could atone by taking down Rocket Team, maybe it wasn't such a bad deal?
After mentally reassuring himself, Professor Blaine felt a bit more at peace.
"So, Asahi, before me, who else from Rocket Team has joined the League?"
Asahi waved his hand dismissively. "No need for formal titles. In our department, we don't bother with that—just call me by name."
As someone who often worked on the front lines, Asahi prioritized efficiency. Besides, in their small team, formalities didn't matter much.
"As for the Rocket Team members who defected before you…"
Asahi had Gardevoir block out their conversation with Psychic before smiling. "Who is the strongest Psychic in the Kanto region?"
Professor Blaine paused for a moment.
When the answer hit him, he nearly pulled out his own beard in shock.
"You mean…?"
Asahi smiled and nodded.
Professor Blaine was stunned.
Now, he understood why only Koga and Lt. Surge had been investigated.
He had assumed Asahi had been tricked by Sabrina.
But he never would have guessed that one of Rocket Team's Three Executives—Sabrina—had actually defected to the International Police!
At first, he had planned to tell Asahi that Giovanni was Rocket Team's leader.
But now, it was clear Asahi had known all along.
By asking Rocket Team directly, Asahi had likely been creating the illusion that he didn't know the truth.
Realizing this, Professor Blaine was struck by how cunning Asahi was—his strategic thinking was on another level, considering even the smallest details.
No wonder he hadn't reacted when Blaine first mentioned the Mewtwo project.
He must have already gotten the full story from Sabrina.
After all, her intelligence on Rocket Team would be far more up-to-date than his own.
While Professor Blaine was still reeling, Asahi pulled out a custom-encrypted communicator and handed it to him.
Professor Blaine looked confused. "This is…?"
"A department-issued secure communicator. From now on, use this to stay in touch. I'll add you to the team groups."
With that, Asahi added Professor Blaine to the "Kanto Division Research Group" and the "Special Task Force Against Rocket Team."
Given his expertise in both Pokémon research and battling, Professor Blaine was a valuable all-rounder.
Curious, he checked the research group chat.
Aside from Asahi, there were only two other members.
One was Bill, well-known in Kanto for his work on the Pokémon Storage System.
The other was another Professor, Professor Oak's talented disciple, whom Blaine had heard of.
Both welcomed him, though they were too busy with their projects to chat much.
The "Special Task Force Against Rocket Team," however…
User "Gardevoir Best Girl" has invited "Cinnabar Island Riddle Master" to the chat.
Gardevoir Best Girl: "Everyone, welcome Professor Blaine to the Kanto Division!"
A few seconds later, Gary Oak, who was glued to his phone 24/7, responded.
Gary Oak: "Professor Blaine? The Gym Leader of Cinnabar Gym?"
He couldn't believe Asahi had even recruited a Gym Leader.
Gardevoir Best Girl: "Unless there's another Professor Blaine in Kanto? With him in our division, Gary, you're in luck—when you challenge Cinnabar Gym, I'll have him 'take good care' of you. (Smile)"
Gary Oak: "..."
Lying on his bed, Gary's expression froze.
Previously, Asahi had told Erika to "take care" of him.
It had taken all his effort to survive her elegant but utterly ruthless battling style and earn the Rainbow Badge.
And now Asahi was telling Professor Blaine to "take care" of him too?!
Gary felt a deep sense of dread. Without thinking, he typed:
Gary Oak: "Asahi, please, no!"
Jigglypuff Is The Cutest: (Laughs)
Cinnabar Island Riddle Master: "Gary Oak? That name sounds familiar… Oh, you're Professor Oak's grandson?"
Gary Oak: (Surprised) "Professor Blaine, you know my grandpa?"
Cinnabar Island Riddle Master: "We met at an academic conference once. Since you're his grandson, I'll make sure to take good care of you when you challenge Cinnabar Gym."
Gary Oak: "...Dead inside.jpg"
Psychic Master: "? Professor Blaine?"
Cinnabar Island Riddle Master: "Ah, it's me… Sabrina, long time no see."
Asahi smacked his forehead.
He had forgotten to warn Blaine not to expose Sabrina's identity in the chat.
As expected—
Gary Oak: "Wait… Psychic Master… You're SABRINA?!?!"
Psychic Master: "Yes, it's me. Professor Blaine, welcome to the Kanto Division. (Smile)"
Gary Oak: "..."
No wonder.
No matter what new strategies he had learned before challenging Sabrina, she always countered them with ease.
Of course she did—she was the one who had taught him in the first place!
Recalling how her Alakazam had utterly destroyed him in their battles, Gary felt completely drained.
Gary Oak: "Is it too late to leave?"
Gardevoir Best Girl: "What do you think? (Smile)"
Psychic Master: "(Smile)"
Jigglypuff Is The Cutest: "(Smile +1)"
[System Notification]: 'Gary Oak' has changed their username to 'Beware of New Online Scams'
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