"I suppose you're aware of the reason I established the Masked Army," Pryce began, cutting straight to the point.
"Of course," Luo Yuan replied with a nod.
The purpose behind Pryce's Masked Army was an open secret within Team Rocket. Most mid-level and higher-ranking members knew the semi-autonomous faction existed to capture Celebi.
However, Luo Yuan, with his knowledge of the broader storyline, knew even more. Pryce's goal wasn't just to catch Celebi—it was to use its power to travel back in time and save his two beloved Lapras, which had died in a tragic accident.
Unaware of Luo Yuan's insight, Pryce continued. "Due to Celebi's unique nature, capturing it requires a special Poké Ball known as the GS Ball."
"According to the original plan, my men were supposed to acquire the GS Ball from the Orange Islands and then use it to capture Celebi."
"But now… there's been an unexpected complication."
"Oh?" Luo Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Is it a problem with the GS Ball? Or Celebi?"
At this, Pryce's expression darkened. After a moment of hesitation, he muttered, "Both."
"..."
Luo Yuan was at a loss for words, though the situation suddenly made it clear why Pryce had called for him.
"So, you're asking me to help retrieve the GS Ball and capture Celebi?"
If that was Pryce's expectation, Luo Yuan couldn't help but think he was asking for too much.
Though they were both part of Team Rocket, Pryce's Masked Army operated independently of Giovanni's direct orders. There was no reason Luo Yuan, a loyal lieutenant of Giovanni, would offer his help for free.
Unless… Pryce was willing to make concessions and offer something of value in return.
It was this possibility that had motivated Luo Yuan to come in the first place.
Luo Yuan looked at Pryce, waiting.
Meeting his gaze, Pryce finally spoke.
"I'll handle the GS Ball myself," he said. "In addition, if Celebi is successfully captured, the Masked Army will be fully integrated into Team Rocket."
Pryce's proposal was straightforward and full of sincerity.
To Pryce, nothing was more important than capturing Celebi. The Masked Army was merely a tool for achieving this goal, so offering it in exchange was a price he was willing to pay.
This response was exactly what Luo Yuan had anticipated.
Still, hearing it directly from Pryce's mouth brought a smile to Luo Yuan's face.
"Deal."
With the purpose of his visit fulfilled, Luo Yuan turned his attention to the matter at hand.
"So, what's the situation with Celebi?"
Luo Yuan had a hunch about the GS Ball—it was likely tied to Ash's ongoing journey through the Orange Islands. After all, no matter how carefully plans were laid, things always went awry when Ash was involved.
But Celebi… Pryce's meticulous plans had seemed airtight.
For Pryce to be forced to seek outside help, something extraordinary must have happened.
At Luo Yuan's question, Pryce's expression grew uneasy.
Finally, after a long pause, he uttered something that made even Luo Yuan's face twist into an incredulous expression.
"Celebi appears to have been summoned by an unknown force and recently left Kanto for Hoenn?"
On the other end of the screen, Giovanni raised an eyebrow when Luo Yuan relayed the information. His expression mirrored Luo Yuan's earlier reaction.
Over the years, Pryce had conducted extensive surveillance and research on Celebi. Giovanni had been aware of these activities, as Pryce had never tried to hide them.
Based on Pryce's data, Celebi was expected to remain in Johto for the foreseeable future, giving Pryce a solid chance to capture it.
But now, Celebi's sudden departure for Hoenn defied all predictions.
Combined with the recent intelligence from Hoenn, the situation seemed even stranger.
"I suspect Celebi's unusual behavior is connected to Team Aqua and Team Magma's activities," Luo Yuan suggested.
No event happens without reason.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Celebi had appeared in Hoenn shortly after Groudon and Kyogre's climactic battle.
The implication was clear: as a Pokémon capable of traversing time and space, Celebi had likely sensed something and moved to investigate.
"What's your plan?" Giovanni asked.
Pryce wanted Luo Yuan to go to Hoenn and track Celebi.
However, as a newly appointed Elite Four, Luo Yuan couldn't simply vanish to pursue a personal mission. He needed a plausible excuse.
Fortunately, Luo Yuan had already prepared one.
"In times like this, Hoenn must be short on manpower," he said.
The Hoenn League was only beginning to understand the severity of the situation. While they knew Team Aqua and Team Magma were planning something, they hadn't yet grasped the full scale of the threat.
Steven and the Hoenn Elite Four alone wouldn't be enough to handle Groudon and Kyogre.
Luo Yuan's plan was simple: share a few critical pieces of information with the Hoenn League, guide their response, and secure his own involvement under official pretenses.
---
"Thanks for taking this on," Lance said, looking apologetic as he addressed Luo Yuan at the Johto League's temporary headquarters.
A few days earlier, Hoenn had sent an urgent request for aid, reporting that Team Aqua and Team Magma were planning to awaken Groudon and Kyogre.
The entire region was now on high alert.
Ideally, Lance would have gone to assist, but with Johto's League still in its infancy, his responsibilities left him stretched thin.
Koga was similarly (and conveniently) tied up, leaving the dangerous mission to the youngest Elite Four: Luo Yuan.
The prospect of battling legendary Pokémon was daunting, and Lance felt guilty about sending Luo Yuan into such peril.
"It's no trouble," Luo Yuan said. "It's all for the League."
Little did Lance know, the entire situation had been orchestrated by Luo Yuan himself.
Feeling even more indebted, Lance added, "By the way, Kanto is sending one of our Elite Fours to accompany you on this mission."
"Oh? Who?" Luo Yuan feigned ignorance.
"Elite Four Giovanni."