Back at Saffron Gym, Luo Yuan glanced at President Silph's terse response—"Got it"—and smirked.
During his visit earlier, Luo Yuan's psychic abilities had picked up on subtle irregularities in President Silph's mental state.
While Silph had done his best to remain composed, even controlling his microexpressions with admirable precision, no one—save perhaps a psychic prodigy like Sabrina or Luo Yuan—could suppress the fluctuations of their mental energy.
For someone like Luo Yuan, those subtle waves spoke volumes.
It wasn't hard to deduce what Silph was thinking.
After all, Luo Yuan hadn't exactly been subtle in requesting two Master Balls from Silph Co. Anyone with half a brain would've connected the dots.
However, Luo Yuan's calm confidence stemmed from two key factors:
1. Shared Risks
As a shareholder and public representative of Silph Co., Luo Yuan's reputation was inextricably tied to the company's.
If Luo Yuan's credibility were compromised, Silph Co., which had heavily invested in his public image, would suffer catastrophic consequences.
President Silph wasn't a paragon of virtue. As a shrewd businessman, he understood that exposing Luo Yuan would do far more harm than good.
2. A Perfect Alibi
Even if Silph had chosen to take a reckless gamble, Luo Yuan had an ironclad alibi.
When the Tech Hunter infiltrated Slateport's Pokémon Association, Luo Yuan had been assisting Steven in intercepting Groudon.
During the clash between Groudon, Kyogre, and the Tech Hunter, Luo Yuan had been helping Steven mitigate the battle's aftermath.
By the time the Tech Hunter retreated, Luo Yuan and Giovanni had already captured Maxie and Archie, the incident's masterminds.
Add to this his status as an Elite Four member, with fellow Elite Four Giovanni, Koga, Karen, and Will all in his corner, and one question remained:
Who dares accuse a man with such impeccable credentials?
Silph, it seemed, had wisely chosen the path of self-preservation.
This decision would undoubtedly smooth things for Luo Yuan moving forward.
"Why do you look so pleased?"
Sabrina's voice interrupted his thoughts as she stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel.
Her damp hair cascaded over her shoulders, droplets trickling down her flushed face. She held a drowsy Celebi, freshly bathed, cradled in her arms.
"Nothing much," Luo Yuan replied. "Just resolved a minor issue."
Given his current standing, it really was a trivial matter.
Sabrina gave a half-knowing nod, but her curiosity lingered as Luo Yuan pulled an invitation from his pocket.
"What's that?"
Using telekinesis, Sabrina plucked the card from his hand.
"An invitation? Aether Foundation?"
"Yup," Luo Yuan said, leaning back. "Want to join me on a little vacation in Alola?"
Sabrina's eyes lit up at the mention of Alola.
Though the region had only recently joined the Pokémon League, its reputation as a tropical paradise was already well-known, and Sabrina had long been intrigued.
"...But I doubt it's just for a vacation, is it?"
She fixed Luo Yuan with a skeptical look.
"Of course not. You've heard of Giovanni's 'Alola Initiative,' haven't you?"
Realization dawned on Sabrina, and her excitement momentarily overshadowed her modesty.
"Ah, that plan! So it's starting now?"
Her towel slipped slightly, but in her eagerness, she didn't notice. Fortunately, with only Celebi and Luo Yuan present, there was no one else to care.
Sabrina's mind raced as she recalled the details of Giovanni's Alola Initiative.
Years ago, the appearance of Ultra Beasts in Alola had piqued Giovanni's interest. However, breakthroughs in the Mewtwo Project, coupled with Luo Yuan's return to Kanto, had delayed those plans.
"Not officially," Luo Yuan clarified. "I haven't discussed it with Giovanni yet, but this seems like the perfect opportunity."
He gestured toward the invitation.
As a public figure, Luo Yuan's movements were always under scrutiny. Simply traveling to Alola would raise suspicions.
The Aether Foundation's invitation, however, provided a legitimate pretext—effectively an open door to the region.
In a way, Lusamine had unknowingly invited the wolf into her den.
"Should we contact Giovanni now?" Sabrina asked, eager to contribute to Team Rocket's expansion while also relishing the thought of an Alolan getaway.
"No rush," Luo Yuan replied. "I recall Professor Oak has a cousin in Alola. I'll check with him first."
"Anything else?" Sabrina asked.
Luo Yuan pointed to the towel slipping precariously down her back.
"You might want to fix that. Don't want you catching a cold."
---
Professor Oak's Lab
Luo Yuan and Sabrina arrived at Oak's lab, finding the professor brushing one of his many Tauros.
"Alola? My cousin? Oh, you mean Samson!" Professor Oak's face lit up at the mention.
"That's right—he's the principal of a Pokémon School in Alola. If you're planning a trip, I can ask him to be your guide!"
Excited by the prospect of reconnecting with his cousin, Oak rummaged through a nearby box, eventually pulling out a small gift.
"If you're visiting Samson, could you deliver this for me?"
"Of course." Luo Yuan accepted the package without hesitation.
As they prepared to leave, Luo Yuan asked, "By the way, have Ash and Gary reached Johto yet?"
The memory of Gary's sarcastic email was still fresh in his mind.
"They've already made it to New Bark Town," Oak replied with a sigh. "But now they've dumped all their Pokémon here, so I've been stuck taking care of them."
He gestured to the line of twenty-nine Tauros waiting their turn for grooming.
Luo Yuan nodded sympathetically.
"Well, Professor, I'll leave you to it. I'll make sure Samson gets your gift when I reach Alola."
---
...
If you're reading this, then you've wandered all the way to the end. I'm impressed. Stories are like wine—meant to be savored, not rushed. So if you took your time? Thank you.
Of course, the real thanks goes to WiseTL—the one who turned tangled words into something beautiful. I just got asked to wrap things up with a ribbon. Hopefully this counts!
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Go on. Be generous. They've earned it.
Until next time—read well, rest often, and maybe come visit me at the Hostess of Fertility sometime.
– Syr ✨