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In Sato's understanding, if there was anyone with exceptionally deep expertise in genetic cloning technology, it would undoubtedly be Blaine. The former Kanto Fire-type Elite had now become the chief scientist of Team Rocket.
With the vast funding and manpower provided by Team Rocket, this once-respected scientist—who had succumbed to temptation—had already begun the genetic cloning experiments he was most passionate about, and had achieved considerable progress.
If Sato's guess was correct, Team Rocket had already obtained Mew's eyelash fossil from a mysterious island and extracted its genetic material. After acquiring Mew's genes, Blaine's research must have advanced by leaps and bounds.
In the future, the artificial legendary Pokémon Mewtwo would be Blaine's masterpiece. Of course, Mewtwo's creation was not his achievement alone—Dr. Fuji, formerly of the League, had also made significant contributions.
Now the problem was: how could Sato safely hand over the three legendary Pokémon clones—including Celebi—to Blaine, while still ensuring he could retrieve them afterward?
After calming down and thinking it through carefully, Sato soon figured out what he should do.
Handing them directly to Blaine? Impossible.
Although Blaine now worked for Team Rocket, he still maintained his public identity within the League. Both the League and Team Rocket would back him.
If someone of unknown origin like Sato handed over three legendary clones, Blaine would gladly accept them—but returning them later? That would never happen.
Blaine had the strongest backing in the world and was himself a veteran Elite-level Trainer. He wouldn't fear Sato's retaliation in the slightest. In fact, if Blaine didn't use the League or Team Rocket to come after him instead, Sato should already consider himself lucky.
What about handing them over through Giovanni?
Sato had considered that as well, but quickly rejected it. While that method was better—at least he would receive some reward—it still fell far short of his ultimate goal.
Once the clones were handed over to Giovanni, there would be no way to get them back. Such precious experimental material would never be relinquished by Blaine.
Moreover, Sato knew clearly that his standing in Giovanni's eyes was far below Blaine's. At most, Giovanni might compensate him with greater rewards.
There was also a fatal flaw in that plan: the existence of Zapdos could be exposed. In that case, not only would he lose the three legendary clones, he might even risk losing Zapdos as well.
Thus, no matter what, Sato could not deliver the clones to Blaine through that route.
In the end, after much deliberation, Sato could only rely on the resourceful and influential Professor Oak once again.
There were several reasons for choosing him.
First, Professor Oak already knew about Zapdos.
Even if Sato told him about the "Divine Beast Society," he wouldn't have to worry about Zapdos being confiscated. In fact, through Oak, he could report this dangerous organization to the League's higher-ups.
Once the League began investigating, the organization would be thrown into chaos.
After all, the League was still the world's number one superpower. No matter how many cloned legendary Pokémon the organization possessed, they wouldn't be able to stand against it.
This would also give the organization no time to deal with Sato—who, in their eyes, was still just an insignificant insect.
A perfect two-birds-with-one-stone solution.
Second, as a former Kanto Champion, Professor Oak must have known Blaine, the retired Fire-type Elite. Now that both were Pokémon professors in Kanto, they likely had a strong personal relationship.
If Sato handed the clones to Oak and explained their internal issues, Oak would very likely entrust them to Blaine, who specialized in genetic cloning.
Even if Oak chose not to give them to Blaine, his vast network would ensure they were handed to a trustworthy and capable Pokémon professor.
And most importantly, no one would dare to withhold something entrusted by Professor Oak. At worst, they might delay—but eventually, they would have to return it.
"Knowing Professor Oak really is a blessing. With someone like him backing you, it's almost impossible for a Pallet Town rookie Trainer not to rise."
Thinking about all the benefits he had gained since meeting Oak, Sato couldn't help but feel deep gratitude and respect.
.....
By now, night had completely fallen, and it was already past 7 p.m.
Because of the rapid deterioration of the cloned legendary Pokémon, Sato didn't even have time for a proper meal. He immediately rode Golbat and sped toward Mauville City.
Not long after Sato left, a heroic-looking woman dressed in hunting gear appeared at the battlefield, now reduced to scorched ruins.
She stayed for a short while. When the person she was waiting for didn't appear, her expression turned grim. She quickly took out a communicator and sent a coded message.
.....
More than ten minutes later, at a Pokémon Center in the western outskirts of Mauville City, Sato once again initiated a remote video call with Professor Oak.
"That's everything, Professor. I'll leave these three legendary clones in your care. They're all very pitiful Pokémon… If possible, I hope you can help them regain their self-awareness."
Sato recounted his battle with the cloaked man and the subsequent interrogation in full detail. His tone carried a trace of sorrow.
"Hmph! Those despicable scoundrels! How dare they toy with life like this!"
Professor Oak, who had been eating instant noodles for dinner, immediately flew into a rage after hearing everything.
"Don't worry, Sato. Leave it to me. I'll do everything in my power to help them. Just as you said—they are all pitiable lives."
Then, after calming down slightly, Oak's expression grew serious.
"One more thing—the organization behind this, don't act rashly against them. If they can clone legendary Pokémon, they must already possess a considerable number of them. Their foundation is unfathomable."
"Work hard. With your talent—and Swampert's—you'll become a true Elite-Four level Trainer within a year. I'm looking forward to your future."
"When the time comes, I'll need your help as well. The future stability of the world will depend on capable young Trainers like you."
Sato listened carefully, his expression turning solemn.
"Don't worry, Professor. I'm not reckless. I'll remember your words."
.....
At the same time, in a lavishly decorated office at the top floor of the Mauville City League Headquarters, a phone suddenly rang.
A large, powerful hand picked up the receiver. A well-dressed, imposing man answered.
"It's me."
A voice came from the other end—firm and unquestionable.
The man's expression changed instantly. His tone became extremely respectful.
"How may I be of service?"
A few seconds later, the call ended.
But now, the face of the man—who held a position high enough to work at the top of the League building—had turned pale, with a trace of fear lingering in his eyes.