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"Ah! Somebody help! Catch this robber! Don't let him escape with the treasure!!"
Because he had reached the edge of the window, the fat man clinging to the masked man's thigh saw the crowd gathering below. At once, he let out a desperate cry for help, hoping someone down there would come to his rescue.
"Treasure? Hm? Is it that?"
On the ground, Liam had been watching the masked man closely. When he heard the fat man's shout, his brows furrowed. He noticed that in the masked man's hand was something resembling a picture frame—that must be the "treasure" the fat man spoke of.
"Hmph. Annoying pest. I didn't want to cause any trouble here. I wasn't planning to do anything to you, but since you're clinging on so desperately… I won't hold back."
The masked man, silent until now, seemed to decide things couldn't be delayed any longer. From beneath his mask came a chilling voice.
He stretched out his free left hand, grabbed the fat man by the back of his clothes, and with a slight effort lifted the bulky man into the air!
Then, with a casual toss, the fat man was hurled from the top of the communications tower, screaming as he plummeted like a ball.
"Hmph. Let's go."
After throwing the fat man aside, the masked man let out a low grunt. A flash of white light appeared behind him, and a red-and-white Delibird materialized. Grabbing onto its leg, the masked man was carried swiftly upward into the sky.
"AAAAHHHH!!! Help!! I don't want to die!!!"
"Spinarak! Quick, use String Shot!"
The fat man, screaming, plummeted toward the ground. Just as Liam was about to step in to rescue him, a sharp command rang out from nearby.
"Spina, spin!"
At once, the sound of threads shooting through the air followed. Thick, sticky white threads crisscrossed rapidly, weaving together in midair. In almost an instant, a massive web had formed, spanning the space. The fat man fell onto it, the force stretching the web dangerously taut. Just before hitting the ground, it finally stopped his fall.
Rip!
"Ahhh!!"
The web couldn't hold under his weight and impact. With a tearing sound, the man crashed through and landed hard on his rear, letting out a pitiful cry of pain.
"Make way, everyone! Police! Civilians, please clear the area immediately!"
As he landed, a squad of officers rushed in, led by none other than Officer Jenny herself.
"What exactly happened here? And who was that person that just escaped?"
On her shoulder rested a Spinarak—clearly the one that had tried to save the fat man moments ago.
"Officer Jenny! This is terrible! That mysterious man stole my treasure! That was a sacred relic with a long history! It must not fall into the wrong hands, or the consequences will be disastrous!"
The fat man, who had been wailing on the ground, immediately leapt to his feet as soon as Officer Jenny appeared. Surprisingly nimble for his size, he begged her loudly to help recover his stolen treasure.
"Please calm down. What exactly was stolen? And who was that thief? Do you have any leads?"
Officer Jenny took out a notepad and pen from her belt pouch, listening seriously.
"Uh… well…"
Suddenly pressed with questions, the fat man hesitated. He glanced around at the lingering bystanders, uncertain whether he should say anything more.
"Nothing to say? In that case, come with us back to the station. You can explain everything in detail there."
Reading his expression easily, Officer Jenny didn't press further. She simply pointed toward the police car.
"Yes! Yes, let's go quickly!"
The fat man, still looking flustered, immediately agreed. Without hesitation, he hurried toward the police car.
"Wait a moment, Officer Jenny. May we come with you?"
As Officer Jenny turned to follow, Liam approached with Hanako at his side, smiling politely.
"Hm?! What for? What's your purpose in coming with us? What's your relationship to that thief?!"
Officer Jenny's sharp gaze fell on Liam, as though branding him a suspect on the spot.
"Uh… I'm an innocent bystander. I was just interested in that masked man and the 'treasure' the fat man mentioned. Besides, I'm a witness to what happened. I might even be able to provide you some leads."
Liam felt awkward under her stare. He couldn't exactly reveal the masked man's true identity—that would only drag him in deeper.
"Hmph… There were plenty of witnesses here. Why should I take you of all people back with us? Give me one good reason."
Officer Jenny's caution was instinctive; she would never take someone's word at face value.
"Tch… you police officers really are stubborn. Fine, take a look at this."
With no other choice, Liam revealed his Champion's badge. At once, his treatment changed completely.
....
Goldenrod City Police Department, interrogation room.
"All right. Now tell us—what exactly did you lose? And if possible, what do you know about the suspect?"
Officer Jenny, notepad ready, asked the fat man seriously.
"Ah… well, I could tell you, but… can you explain who this man sitting beside you is? He clearly isn't from your station. Why is he sitting there so casually?!"
The fat man's face twisted with unease. He jabbed a finger angrily at Liam. He had trusted the police by coming here—but this situation shook that trust.
"Ahem! Watch your mouth! Do you even realize who you're pointing at?! The fact that this man is paying attention to your case is an honor for you! Do you know who he is? Let me tell you! Sitting before you is one of the highest authorities in our League—the current Champion of Kanto, the strongest Trainer in the entire region, Champion Liam! One more outburst from you and I'll have you thrown straight into a cell!!"
Officer Jenny's emotions surged as she shouted. To her, sitting beside her was no ordinary man—it was the Champion himself! It was enough to leave her starstruck. If not for the fact that this Champion already seemed close to the young woman waiting outside, Officer Jenny might have been tempted otherwise… Truly, life could be unfair.
"Ch-Champion?!"
The fat man's jaw dropped, his words stumbling incoherently as he turned to stare at Liam in shock.
Liam, meeting the man's terrified gaze, simply raised a hand in greeting and smiled.
"Now, can we continue?"