[Don't worry, Leader. There were six attackers in total, and all have been repelled. Aside from a few trainees suffering minor injuries, there were no other serious losses] Akira reported earnestly over the phone.
"Good work! I've already instructed Honchkrow and Houndoom to assist you and Amber if necessary."
As he spoke, Sato transferred Honchkrow and Houndoom to Akira.
[Got it, Leader. When will you be coming back?] Akira visibly relaxed after receiving the two Poké Balls.
Honchkrow was a prospective Totem Pokémon who could summon large flocks to assist in battle at any time within Shadownight Town.
And Houndoom was not only powerful but also had remarkable leadership ability.
With Sato's direct orders, the two Pokémon would temporarily follow Akira's command, greatly boosting his confidence in facing any future battles.
Without such instructions, Sato's Pokémon would never act on their own… unless the Shadownight Gym suffered catastrophic damage.
After all, Ace level Pokémon carried pride and wouldn't let themselves be commanded casually by other Trainers, especially those who hadn't yet earned their respect.
This was precisely why Sato lent Akira two of his more cooperative ones.
If he had sent Tyranitar for support instead, setting aside whether it would even follow orders, it might've punched Sato a couple of times just for asking…
"I won't be heading back for now. Team Rocket has launched a large-scale invasion of the Johto Region, and as one of the Eight Gym Leaders, I've been assigned another mission.
But… I'll be sending Mark back to take over defense. Shadownight Town was never meant to be a main battlefield. With him there, it'll be enough."
Akira's heart sank upon hearing the first part, but knowing that Mark would return was a great relief. He quietly felt glad he hadn't interrupted the Gym Leader.
[Understood, Leader. Until Mark returns, I'll make sure Shadownight Town remains protected!]
"Mhm. Also, remember to look after Ponyo and Sosuke. Team Rocket will definitely continue their attacks. You can also organize the Gym trainees for some field training. If anything comes up that's difficult to decide, go ask Amber for help."
Akira's heart skipped a beat. [Leader, are you saying…]
"While we're away, the safety of Shadownight Town will be your responsibility. Think of it as a great opportunity for your own growth."
Sato gave Akira a light nod. Though the gesture was small, it carried with it a heavy sense of responsibility that Akira felt immediately.
[I WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!]
After hanging up, Sato turned to see Joseph and Mark both watching with emotion on their faces.
"Sigh… the little sprouts we once raised are finally starting to shoulder real responsibility," Mark said with a deliberately mature expression, pretending to sigh with emotion.
Joseph smiled and added, "Everyone calls us kids at Shadownight Gym… well, let's show them just how excellent these 'kids' can be."
Sato couldn't help but grin too. A proud, fatherly feeling swelled up inside him, and even the gloom in his heart from the attack on Shadownight Town began to lift.
"Gym Leader Sato, the first wave of reinforcement forces has arrived at the airport. You and your companions may now board," a League-uniformed Trainer ran over and reported respectfully.
"Mhm, let's go."
----
As they boarded the faster, more powerful military aircraft, they were surprised to see several familiar faces already inside.
"You guys… heading to Johto too?" Sato looked at Flint, Volkner, and Cynthia. Though he already knew the answer, he still couldn't help but ask.
"Hahaha! Didn't expect to see us again so soon, huh? As soon as we heard Johto needed reinforcements, the three of us submitted our applications without hesitation. So? Moved, aren't you~?"
Hearing Flint's words, Sato and the others did feel a bit emotional… until he said that last part.
Moved?
More like terrified.
---
Many people still didn't understand.
Where did Team Rocket get the audacity to launch a full-scale raid?
Not until Olivine City completely fell, the Pokémon Research Institute in New Bark Town was bombed, and even though Ecruteak and Violet City managed to push back the enemy, both suffered heavy losses.
Only then did everyone begin to realize just how terrifying this underground force truly was…
Johto, New Bark Town.
As the only registration point for the Silver Conference, this town had always balanced prosperity and tranquility in an oddly harmonious way.
But now, the rising smoke and blazing fires had long erased its former peace.
After destroying the Research Institute, Team Rocket immediately retreated. By the time a large wave of reinforcements arrived, all they saw was a devastated New Bark Town.
"Begin rescue and recovery efforts first. The recon unit will search for any traces Team Rocket left behind, but do not act rashly."
The one speaking was a tall, composed man whose presence felt like a spring breeze. If Sato had been there, he would've recognized him immediately.
It was Sen, one of the Elite Four of the Johto Region!
The same Elite Four member who, in a past life, died tragically at the hands of the assassin from the Ghost Ship.
Now, Sen had been urgently deployed to New Bark Town, appointed Commander-in-Chief of the battle operations here, tasked with coordinating the counterattack against Team Rocket.
As soon as he issued the order, the nearby personnel responded and began acting accordingly.
While he held the nominal position of Commander-in-Chief, he obviously couldn't handle everything personally. But just by being one of Johto's top powers, his presence alone had an enormous stabilizing effect.
Team Rocket had taken away precious data and rare Pokémon from the Research Institute, there was no way they had completely vanished without a trace.
So, Sen's current job was to show himself publicly to reassure the people, while quietly waiting for updates from the recon unit.
Once Team Rocket's base was located, he would lead the growing reinforcement forces and deliver the most crushing counterattack!
----
At the same time, in Ecruteak, Olivine, and Violet Cities, the figures of other Elite Four members appeared almost simultaneously.
A full-scale counteroffensive against the underground force known as Team Rocket was rapidly taking shape!
To the Johto League, this was a battle of honor… a fight that must be won.
But for the average citizen, while they hated Team Rocket for destroying their homes, they were even more shaken by the terrifying strength of their enemy.
It turned out that aside from the Pokémon League, there was another organization this powerful on the same land.
The riot in Goldenrod City three years ago now felt like a distant memory. As loud and shocking as it once was, people had moved on and forgotten.
But now, with the entire Johto Region under siege and every person affected, fear and panic finally took hold.
Some people, driven to desperation by the League for various reasons, didn't even hesitate, actively seeking out Team Rocket in hopes of joining them for protection.
If Team Rocket could survive the League's upcoming retaliation, their growth would be like a wildfire: expanding faster, stronger, and more terrifying than ever.
And this… was the true purpose behind Team Rocket's full-scale attack across the map!