Was that a familiar voice?
Lucas narrowed his eyes slightly. Perhaps he was just being overly sensitive—maybe it was the tension from being caught in the act that made his body go stiff.
"Huh? A thief?"
Hearing Lucas's words, Ash's eyes suddenly widened, staring in surprise at the girl's back.
Snapping out of it, Ash quickly ran in front of the girl, blocking her path with a wary gaze.
Yes, Ash, who held justice in his heart, wouldn't hesitate at a time like this.
"What are you talking about? I didn't take your stuff!"
The girl seemed to have calmed down as well. She glared fiercely at Ash, then turned her head slightly downward to look at Lucas and spoke.
Her slightly magnetic voice was surprisingly pleasant to the ear.
"Miss, with all due respect, stealing someone else's property is still unethical. You'd be better off turning over a new leaf sooner rather than later."
"Could you return my wallet first? It's right there, in your bag."
Lucas smiled as he pointed at the bag slung over her shoulder.
Even though the girl kept her head lowered and the wide brim of her hat cast a shadow over half her face, Lucas could still see clearly.
It was quite a beautiful face. Lucas was sure he'd never seen her before, and her voice was unfamiliar too. However...
Marnie glanced speechlessly at Lucas. Honestly, was there anyone more unethical than him?
She couldn't help but mentally complain—White really had the nerve to accuse someone else of lacking morals.
"So, she was a thief! Hey! Stealing is wrong—how could you even deny it?"
Compared to the unfamiliar girl in front of him, Ash clearly trusted Lucas more. After all, they had chatted earlier and his impression of White was pretty good.
Seeing that the girl still didn't admit it, Ash immediately voiced his discontent.
So annoying, that loudmouth!
The girl shot another glare at Ash, mentally jotting down this "righteous loud guy" in her little black book.
"Tch~ Fine, fine, here! Consider it my bad luck today."
The girl swiftly tossed the wallet back to Lucas and turned to leave.
But...
"I already returned the wallet—what more do you want?"
The girl's eye twitched in frustration as she saw Ash once again spread his arms to block her way. Her irritation was palpable.
She really wanted to get away quickly. She never expected to run into Lucas here of all places. Wasn't that guy supposed to be in Johto?
"You stole from him, and you're not even going to apologize?"
The girl was clearly annoyed, but Ash was even more upset. This thief showed no remorse at all for getting caught—since when were thieves this bold?
"What? You want me to apologize too?" The girl widened her clear eyes.
"Of course!" Ash stared back without flinching.
"Let it go, friend. If she doesn't want to, there's no need to force her."
Lucas chuckled, patting Ash on the shoulder. This guy was definitely a straightforward youth full of justice.
Ash frowned but didn't say more—it wasn't really his business anyway.
Then Lucas turned to the girl, curiosity in his eyes. "Have we met before?"
"Nope. Bro, that pickup line is totally outdated."
The girl's heart skipped a beat, and a cold sweat broke out instantly. But she kept her expression neutral, replying with irritation before turning and walking away without looking back.
"These eyes... unmistakable. Green, huh~"
Watching the girl's departing figure, Lucas's lips curled into a faint smile. He remembered those clear, spirited eyes all too well.
Though her appearance, voice, and body shape were all different, things like disguise and voice mimicry were child's play for her.
Green!
Meanwhile, the girl ran into a secluded corner, leaning against a wall and taking deep breaths.
"He didn't notice, he didn't notice... thank goodness..."
She stole a glance toward where she'd come from. Seeing that the familiar figure hadn't followed, Green finally clutched her chest and exhaled deeply.
"Idiot, idiot! How did I end up stealing from him? Thank goodness I disguised myself… hopefully he didn't recognize me…"
After catching her breath, Green smacked her cheeks in frustration. Of all people, how could she have accidentally targeted him?
The moment she heard Lucas's voice, she felt like her entire body had turned to ice.
Yes, in that moment she felt like she couldn't breathe.
Lucas!
Aside from that nightmare, he was the most terrifying existence in the organization—and the person she had feared most since childhood.
"No way—I need to get off this ship. I can't stay here another second."
Green made up her mind instantly. She had boarded the ship hoping to find wealthy socialites and nobles—ideal targets to pickpocket.
She had even heard a rumor that Team Rocket would make a move aboard the S.S. Anne.
But now, who cares about Team Rocket or money? Her own safety came first.
Green knew all too well just how terrifying that monster she grew up with could be.
Team Rocket? What a joke—they wouldn't stand a chance against him.
(Though she didn't yet know that her so-called "monster" had switched sides...)
"There should be small lifeboats at the bottom deck. Worst case, I'll escape riding on my Wartortle."
Green headed for the hall's exit. No way she was staying—not in this lifetime.
Anywhere Lucas was… Green would not be!
Yep, that's how tough I am—Green doesn't back down!
Meanwhile, back with Lucas, he was just about to say something to Ash when a boy and girl jogged over.
It was Brock and Misty—Ash's two companions.
"Ash, where did you run off to? We looked everywhere for you!"
Misty yelled in frustration. There were too many people here; finding someone with just your eyes was hopeless.
But in the next moment, she noticed Lucas—and her eyes instantly sparkled with stars.
Handsome face, tall build, silver-white hair—so dreamy!
"I was just watching a Pokémon battle." Ash pouted, knowing he was in the wrong, so he didn't argue.
"These must be your friends, right? Actually, Ash really helped me out just now."
"I'm Lucas Blackthorn—just call me Lucas. Ash, thanks again."
Lucas smiled and nodded at Brock and Misty.
"Ahaha~ It was nothing, really!" Ash scratched his head bashfully.
"But that thief sure got off easy. Lucas, you're such a nice guy. If it were me, I wouldn't have let her go that easily with that attitude."
Thinking of that girl, Ash couldn't help but complain. She stole from someone and acted like it was no big deal.
"I'm not a nice guy."
Lucas was momentarily stunned, then chuckled with a strange expression. He never expected someone to actually give him a "good guy" card.
Brock and Misty gave Lucas an odd look—who just straight-up says they're not a good person?
But more importantly...
"Blackthorn… are you from the Johto Blackthorn family?" Brock squinted, trying to get a good look at Lucas.
That surname was legendary in Kanto.
"Yes, I was born in Blackthorn City. But it's been many years since I last returned." Lucas nodded, sighing with a hint of nostalgia.
It really had been a long time.
The last time he returned was five years ago—and he hadn't gone back since.
"Blackthorn is kind of a weird name. Do you really like Dragon-type Pokémon or something?"
Ash, still clueless, just interpreted the name literally.
"Are you seriously a Kanto trainer?" Even Marnie was shocked now.
As a trainer, how could you not know the significance of the name Blackthorn?
Especially for someone from Kanto—Blackthorn represented the pinnacle.
"You idiot! I've told you to pay more attention. The current Kanto Champion and Elite Four include Lance Blackthorn—he's from the Blackthorn family!" Misty snapped, her face red with embarrassment.
Marnie's look of disbelief really made her want to dig a hole and hide.
After all, Ash was her companion!
"What? I don't follow that stuff…"
Ash shrank back under Misty's death glare.
So scary—Misty was terrifying right now.
"Ash, even as a rookie trainer, you should still learn the basic knowledge. That's the foundation to becoming strong."
Lucas smiled at the bickering duo—how amusing. But things were about to get even more interesting.
His grin widened ever so slightly. He wondered what expression Ash would make when he appeared as a Team Rocket member later?
"Listen up! And you call yourself someone who wants to be the strongest trainer?" Misty scolded him again.
She wasn't sure how strong Lucas was, but with that bearing, that name, and his background, she was certain he was no ordinary trainer.
"Tch~ Don't look down on me! I already have three badges!"
Ash fired back. Misty always picked on him—even though he had already won three gym battles.
Brock shook his head. Those three badges of Ash's...
"Anyway, Ash, we'll get going for now—we've got something to take care of."
Lucas glanced at a wall clock—not much time left.
He nodded and smiled at Brock and Misty, then left with Marnie.
"Truly a gentleman from a prestigious family—handsome and polite. Unlike someone."
Misty praised him while throwing a pointed glance at Ash.
"Yeah, you can tell he received a proper education growing up."
Brock agreed. A person's manners couldn't be faked.
Even with only a short interaction, it was clear Lucas was well-raised.
"Misty, I don't mind if you praise Lucas, but do you have to drag me into it too?!"
Ash grumbled. He liked Lucas too, but the way Misty threw shade at him annoyed him.
Before he could finish...
"Ash?"
"Brother!"
Ash turned at the familiar voice and saw Red approaching, eyes full of joy.
"Red! Long time no see!"
Ash gave him a big hug with a bright smile.
Their brotherly bond was real and deep.
"Oh, right! This is Misty and Brock—they've been traveling with me."
Ash introduced his companions.
"I'm Red, Ash's brother. Thanks for looking after him."
Red smiled. He knew what his brother was like—scatterbrained and reckless.
Anyone willing to travel with him had to be a decent person—or at least patient.
He also actually knew Brock, since he had once challenged his gym.
"No way! You're really Ash's brother?"
Brock stared at Red in disbelief, then glanced at Ash. No wonder he looked familiar when they met.
Aside from appearances, these two were nothing alike.
Red had utterly crushed him in their gym battle.
"Yeah, I'm a year older than Ash. Actually…"
Red smiled, about to say more when a commotion erupted nearby.
Suddenly, the hall was in chaos—panicked voices echoed from all directions.
"Team Rocket!"
Despite his small eyes, Brock had excellent vision and instantly spotted the black-uniformed Team Rocket members on the fringes.
More kept appearing at every entrance and exit.
"What are they doing here?" Misty was stunned. And why so many?!
How did this many Team Rocket members even get aboard?
"It's begun."
Sitting on a nearby sofa, Rose's deep eyes shimmered faintly as he watched the black-clad members surrounding the crowd.
Team Rocket's operation had officially started.
Elsewhere, an elegant girl in a pink fitted dress slowly set down her wine glass. Her watery eyes carried a hint of complexity as she looked at the surrounding Team Rocket members.
"Team Rocket…"
She had just arrived in Kanto, and already encountered the organization tied to that man.
Was she somehow fated to meet Team Rocket?
(End of Chapter)