Officer Jenny said, "We aren't entirely sure yet. After the previous out-of-control Pokémon incident in Blackthorn City, the Officer Jenny there contacted me to discuss it. She questioned the owners of those two Pokémon about the cause. They both mentioned that while they were visiting the Lake of Rage, they heard a strange electromagnetic wave, after which their Pokémon showed signs of losing control. However, we conducted an investigation. Many tourists visit the Lake of Rage every day, and when I asked them, they all claimed they hadn't heard any strange electromagnetic waves."
It's definitely Team Rocket, Eichi thought upon hearing this. This is just the beginning; the main plot is still several years away.
When the Gyarados first went out of control, Eichi had turned around and opened his Eye of the Bug Emperor. He had noticed a blood-red aura over the head of the Gyarados's owner, confirming the man was a member of Team Rocket. However, the man had fled too quickly, and Eichi was focused on stopping the Gyarados, so he hadn't pursued him.
Following this, Officer Jenny asked a few more routine questions, all of which he answered one by one. Once finished, the entire police station held a commendation ceremony for Eichi, presenting him with an honorary banner and a 30,000p cash reward.
After everything concluded, Youichi and Eichi went to the Pokémon Center to grab a meal together. Eichi was quite willing to make friends with him; first, Youichi possessed a strong sense of justice, and second, his strength was quite impressive.
In the evening, having nothing else to do, Youichi challenged Eichi to a battle. Eichi did not refuse, so the two held a Pokémon battle in the backyard of the Pokémon Center.
Youichi's Crobat, which had an Outstanding talent grade and was at the Elite rank, faced off against Eichi's Scizor. It actually took quite a bit of effort for Eichi to win. One must realize that after a month of intensive training, Scizor's current strength was incredibly high.
Elsewhere, in a room within the underground base at the Lake of Rage, the subordinate who had lost the Gyarados was currently kneeling before the man in the black uniform, trembling all over. The air in the room seemed frozen, filled with an oppressive atmosphere that made it hard to breathe.
"Where is the test subject?" the man in the black uniform asked heavily. Each word struck the subordinate's heart like a hammer.
The subordinate shook violently, lifting his head and stammering, "The test subject... on the way... the Poké Ball burst open... it... came out."
"Useless trash!" the man in the black uniform roared. He swung his leg and kicked the subordinate, sending him flying across the room.
The subordinate endured the pain and crawled back up, continuing to kneel and beg for mercy. "Sir, please give me another chance. I promise to make up for my failure!"
The man in black remained silent for a moment before speaking. "Do you realize the consequences this incident will bring?"
The subordinate continued to plead for another chance. The man in black rubbed his chin. Originally, he intended to send the man to Trial Island to fend for himself, but then he remembered that this subordinate was very loyal and usually quite reliable. Finding another subordinate like him would be a hassle.
Thinking of this, he kicked the man once more and said impatiently, "Get out! If there is a next time, you know the consequences."
Despite being kicked again, the subordinate was clearly relieved. He scrambled to his feet, knelt to offer his thanks, and hurried out. After he left, the man in black turned to another subordinate nearby. "Go tell them that from now on, all test subjects must use Custom Poké Balls. If a test subject escapes again, I'm not bailing anyone out."
"Understood, sir. I'll handle it immediately," Subordinate No. 2 replied.
The next day, Eichi bid farewell to Youichi. Youichi continued his journey while Eichi headed back to the academy to resume his studies. He didn't know when they would meet again.
He traveled from Cherrygrove City to Blackthorn City. Upon arriving at this familiar place, nothing eventful happened this time, except that the local Officer Jenny found him and held another commendation ceremony, giving him a 100,000p reward. The money didn't really matter; he just enjoyed doing good deeds.
Soon, Eichi returned to Silver Town. He was very happy as he walked into the town; he wanted to see Tetsu, Kelly, and Teacher Joylin as soon as possible. Suppressing his excitement, Eichi returned to Silver Academy.
The campus was very quiet upon his entry. Since everyone was in class, there were few people outside. Eichi went to his dormitory to change into his school uniform. He hadn't told anyone he was returning today because he wanted to give them a surprise.
He took some items out of his backpack, checked the class schedule, and put the necessary textbooks inside. Then, he headed toward the teaching building. However, before going to the classroom, Eichi suddenly changed his mind and diverted to Director Yanagi's office.
He knocked on the door. Knock, knock.
"Come in," Director Yanagi's voice came from inside.
Eichi opened the door and walked in, habitually pulling up a chair to sit across from Director Yanagi. The Director was currently busy with some paperwork. When he finished and looked up, he saw it was Eichi. The fine lines on Director Yanagi's face smoothed out as he said with some surprise, "Yo, our top student is back."
"Director Yanagi, long time no see," Eichi said with a smile.
Director Yanagi stood up to pour a glass of water for Eichi. "How do you feel? How much did you learn?"
Eichi took a sip of water. "Mr. Muramasa is truly incredible. I only studied for a month, and I feel like Scizor has learned a lot. But to Mr. Muramasa, it was probably just the basics."
"Of course," Director Yanagi replied. "Muramasa is a man who has won many championships."
Eichi nodded in agreement. Then, remembering something, he pulled a letter from his backpack and handed it over. "By the way, Teacher Muramasa asked me to give this letter to you."
Director Yanagi took the envelope and began to read. After a few minutes, he looked up. "Eichi, do you know what Mr. Muramasa wrote?"
"What did he write?" Eichi asked, playing dumb.
"Still playing dumb with me? You must have some idea," Director Yanagi said.
"Hehe, Director Yanagi, you really are sharp. You saw right through me," Eichi laughed sheepishly.
"Muramasa said in the letter that you have great talent and asked me to cultivate you well," Director Yanagi said. He then added, "Alright, anything else? If not, you should head back. I still have work to do."
"Then I'll leave you to it. I'm heading back to class," Eichi said.
He left the office. After Eichi departed, Director Yanagi looked at the letter for a bit longer and muttered to himself, "Now that he's back, those two kids are in trouble. I wouldn't be surprised if I see that fellow again today."