[Ditto: Mission accomplished!] Feng Che sent a telepathic praise to the returning Ditto, who was laden with spoils.
I can't wait to see the look on Apollo's face when he realizes this entire meticulously planned operation ended in him holding an empty basket, Feng Che thought with a smirk. It should be quite a shock.
Now, I just need to find Sasaki Taro.
Whether it was to acquire the Thunder God Crystal or to secure the friendship of the Sasaki family, Feng Che knew he had to locate the billionaire.
Somewhere on the Lower Decks
"The chaos outside has mostly been suppressed. Those rich folks really wasted Pokémon with such excellent potential—their Gym-level Pokémon couldn't even beat Elite-level grunts," Nikola said, emerging from Sasaki Taro's shadow.
"Then Team Rocket's next move will be a carpet search to find me," Sasaki Taro said, his expression grave. "I've already secretly notified the League. I'm sure they'll arrive soon. I just need to avoid being caught until then."
"Mr. Sasaki, let me send out my Pokémon to deal with Apollo," Kahili suggested. "With Nikola and me working together, we should be fine."
"Apollo has at least Mid-tier or High-tier Elite Four strength. You and Nikola are no match for him," Sasaki shook his head. "Besides, I pay a massive amount of taxes to the League every year. It's time they sent an Elite Four member to rescue me. Let's see how much 'sincerity' they have."
Kanto League Headquarters: A High Tower
"What?! Sasaki Taro is trapped on an ocean liner by Team Rocket and needs immediate reinforcement?"
President Goodshow was shocked by the news. Nearby, a cyan dragon was already trapped in a cage made of super-alloy. He immediately dispatched the League's reserve Elite Four members to the Sea Star.
Sasaki Taro was Goodshow's primary financier. Without the billionaire's massive investments, Goodshow wouldn't have secured the seat of the Kanto League's head so easily.
This is an opportunity, Goodshow muttered. I haven't moved against the Sevii Islands yet, and now they've given me a reason to deploy troops. Haha! Even though I haven't caught Lugia yet, the 'secret weapon' in front of me will do.
"Someone, prepare the helicopter! I want to see Mr. Sasaki personally. I need a massive sum of money to fully bring this Mythical Pokémon under my control." Goodshow looked up, wearing a triumphant smile.
Team Rocket Headquarters
"WHAT?!"
Giovanni's authoritative voice roared through the office. He glared at the Head of the Dark Division, Ryan.
"How are you the Head of the Dark Division if you're only telling me this now? Apollo planned a kidnapping of Sasaki Taro—one of the top ten richest men in the Pokémon world!"
"Sasaki is one of our financiers too! If we anger him, we lose a massive source of revenue. The Sasaki family practically controls Kanto's economy. Connect me to Apollo immediately!"
"Dammit, if Apollo wanted to kidnap him, did he have to be so blatant about it? Now the whole region knows it was us. This just makes the League more wary." Giovanni grew angrier by the second.
"What? Still no connection?" He glared at Ryan.
"Um... it seems Apollo activated a signal jammer," Ryan stammered, cold sweat soaking his shirt under Giovanni's piercing gaze.
Apollo, you're going to be the death of me... Ryan thought miserably.
The Sea Star
Sasaki Taro was now surrounded by Rocket grunts. Apollo looked down at the billionaire, who was still dressed in women's clothing.
Holy crap, Sasaki actually has this kind of hobby? Apollo thought, suppressing a shudder.
"Hand over the Thunder God Crystal, Sasaki Taro," Apollo shouted. "Give me the crystal and a hefty ransom, and I'll let you leave with your dignity intact. You can't escape; those two bodyguards of yours are no match for me."
"Aren't you afraid the League will wipe out Team Rocket?" Sasaki said calmly. "If this hijacking goes public, the Great Families and the League will unite to purge you."
"Haha! That's Rocket's strength—we fear nothing!" Apollo laughed.
Suddenly, a massive Flamethrower descended from the sky. Elite Four member Blaze arrived on the back of his Magcargo.
"Dammit, the League's Elite Four got here fast!" Apollo cursed. "Reuniclus, use Psychic Storm!"
A pale blue light enveloped the ship as a massive psychic tornado erupted on the deck.
"Apollo, we never finished our last fight. Let's settle it now," Blaze sneered. His Magcargo launched a massive fireball that shattered the psychic storm. The shockwave slammed several grunts into the cabin walls.
When the dust settled, Sasaki Taro had vanished.
"Curse it! Go after Sasaki! I'll handle Blaze!" Apollo roared.
A Dark Corridor
Got it. Feng Che's hand now held a small, palm-sized box. He had used Ally Switch at close range during the explosion to swap an item in his pocket with the box Sasaki was carrying.
The farce will be over soon. I just need to wait for the League's main force. He tucked the box into his storage ring.
Elsewhere, Sasaki Taro checked his waist and his face turned pale. "My Divine Crystal is gone! That wretched Apollo... he must have swapped it right under my nose!"
"Mr. Sasaki, it's very dangerous. Rescuing you just now exhausted much of my psychic power," the League's hidden Psychic Elite, Lady Alice, said pointedly.
"I know, I know," Sasaki sighed. "How long until the main force arrives? I want these Rocket thugs wiped out."
"At least 2 to 3 hours. Our priority is your safety."
"Wait, Apollo mentioned explosives all over the ship. Don't push him too hard, or he'll blow us all up," Sasaki warned.
"I've already used my powers to neutralize the bombs. Rest easy," Alice replied matter-of-factly.
The Loot Cabin
Damn, this operation is a failure, Apollo cursed inwardly while trading blows with Blaze on the deck. Whatever, we've gathered enough treasure and Pokémon to make it worth it.
"Talon, give the order. We're retreating! Trigger the bombs to slow down the League!"
"Understood!" Talon hurried to the treasure cabin. But when he swung the door open, his face froze.
"Did I... walk into the wrong room?"
Talon stared bug-eyed at the completely empty cabin. He couldn't believe his eyes—every single piece of loot was gone.