Saffron City was the most modern and important city in the Kanto region.
"They say Saffron is the color of shining, brilliant gold. Using such a city as the stage for the final battle is perfect."
On the top floor of Silph Co. headquarters, in a spacious and luxurious office, Damian held an elegant glass. He sat in the president's chair, legs crossed comfortably.
He lazily looked out the floor-to-ceiling window at the city below. Terapagos lay on his lap, happily chewing a piece of fruit.
"Mr. Damian, is this really necessary?"
The President of Silph Co. sat on a sofa, sighing heavily. He felt like he was suffering through a disaster he didn't deserve.
In his heart, he cursed his son, Lawrence III. If that brat hadn't gone looking for Team Rocket, Damian wouldn't have used it as an excuse to come straight to his door.
That unfilial son! What a complete brat!
"Mr. President, I don't like hearing that. Don't worry, I'll make sure you stay safe."
Damian's mouth curled into a slight smile as he turned to the Silph President.
"Back then, I used President Joseph Stone of Devon Corp to lure Champion Steven and the others into a fight. His safety was guaranteed too."
So this isn't the first time you've used a company president as bait?
The Silph President felt his throat go dry.
"I'm not worried about my own safety. I just think your choice is pointless." He swallowed hard and shook his head, trying to act tough.
"Hideko already sent a message. The Kanto League people have arrived in Saffron City. They've blocked off the city so tightly that not even a drop of water can get through."
"Mr. Damian, this battle is probably unavoidable now."
The Silph Co. President spoke calmly.
"Is that so? It's faster than I expected. Caitlin, send out the notice. We're having a meeting on the tenth floor."
Damian chuckled softly, placed Terapagos on the desk, and stretched lazily.
"Yes," Caitlin replied with a nod.
"The party is about to start. We need a pre-battle pep talk. Mr. President, would you like to listen?"
Damian picked up his coat from the back of the chair and put it on. It was a new outer garment the May Sisters had made for him.
On the left chest, a large golden letter 'R' clearly showed the wearer's identity.
"I won't get involved in your organization's internal meeting," the Silph Co. President politely declined.
"Fine. Then stay here and rest a while."
Damian patted the President's shoulder and left with Caitlin.
"Sigh…"
The Silph Co. President looked at the empty room and sat back down. Another sigh escaped him.
He didn't think about running away. The entire Silph building was now occupied by Team Rocket members. Escaping would be a miracle for a weak old man like him.
Even though Damian had used his company and himself as the key to start this war, he treated the President with a fair amount of respect.
But once Team Rocket and the League started fighting, could Damian really guarantee his safety?
The Silph Co. President knew how terrifying the destructive power of strong Trainers could be.
He glanced at the fruit plate on the coffee table. Since things had come this far, he might as well eat something first.
Saffron City Gym.
"Champion Giovanni!"
"Hello, Officer Jenny. All residents have been evacuated, right?"
Giovanni, in his classic black suit, asked the officer in charge.
"Yes. All citizens were evacuated by 6:00 PM yesterday. Currently, only Team Rocket members remain in Saffron City."
"According to surveillance, Team Rocket members are only active near Silph Co."
Officer Jenny answered seriously.
"Good. Where is the Saffron Gym Leader?" Giovanni looked toward the Gym with doubt.
The officer opened her mouth but no sound came out.
"The Saffron Gym Leader is Sabrina, right? What happened to her?" Lorelei asked, frowning.
"Um… Gym Leader Sabrina…" Officer Jenny bit her lip. "She joined Team Rocket. She should be at Silph Co. now."
Silence fell.
Giovanni, Leon, and the other Champions exchanged surprised glances.
Even if a Gym Leader switched sides, it didn't change the big picture.
After all, the Champions of Unova, Kalos, and Alola were already on the other side.
"Let's go into the Gym first. We need to plan our attack," Giovanni said, clearing his throat.
Inside, the Gym was spacious. Officer Jenny Mio had someone project a map onto the wall.
"What we know: Damian is in Silph Co. headquarters, likely on the top floor. The Silph President should be there too. All areas around Silph Co. are controlled by Team Rocket members, including top Executives inside. We should slowly shrink the attack circle from the outside. Take areas near Silph Co. first. It would be ideal to defeat the top Executives early."
Blue raised a doubt.
"Why don't we just capture the leader first?"
"Because Damian is very strong," Leon shook his head. "Capturing the leader first would be a huge mistake."
Blue frowned. "I don't understand. We have over twenty Champions. Can't we just rush in?"
"You don't know how strong Damian is," Leon said. "Even with numbers, capturing him is extremely difficult."
Giovanni nodded. "Officer Mio's plan is correct. Take the other top Executives first, then surround Damian."
Blue pouted but didn't argue further.
"Then the plan is set. Take down the other Executives, then gather forces for Damian."
Giovanni added, "If Damian comes out early, Lance, Leon, and I will stall him."
Leon and Lance nodded.
"Good! Let's move out!"
Silph Co., Tenth Floor.
"Everyone, the wind is rising."
Damian stood at the head of the table, smiling at everyone seated.
"The League has sent a large force outside. Our intel says at least twenty Champion-level Trainers are here."
Some were shocked, some worried, some excited.
"Heh, that's something. They really want to crush us."
Karen leaned back, smiling wickedly.
"They put in a lot of effort," Colress said, fingers moving slightly.
"It doesn't matter! No matter how many come, I'll take them on!"
Rosa slapped the table, full of fighting spirit.
"Hold on, let Damian finish first," Hilda said, pulling Rosa back.
"Yes, Colress is right. The League has gathered all its current strength from every region. But even so..."
Damian's smile grew wider, wilder.
"Even if the enemy is strong, the advantage is ours! I am standing behind you! Show full power—the final winner will be Team Rocket!"
"Team Rocket will not be defeated. Not now, not ever! Ahead of us, there are no enemies!"
Selene's eyes sparkled. My man is so cool!
Hearts raced for Caitlin, Rosa, Platinum, and the others.
Even Ash, Hop, and the males felt the thrill.
Damian raised a glass.
"Let the victory song play! We will not lose—for Team Rocket!"
Outside, League personnel led by Giovanni set up a command tent.
"All forces, move out!" Giovanni pressed his communicator.
"Attack from four directions simultaneously, as planned."