When picking a new Pokémon, one must naturally consider the current team's synergy.
From a competitive gaming perspective, the team currently consists of two low-speed Physical Walls, one supportive low-speed Special Wall, a developing low-speed Physical Sweeper, and a developing mid-speed Special Attacker. Considering type coverage, filling the gap with a high-speed Special Attacker—or an extreme low-speed one capable of setting up Trick Room—is crucial. Grass, Ghost, Psychic, and Fairy types are the top contenders.
However, in the reality of high-level anime battles, the frequency of attacks is absurd, and moves carry exaggerated power that can catch you off guard. When you realize there aren't many opportunities for safe switching, you must ensure the Pokémon has the bulk to take the field or stay on it.
This made the choice difficult. Kashiwagi agonized over it but couldn't settle on a specific species. To make matters worse, the "Pokémon Clue" reward is random; even if he specified a type, the resulting Pokémon might not fit his plan. If a clue led him to a Pokémon that completely contradicted his strategy, would he take it or leave it?
The clue didn't force a capture, but it carried a sense of "fated encounter" that was mentally taxing.
"It's between Ghost and Psychic," Kashiwagi muttered. After more thought, he realized the utility of these types beyond just battling.
In his travels, a Ghost-type could ensure his campsite remained undisturbed by malevolent spirits, guarding his safety around the clock. A Psychic-type, with its enhanced mental powers, would be versatile in dealing with both environmental hazards and human villains.
"Ghost-type it is." He finally made up his mind. Ghost-types were notoriously versatile, most could learn Psychic moves, and they possessed mental strength no weaker than actual Psychic-types. As for the ability to ward off "real" ghosts? Just a bonus effect he totally wasn't worried about. Definitely.
He activated the clue. The information materialized:
[You must board the luxury liner Eros Milotic before 3:00 PM tomorrow to participate in the Fishing Tournament.]
The Eros Milotic? A fishing tournament?
Kashiwagi blinked and searched the name on his phone. He soon discovered the Eros Milotic was a luxury cruise ship owned by a Hoenn billionaire. It was the fourth-largest in the world, with a passenger capacity exceeding ten thousand. He didn't know how that compared to super-cruisers from his past life, but the photos alone were staggering.
A quick check revealed the ship was currently anchored in the outer waters not far from Orre, and tickets were available online.
Just seeing those exorbitant prices cause his eyes to bulge.
Is it a scam? Kashiwagi hesitated, then decided to call Yamamino, the "Rich Kid" of the group.
"The Eros Milotic is near Orre? You're incredibly lucky. That super-liner is a hotspot for Trainers; you'll meet Pokémon from all over the world. Hang on, let me check the tickets for you..."
Yamamino chattered away on the other end, barely giving Kashiwagi a chance to speak. Moments later: "Done. I got you a Global Pass. You can disembark at any port you like. When you reach Gateon Port, call this number. Someone will pick you up, no matter how late it is."
Yamamino kept rambling. "I'm telling you, remember this..."
Kashiwagi quickly jotted down a string of numbers. "How do I transfer the money to you?"
"The organization is expensing it!"
"Huh?"
"Just kidding. Consider this ticket a small gift for your future journey. But seriously, think about winning a League Conference. If you do, Team Rainbow can legally sponsor all your Pokémon care costs without anyone raising an eyebrow."
"A Conference Champion... I've thought about it. I'll try my best, but I won't make any empty promises."
"By the way, where's your first stop?"
"Hoenn," Kashiwagi said without hesitation. "I talked to Michael on the PokéNav. He said that after Lugia gained its freedom, it flew toward Hoenn."
-----
In the anime world, Lugia is not unique. Even setting aside the various movie timelines, there is the "Sea God" Lugia of the Orange Islands, the mother and child Lugia in the Whirl Islands, and the one that appeared at Vermilion City's port during Journeys.
This made tracking the specific Shadow Lugia difficult, but there was a chance. Kashiwagi had scoured sighting reports, filtering out the obvious fakes, and found a lead in Hoenn.
A diver had reported seeing a massive shadow pass through a trench while cleaning the seabed with his Gyarados. He initially thought it was a Wailord, but then noticed its brilliant silver surface. The diver had attached a video from his body cam; though the depths were dark, one could clearly see a massive creature swimming by, accompanied by a flash of silver light.
Whether it was to follow in Steven's footsteps, wait for his own origin to be revealed at Meteor Falls, or chase the "Sea God," the Hoenn trip was mandatory.
-----
Night fell. The fourteen-hour drive finally ended. Kashiwagi had originally booked a hotel, but now that he had better options, he checked on the exhausted Tyra. "What are your plans? If you don't have a place to stay..."
"Don't worry about me. I'm here to find someone," Tyra waved him off.
"Find someone?"
"Yeah. Ayana's father. He used to be a Pyrite Town executive, but he retired to Gateon Port to live in seclusion. That's why I came." Terry let out a massive yawn.
"You can barely keep your eyes open. Go get some sleep first." Fearing she'd crash her car, Kashiwagi insisted she rest. Once her snoring reached a thunderous volume, Kashiwagi dialed the number Yamamino gave him.
"Hello?"
"Is this Mr. Kashiwagi?" The voice on the other end seemed to be expecting him, instantly identifying him. "Have you arrived at Gateon Port? Please give us your location so we can pick you up."
"I'm at..."
Kashiwagi was surprised by the hospitality. Five minutes after giving his coordinates, a sleek hover-limo pulled up. Once inside, he learned this was a private transport for the Eros Milotic's VIP members.
Yamamino had clearly used his "Bank Account" talent.
Rich people really live differently, Kashiwagi mused. He looked at his own balance of 30 million—which sounds like a lot until you start raising high-end Pokémon—and realized he needed to find a way to make more money.
He needed financial freedom to raise his team without compromise.