Chapter 160: The Plan
"Pika... Pikachu..." After Pikachu learned that Ash was fine, he began to describe what he saw and heard inside Silph Co.
Ash nodded from time to time, his expression growing solemn. Although Handsome and the two young men couldn't understand what Pikachu said, they sensed it wasn't good news based on Ash's serious look.
After a while, Pikachu finished speaking, and Ash patted his head, taking out a water bottle from his backpack and offering it to Pikachu. "Thank you for your hard work, Pikachu. You did a great job," he praised.
"How is it? Do you understand what Pikachu said?" Handsome asked Ash eagerly.
"I understand the general situation. It's not looking good. Pikachu didn't go to the upper floors, only the second, but he found Team Rocket members there. The staff were captured, and their movements were restricted," Ash explained, summarizing Pikachu's report.
The three Interpol agents exchanged glances, seriousness evident in their eyes. It seemed their investigation was correct. Team Rocket had indeed occupied Silph Co., and their objective, though unclear, was likely the Master Ball.
"How did Pikachu get in?" After a moment of thought, Handsome asked Ash. He wanted to infiltrate Silph Co. to assess the situation before calling for reinforcements.
Ash didn't know how Pikachu had entered; he had simply instructed him to do so. He relayed the question to Pikachu, who responded.
"It was a ventilation duct, but it's very small, only Pikachu's size. A human wouldn't be able to fit," Ash explained, frowning.
"Could a child fit through?" Handsome persisted, unwilling to give up. He asked Pikachu directly.
"Pika, Pikachu..." Pikachu gestured with his paws, indicating the size of the duct. After a rough estimate, Handsome looked at Ash.
"It seems an adult couldn't enter, but a child might..." Handsome hesitated, unsure if he should involve Ash in such a dangerous situation. After all, they were dealing with Team Rocket, a ruthless criminal organization.
Ash pondered the situation. This was beyond his capabilities. Reality wasn't a game where he could single-handedly defeat Team Rocket like in the game.
However, if he didn't act, no one else could infiltrate Silph Co. Once Team Rocket obtained the Master Ball's manufacturing materials...
Considering Team Rocket's ambitions, it could significantly bolster their strength, potentially allowing them to overthrow the Alliance and seize control.
Although the Master Ball's capabilities in the real world were unknown, Ash didn't want to risk it being as powerful as its in-game counterpart. The consequences could be disastrous.
"Ash, we need you to infiltrate Silph Co. We're contacting the Kanto Alliance, and they'll send forces to attack from the front and divert Team Rocket's attention," Handsome explained his plan.
He wasn't asking Ash to merely scout; he wanted him to locate the Silph Co. president and secure the Master Ball's manufacturing information, preventing it from falling into Team Rocket's hands.
After listening to Handsome's plan, Ash nodded in agreement. He couldn't allow Team Rocket to obtain the Master Ball materials. Cooperating with Handsome was the best course of action.
Seeing Ash's agreement, Handsome nodded and led him to a nearby shop. The shop was empty except for the staff.
"Bring out a Team Rocket uniform and tailor it to this boy's size. Quickly!" Handsome ordered the staff.
"Yes, sir!" The staff member nodded and went inside. Ash realized this shop was an Interpol safehouse.
While Ash prepared for his mission, Handsome contacted the Kanto Alliance headquarters, informing them of the situation at Silph Co. and outlining his strategy.
"Team Rocket again! This time, their target is the Master Ball!" In the meeting room, Bruno slammed his fist on the table, shattering it.
"How could this happen under our noses? Team Rocket made such a bold move, and no one noticed!" Agatha was furious.
Despite the Alliance's previous efforts to purge corrupt personnel, it seemed there were still spies within their ranks.
Saffron City was a crucial location, heavily guarded by Alliance personnel. Agatha couldn't believe that Team Rocket's operation had gone unnoticed.
The conclusion was clear: someone in charge of Saffron City's security had been compromised by Team Rocket.
Only Agatha and Bruno were present in the conference room. Lorelei was handling matters on Cinnabar Island, and Lance was in the Johto Region.
"It seems we need to conduct a thorough investigation into these internal threats..." Agatha gripped her cane, her anger palpable.
"Now is not the time to talk about these things. We must send reinforcements to Saffron City as soon as possible. Saffron City's guards are no longer trustworthy!" Bruno said in a deep voice.
"I'll let Sabrina handle it." Agatha was silent for a moment, then said slowly.
"Sabrina...?" Hearing Agatha's words, Bruno couldn't help raising his eyebrows slightly, "Sabrina... will she do it?"
"She will!" Agatha affirmed without hesitation.
Inside the store, Ash looked at the black uniform he was wearing, with a conspicuous red 'R' printed on the chest, a black peaked cap on his head, and gray gloves.
"Wait a minute, put the hat away first, then put on this coat to cover your clothes, and take it off after reaching the ventilation duct.
Your goal is to prevent the Rockets from obtaining the materials for making the Master Ball. Don't worry about anything else!"
Handsome stood in front of Ash and spoke seriously.
He also held a large brown coat, which could completely cover Ash.
"I understand!" Ash nodded slightly, feeling a little nervous.
"Please proceed. Reinforcements will be here soon. Once you notice any movement, act immediately." After handing the clothes to Ash, Handsome patted his shoulder.
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