Giovanni's No. 3 and No. 4!

Just like that, the entire incident came to a close!

Cynthia escorted the captured criminals out of the Spear Pillar ruins and waited outside with the others for the central officer squad from the Officer Jenny headquarters to arrive.

Alongside them came Professor Carolina and Professor Rowan.

"Woww, my dear granddaughter Cynthia, you've done another marvelous job this time. What about you, Ash? Looks like you got overshadowed by my precious granddaughter again~"

Professor Carolina beamed smugly at Ash, unaware of the truth.

Cynthia nearly tripped in embarrassment and quickly pulled her grandmother aside to explain the real situation.

"What? You're telling me it was all thanks to Ash that everything went so smoothly?"

Upon hearing this, Professor Carolina's old face flushed bright red with embarrassment.

"Ohh!, this is really embarrassing, Cynthia. Turns out it was Ash who earned all the credit this time. But I must say, Ash seems like quite the catch. He gave such a huge accomplishment to you without hesitation. Cynthia, weren't you always against those arranged marriages your family kept trying to push on you? What would you think if it were Ash?"

At this moment, Professor Carolina's admiration for Ash reached a whole new level.

Her granddaughter was her absolute pride and joy. And now, Ash—despite earning such an enormous achievement—had selflessly handed it over to Cynthia. Even when Professor Carolina spoke out of line earlier, the boy didn't get offended. That kind of maturity, that character, was rare.

More importantly, this incident made it clear that Ash's strength as a trainer… had already surpassed even Cynthia's.

"Eh? Me and Ash?"

Cynthia was completely caught off guard. She never expected her grandmother to say something like that at a time like this.

Still, if it were Ash… he did meet all of Cynthia's standards for a partner—stronger than her, and capable of protecting her.

This whole Mt. Coronet incident had proved just that. Not only did Ash eliminate the Galactic threat almost singlehandedly, but he also gifted her the whole of the credit. If that didn't count as strength and protection, what did?

Not to mention his status—Ash was an honorary member of the Pokémon Rangers, a highly prestigious role.

If Ash could hear Professor Carolina's comment, he'd probably give her a big thumbs-up…

Now that's a support play!

"Thank you very much, Professor Carolina, and thank you as well, Champion Cynthia," said Officer Jenny, bowing respectfully. "We'll report the matter to the Pokémon League and ensure the criminals receive the punishment they deserve. As for you two, the League will see to it that you're rewarded accordingly."

Of course, Cynthia didn't say a word to Officer Jenny about Ash's contributions.

She was going to personally speak with the League President herself. Ash's role in this could not be ignored.

Everyone believed the matter was over.

Ash didn't say much more either.

As for Cyrus and Hunter J?

By now, the two of them were probably trembling in terror inside the Reverse World, sent as "companions" to Giratina.

Ash rejoined Dawn, Anabel, and Lyra. Cynthia invited everyone to dinner to celebrate and debrief, and no one declined the offer.

As for the traces of Ash's involvement in the entire affair—Mewtwo had already used its psychic powers to wipe them clean.

Ash and the others piled into Cynthia's car and headed to the restaurant.

Elsewhere, Professors Carolina and Rowan returned to their labs, having gathered the data they needed.

Meanwhile, Officer Jenny and the League Police began their prisoner transfer operations.

The Galactic Team members were split into two groups:

Regular grunts.

The Four Elite Commanders: Charon, Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter.

These four were of special interest to the League.

Two helicopters were dispatched, accompanied by over a hundred officers to escort them to the Pokémon League's headquarters.

As the convoy moved along, suddenly—the lead vehicle came to a halt.

Two large trucks had collided ahead, blocking the road in both directions. It looked like a traffic accident.

Everyone had to stop. And the moment they did—

Two young men approached the convoy, one leading and one following. Each had a Pokémon beside them.

The outfits they wore bore an unmistakable "R" on the chest.

"Nidoking, Earthquake! Alakazam, use Illusion to take control of the helicopters!"

"Golem, Earthquake! Claydol, Sandstorm to obscure their vision!"

The four Pokémon unleashed their power—all of them radiating the pressure of top-tier Elite-class Pokémon.

And not just any Elite-tier. Their aura was nearly equivalent to official League-certified Elite Four members!

The road shattered!

Cracks split open the pavement!

Sandstorms raged!

The wind howled violently!

All around, the police officers tried to summon their Pokémon, but were locked in place by Alakazam's illusion—unable to move!

What a helpless feeling!

The two men began opening the locked vans one by one.

Finally, they found who they were looking for.

"Charon, Saturn, Mars, Jupiter. Looks like we've got the right people."

One of the young men grinned as his Golem and Claydol loomed behind him.

Their uniforms featured the familiar red "R" of Team Rocket—but the man's back had a bold number "3."

The other man wore a "4."

Both men spoke in unison:

"You have two choices. One, come with us. Two, keep heading to the League Headquarters, where you'll be imprisoned for decades—maybe even life—after all your crimes as Galactic Commanders. Choose wisely."

Charon immediately made his decision.

This eccentric old scientist had never been loyal to Cyrus. He was simply there because Galactic's madness allowed him to run wild with his research.

Now it looked like a new opportunity had arrived.

Mars and Jupiter gritted their teeth, glaring at the two men. They were about to refuse.

They understood clearly—this was another organization trying to recruit them.

But they were Galactic's strongest. How could they bow down so easily?

Saturn raised his hand, stopping them.

He was different—more thoughtful.

No matter who these people were, right now, as Galactic's de facto leader, Saturn had to think about their future.

Well, mostly just Mars and Jupiter. The rest of the grunts? Not his problem.

They absolutely couldn't go to the League HQ.

"…Fine. We'll go with you—for now."

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T/N:

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