Chapter 683: Team Rocket's Withdrawal

"Cain..." A hoarse voice came from the other end of the phone, hinting at the exhaustion of the speaker.

As one of the two main pillars in the invasion of Mew's ruins, both Tenebris and Umbra had to endure the fierce attacks of Regirock and Registeel.

Who knows what impression they left behind, given that the combat level of those two legendary Pokémon is not something an ordinary elite-level trainer could handle easily.

"Mr. Umbra," Cain responded.

"The mission is complete. Team Rocket has obtained something very valuable, and after evaluation by the leader and internal discussions among the team's upper ranks, we've decided to make some internal adjustments.

"From now on, we won't have the resources to monitor you. So, you have two options: First, leave the Hoenn region and return to Kanto. I'll assign you a position within the organization.

"Second, continue maintaining a low profile in the Hoenn region, but the team will no longer provide you with any support. However, don't worry; the leader is still interested in you, and your security level has been elevated to match that of the three major executives."

"This means that whether you're with the Pokémon League or Team Rocket, your information will be completely protected," Umbra offered Cain the two options, leaving the decision up to him.

In reality, it didn't require much thought. Cain had been developing his operations in the Hoenn region for a long time.

Leaving it all behind suddenly was not an option, especially since Leafy Town represented his primary avenue of growth. Returning to Team Rocket would mean losing everything.

More importantly, all the connections Cain had established with the Pokémon League would dissolve. He could never return to the light and would be permanently relegated to the shadows.

Without hesitation, Cain directly answered, "I choose the second option."

Umbra remained silent for a moment. Evidently, Cain's choice didn't surprise him in the least.

"Alright, then continue your development quietly. But be aware that in addition to contending with Hoenn's underground forces, you'll need to watch for possible movements from Rocket team members."

"..."

Cain understood who Umbra was referring to: Xenon, Lucius, and even Regi.

Eventually, they might find an opportunity to act against him.

"Understood," Cain replied.

"In any case, be careful. If you ever find yourself in an unsustainable situation, call this number. I'll do my best to assist you once." Those were Umbra's parting words.

This was the maximum support Umbra could offer Cain at this moment. Although the losses on Mew's island had been significant, it was thanks to Cain's warning that Umbra managed to secure substantial gains.

Overall, the benefits outweighed the losses.

This was why Umbra extended this help to Cain.

"Thank you, sir." After these words, the call ended.

Cain was certain that, for a long time, that phone would not ring again.

As Cain suspected, Team Rocket had obtained Mew's DNA from the ruins, and with Giovanni's strong backing, they began their research.

Initially, what Team Rocket aimed to do with Mew's DNA was not to create a new Pokémon but to try cloning Mew.

However, since a Mew already existed in this world, the DNA destabilized and collapsed each time they tried to reproduce it.

Because of this, with Giovanni's support, the research team decided to integrate the genes of over a hundred different species to create a being that surpassed even the original Mew.

Thus, Mewtwo was born.

The level of human and material resource investment in this project was not something any organization could afford.

For this reason, Team Rocket entered a period of dormancy, while the Pokémon League began to develop rapidly.

However, withdrawing didn't mean they stopped acting. Team Rocket remained the dominant underground force in the Kanto and Johto regions, but for now, they had no plans to expand into other areas.

Now, Cain had become the only "nail" Team Rocket had outside.

After hanging up, Cain stood still, a complicated expression on his face.

This represented a crisis for him but also an opportunity.

...

After receiving calls from both the League and Team Rocket in a single day, his plan for shadowed development was disrupted. The next day, Cain headed to the nearby mountains, accompanied by some of his Pokémon.

The rest of his Pokémon remained temporarily in Leafy Town. There was nothing to worry about since Cain could teleport back to the town instantly with Slowking, and Altaria was stationed in the backyard.

As long as no elite-level opponent suddenly appeared, the backyard and the Pokémon there would remain relatively safe.

If an elite-level opponent did show up, Matsuda Takashi would likely detect it immediately.

Cain brought with him Slowking, Floette, Marshtomp, Combusken, Poliwag, and Aron, while Gengar and Mismagius stayed hidden in his shadow.

The purpose of this excursion was clear: to train his second line of Pokémon.

Team Rocket's withdrawal had heightened his sense of danger. An attack could occur at any moment, like a sword hanging over his head, constantly driving him to become stronger.

If Cain were to join the Pokémon League in the Hoenn region, he wouldn't need to worry about this. However, many of the things he had couldn't be revealed to anyone. Therefore, he would have to continue strengthening his capabilities on his own.

Cain had explored this mountain before and knew exactly where to find suitable opponents for training Aron and the others.

And why didn't he bring Larvitar? Simple: that little glutton needed to keep eating and growing bigger.

Since pseudo-legendary Pokémon typically grow slowly, there was no rush with them. If it weren't for the fact that Cain had a Mega Evolution stone for Aggron, he probably wouldn't have brought Aron either.

Once on the mountain, Cain summoned Poliwag, Marshtomp, Combusken, and Aron.

Slowking accompanied the group to use Teleport in case of emergency, and Floette was there to ensure the team's sustainability.

In no time, they got into the rhythm of training, and battles began.

The purpose of this trip was to train the Pokémon, so they didn't wait for wild Pokémon to approach. Cain and his companions went straight to their dens.

The first group to encounter calamity was a group of Geodude deep in the forest.

The Geodude, being Rock and Ground types, were ideal rivals. Water types had a quadruple advantage, and both Steel and Fighting types also had an edge.

Who else would they use as sparring partners?

Starting today...

Cain would go from den to den in search of rivals! Weak Pokémon groups better stay alert!

Cain looked at his Pokémon, all sporting mischievous grins. Opposite them, the Geodude and a few Graveler looked utterly bewildered.

(End of chapter)