Chapter 160: The Plan

"Pika... Pikapicka Pikachu..."

After confirming that Ash was safe, Pikachu began describing everything it had seen and heard inside Silph Co. Ash listened attentively, nodding occasionally as his expression grew more serious. The three Interpol agents, though unable to understand Pikachu's speech, could tell from Ash's reaction that the news was not good.

After about a minute, Pikachu finally stopped. Ash patted its head affectionately, took a water bottle from his backpack, and let Pikachu drink. "Good job, Pikachu. You did great," he praised.

The Interpol agent known as "Handsome Guy" stepped forward and asked, "So? Did you understand what Pikachu reported?"

"Yes," Ash nodded. "Pikachu didn't make it to the upper floors, but even on the second floor, there were already Rocket members stationed. The employees inside have been detained, and their movements are restricted."

The three Interpol agents exchanged glances, their expressions grim. Their suspicions had been confirmed—Team Rocket had indeed taken over Silph Co. While their ultimate objective remained unclear, the most likely target was the Master Ball.

"How did Pikachu get inside?" Handsome Guy asked, considering the possibility of infiltrating the building.

Ash turned to Pikachu for an answer.

"Pika pika!" Pikachu gestured animatedly, pointing in the direction of Silph Co.

"It's a ventilation duct," Ash translated. "But Pikachu says it's small—only big enough for something of its size. A normal human wouldn't fit through it."

Handsome Guy frowned in thought. "Not even a child?"

Pikachu vigorously shook its head and continued gesturing, trying to indicate the size of the duct. Handsome Guy observed the gestures carefully before shifting his gaze to Ash.

"It seems an adult wouldn't be able to enter," he mused. "But a child..."

Ash knew what he was thinking. This was not a game—charging into a criminal organization's hideout was far too dangerous. He was aware of his limitations. Unlike in the games, where a single trainer could dismantle Team Rocket single-handedly, reality was far more perilous.

But if they did nothing, the Rockets would seize the Master Ball research. If that happened, they could mass-produce it and potentially capture any Pokémon—including Legendaries. Their power could grow so immense that they'd become unstoppable, threatening the entire world.

"Fine," Ash said, taking a deep breath. "I'll do it."

Handsome Guy nodded, pleased but also concerned. "Right now, you're the only one who can sneak inside. Meanwhile, we're coordinating with the Kanto Alliance. They'll send reinforcements to launch a frontal assault and distract Team Rocket."

Ash listened intently. His mission wasn't just to gather intel—it was to locate the president of Silph Co. and, more importantly, secure the Master Ball research before the Rockets got their hands on it.

Seeing Ash's determination, Handsome Guy led him into a nearby shop. To Ash's surprise, the store was empty of customers, with only staff members inside.

"Prepare a Team Rocket uniform in the boy's size," Handsome Guy ordered. "Make it quick."

"Understood," one of the staff replied before hurrying into the back.

Ash was taken aback. "This place..."

"It's one of Interpol's safe houses," Handsome Guy explained.

While they waited for the uniform, Handsome Guy contacted the Kanto Alliance headquarters. The urgency of the situation meant that the strongest trainers in Kanto had to be informed immediately.

Kanto Alliance Headquarters

At Kanto's headquarters, the atmosphere was tense. Inside a grand meeting room, two of the Elite Four—Agatha and Bruno—listened to the urgent report.

"It's Team Rocket again!" Bruno growled, slamming his fist on the table with such force that it cracked. "And this time, they're after the Master Ball!"

Agatha, the oldest member of the Elite Four, frowned. "How did our stationed agents not detect such a large-scale operation?" she asked coldly.

There was only one explanation—bribery. Some of their own people must have been bought off by Team Rocket, allowing them to seize control of Silph Co. without interference.

"This proves we haven't fully rooted out the spies within our ranks," she muttered, tapping her cane against the floor in frustration. "We need another internal investigation."

Bruno nodded but remained focused on the present crisis. "Now isn't the time to deal with traitors. First, we need to send reinforcements to Saffron City. We can't trust the current guards there."

Agatha thought for a moment. "I'll have Sabrina handle it."

Bruno raised an eyebrow. "Sabrina? Will she agree to help?"

"She will," Agatha answered without hesitation.

Back at the Safe House

In the shop's backroom, Ash changed into the black Team Rocket uniform. The bright red "R" on the chest made him feel uneasy, but he knew it was necessary for the mission. He also wore a black peaked cap and gray gloves, completing the disguise.

"Wait," Handsome Guy stopped him. "Put this coat over it first." He handed Ash a long brown trench coat. "Keep your uniform hidden until you reach the ventilation duct. Once inside, remove the coat so you blend in with the Rocket members."

Ash took the coat and put it on. "Got it."

Handsome Guy placed a hand on Ash's shoulder. "Your job is to prevent the Rockets from obtaining the Master Ball research. Don't engage them in battle unless absolutely necessary. Stay unnoticed as long as possible."

"I understand," Ash nodded, though his heart was pounding.

Handsome Guy offered him a reassuring smile. "We'll be counting on you. The reinforcements should arrive soon, so once you hear chaos breaking out, act immediately."

Ash took a deep breath, steeling himself for the dangerous mission ahead.