Chapter 93: Klein’s Ocean Corps
The Shamouti Islands of the Orange Archipelago were currently experiencing a massive climate shift. The three sacred islands, home to the legendary gods of thunder, fire, and ice, had drawn the attention of ruthless hunters.
The deities residing on these islands—Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno—were no ordinary specimens. They were unique, far surpassing their kind in elemental energy and destructive potential. It was for this reason they had been worshipped as divine beings.
Since the Orange League was under the jurisdiction of the Kanto League, Chairwoman Elite wasted no time in issuing an urgent order—Klein, the Sandstorm Elite, was to personally travel to the Shamouti Islands to deal with both the legendary birds and the hunter, Lawrence III.
Due to the severity of the climate disturbances, Steven and Cynthia had remained on Cinnabar Island for the time being, while Klein prepared to depart.
Meanwhile, Rosa and Nurse Joy were busy tending to Klein's Pokémon, ensuring they were fully healed and battle-ready.
Despite the presence of two Champions, the Kanto League had chosen to send only Klein to handle the crisis.
Mega Salamence, the fastest Pokémon in Klein's arsenal, was the perfect choice for this mission. Its ability to cut through extreme weather conditions had already been proven in the battle at Seafoam Islands.
While both Steven and Cynthia were formidable, they were not officially part of the Kanto League's command structure. Elite did not want it to appear as though the League was relying on foreign Champions to resolve its crisis.
But why hadn't Lance been dispatched instead?
Klein didn't fully understand the League's reasoning, but right now, his focus was on dealing with the situation as efficiently as possible.
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"Your Pokémon are fully recovered."
Accepting the Poké Balls from Rosa, Klein draped his jacket over her shoulders.
"Stay warm. I'll handle this. Take care of Miss Cynthia and Mr. Steven for me."
Mega Salamence stood beside them, its eyes briefly locking onto Rosa's. For a fleeting moment, an unusual glint flickered in its gaze.
Then, with a powerful roar, it carried Klein into the sky, heading south toward the Orange Islands.
Why does this Pokémon feel so familiar?
Rosa's Pokémon seemed to share a mysterious connection with Klein's. Even her Emboar had shown similar reactions. She wasn't entirely ignorant of the implications but chose to keep her suspicions to herself for now.
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"Has the Kanto League really not requested outside assistance?"
On the VIP platform, Cynthia frowned at the League's decision.
Steven, however, remained calm as he gazed up at the stormy skies.
"Seems like this story of 'saving the world' doesn't need us to interfere."
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Valencia Island, located in the northeast of the Orange Archipelago, was home to the Orange League headquarters.
Amidst the raging storm, Klein landed at the palace of the Orange League's victors, his expression grave.
Even Mega Salamence, despite its incredible endurance, was near exhaustion after the grueling flight. If Klein wanted to venture deeper into the storm's core, he would need a different Pokémon for the mission.
Inside the palace, Orange League Chief Trainer Drake and the "Northern Star" Luana awaited Klein's arrival.
The moment they saw his face, the entire chamber fell into an uneasy silence.
Holding the League Accountable
"The Orange League may have merged with Kanto, but you chose to turn a blind eye to Lawrence III's actions!"
Klein's voice was cold and unwavering.
No one dared to respond.
Drake, the strongest trainer in the region, opened his mouth as if to explain but immediately fell silent under Klein's piercing gaze.
"When is Professor Oak arriving?"
Luana glanced at the time.
"Fifteen minutes. Also, Professor Elm just arrived on Valencia Island."
"Then we'll continue this discussion in fifteen minutes. For now, give me all the data on the Shamouti Islands."
Without any regard for formalities, Klein immediately began reviewing the information. As he scrolled through the reports, his expression grew darker.
---
By the time Professors Oak and Elm arrived, Klein had already compiled his analysis. Handing over the documents, he stated his conclusion.
"The disturbances aren't just affecting the weather. The planet is entering an early Ice Age."
Oak flipped through the data, his expression turning grim.
They had underestimated the scope of the crisis.
Below the Shamouti Islands lay a massive energy conduit connected to the balance of the world's climate.
Klein had seen this exact scenario unfold in a past life—the infamous Lugia Movie.
But there was one problem.
The timeline of these movies was inconsistent, making it impossible to predict if or when they would occur.
Was Ash really going to "save the world" this time?
Klein wasn't going to take that gamble.
Turning back to the Orange League leaders, he issued his orders.
"Evacuate the civilians. I'm going after Lawrence III myself."
---
The Shamouti Islands were shrouded in a monstrous storm barrier. Even Mega Salamence couldn't break through.
Ash and his friends were likely already trapped inside, struggling against Lawrence III.
Without hesitation, Klein took out a deep blue Poké Ball and threw it forward.
"Go—Wailord!"
A titanic shadow emerged from the sea.
With its colossal size and unmatched strength, Wailord towered over the ocean, its deep blue back and white underbelly gleaming under the stormy sky.
It was the largest Pokémon known to exist.
Capable of diving 3,000 meters below sea level, Wailord was a ruler of the deep, effortlessly swallowing schools of Wishiwashi in a single gulp.
For the first time, the people of the Orange Islands witnessed the majesty of Wailord.
Their reactions were pure shock and awe.
Even Professor Elm was left speechless.
"Unbelievable… I've never seen a Wailord this massive before."
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Unlike Klein's other Pokémon, Wailord was not stationed in Kanto.
Due to its sheer size, even Cinnabar Island and Pallet Town's ecological reserves couldn't accommodate it.
Instead, it lived in a special marine facility built by Devon Corporation in Hoenn.
Before departing, Klein had specifically arranged for Steven Stone to send Wailord for this mission.
Wailord's size wasn't just for show.
It was the core of Klein's ocean battle strategy.
Now, it would serve as his primary mode of transport through the raging sea.
As Wailord leaped into the air, the ocean roared in response.
The waves parted, and Klein rode forward—unstoppable.
Even Professor Oak was taken aback.
"Even Kyogre isn't this massive…"
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As Klein and Wailord advanced, his Dream System rapidly adjusted his battle tactics.
Two new Poké Balls materialized in his hands.
"Lucario."
Wailord might have been the fortress, but Lucario was the sword.
Lucario floated onto the sea surface, its aura energy stabilizing it.
"Let's bring out the others."
Two more Pokémon materialized from their Poké Balls, immediately synchronizing with Lucario's aura.
These Pokémon weren't just allies—they were extensions of Lucario's power.
Energy circuits formed between them, like a warrior linking with their divine weapons.
A blinding blue light surged forth.
Countless energy strands threaded into Lucario's arms, amplifying its strength beyond anything before.
It raised a single hand.
A blast of pure energy ripped through the ocean—splitting the storm apart.
The battle for the Shamouti Islands had begun.
And Klein's Ocean Corps was now at full strength.