Chapter 96: Future Warrior Lucario (2)

As the crisis in the Orange Islands escalated, the Supreme League urgently contacted Wakaba, the Supreme Speaker of the Kanto League, overnight.

"The Orange Islands incident has now evolved into a crisis that threatens the entire world. Wakaba, do you have a way to handle it? Lance remains inactive, while Champions Cynthia and Steven have not requested intervention. Leaving this matter solely to Klein—don't you think that's a bit reckless?"

Wakaba twirled the pen in her hand, organizing her thoughts before responding with an elegant smile. "Professor Oak has already arrived in the Orange Islands, and that boy Ash is currently in the Shamouti Archipelago. Additionally, Elite Klein will be assisting as well."

Ash?

At the mention of his name, Wakaba chuckled. "As the son of that man, his talents may be lacking, but his luck has always been exceptional. Under our arrangements, he is actively challenging the Orange Islands League."

The Orange League traditionally remained closed to outsiders. The four Gym Leaders rarely allowed trainers to pass their trials.

However, Ash had been clearing every challenge one after another and was now on the verge of facing the Palace of Victory on Pummelo Island. This clearly demonstrated how much the Kanto League valued its direct-line trainers. To build his reputation, they were even willing to push a minor regional champion into the spotlight.

Not only Ash—Gary, after entering Kanto's branch school, was also being prepped by the Kanto League. They planned to have him compete in either the Battle Frontier or the Johto League to further elevate Professor Oak's grandson's status.

"While there is indeed a world-ending crisis at hand, the truth is that Lawrence is not a real trainer. His Flyer has limited fuel, and the gods are not toys he can truly control. In some ways, this crisis is actually an opportunity for Ash's growth."

The Supreme League executives fell silent. Wakaba's calculations ran deep. After experiencing the Johto League incident firsthand, they understood that behind her seemingly casual demeanor lay an iron will.

The Greater Kanto Alliance was Wakaba's necessary goal. With the Johto League currently leaderless, she had the time to absorb the smaller leagues one by one. The Orange Islands were simply another piece of the puzzle in her grand strategy.

Even if Lawrence's actions had nothing to do with the Orange League, they had to be made relevant. Once Ash defeated Drake and became the new champion of the Orange Islands, everything would fall neatly into place.

Professor Elm, Gym Leader Luana, and the Orange League's Chief Trainer Drake had already aligned with the Kanto League, all prepared to execute this grand performance.

On the burning Orange Islands, the Guardian of the Sea, Lugia, had appeared, its raging energy surging across the ocean. Unlike in the original story, this Lugia was far more violent.

A special dark crystal hovered on Lugia's forehead. Despite Ash and the others calling out to it, Lugia did not regain clarity. Instead, its aggression intensified!

The ocean churned into a chaotic maelstrom, nearly swallowing Ash and his team whole.

In an instant, Lucario flashed into action. The two Clawitzer in its hands fired precise miniature water rings, rescuing Ash's group in the blink of an eye.

"What kind of Pokémon is that?"

Even Tracey, a well-traveled observer, was uncertain. "It looks like a Lucario from the Sinnoh region… but something seems different. It doesn't look like Mega Evolution either."

"Why is Lugia out of control?"

Klein's voice rang out once more. Standing atop his massive Wailord, he gazed at the battlefield with some confusion.

The plot… had changed?

When did Lugia undergo a dark transformation in this version of the story?

Just minutes earlier, Lugia had still been assisting in saving the world. However, during Naga's retreat, one of his Ghost-type Pokémon had seized the moment when Lugia was ambushed by Lawrence and embedded a dark crystal into its forehead.

Understanding the situation, Klein turned his gaze toward the enraged Guardian of the Sea. Almost as if sensing Klein's attention, Lugia let out a furious roar, unleashing a wild surge of power!

The purest form of dark negative emotions overwhelmed Lugia, driving it into a full-blown rampage. A devastating Aerial Burst erupted into a dazzling display of energy. The Legendary Bird Trio fell one by one—Articuno suffering the most severe damage as it plummeted straight down.

The cataclysmic energy tore through everything, reducing entire sections of the battlefield to ashes.

Seeing the critically injured Articuno crash onto an icy platform, Lucario instantly flashed forward. The Clawitzer in its hands aimed directly at Articuno's head.

"Stop! Even if Articuno lost control earlier, it didn't mean to attack us!"

Ash's urgent plea had no visible effect on Lucario. A rainbow-colored energy wave shot from Lucario's short-barreled gun, instantly enveloping Articuno's entire body. The injuries caused by the intense battle began fading away, and its lost strength was gradually restored.

Heal Pulse!

Under the Mega Launcher ability, Heal Pulse's recovery effect was greatly amplified. In an instant, Articuno's wounds vanished completely, its body bathed in a soft blue glow. Letting out a crisp cry, the legendary bird soared once more.

It was healing Articuno.

Ash and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

Klein approached the legendary bird, and under the radiant glow of his DNA Splicers, he activated his ability to communicate with Articuno.

"Let's go together—to wake Lugia!"

Articuno nodded gently. A brilliant blue ice light flared from its wings as it took flight alongside Klein, heading straight for Lugia.

"Ash, you guys get ready. I'll hold Lugia back!"

"Got it!"

On a distant island, Team Rocket's trio observed the chaotic battlefield. As they hesitated over whether to intervene, a playful voice sounded behind them.

"Aren't you three legends going to help those little brats?"

"Who's there?"

Turning around, they found a young man dressed in Team Rocket's uniform, watching the battle unfold with an amused smirk. Recognizing him as one of their own, Jessie, James, and Meowth exhaled in relief.

"I'm the Special Task Force Captain of Team Rocket—your new direct superior."

He casually pulled out a bill and handed it over. "I was supposed to take over Viridian Gym from Giovanni… but I heard you three destroyed it?"

Upon seeing the enormous debt they owed, Jessie and the others went pale. "W-We didn't mean to—"

The young man nonchalantly cleaned his ear. "Enough. Get to work. Help those rookie trainers!"

"Yes, sir!"

Watching Team Rocket's trio scurry off, the young man turned his attention toward the massive Wailord and Klein, who now rode atop Articuno.

"That Lucario… it's terrifying. Not only does it have incredible offensive power, but it also possesses rapid healing abilities."

For years, the world had associated Klein's reputation as the Elite of Sandstorms with his terrifying desert hellscape during the battle at Seafoam Islands. His abilities in other battlefields remained largely unknown.

But today, on the Shamouti Archipelago, Klein revealed an entirely different tactical style.

Still an Elite Four-level combatant—but with vastly different methods.

His trump cards… were numerous.

No wonder Giovanni was interested in recruiting him.

High above, Dark Lugia locked its blood-red gaze onto Articuno and the hovering Lucario, its eyes brimming with madness and bloodlust. The surrounding ocean churned violently under its uncontrollable rage.

"Before the melody of peace plays… we must destroy that dark crystal."

(End of Chapter)