Lawrence III—once a high-ranking official of the Orange Archipelago, had fallen from grace after the region's merger with the Kanto League. Refusing to accept his fate, he abandoned his position and stole the League's most advanced warship, the "Aviator."
Though Pokémon battles dominated warfare, regional leagues had long developed strategic superweapons to counter legendary and immensely powerful Pokémon.
A century ago, humanity's living conditions were severely limited by nature, forcing people to cluster in small towns, creating an era of endless wars.
Only when regional leagues formed—pooling their resources, developing new technology, and mass-producing weapons—did humanity finally gain the upper hand.
The emergence of these war machines was the direct result of civilization's battle against nature. After the formation of the World League, it took only a few years to connect the world's regions into a unified network.
These colossal weapons were once used for clearing forests and expanding human territories. But with the arrival of peace, most had been sealed away.
Yet Lawrence III had stolen one—the last remaining warship of the former Orange League.
A self-proclaimed collector, he was, in truth, a man consumed by vengeance. The merger had shattered his career, and now, he sought retribution against the world.
"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."
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…"
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.