"I think this should make it clear enough."
Ryuu Shiro took out a badge engraved with the letter 'R' and showed it to Caitlin.
"Yes, I can probably guess."
Hearing Ryuu Shiro's words, Caitlin stared at the badge in silence for a moment, the smile on her lips slowly fading.
The overwhelming sense of malice she had felt from Ryuu Shiro earlier wasn't an act.
Someone like him was very likely a member of an evil organization! And now, it was confirmed. The symbol of Team Rocket was the capital letter 'R'!
The Sinnoh region had Team Galactic, and as Cynthia's close friend, Caitlin was well aware of this. She had also taken some interest in the evil organizations of other regions.
But as someone who lived a relatively secluded life, Caitlin never expected to encounter an evil organization member in such a way.
"So, are you planning to do something to Miss Sheena, Mr. Shiro of Team Rocket?"
Taking a deep breath to calm her turbulent emotions, Caitlin looked up at Ryuu Shiro and asked the question again.
She wasn't sure what mindset she was in to face Ryuu Shiro at this moment. After all, the person in front of her was likely ruthless and dangerous.
Though it seemed he wouldn't harm her, who could say for sure?
But Caitlin wasn't willing to just walk away.
"No, no, no. Please don't lump me together with those spineless, violent thugs. There's more than one way to achieve a goal, after all."
Ryuu Shiro's lips curled into a wide grin as he raised a finger and wagged it at Caitlin.
Caitlin's brows furrowed slightly. She couldn't figure out what Ryuu Shiro was planning. Given how much Sheena valued the Jewel of Life, there was no way she would hand it over to him, right?
"Could you answer my question, please?"
After another moment of silence, Caitlin spoke up.
"I'm in a pretty good mood today, and I'm not tired yet."
Ryuu Shiro glanced at the crescent moon in the night sky and shrugged nonchalantly. He really wasn't tired at the moment.
"Why would a Trainer like you join an evil organization?"
Caitlin's voice was low, as she couldn't understand. Ryuu Shiro was so young and already a Champion-level Trainer.
Someone like him could achieve great things with a bit of effort and become an idol for everyone.
Yet he chose to join Team Rocket?
Team Rocket was indeed a powerful force in the Kanto region, but at the end of the day, the rulers of this world were the Pokémon League!
The Pokémon League was the true authority, and those who opposed it, like Team Rocket members, were nothing more than rats scurrying in the sewers.
They didn't even have the right to walk openly in the sunlight!
"With your strength, becoming a Kanto Elite Four member would be a breeze. You might even have a shot at challenging Lance, the Champion."
Caitlin looked at Ryuu Shiro's handsome face, which had returned to its usual calm demeanor. At a glance, Ryuu Shiro couldn't be more than a couple of years past adulthood.
To reach Champion-level at such a young age was a terrifying feat, even more impressive than Cynthia. And he was also a gifted individual.
Caitlin believed that with Ryuu Shiro's talent, even if he wasn't ready now, he would definitely have a chance to defeat Lance, the strongest Champion, in the future.
With such a bright and promising future ahead, why would he take the wrong path and join a despised evil organization? Caitlin couldn't comprehend it.
"This question again. You people really don't have anything new to ask, do you? 'Evil organization Team Rocket,' is that what you think, Miss Caitlin?"
Hearing this, Ryuu Shiro's lips curled into a mocking smile. He had heard this question far too many times.
Just a few days ago, Raihan and Oleana had confronted him with the same question, and now Caitlin was asking it again.
Not to mention the countless others who had questioned him before.
"Isn't that the case?" Caitlin's brows furrowed even tighter. Team Rocket was an evil organization—wasn't that common knowledge?
"Of course, from the perspective of you self-proclaimed righteous people, that's how it is."
"But for me, I don't care about that."
"Team Rocket gives me a more realistic life. I can do whatever I want, take off my hypocritical mask, and pursue whatever I desire with my own strength."
Ryuu Shiro's smile deepened. Yes, this was the authenticity he loved most!
He could do whatever he wanted because he had the power! He didn't have to worry about the shackles of morality or public opinion because he was a member of an evil organization!
No matter how heinous or insane his actions were, no one would be surprised. He was a villain—was he supposed to help the elderly and children instead?
"But that's not right. You're so powerful. You could use that strength to do more meaningful things."
"If everyone were like you, the world would have no order."
Caitlin was taken aback for a moment, then instinctively retorted.
She now realized that Ryuu Shiro wasn't the traditional, ambitious villain. He simply pursued a life of unrestrained freedom.
But understanding this made Caitlin's heart grow cold, because in a way, such people were truly terrifying!
It was precisely because they wielded immense power and acted solely on their own whims that they were even more frightening!
"What does that have to do with me?" Ryuu Shiro sneered.
"And Miss Caitlin, you seem to think the Pokémon League is the embodiment of justice, don't you?"
"What are you trying to say? No matter what the Pokémon League is like, it's still better than Team Rocket."
Caitlin didn't answer directly. As a young lady from a prestigious family, she wasn't that naive.
"Is that really the case?" Ryuu Shiro's crimson eyes glinted with a hint of mockery.
"It seems Miss Caitlin is planning to leave Sinnoh for training, right? Then I'd suggest you head to Kanto."
"Coincidentally, the Kanto Elite Four has yet to be fully filled. With your talent, it shouldn't be difficult for you to join."
"Then you can see for yourself what the Kanto region, the headquarters of the Pokémon League, is really like~"
The Kanto Elite Four, led by Lance, was completely different from the Elite Four of any other region!
Caitlin, I wonder what you'll think when you realize this.