What's wrong with the Kanto League?
"I don't quite understand what you mean."
Caitlin pursed her lips and spoke. She truly didn't understand why Ryuu Shiro would say such a thing.
It was common knowledge that the headquarters of the massive Pokémon League was located in Kanto. Similarly, the Kanto Elite Four, led by Lance, was also the strongest.
Even though the Kanto Elite Four was currently incomplete, Lance, as the Kanto Champion, also served as the fourth Elite Four member.
But even with one member missing, the Kanto Elite Four was still the strongest!
Lorelei, Bruno, Agatha, and Lance—each of them was practically a monster.
"You don't need to understand right now. Go and see for yourself. Kanto is about to get very interesting."
Ryuu Shiro smiled, then turned and walked away without looking back. He had said all he needed to say.
Outsiders wouldn't understand. The Kanto Elite Four, which the people of Kanto admired and took pride in, had already begun to change.
Especially Lance and Lorelei!
Both Lance and Lorelei were people who truly loved Pokémon. Yes, their care for Pokémon was unparalleled.
But it was precisely because of this that they harbored an intense hatred for Team Rocket, as Team Rocket conducted various genetic experiments on Pokémon behind the scenes.
Witnessing more and more of these heinous experiments, despite their constant efforts, they could never completely eradicate this evil. Over time, Lance and Lorelei's minds began to twist and grow obsessive.
No matter what kind of passion it is, when it becomes excessive, it turns into a distorted and unhealthy obsession.
Coupled with the corruption of certain Pokémon League council members and the greedy businessmen in the private sector who, driven by their desires, recklessly destroyed Pokémon habitats, the situation only worsened.
Those in high positions saw more and saw it more clearly.
The darkness in people's hearts has always been everywhere.
"It's only a matter of time before they fall into the abyss."
Ryuu Shiro's lips curled into a mocking smile. When the Elite Four, who were supposed to be protectors and the pride of the people, became the most terrifying enemies, he wondered what expressions those old fossils in the Kanto League would have.
Was Team Rocket the Kanto League's greatest enemy? That was a huge mistake.
The Kanto Pokémon League hadn't even realized who their greatest threat was, and they were still focused on Team Rocket.
It was utterly foolish and beyond saving.
"Kanto…"
Watching Ryuu Shiro's figure disappear into the dark forest, Caitlin's clear eyes flickered with uncertainty, her beautiful face showing a hint of confusion.
Her original destination was the Unova region.
But now… perhaps she should go to Kanto and see for herself?
…
The next day, Ryuu Shiro woke up early.
"Today's another beautiful day. Let's hope it's a good one too."
Ryuu Shiro stretched his body and glanced at the clear blue sky. The weather was perfect.
"Seriously, waking up this early every day… my pillow is going to miss me."
Beside Ryuu Shiro, Marnie, who had been woken up by his knocking, still had a hint of drowsiness and resentment on her delicate face. She pouted in dissatisfaction.
She had a habit of sleeping in, but these past few days, Ryuu Shiro had been waking her up early every morning.
"Lack of sleep is the enemy of a beautiful girl!"
This was Marnie's daily "heartfelt" greeting to Ryuu Shiro upon waking up.
"If you sleep any more, you'll turn into a pig. You need to exercise more. Look at your flat figure. A good biological clock is the best way to develop."
Ryuu Shiro patted Marnie's head as if she were a puppy, speaking with a tone of earnest advice. At the same time, he gave a pitying glance at a certain part of her body.
While a legal loli was fine, who didn't like something bigger?
"????" Marnie's face was full of question marks.
What the hell are you talking about?
If you're so disgusted, then stop touching me, you jerk!
Why don't you disgust when you're secretly taking advantage of me?
Marnie's face instantly turned into a deadpan expression, and she slapped Ryuu Shiro's hand away, exuding an icy aura that kept everyone at bay.
Ryuu Shiro shrugged, about to say something more.
"Treating a lady like that, Mr. Shiro, won't help you get a girlfriend."
Cynthia and Caitlin walked up from behind, their classical and elegant demeanor as comforting as ever.
"That's true, but I'm doing it for her own good."
Ryuu Shiro glanced at Caitlin, who had returned to her elegant young lady demeanor, and shook his head helplessly at Cynthia.
He was just trying to help, after all.
"Miss Marnie has just reached adulthood. Mr. Shiro, there's no need to rush."
Looking at Marnie, whose eyelids were twitching, Cynthia offered some well-meaning advice to Ryuu Shiro.
She could tell that these two were practically a couple, just missing that final push.
But if Ryuu Shiro kept this up, Marnie might just "kill" him one day.
"I understand. Actually… I have a good folk remedy. Miss Cynthia and Miss Caitlin, you might want to try it too."
"Such outstanding and beautiful ladies, if you could… enhance yourselves, you'd be even more perfect."
Ryuu Shiro nodded, then casually glanced at a certain part of Cynthia and Caitlin's bodies. After a moment of thought, he smiled.
While Cynthia and Caitlin were both exceptionally beautiful and elegant, wouldn't it be even more perfect if they were a bit bigger?
Hearing this, Marnie was stunned.
Cynthia and Caitlin, however, both froze, their fair faces stiffening.
"Hehe… thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Shiro, but we'll pass."
Even Cynthia couldn't help but let out a dry laugh, maintaining an awkward yet polite smile.
What the hell did he mean by "enhance"?
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Cynthia and the others, a group of people had already arrived at the Michina Ruins.
"The Jewel of Life… if we can obtain it…"
The leader was a stern-looking man with short blue hair and a gloomy aura, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed at the ancient temple ahead.
Cyrus of Team Galactic!