"N!"
Inside the Plasma Team Castle.
Ghetsis, having returned here aboard the [Plasma Destroyer] and handed over the control of the ship to Colress, immediately sought out N, who had been ordered to stay within the castle.
"Father."
Seeing Ghetsis, N respectfully greeted him.
For N, who seldom interacts with humans, Ghetsis, as his father, was one of the few people he could communicate with.
They occasionally discussed the relationship between humans and Pokémon.
However, today.
N saw a trace of panic on his father's always composed face.
What could make his father anxious?
Looking at the promising N, whom he had meticulously nurtured, Ghetsis's expression gradually calmed down.
Yet, the disdain in his eyes was hard to hide.
Luckily,
After having once locked eyes with N's penetrating gaze in his childhood, Ghetsis taught him so-called respect for elders.
Not casually making eye contact with elders is a major disrespect.
Thus, even if his current expression was overt, obedient N could not see the disdain in his eyes.
He firmly patted the green-haired, capped young man before him.
Ghetsis said earnestly:
"N, you're grown now. Previously, as you were young, I managed Plasma Team on your behalf. But now that you've matured, it's time to hand over all this power to you. As the king of the new order, you should assume your responsibilities to realize your grand ambition."
"Really?!"
N looked surprised.
"But I... I'm not ready yet. I... don't know how to manage a large organization."
"No." Ghetsis solemnly said:
"Your growth is preparation for this moment. Your abilities, your efforts, your sacrifices are all for now.
The organization is full of people who are willing to sacrifice everything for the freedom of Pokémon. They have surrounded you, steadfast in your and their goals.
And as their spiritual and ideal pillar, you just need to call them, and they will not refuse."
"I..."
N opened his mouth.
"Don't disappoint me, N!" Ghetsis interrupted N again.
Hearing this, N's expression gradually became firm, and he nodded:
"I understand, Father! I will surely help all Pokémon to regain their freedom!"
"Very good! Go and get ready, we will soon start the ceremony!" Ghetsis said with satisfaction.
"Now?"
"Yes, now!" Ghetsis glanced behind him, "You three, take N to change clothes, we're about to start the ceremony."
"Yes!"
The Dark Iron Triangle appeared behind Ghetsis, taking the still bewildered N to change outfits.
Once N disappeared around the castle's corner, Ghetsis's face finally showed a sinister smile.
"It's well-known that the leader of the Plasma Team is N, and I want this coronation ceremony to be seen by everyone in the Unova Region."
With the loss of P2 Laboratory's data and the capture of the officer Ann Jiee, Ghetsis knew Plasma Team was inevitably going to tear face with the United Alliance.
But it's fine.
He had long prepared for this step.
N, this puppet king, should also serve his purpose.
"Ghetsis, the ceremony is ready, and all television networks are connected."
Six elderly men in voluminous sage robes came up behind Ghetsis.
Together with Ghetsis, they made up Plasma Team's Seven Sages.
Nominally, they were the most powerful and esteemed individuals in Plasma Team, aside from N.
Except for Ghetsis as the actual controller of Plasma Team, the other six were recruited by Ghetsis under the guise of hiring teachers for N.
They not only taught N various obsessive doctrines but were also aware of Ghetsis's plan, bolstering his power.
The nominal controller of Plasma Team is N, but Ghetsis was the true king commanding everything.
The one speaking was Vio, who was the strongest and most courageous among the Seven Sages, second only to Ghetsis.
"Good, this monster has served his final use and should be discarded." Ghetsis said faintly.
"About the alliance..."
"Plasma Team Leader N is captured, and Plasma Team allegedly disbands. That's tomorrow's headline."
The six sages behind him exchanged glances.
"Understood."
...
...
"Lance." Natsuhiko descended from the sky riding Reshiram.
At the same time, he saw the middle-aged man standing next to Lance.
"Mr. Adick."
Seeing Adick, he was slightly surprised, but upon reflection, it made sense.
With such a major incident occurring in Longmu Town, it would indeed be problematic if the United Alliance ignored it.
Although Adick is now part of the Elite Four, he was once the Champion of the Unova Region. Being one of the Elite Four was only due to certain reasons, and no one would truly see him as an Elite Four.
In the current Unova Region, given Adick's strength and capability,
he could return to the Champion position whenever he wished.
"Natsuhiko." Adick smiled brightly.
Compared to the previous encounter's despondent appearance, he looked much better.
He was gradually overcoming the sorrow of a Pokémon's accidental death, regaining the splendor of an Alliance Champion.