In the Chat Group
Yellow: "This Shaymin really likes you."
This time, even if others didn't possess Yellow's ability, they could clearly see this fact.
After all, Shaymin was sleeping soundly on Wayne's lap. It wouldn't do such a thing if it didn't trust him.
Whitney: "The little guy is also injured—boo hoo, so pitiful."
Green: "Pokemon Hunters are indeed a very difficult group to eliminate. Not everyone is like Hunter D, so be careful."
The strength of Pokemon Hunters varied greatly.
The weaker ones, like Hunter D, were not as strong as Gym Leaders.
But the strong ones, like Hunter J, were comparable to Elite Four members.
In Wayne's recollection, Hunter J had been able to retreat unscathed from Regigigas and its three legendary golems.
This was enough to demonstrate Hunter J's strength.
Team Rocket, Team Galactic, and Team Magma—these regional organizations were all very powerful and formidable opponents.
The difficulty in dealing with Pokemon Hunters wasn't how strong they were, but rather that they were motivated purely by profit.
Pokemon Hunters operated in various regions, and only in the Kanto and Johto regions were their numbers extremely small because of Team Rocket.
Pokemon Hunters didn't need any leader, nor did they require their boss to have any personal charisma.
Money was sufficient.
The vast majority of them were driven by profit to become Pokemon Hunters.
Lance: "Yes, Pokemon Hunters consistently don't give up until they achieve their goals. Please be sure to remain vigilant."
Falkner was the Gym Leader of Violet City Gym in the Johto region, and also a Flying-type specialist.
Like Lance, he was also a League Investigator.
Wayne: "I will pay attention. Thank you for the reminder."
Last time, Wayne had obtained a complete Sky Eye monitoring system, and the entire Breeding Center was within its surveillance range.
At least within the Breeding Center, there shouldn't be too much to worry about.
This matter wasn't discussed further.
After all, Lance had already taken action, and Wayne wasn't weak either.
Ethan didn't even bother suggesting to ask for help if needed, because he felt it wasn't necessary at all.
Jubilife City, General Headquarters
Ten o'clock at night.
The police station, which should have concluded operations for the day, was brightly lit, with police officers bustling around inside.
Because Lance and Cynthia had arrived.
"What's happening?"
"Two Champions?!"
"Weren't they just battling at Lily of the Valley Island three hours ago?"
They were referring to three hours ago.
Even Steven and Diantha's battle had already concluded, with Steven taking the first victory.
Section Chief Zorro was still working overtime.
He had personnel compile the actions and locations of Pokemon Hunters in recent years and was working overtime to review them.
The door was wide open, and a knock sounded.
Section Chief Zorro didn't even raise his head, still focused on the documents. "Didn't I say not to disturb me unless it's important?"
Officer Jenny hesitated and said, "That... the two Champions have arrived."
"?"
Section Chief Zorro, who looked up in surprise, adjusted his glasses and confirmed the two people before him: Lance and Cynthia.
Lance smiled. "Section Chief Zorro is still working overtime at this hour. You are truly diligent."
Lance didn't know Section Chief Zorro personally, but Section Chief Zorro's desk displayed his position and name.
Section Chief Zorro stood up and straightened his brown suit, checking if his attire was appropriate.
"Aren't you two as well? Please, have a seat."
After sitting down, Section Chief Zorro learned that Lance and Cynthia had come because of the Pokemon Hunter incident.
"I didn't expect this matter to alarm you both. I hope you don't think I'm overreacting by reporting it to the League."
The two of them weren't only Champions.
Lance was the League's Chief Investigator.
All investigators reported to Lance. He was the ultimate authority.
Cynthia was a League Special Investigator.
Special Investigators did not normally participate in investigation and arrest operations. They only became involved in cases concerning Legendary Pokemon.
Cynthia and Steven were both Special Investigators.
Lance laughed heartily. "It's not that serious. It just so happened that I was on Lily of the Valley Island, so I took the liberty of handling the case."
As Chief Investigator, Lance could actually direct and coordinate from behind the scenes, but he preferred hands-on involvement.
Cynthia said softly, "No, Section Chief Zorro performed very well. Pokemon Hunters are a problem that needs urgent resolution."
Lance asked curiously, "Section Chief Zorro was so focused just now. What were you reviewing?"
"Please wait a moment."
Section Chief Zorro rose and went to his desk, retrieved the files, and handed them to Lance and Cynthia respectively.
"These are files on Pokemon Hunters from recent years. I'm compiling their appearance times and locations."
"This is part of what I've summarized."
Lance nodded, flipping through Section Chief Zorro's summary.
"Mt. Coronet... Mt. Coronet Foothills... Eterna Forest... Celestic Town Ruins... very detailed summary."
Lance then asked, "Section Chief Zorro, what are your insights on this Pokemon Hunter operation?"
Section Chief Zorro smiled. "I wouldn't dare call them insights, but I do have some thoughts, so I'll speak candidly.
Pokemon Hunters have two operational modes:
One is searching after receiving high-priced commissions. Most of these buyers are collectors.
The other is autonomous action, which targets those legendary Pokemon.
Shaymin is very rare, but according to my summary of the hunters' appearance locations, this time it was not a spontaneous action.
It's more likely they accepted a commission. Finding the buyer and disrupting the transaction is key to resolving this Shaymin crisis."
Investigators, International Police, and Pokemon Rangers hadn't been without results these years.
They had also arrested some Pokemon Hunters and some collectors who traded with Pokemon Hunters.
Lance nodded. "Section Chief Zorro's reasoning is excellent, and I've gained valuable insight from it."
Cynthia, beside him, did not speak, resting her chin in her hand while pondering.
Seeing that Cynthia wasn't speaking, Lance immediately asked, "What other preparations has Section Chief Zorro made?"
Section Chief Zorro was well prepared for this.
"Increased patrols, strengthened police presence near the Breeding Center, and preparations to establish a permanent station."
Lance frowned slightly. "I don't think that's advisable. It's easy to alert the enemy, and it's tantamount to announcing to the Pokemon Hunters that Shaymin is at the Breeding Center."
Section Chief Zorro was enlightened. "It was my oversight. Fortunately, we haven't officially begun the operation yet. So how should we proceed?"
Section Chief Zorro had only just proposed establishing a permanent station today.
Plus the police officer applications and approvals, the earliest it could begin would be tomorrow.
Lance smiled slightly. "Disguise."
Lance was highly skilled at disguising himself, having even infiltrated Team Rocket and Team Magma in his early years.
"The number of police officers definitely needs to increase, but a permanent station cannot be established openly."
"In addition, a press conference must be held as soon as possible to announce the capture of the Pokemon Hunters to the public."
From Lance's words and actions, Section Chief Zorro sensed the capability of this Champion and Chief Investigator.
Section Chief Zorro nodded slightly. "This is already being prepared. A press conference will be held tomorrow."
Lance looked at Cynthia, who had remained relatively quiet.
"Any other questions?"
Cynthia shook her head.
"No, let's proceed as you suggested."
Lance nodded. "Then next, we need to visit Wayne and Shaymin."