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After making his decision, Sato swiftly recalled Zapdos into a PokeBall. Then, he immediately switched back to his true identity—Sato—and changed all of his clothes.
To eliminate the smell of blood on him, he even took a shower and sprayed perfume strong enough to mask his scent. Only after completing all the necessary disguises did he mount Crobat and fly toward the direction of Mauville City.
More than ten minutes later, at a Pokémon Center in the southern outskirts of Mauville City, Sato was in the Pokémon transfer area, conducting a remote video call with Professor Oak.
"Sato, this time you've really brought me both a huge surprise… and a huge problem."
At this moment, far away in Pallet Town, Professor Oak had already received the PokeBall containing Zapdos through the Time Capsule transfer system. After examining Zapdos, which was still frozen, and listening to Sato's explanation, he spoke with mixed emotions.
"Professor, just do what you can. If it really doesn't work out, then hand it over to the League—I don't have any objections."
Hearing this, Sato took a deep breath and said somewhat ingratiatingly.
There was no turning back now. As long as the problem of Zapdos refusing to obey remained unresolved, keeping it was like holding a ticking time bomb. It was far better to entrust it to someone like Professor Oak, who was easier to reason with.
Although handing Zapdos over meant that his completely unknown identity as Raiden Suzuki would now be exposed to Professor Oak, it would all be worth it if Zapdos could be kept in the end.
Moreover, judging from Oak's tone, he seemed quite interested in researching Zapdos. That meant the chances of keeping it were fairly high.
"You sly kid, do you think I don't know what you're thinking? Don't worry, I'll do my best to help you secure it. To be honest, I've never had the chance to study Zapdos up close. Such an important research subject is extremely rare—I wouldn't want to hand it over to anyone else."
"Besides, based on what you told me, the League's mission this time had already failed. You stepped in and prevented their total annihilation—that's a huge contribution. As for the later capture operation, you also played a major role. Without you, the League wouldn't have had any chance at all."
"As for Zapdos being captured by you in the end, it can only be called a fortunate coincidence—it doesn't count as you forcibly taking it from the League."
"So I'm quite confident I can help you keep Zapdos. After all, this old face of mine still carries some weight in the League."
Seeing Sato like this, Professor Oak smiled faintly and carefully analyzed the pros and cons of the situation.
"Since you say that, Professor, I feel much more at ease."
Hearing this, the anxiety in Sato's heart finally settled, and he responded with visible relief.
"Alright, let's leave it at that for now. I need to settle this as soon as possible. Based on the League's habits, since they haven't been able to find you through normal means for so long, they'll probably send out their special units."
"You need to be careful. Don't get found. Those killing machines trained within the League are not to be trifled with. With your current strength, you likely won't be able to defeat them—and escaping would be difficult too."
Professor Oak nodded, then quickly dropped his smile and spoke in a serious tone.
After so many years of development, the League was no longer the pure and spotless organization he once knew. As it grew stronger, power struggles between regional Leagues became increasingly intense.
And from those terrifying struggles, certain dreadful creations were born—special units being one of them.
They were the League's cleaners. Anyone who dared challenge the League's authority would face them.
"I understand. I'll keep a low profile during this time."
Seeing Oak's serious expression, Sato immediately realized how dangerous these special units must be—likely even equipped with methods to counter Psychic users. His expression turned grave as he nodded.
Soon after, Sato ended the video call. When he stepped out of the Pokémon Center again, he had already switched back to his Tyler identity, having taken another shower and changed clothes once more.
....
"Kid sure knows how to stir up trouble… but he's incredibly lucky. To actually capture a Zapdos by chance."
"Still, losing a bit of face in exchange for the opportunity to study Zapdos up close—definitely worth it."
After ending the call, Professor Oak released Zapdos. After carefully examining it, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Dragonite, take it and thaw it out, then treat it. If it doesn't behave, give it a beating—just don't kill it."
He then called over Dragonite and handed over the tasks of treatment and taming.
Once Dragonite easily shattered the ice and carried Zapdos out of the room, Oak took out a phonebook from his drawer and dialed a number recorded inside.
Soon, the video call connected. The image of a stern-looking elderly man appeared on the screen.
"Old friend, so it's you. Long time no see. Do you still remember the favor you owed me years ago? I'd like to discuss something—I have a junior…"
Seeing who it was, Professor Oak smiled and began negotiating.
....
Meanwhile, as Professor Oak was bargaining with a high-ranking official of the Hoenn League who had once been his comrade-in-arms, Sato had already returned once again to Horne's Ice Cream Shop.
There, he ran into Wattson, who was happily eating ice cream.
At this time, Wattson was no longer the disheveled figure from the abandoned power plant. He had returned to his usual neat and eccentric old self.
However, it seemed that because the mission hadn't been fully successful, he had received some reprimand from the League and was feeling rather down, complaining endlessly to Horne.
"Oh! Isn't this Tyler? Come, come, sit here!"
Wattson quickly noticed Sato as he entered. Seeing his friend, his gloom faded noticeably, and he cheerfully called him over.
Sato didn't stand on ceremony. He walked over, sat down beside Wattson, and began chatting with him.