It had to be said,while the League might be somewhat corrupt internally, when it came to profit, their efficiency was terrifying.
In less than half a month, the previously halted harbor resumed full operation. Massive cruise ships and cargo vessels once again filled the sea lanes.
Among all the ships docked at the port, two stood out above the rest.
Their towering hulls bore the emblems of two of the most prestigious families in the Pokémon world–The Joy family and the Officer Jenny family.
Silas walked toward one of them.
The ship's platinum-gold exterior, accented with soft pink and white details, gleamed under the sunlight. Layer upon layer of decks,more than ten in total stacked upward, giving it an overwhelming presence.
It was a true behemoth.
Compared to the ship Silas had once used during his pirate days, this one was several times larger.
"Since I'm heading to Slateport anyway… and I still haven't used the annual cruise ticket included in my contract with the Joy family…"
"…might as well enjoy a luxury trip for once."
As expected, guards stopped him before boarding and requested his ticket. Luxury cruise tickets like this weren't cheap,often costing several months' salary for an ordinary person,so inspections were strict.
Silas's ticket, however, wasn't purchased. It had been given to him directly by the Joy family.
He took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Beep.
The guard immediately stepped aside with respect.
"Please proceed."
The surrounding onlookers ,staff and ordinary citizens watched with clear envy.
A single ticket like this cost tens of thousands of Pokédollars. For most people, boarding such a ship was nothing more than a dream.
Silas walked aboard. The moment he entered, a staff member approached him.
Because his ticket was marked as a special internal pass from the Joy family, he was treated as a distinguished guest.
Even without luggage, he was personally escorted to a luxury suite.
"We wish you a pleasant voyage, sir." The attendant bowed slightly before leaving.
Silas swiped his room card and stepped inside. A luxurious living room greeted him, along with a massive floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the endless ocean.
Golden sunset light poured into the room.
Out of habit, Silas inspected the entire space. It wasn't that he distrusted the Joy family but caution was second nature.
The suite wasn't excessively large,just about 200 square meters including the Pokémon training room but it was fully equipped with everything needed.
He dropped onto the sofa, letting his body sink into it.
Compared to the suffocating atmosphere of the Team Rocket base… this kind of relaxed environment was far more comfortable. But the moment he thought about his mission, his expression stiffened slightly.
[Objective: Investigate the curator of the Oceanic Museum in Slateport City — Captain Stern. Provide as much detail as possible.]
Silas exhaled.
This wasn't an easy mission.
Many Team Rocket members had attempted it before, including squad-level elites.
All had failed.
Even if intelligence work didn't rely purely on strength… it still cast a shadow over him.
"…Let's hope this goes smoothly."
His gaze softened as he looked at his Pokémon.
Crawdaunt and Sharpedo soaked comfortably in a portable water pool infused with ocean-scent essence.
Sandile buried itself deep in heated sand, leaving only its dark eyes exposed.
Umbreon rested lazily in Silas's arms.
Since evolving, Umbreon had grown far more aloof ,rarely showing affection like this. Silas quietly cherished moments like these, reminiscent of when it was still an Eevee.
To him, these Pokémon weren't just tools.
They were family.
Partners he could entrust his life to. Though not all of them.
Pokémon like Castform or Ludicolo?
Useful, yes. But emotionally distant. Silas didn't abuse them but he didn't bond deeply either.
His attention shifted.
"Zorua. Don't disturb Honchkrow while it's on watch."
"Zor~!"
Zorua immediately covered its eyes with its tiny paws like a child pretending not to see anything and let out a mischievous laugh.
Silas sighed.
This little fox…
Interestingly enough, this Zorua was the same one he had once seen as a second-place prize in the Mauville Game Corner.
The League controlled Pokémon distribution channels. Yet Team Rocket had clearly infiltrated even that.
"…As expected of Team Rocket."
Soon, the cruise completed boarding procedures.
The voyage officially began.
At full speed, it would take only one day and one night to reach Slateport City.
"Woooooo—"
The massive cruise ship,the Blissey-class liner of the Joy family, finally set sail.
Silas didn't stay confined in his room.
He stepped out with Umbreon and Zorua.
These two Pokémon were "clean" they had never been involved in any of his darker operations. This was his first time on such a massive ship.
After asking several staff members for directions, he finally found the deck.
The weather was clear and bright.
Perhaps the storm from half a month ago had finally passed completely.
The deck was already crowded.
Elegant guests in formal suits and gowns stood under parasols, chatting and clinking glasses. Nearby, trainers with their Pokémon talked among themselves.
This cruise clearly catered to the wealthy and to trainers. The battle facilities inside the ship were fully booked ,you needed reservations just to use them.
Of course, luxury suite passengers like Silas had private training rooms But for actual battles, public arenas were still required.
Silas stood by the railing, Umbreon at his feet and Zorua perched on his shoulder.
He took a deep breath.
The salty sea air stirred old memories.
For a moment, he simply watched as Mauville's distant outline faded into the horizon.
The ship accelerated, slicing through the sea as waves crashed lightly against its hull.
One by one, people began returning inside.
The sea breeze was getting stronger And more importantly The evening banquet was about to begin.
After all… No matter how beautiful the view was, People still had to eat.
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(End of chapter)