After finishing lunch, Leon checked the information that had just been sent out and headed toward the designated location outside Celadon City, at the foot of a mountain to the east.
The area was remote, thick with vegetation—an excellent hiding place. In the distance stood several dilapidated wooden cabins.
"This is it," Leon said. "We'll wait here."
Ryan forced a grin onto his face."A four-star mission, all secretive like this… feels dangerous. Boss, later on, remember to keep an eye on us, yeah? You know, we're basically two useless rookies."
"Don't panic," Leon replied calmly. "As long as we stay cautious, we'll be fine. We're not the only squad here. If I can help, I will."
As they spoke, another squad arrived nearby. Their squad leader nodded briefly at Leon before settling down at a distance.
"Boss," Ryan leaned closer and whispered, "do you have any insider info?"
"No," Leon answered. "I know just as much as you do. Only that this mission involves all four Battalion Captains."
Ryan sighed.
"You really can't show some of that banquet confidence you had?" Noah mocked. "Where did that fearless energy go? Now you're trembling."
Strictly speaking, this was Noah's first real mission, and with this kind of scale, his nerves were understandable.
"If we're in this line of work," Noah said after exhaling deeply, "we have to get used to it."
"Yeah… first time and all," Ryan laughed awkwardly. "Makes sense to be nervous."
Seeing Leon's calm expression helped steady him.
Boss escaped last time even when things went completely sideways, Ryan thought. If this gets bad, he can probably still get us out.
Reassured, he patted the Poké Balls on his belt.
One squad after another arrived, each finding a place to wait.
Suddenly—
"Whoosh—"
A green figure descended from the sky.
Leon looked up.
A Flygon.
Judging by its aura, it was Gym-level, around level 51—likely a recent breakthrough.
Standing on its back were Aoyan and another Battalion Captain.
The remaining two Battalion Captains arrived on a Swellow, also Gym-level.
All squads immediately stood and formed up.
Aoyan counted the personnel, then nodded with satisfaction.
"Good. Everyone is here."
He looked around.
"Now, I'll announce the mission."
"This operation is to intercept a shipment of starter Pokémon being transported by the League headquarters to Celadon City."
"I have confirmed intelligence and have made full preparations. The timing will be within the next few days—possibly today."
"Do you understand?"
"Yes!" everyone answered.
"Excellent. The force will be divided into four teams, each led by one of us Battalion Captains. Squad leaders, step forward."
Leon and the other squad leaders approached.
Aoyan unfolded a map and marked several routes, explaining the strategy in detail.
"Any questions?"
"No."
"Then move out."
On a mountain pass leading toward Celadon City, Leon's squad hid behind a large rock. They took turns using binoculars to monitor the surroundings.
The valley was barren—exposed stone, wild grass, no visible Pokémon activity.
Yet this was a mandatory route for the convoy.
"At least the enemy isn't stupid," Ryan muttered thoughtfully. "Choosing a desolate route like this—low ambush probability. Very clever."
Noah replied flatly,"Or they picked it randomly. Or you're just an idiot."
"…Did you just insult my intelligence?"
"Does it even need insulting?"
"Bold words. I'll deal with you later, virgin."
"At least that's better than you."
Leon watched them bicker with amusement.
Since the banquet, the two had been locked in an endless debate over girls versus married women, and neither ever backed down.
"Enough," Leon interrupted. "If you really want to verify it, each of you go test your theory. Practice is the only standard of truth."
Ryan waved it off."We'll discuss that later. My life's long—I'm not giving up the forest for a single tree. For now, heart stays out of it."
At that moment, Leon's communicator crackled.
"—This is Captain Hankawa. All units, be advised: the target has entered the designated zone. Prepare for engagement. Over."
"So soon…" Leon muttered.
"Get ready," he said seriously, to both his teammates and his Pokémon. "This will be a real fight."
The chatter stopped instantly.
A Pidgeot appeared overhead, scanning the valley before flying off.
Everyone knew—that was the scout.
About ten minutes later, movement appeared in the distance.
Roughly twenty flying Pokémon approached, led by two Pidgeot.
"Target confirmed. Begin encirclement. Move!"
At once, brilliant attacks erupted from all directions, blasting toward the sky.
Aoyan and the other Battalion Captains charged in first.
Explosions rang out.
Figures fell from the sky while others fought back.
Chaos erupted.
Leon and the other squad leaders moved in to intercept those who were knocked down.
The stronger opponents stayed airborne.
The weaker ones fell—straight into waiting squads.
Not far ahead of Leon's group, a young man in a League transport uniform staggered to his feet, dirt covering his face.
He looked up.
Their eyes met.
What he saw were three smiling faces.
Very friendly smiles.