It had to be said, though the League had some internal rot, when it came to matters of profit, they moved incredibly fast.
In less than two weeks, the stalled harbor had roared back to life. Countless massive cruise ships and cargo vessels now sailed across the waters.
Among the many cruise ships docked at the harbor, two stood out as particularly imposing. The emblems printed on their hulls belonged to two of the most renowned families in the Pokémon world, the Joy Family and the Jenny Family.
Sieg walked toward one of them.
A platinum-colored exterior accented with pink and white decorations, layer upon layer of decks stacked over a dozen levels high, it was impossible to look away.
This cruise ship was an absolute behemoth. In terms of size alone, it was several times larger than the Megalodon, the ship from Sieg's pirate days.
"Since I'm heading to Slateport anyway, I might as well use that complimentary annual ticket from the investment contract with the Joy Family. Perfect time to experience a luxury cruise!"
As Sieg approached, he was unsurprisingly stopped by guards who requested to see his ticket. After all, tickets for such luxury cruises often cost ordinary people several months or even a year's wages, so security checks were naturally strict.
Sieg's ticket wasn't purchased, it was gifted directly by the Joy Family. He pulled out his Pokédex and scanned it against the checking device.
The nearby guard respectfully stepped aside, signaling Sieg could enter.
The staff and ordinary citizens watching from the side looked at Sieg with envy. A luxury cruise where a single ticket cost tens of thousands of Pokédollars was beyond their reach.
Sieg walked leisurely onto the ship. The moment he entered the cabin, a staff member approached him.
Since the ticket he'd shown during check-in was a special Joy Family internal pass, he was considered a rather distinguished guest aboard. So even though Sieg carried no luggage, the receptionist still respectfully led him to a luxury room.
"We wish you a pleasant journey during your voyage!"
The staff member bowed slightly and took their leave.
Sieg swiped his room card and pushed the door open. His eyes immediately fell on the luxurious living room, the massive floor-to-ceiling window, and the endless ocean view outside with the setting sun's afterglow streaming through.
Out of habit, he inspected the entire room. Though the Joy Family's reputation meant they'd never do anything to harm their good name, it was still better to be cautious.
The room wasn't particularly large, even including the Pokémon training room, it was only about 200 square meters. But all facilities were comprehensive.
Only then did Sieg sink into the sofa, his entire body melting into it. Compared to the oppressive atmosphere at the Team Rocket base, this relaxed environment was far more enjoyable.
But once he thought about the difficulty of this mission, Sieg couldn't help feeling a headache coming on.
[Travel to Slateport City and investigate the Oceanic Museum Director, Director Kusunoki (the more detailed, the better)]
This mission wouldn't be easy. Previously, quite a few strong members from the Team Rocket base had undertaken it, including even a captain.
But without exception, all had failed. Though investigative missions like this weren't related to combat strength, it still cast a shadow over Sieg's mind.
"Hope this mission goes smoothly."
Watching his Pokémon playing nearby, Sieg showed a long-absent smile.
Crawdaunt and Sharpedo were in the portable water pool he'd set up, which still contained the Wave Incense, so they were comfortably soaking.
Sandile had buried its entire body in the heated sand, only exposing those dark, beady eyes.
Umbreon was lazily lying in Sieg's lap. Given its aloof nature since evolving, it rarely acted this affectionate, so Sieg treasured these intimate gestures reminiscent of its Eevee days.
After all, every Pokémon he'd personally chosen was treated like family, beings he could truly entrust his life to in critical moments.
Of course, Sieg also recognized his own capacity for attachment was limited; there was only room for those few Pokémon, and that was enough.
As for the likes of Castform and Lombre, in Sieg's eyes, they were purely utility Pokémon. Though he wouldn't mistreat or abuse them, he wouldn't invest much emotional attachment either.
"Zorua, don't disturb Honchkrow while it's on watch!" Sieg said sternly.
The newly recruited Zorua seemed extremely curious about all its seniors, constantly running to the pool's edge to splash water or going to the window to bother Honchkrow.
"Yow yow~~"
Hearing Sieg's reprimand, Zorua covered its eyes with its fluffy little paws, letting out a self-deceiving snicker.
Worth mentioning, this Zorua was actually the same one Sieg had seen being offered as a second prize at Mauville City's Game Corner.
After all, every legal channel for selling Pokémon on the surface was controlled by the League behind the scenes. Yet Team Rocket had managed to infiltrate such an important department.
To this, Sieg could only sigh. "Truly worthy of being Team Rocket!"
Just as Sieg was playing around with his Pokémon, this massive luxury cruise ship officially stopped ticket checks and was about to begin its voyage to Slateport City.
According to the schedule, it would only take one day and night to reach the destination; they'd dock at Slateport's harbor tomorrow evening.
"Wooooooo~~~"
At that moment, the cruise ship named "S.S. Chansey" by the Joy Family officially set sail.
Sieg didn't stay cooped up in his room. Instead, he brought Umbreon and Zorua out, both were Pokémon he could show publicly, having never appeared in any gray zone activities.
This was Sieg's first time aboard such a large cruise ship. The entire vessel's layout was indeed complex. After asking several staff members, he finally found the deck.
The weather today was exceptionally clear, perhaps because of that massive lightning storm two weeks ago, after the storm cleared up.
When Sieg reached the deck, quite a crowd had already gathered. People in formal suits and elegant tailcoats stood beneath parasols, conversing eloquently while wine glasses clinked.
There were also people in trainer attire, like Sieg, with one or two Pokémon at their sides, chatting amongst themselves.
This cruise ship primarily served wealthy individuals and trainers. The public battle facilities Sieg had passed earlier were obviously for those trainers to use.
Almost all of them were fully booked; you had to make advance reservations to use them.
However, passengers in luxury rooms like Sieg's had their own indoor training rooms. Only if they wanted to battle would they need to go to the ship's public areas.
With the aloof Umbreon at his feet and Zorua perched on his shoulder, Sieg breathed deeply in the evening sea breeze.
That familiar salty scent brought back memories from that period of his past.
Sieg leaned against the railing, gazing at this metropolis where past and present intertwined. He'd really experienced quite a lot in Mauville City.
The cruise ship traveled quickly. Before long, Mauville City's silhouette had vanished from view. As the ship gradually accelerated, waves crashed against the hull with the sea breeze, splashing water.
The people on deck gradually returned to the ship's main hall. After all, no matter how beautiful the scenery outside, the constant sea breeze would become unbearable.
Of course, the more important reason was that the evening banquet in the hall was about to begin. Most importantly, they needed to fill their stomachs.