Chapter 268
Mossdeep Space Center
The Mossdeep Space Center was one of Hoenn's most important facilities, responsible for nearly all of the region's space research and rocket launches.
But at this moment, it was a complete disaster zone.
The main hall bore the scars of intense Pokémon battles, and even the internal structure of the building had suffered significant damage.
Employees with exhausted expressions gathered in the open area outside the facility. Nurse Joy was tending to the injured with the help of Chansey.
From the day it was established until now, the space center had never suffered such a large-scale attack.
A Hoenn League staff member approached a man in a captain's coat and hat, speaking hesitantly. "Mr. Drake, the initial damage report is complete…"
Drake, the Dragon-type Elite Four member, held up a hand to stop him. "Hold on… There's someone important arriving soon. We'll discuss everything then."
"Someone important?"
Nearby, the Mossdeep Gym's twin leaders, Tate and Liza, asked in unison.
For someone to be considered important by the Dragon Elite, could it be Steven Stone?!
Just as the thought crossed their minds, a green dot appeared in the distant sky.
At first, no one paid much attention.
But as the dot rapidly grew larger, more and more eyes turned toward it.
A researcher's face turned pale. "That's…!"
A long, serpentine body. Emerald green scales. Circular yellow patterns.
And an overwhelming aura that could be felt even from this distance.
"Rayquaza!!!"
Panic instantly spread through the crowd.
As experts in space research, they were all well aware of Rayquaza—the legendary Pokémon that lived in the ozone layer and fed on meteors.
While many admired its cool design from afar, seeing it descend upon them in real life was an entirely different experience.
Tate and Liza also tensed up, instinctively looking to Drake for guidance—only to be surprised by his composed expression.
Did he… know something they didn't?
Before they could ask, Rayquaza reached the airspace above the space center at incredible speed.
But instead of attacking, it merely swept its gaze over the people below before landing calmly in an open area.
Then, to the shock of everyone present, a person leaped down from its back.
"Thanks, Rayquaza."
With that, Asahi recalled Rayquaza into its Poké Ball and walked toward Drake, offering a handshake with a friendly smile.
"Asahi, International Police. It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Drake."
---
For the employees of the Mossdeep Space Center, today was beyond surreal.
They had never imagined that Rayquaza could be captured by a Trainer—just like they had never imagined that they would one day be attacked by Team Rocket, an organization headquartered all the way in Kanto.
Even though some time had passed since Asahi's dramatic entrance, the employees couldn't stop stealing glances at him.
Noticing their stares, Asahi chuckled. "Everyone seems very… enthusiastic."
> [Well, after showing off like that, it'd be harder not to get attention…] Tate and Liza thought to themselves.
Despite their internal complaints, the twins couldn't help but size up Asahi, wondering just what kind of person could capture Rayquaza.
"I had already heard from Steven, but seeing it in person is still astonishing," Drake remarked.
Although he had remained outwardly calm earlier, that was only because Steven had informed him in advance.
Deep down, he was still incredibly shaken.
No one understood Rayquaza's power better than a Dragon-type Elite.
The vast gap between gods and mortals had been effortlessly bridged by this young man—as if it were nothing.
Drake suddenly felt like he had wasted his entire career.
"I only succeeded because of various factors lining up just right… But let's not dwell on that. I'm here to assess the space center's losses." Asahi's expression turned serious.
Drake nodded and signaled for the staff member to begin the report.
The report was brief—and far from reassuring.
Team Rocket had inflicted extensive damage, wiped the inventory records, and deleted all surveillance footage before leaving, making it difficult to determine exactly what had been stolen.
It seemed the Hoenn League's investigators wouldn't be much help.
"Can I take a look at the scene myself?" Asahi asked.
> If you want something done right, do it yourself.
Liza blinked in surprise. "Wait… You're a detective too?"
Asahi smiled. "Just for today."
Led by the staff, Asahi entered the devastated research facility.
Taking in the chaos around him, he turned to Drake. "Mr. Drake, could you have everyone pause their cleanup efforts for a moment?"
Though puzzled, Drake recalled Steven's instructions and decided to trust Asahi. He clapped his hands, signaling the workers to stop.
Then, Asahi pulled out a Poké Ball engraved with the letters GS.
Bang.
A flash of light.
And standing there, in front of the stunned crowd, was Celebi.
After Rayquaza earlier, seeing yet another legendary Pokémon left the researchers utterly speechless.
Ignoring their reactions, Asahi turned to Celebi. "I need to know what happened here."
Celebi tilted its head, then nodded. A green glow surrounded it as it grabbed Asahi's hand.
Before Asahi's eyes, the scene around him rewound at high speed—people moving in reverse, broken equipment restoring itself.
Until he spotted a familiar figure.
"Stop. Play from here."
"…Giovanni."
As the playback continued, Asahi witnessed the entire Team Rocket raid unfold.
From hacking into the security system using Porygon-Z to taking out the guards and heading straight for their target, Giovanni's squad operated with ruthless efficiency.
They weren't just a gang of criminals—they were elite professionals.
In just thirty minutes, they had disabled security, executed their mission, and vanished without a trace.
And what had they stolen?
The Grand Meteorite, which contained Deoxys's space virus, was taken without a doubt.
A full copy of the space center's database was also stolen—especially the research logs on Rayquaza from five years ago.
And then… there was one last, unexpected thing.
A half-completed prototype of a single-person spacecraft.
> …Is Giovanni planning to make Team Rocket live up to its name and go to space?!
Shaking his head, Asahi ended the Time Recall and jotted down his findings.
Handing his notes to Drake, he said, "That's the full report."
Drake had his men verify the details—everything checked out.
"Incredible." Drake praised. "You just saved us countless hours of work."
And then, before leaving, Asahi turned back.
"By the way… could I get a copy of the research on the Grand Meteorite?"
---
After departing Mossdeep on Rayquaza, Asahi returned to the Steel Valley Base.
But upon arrival, he was met with an unexpected sight.
"…Didn't I let you go? Why are you still here?"
Asahi stared at Zinnia, who was sitting in the lounge, hugging a Pidove.
He turned to Green.
"She said she wants to join us," Green explained.
"…You okay?"
Zinnia clenched her fists but held back her frustration. "I want to join the International Police!"
"You Think You're That Strong?"
Zinnia did her best to sound as sincere as possible.
She was convinced Asahi wouldn't refuse her…
However, Asahi saw right through her little scheme. "Sorry, but I refuse."
Trying to get close to his Rayquaza? No way. Instant rejection.
Zinnia, who had been certain she had this in the bag, was instantly petrified.
It took her a while to snap out of it before she quickly added, "Aren't you guys short on manpower? I'm really strong!"
She tried to argue her case.
Asahi tilted his head and glanced at Mewtwo, who was meditating nearby. "You think you're strong?"
Zinnia was at a loss for words.
"Besides, we don't accept people with unknown backgrounds." Asahi stated righteously.
"Unknown? What do you mean unknown?! I'm Zinnia! I'm a Draconid! I—"
Zinnia was about to keep going when Asahi simply snapped his fingers.
The next moment, Gardevoir's eyes glowed blue, and with a flick of her hand—
Zinnia's vision blurred.
Before she knew it, she was standing outside the base, in the middle of Steel Valley, surrounded by a bunch of Magnemite.
She stood there in a daze before realizing she had just been thrown out.
"Damn you, Asahi…" She gritted her teeth.
Prideful as she was, she turned to leave.
But after only taking two steps, the image of Rayquaza being ridden by Asahi flashed through her mind like a recurring nightmare.
Cold sweat broke out on her forehead. Her body refused to move.
"No! I can't leave Lord Rayquaza alone with a guy like Asahi! I have to stay by its side!"
Unable to convince herself to abandon Rayquaza, Zinnia clutched her face and shouted.
Then, steeling her resolve, her eyes burned with determination.
Since Asahi wouldn't agree, she'd just have to prove her sincerity!
Zinnia thought of her most prized possession—something that would surely shock Asahi!
---
Inside the Base
Sabrina gave Asahi a strange look. "You actually let her go?"
She still remembered how Asahi had forced her to join the Kanto division back then.
Had he finally realized his mistakes and decided to act like a decent person now?
Asahi frowned at her expression. "What's with that look? We're an official organization of the League. Rejecting people with unclear backgrounds is perfectly normal, isn't it?"
He always followed department regulations, okay?
"…Never noticed that before." Sabrina stated bluntly.
Green stifled a laugh.
Gary was about to chime in, but the moment he saw Asahi glance at him, he quickly ducked his head and pretended to be invisible.
"…Forget it, no point arguing with you guys." Asahi sighed.
His track record as the head of the Kanto division spoke for itself. He didn't need to explain himself.
Patting the Eevee in his lap, Asahi pulled out his phone and sent a message to Giovanni.
> [Gardevoir Is the Best]: So you sneak in and mess with my turf the moment I'm gone? You better hope I don't catch you in Hoenn, or else you won't have a good time.
Seemingly in a good mood from his successful operation, Giovanni responded almost instantly.
> [Giovanni]: Heh.
---