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"You already have the Master Ball! Even our company can only produce one in such a short timeframe! You've obtained the technology as well—what more could you possibly want?"
After hearing this exchange, President Silph's expression grew grim as he gritted his teeth in frustration. He felt tremendous reluctance about the situation. The Master Ball had only been completed recently.
Even Silph Company, despite developing this revolutionary technology, had managed to construct only a single prototype.
Now, reflecting on the situation, he realized that creating the Master Ball had actually brought catastrophe upon them. While he could accept personal consequences, seeing so many company employees placed in danger filled him with guilt as their leader.
"That's sufficient for our immediate needs, but what we intend to accomplish extends far beyond such simple objectives. It appears your little assistant didn't disappoint us after all."
The man glanced at President Silph with a mocking sneer.
"What?!" President Silph's expression changed dramatically upon hearing this revelation.
Having reached his position through intelligence and experience, he was certainly no fool. He immediately recognized something was amiss from the man's expression and tone.
"Did you deliberately allow Kyoko to escape?" President Silph instantly sensed the trap that had been laid.
"Otherwise, do you honestly believe that woman would have been able to flee from Team Rocket?" The man responded with nothing but a contemptuous sneer.
President Silph unconsciously clenched his fists upon seeing this, though he couldn't understand the reasoning behind such a strategy. Why would they intentionally draw police attention and surround themselves?
Even as chairman of Silph Company, he couldn't comprehend why this man had purposefully allowed Kyoko to escape, thereby placing himself in apparent danger.
"What exactly is your true objective?"
"You'll discover that soon enough."
The man refused to elaborate for President Silph, instead turning his attention to the computer screen before him, studying the figure displayed there with obvious interest and calculation.
CRASH!!!
On the fifth floor of Silph Company, a tremendous explosion echoed through one of the workshops as a figure came flying through the doorway, smashing through the entrance and slamming into the corridor wall with such force that they became embedded in the surface.
When the smoke and debris cleared, it revealed an unconscious Team Rocket member with a fainted Koffing lying across his chest, both completely knocked out.
Simultaneously, Ash emerged from the workshop, followed by numerous Silph Company staff members fleeing to safety.
"This is escalating quickly."
After watching the employees escape successfully, he glanced back at the final workshop behind him. Several Team Rocket operatives and their Pokémon lay scattered across the floor, defeated.
The same scene had played out in virtually every workshop throughout his advance. The continuous battles were making Ash feel increasingly energized and focused. This sensation was becoming more intense with each encounter, and he found himself almost unable to contain his growing excitement.
"Time for the next floor."
This had been the final workshop on this level, and the sixth floor awaited above. Ash turned around and proceeded toward the stairs with Pikachu, Jigglypuff, and Scyther following closely behind.
It was obvious that everyone on the upper floors was now aware of Ash's progress through the building, making it impossible for the sixth floor to remain ignorant of the situation.
Although orders from above had been to prevent any intruders from advancing, numerous Team Rocket members had still gathered at the stairwell leading from the fifth floor.
"Stop him! Don't let him pass!" Despite the approaching figure appearing to be just a young trainer, the Team Rocket operatives before him didn't dare underestimate the threat.
This was the same individual who had single-handedly defeated an entire floor of their organization. They threw their Poké Balls simultaneously, releasing Zubat, Grimer, and Koffing in quick succession.
"This is getting interesting... I seem to be getting more and more fired up! Pikachu, use Pika Papow!"
"Pika... CHU!!!"
Pikachu appeared to be infected by Ash's intense emotions and showed no signs of fatigue. Facing the large group of Team Rocket members blocking their path, he leaped from Ash's shoulders with determination.
An incredible surge of electrical energy erupted from his small body, the power spreading outward too rapidly for their opponents to react effectively.
Pika Papow's wide-area attack engulfed both Team Rocket operatives and their Pokémon alike in brilliant bolts of lightning.
BOOM!!!!
After several seconds, a massive explosion shook the corridor and thick smoke filled the entire area. Within the haze, only the sound of steady footsteps could be heard approaching.
As the smoke began to clear, Ash waved his hand to disperse the remaining clouds before him and continued up the staircase. No movement came from the smoke-filled area behind him. Without looking back, Ash proceeded directly to the sixth floor.
The sixth floor housed the research and development division. Most personnel here were scientists and researchers, though this floor also maintained heavier security presence. As soon as Ash reached the entrance to one of the laboratories, the stationed guards immediately noticed his arrival.
"Who goes—"
"Take them down!" Ash commanded, pointing forward without hesitation. Scyther immediately rushed ahead with such speed that the guards had no opportunity to react properly.
Scyther's twin blade-arms flashed as he struck both guards directly. Their bodies were sent flying uncontrollably down the corridor, where they landed heavily against the far wall.
When Ash approached the laboratory entrance, he discovered the door was securely locked. He stepped aside and looked expectantly at Scyther.
"Scy!"
Scyther understood immediately and positioned himself before the reinforced entrance. He extended both blade-arms, which began glowing with scarlet energy, then slashed forward in a powerful cross-pattern, instantly splitting the metal door cleanly in two.
Ash entered the laboratory and found an operating table positioned in the center of the room, surrounded by numerous stacked cages containing pairs of frightened eyes watching him with obvious terror.
Ash's expression grew troubled as he surveyed the scene, quickly understanding that this was where captured Pokémon were being held. The noise from his entrance had already startled the imprisoned creatures.
Upon witnessing their condition, Ash's previously emotionless demeanor softened considerably, and his voice took on a much gentler tone.
"Don't be afraid—I'm here to rescue you now. Pikachu, Iron Tail! Scyther, Fury Cutter!"
Looking at these captive Pokémon, Ash's cold attitude toward Team Rocket was tempered by compassion for their victims. At his command, Pikachu and Scyther acted simultaneously, launching continuous attacks against the surrounding cages with thunderous impacts.
The reinforced enclosures were gradually destroyed, allowing the trapped Pokémon inside to escape their confinement. At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed from the doorway behind them.
"Get that kid!"
The laboratory entrance was immediately blocked by a large group of Team Rocket operatives standing menacingly in the doorway, cutting off Ash's retreat route.
When the liberated Pokémon saw this threatening group, panic spread across their faces as they sought shelter behind Ash. His expression hardened once again as he heard their aggressive voices, even with his back turned to the entrance.