This cruise ship was none other than the S.S. Anne, the very same vessel where Logan had once dueled with Red and Lt. Surge years ago. That battle had left the ship heavily damaged. After a full year of repairs, the S.S. Anne had finally returned to service and once again sailed across the world's seas.
With the situation now extremely urgent, Logan did not linger long in Celadon City. After issuing orders to the major cities across Kanto, he departed immediately for the agreed meeting location.
At present, the cities of Kanto were forced to focus almost entirely on rescue operations. They had no spare strength to confront the Elite Four directly. The Elite Four, however, were in the opposite position—only four individuals, with nothing to lose. Backed by their overwhelming personal power and tens of thousands of wild Pokémon, Kanto's vast territory instead became a burden to the defenders.
If the Elite Four were not eliminated, Kanto would never regain stability. Worse still, once Lance completed his plan, the entire region would be plunged into an even greater catastrophe—one where cities stood empty and civilians were left destitute.
The so-called "Hero" of Kanto, Champion Logan, had no choice but to enter this war. Not to save the people, nor to protect the region—but simply because he wanted to shatter Lance's ideal and seize it for himself.
The S.S. Anne sailed steadily across the open sea. Logan rode Latias and arrived on the deck under invisibility, landing silently. This time, he made no grand entrance. If the ship's captain knew Logan was aboard, he'd probably be scared out of his wits—after all, last time Logan had nearly sunk the luxury liner.
Standing at the edge of the deck, hands gripping the railing, Logan gazed at the brilliant blue scenery beneath the clear sky. Latias transformed once more into her maid form and stood behind him, posture impeccable and respectful.
Logan periodically checked the time on his Pokédex. When the second hand reached zero, he suddenly turned—and saw the person he had arranged to meet.
"Sabrina, why choose this place for our meeting?"
Logan asked with a gentle smile, looking at the tall woman approaching from the deck, one hand clasped behind her back.
Sabrina's expression was icy and aloof. She wore a long-sleeved autumn top that accentuated her figure, her slim waist outlined by fitted clothing. Her long legs were clad in black pants and knee-high boots. She walked like a queen descending from her throne.
Before Sabrina could answer, Logan already understood the reason.
Behind her stood three young men with respectful expressions. They wore Team Rocket uniforms, red scarves around their necks. When they saw Logan, anger flashed across their faces—but fear quickly overwhelmed it. One by one, they lowered their heads, terrified of revealing anything.
"As you can see," Sabrina said coolly, "these three are mid-level Team Rocket commanders. They used to be subordinates under me, Lt. Surge, and Koga. Team Rocket is despised everywhere now. If people saw you associating with us, it wouldn't be good for your 'heroic' reputation."
Her words carried mockery, but a faint smile curved her pale lips.
The three commanders wanted to ask why Sabrina was so close to the Champion who had crippled Team Rocket—but none dared open their mouths. Knowing too much often meant dying early.
Sabrina was never merciful.
"I knew Team Rocket wouldn't just disappear," Logan said casually. "But Giovanni's been quiet for a long time. He's patient."
Logan held no real grudge against Team Rocket. Their actions were brutal, but he was selfish by nature—if it didn't affect him, he couldn't be bothered to care.
"Boss Giovanni isn't someone easily defeated," Sabrina replied. "He's hiding somewhere, continuing his plans. Team Rocket's lower ranks suffered heavy losses, but our middle and upper levels are mostly intact. However, something strange is happening in Johto—I've lost contact with Team Rocket there. Someone seems to be consolidating the remnants."
Her brows furrowed slightly, worry flashing through her cold eyes.
Then her gaze shifted to Latias.
"…So this maid is Latias? Pokémon that can transform into humans are extremely rare. My Pokémon can disguise themselves too—but that's only psychic illusion."
"I thought I'd have to explain Latias's identity to you," Logan said, surprised.
"Don't underestimate my intelligence network," Sabrina replied flatly. "I know exactly what you did in Celadon City yesterday."
Logan fell silent. Sabrina truly lived up to her reputation as one of Team Rocket's former top executives. Even fragmented, their intelligence network remained frighteningly effective.
"So the information about Cerise Island came from Team Rocket," Logan said, glancing at the three commanders.
He had always known Sabrina never fully severed ties with Team Rocket—and he didn't mind. Founded by Giovanni's mother, Team Rocket had existed for decades and was deeply rooted in Kanto, in some ways even more influential than the League itself.
With Sabrina as a bridge, Logan could make use of Team Rocket's resources.
Besides, Logan wasn't someone driven by moral absolutes. League or Rocket—it didn't matter. Whoever helped him achieve his goal earned his support.
"Boss Giovanni recently ordered all Rocket units to locate Cerise Island," Sabrina said. "Through our agents and sleeper cells, we've confirmed its location."
"Why does Giovanni want Cerise Island?" Logan asked. "Does he have a grudge against the Elite Four?"
"I don't know," Sabrina replied. "Very few know Boss Giovanni's true intentions. He only says someone is chasing him—and he's chasing someone in return."
Logan shook his head.
"Digging deeper into Giovanni is pointless. Then what's Team Rocket's stance toward the Elite Four?"
"Kanto belongs to Team Rocket," the three commanders said in unison, fists clenched. "We will not allow the Elite Four to lay a finger on it."
Logan laughed softly.
"Then our goals align."
Team Rocket sought power, wealth, technology, and control. Lance wanted to exterminate humanity entirely. Between the two evils, Rocket was almost… humane.
"We can't waste time," Logan said seriously. "Once everyone arrives, take me straight to Cerise Island. We cannot allow Lance to complete his plan. If he succeeds, defeating him will become nearly impossible."
"Waiting for everyone?" Sabrina scoffed. "You mean the Sinnoh Champion? I thought she ran back to Sinnoh scared stiff."
Logan could only sigh helplessly.
Regional prejudice really was universal.
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