Lira smiled, "I represent the International Criminal Police Department and the United Alliance to thank you for your outstanding contribution in the Plasma Team incident."
"Thank you..." Natsuhiko pressed his lips.
How about something a bit more tangible?
Nothing too extravagant, just a few "small objectives" would be nice.
If not, tools, Pokémon, or secret manuals would also do.
Poor Natsuhiko isn't picky.
Lira seemed to read Natsuhiko's mind and continued:
"Given your 'hero' status, a monetary reward might be a bit too cliché for you."
Natsuhiko: I don't think it's cliché at all!
"So, after evaluating all aspects, we decided to 'specially recruit' you, Mr. Natsuhiko. From today, you will become the Deputy Minister of the International Criminal Police 'UB Countermeasures Department', with a rank of Deputy Police Chief, enjoying full benefits, and have the authority to oversee all research-related personnel and departments in the 'UB Countermeasures Department'."
"Special Recruitment? UB?"
Natsuhiko blinked.
In the eyes of others, the 'UB Countermeasures Department' might be a laid-back organization.
But to Natsuhiko, with the Alola region about to be developed, the 'UB Countermeasures Department' has to take great risks to fight the 'Ultimate Beasts'.
Not to mention the seemingly vast authority over all scientific research personnel.
When combating the 'Ultimate Beasts' and the 'Ultimate Cave', the most dangerous are these scientific research personnel.
They might open an 'Ultimate Cave' right above your head at any moment.
Releasing a few 'Ultimate Beasts'.
Who can handle this?
"I've sent the information regarding the 'special recruitment' to your phone," Lira added.
Natsuhiko hurriedly opened his phone and skimmed through the information.
Breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Good thing.
This 'Special Recruitment' does come with some different benefits and powers.
The most unexpected part for Natsuhiko—
is that if the recruited individual disagrees, not even his superior has the authority to order him to do anything.
In other words, even when executing tasks, Natsuhiko has the power to choose whether to participate or not.
This is a clause specifically set by the International Criminal Police Department for special talents.
After all, special talents always receive special treatment.
Especially someone like Natsuhiko, who is openly protected by Reshiram.
"I..."
As soon as Natsuhiko began speaking, Lira continued:
"Here is a message left for you by your teacher, Ghost-type Elite Four Agatha, 'Brat, think about what you asked me to do before you refuse.' That's all."
Hearing this, Natsuhiko twitched the corner of his mouth.
Understood Agatha's meaning.
A Police Chief within the International Criminal Police doesn't hold a low position within the Alliance.
At least higher than a typical dojo leader.
Although he is a Deputy Police Chief, he enjoys full-level benefits, which isn't much different.
Besides, once the 'Ultimate Beasts' truly appear, the power of the 'UB Countermeasures Department' will significantly increase.
This is extremely important for someone like Natsuhiko, who has caught the attention of an Elite Four.
After all, not everyone dares to make a move against a Police Chief of the Alliance, which is a different concept from a dojo leader.
Moreover.
The most important thing is.
Natsuhiko now has the qualification to investigate that old fox, Hoshino Ryuzi.
He's been in Sinnoh for so long, Natsuhiko doesn't believe he's entirely clean.
If a real investigation is launched.
Surely something can be found.
A big find could topple the old fox.
A minor one would still definitely tarnish him, and the authority of the Elite Four would be no more.
After figuring all this out, Natsuhiko took a deep breath.
"I understand."
Lira knew Natsuhiko wouldn't refuse because she conducted a series of investigations before considering recruiting Natsuhiko.
The discord between the Sinnoh Gym Leader and the Elite Four was her biggest leverage.
"Then once the Alola Region opens, we can work together, Inspector Natsuhiko."
After speaking, Lira hung up the phone.
"Tsk, she's joining the 'UB Countermeasures Department'? Well, given it concerns her own background, it makes sense. It's just unknown how the Alliance will react once the 'Ultimate Megacity' is discovered."
Talking to himself, Natsuhiko put away his phone.
To him.
It was obvious.
With the opening of the Alola Region, the entire Alliance's actions were becoming more frequent.
But as soon as he put away his phone, the communicator on him vibrated.
However, it wasn't the phone he just put away, but the one more secretly related to his Hunter identity.
Taking it out to look.
Natsuhiko was momentarily stunned.
Giovanni?!
It wasn't a video call.
After a slight hesitation, Natsuhiko answered the call.
A hoarse voice came through, in a rather respectful tone.
"Leader Sakaki."
On the other side, Giovanni hadn't changed much, his tone even and steady as he said, "Is it Natsuka? Two days later, Nimbasa City's music theater."
As soon as he finished speaking, he hung up the communication.
But this time, Natsuhiko's expression truly slightly lost control.
The Plasma Team had just collapsed halfway; was Boss Sakaki already restless?!
Also, what does this mean?
Giovanni inviting me to watch a musical?
Happy, happy?