Chapter 207: The Ultimate Tactical Adapter
To Pryce, the Ilex Shrine was even more important than Mahogany Gym or the Masked Army's base.
"Did I expose myself by appearing near Azalea Town too often...?"
Once again, Pryce felt the full nuisance of dealing with Team Rocket.
Even the slightest mistake, and they pounced on it.
His first instinct was to order his subordinates to attack Team Rocket immediately and secure Ilex Forest to prevent anyone from approaching.
But as he stared at the message on his communicator, he paused.
Team Rocket was only suspicious—they hadn't confirmed anything yet.
If they knew for sure, they wouldn't be wasting time searching. Instead, they would have set a trap and waited for him to take the bait.
If he ordered a direct confrontation now, it would only confirm that there was something important in Ilex Forest.
Not only would it be pointless, but it would only escalate the situation further.
So…
After a brief moment of thought, Pryce typed out his response.
[Mask: Itsuki, If Team Rocket has deployed all their forces, find their base and destroy it.]
That was Pryce's strategy.
The Ultimate Tactical Adapter.
If Team Rocket was searching Azalea Town, he would attack their headquarters in Johto.
He refused to believe that after having their home base raided, Giovanni would still have the patience to continue a meaningless search.
That was the difference between him and Giovanni.
Pryce was willing to sacrifice the entire Masked Army for his goal.
But Giovanni? Would he be willing to sacrifice all of Team Rocket just to chase after a potential weakness?
To Pryce, the answer was obvious.
[Itsuki: Understood.]
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Blackthorn City – Blackthorn Gym
Led by a staff member, Asahi and Green entered the Gym.
Clair was already waiting for them in the battle arena.
"Hello, Leader Clair. I'm the official Gym Examiner for this assessment—" Asahi began, but Clair cut him off.
"My brother already told me everything," Clair stated.
Asahi: "..."
This was the first time he had ever been interrupted during an introduction.
Green, watching Asahi's reaction, covered her mouth and giggled.
Internally, Asahi grumbled about Lance not giving him a heads-up but quickly refocused.
"Since you already know why I'm here, let's get straight to the point. We need your cooperation for this operation."
"No problem," Clair agreed without hesitation. "But first, I want to battle you."
"?"
Asahi looked confused.
Clair had already pulled out a Poké Ball, her gaze sharp. "My brother says you're strong. I want to see for myself!"
"A one-on-one battle. Quick and decisive. Don't worry, it won't take much of your time."
Clair was full of confidence.
After years of training in the Dragon's Den, she believed she wouldn't lose to anyone.
Even if Lance himself was back, she would challenge him—this battle against Asahi would test her progress before that moment.
Since she was so insistent, what could Asahi do?
"Fine. But… you're sure you want it quick?" Asahi confirmed.
"Of course! Show me your true strength!" Clair declared.
"Since you insist…" Asahi grabbed a Poké Ball.
They didn't need a referee. Both trainers threw their Poké Balls simultaneously.
Clair's choice was Kingdra, a Pokémon exuding formidable power with its seahorse-like body and twisted dragon horns.
As for Asahi…
Floating in the air, holding an enormous spoon of psychic energy, Mewtwo gazed down at Kingdra with an overwhelming presence.
Clair stiffened.
"A Pokémon I've never seen before..."
She prided herself on her vast knowledge of Pokémon, but she had never seen anything like this.
[Asahi, is she an enemy?]
Mewtwo asked telepathically.
"No, just a sparring match. Hold back… but finish it fast," Asahi instructed.
Mewtwo understood and nodded.
And in the next moment—
The battle ended instantly.
Asahi smiled at the stunned Clair.
"Thanks for the match."
Hearing Asahi's voice, Clair finally snapped back to reality, her expression bitter.
"I lost."
Her Kingdra, her ace, had been defeated in a single move. In hindsight, she had been too reckless to challenge Asahi.
But as she accepted her loss, she couldn't help but ponder.
If someone as strong as Asahi needed the Gym Leaders' help, just how powerful was their enemy?
Clair wasn't the type to keep her doubts to herself, so she asked directly:
"Who are we up against? Is it Team Rocket?"
After all, just two days ago, Team Rocket had attacked Mahogany Gym—a blatant challenge to the Johto League.
Was Asahi gathering support to retaliate?
Asahi, however, looked confused. "Lance didn't tell you? You agreed without even knowing who the enemy is?"
He didn't know whether to be impressed or speechless.
Clair had her own logic: "Who cares who they are? As long as they're enemies of the League, they're our enemies too."
Lance might not have given her the details, but since he vouched for Asahi, there was no need for her to question it.
Asahi: "..."
Well… that actually made sense.
As League-affiliated Gym Leaders, it was their duty to fight the League's enemies unless there was a compelling reason not to.
With Clair watching him expectantly, Asahi finally spoke:
"Our enemy is… the Masked Army!"
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