Pokémon Detective Case Files

Chapter 375 People Competing for the World

Chapter 377 People Competing for the World

"It really is persistent." Hugo frowned as he stood up, but he wasn't particularly surprised.

The leader of the Seven Sages, who appeared in the center of the room, held a scepter, wore his signature robe, and had a gold ring on his finger.

He walked confidently past the detective and sat down on the hospital bed where Akromma had once slept.

"Did you already guess I was coming? You're quite clever, aren't you? No wonder you're Champion Hugo who successfully wiped out Team Hoenn." The old man placed the huge scepter across his knees, his voice laced with sarcasm.

"The one-month observation period has passed. Since the monitor Akromar has left without saying goodbye, you naturally need to send someone of greater importance. I just didn't expect that you, Mr. Ghetsis, would come in person with such energy. This is the heart of the Alliance. Relying solely on that invisibility ring may not be enough for you to escape safely."

Quixote just sneered dismissively: "For me, the Alliance headquarters is more convenient for me than my hospital room in Fukichi City."

"Yeah?"

Hugo shrugged and said dismissively—

"However, when it comes to the honor of wiping out the Lava Team, your contribution in this matter seems to be no less than mine."

"Oh, what do you mean?"

Quixotemo's finger paused almost imperceptibly, but his face, hidden by the blindfold, remained calm.

"The coordinates of Team Magma's secret base were probably leaked to Team Aqua by you, right? The time between the start of the Aquafoil experiment and Team Aqua's deployment of the Toxic Slate was too short. Given Red Pine's vigilance, it's impossible for him to expose the location of Aquafoil Island to his rivals so quickly."

The detective pinpointed the key point.

"Furthermore, the methods Team Aqua used to deal with Mushroom Island were too specific, almost as if they already knew the Achilles' heel of Agar. The only people who knew this information beforehand were Team Magma and Team Plasma, who cooperated with them. By process of elimination, the culprit who leaked the information to Archie and the others is obvious."

"It wasn't a leak; to be precise, it was sold to them."

Quixote was not ashamed but proud. When he saw that the detective had seen through his actions, he smirked with satisfaction.

"Now that the cooperation has come to an end, we've already taken more than we wanted from Team Magma. All that's left are some after-sales services that are neither useful nor worth discarding. At this point, Team Aqua offered a higher price, and Team Plasma naturally had no reason to refuse their goodwill."

"Compared to Team Magma, who is far away in Hoenn, wouldn't Team Aqua, with its ocean-going navigation capabilities, be a more worthwhile target?"

"How perceptive. However, on the other hand, I prefer the way Water Willow Tree acts to the scholarly demeanor of Crimson Flame Pine."

Especially after he was driven to desperation by a certain detective, the Order might one day need a criminal driven to madness like him to lend a hand.

Quixote gave a chilling smile, his flat, monotone voice like the flicking tongue of a venomous snake.

"Now, Hugo, champion, your one-month deadline is up. Have you made your final decision?"

This time, Quixote wasn't holding the golden dagger; he was simply sitting there quietly, but to the detective, he seemed even more dangerous—"Cooperation, or death?"

"I managed to escape from you even when I was sick, and now you're trying to threaten me like this, like you're scaring a child?"

Hugo stood before the Plasma Sage, his hands already placed defensively at his sides.

"You mean those beginner Pokémon that tipped you off, or the Elite Four members who would provide you with close protection? Heh, don't worry, I'm just here to confirm your answer. The punishment of death won't come anytime soon, or do you think you can live under someone else's protection forever?"

"You must have overheard my conversation with Ms. Gloria, right? Are you still trying to get my support?" Hugo asked.

"As the younger brother of the Sinnoh Champion, you've now become a Champion yourself through a series of coincidences, yet you lack the skill befitting your status. Can you really bridge this gap with your detective's wisdom?"

The sage raised an eyebrow and gazed meaningfully at the detective—

"As for organizations like Team Galactic and Team Magma, they were originally obstacles to Team Plasma's future development. The fact that you were able to eliminate them proves your own usefulness."

"Then why not consider maintaining the status quo of neutrality as an option?"

United Champions still did not state its position, continuing to negotiate with the other party in an ambiguous manner.

Quixote gave a silent, cold laugh: "If you were Adek, I would allow you to maintain your noble neutrality. But are you?"

Hugo sighed: "It seems I'm underestimated in every way—though that's also a result of my usual actions."

"So what's your answer?"

The scepter, adorned with the Plasma Corps emblem, was pointed at Hugo's nose. Hugo shook his head and raised his hand to brush the scepter tip away from his nose.

"I did consider the option of incorporating plasma clusters. The best place to shake up an organization is from within."

The factional strife within the Plasma Group is highly stimulating. Your revered King N isn't entirely evil; internal division and disintegration, transforming the Plasma Group into a benign organization beneficial to society, sounds like a good thing. But—”

"Oh, it seems you've chosen death."

Quixote's voice was full of regret, as if he were truly saddened by Hugo's refusal.

"I will not join the Plasma Group. There is no need for me to board a dangerous ship that is about to sink."

Hugo's voice echoed in the empty hospital room, "Your plasma clusters are about to give out, aren't they?"

The sage chuckled dismissively, "If you're referring to the gambling on the Royal United Ship, then I advise you to abandon your hopes. The Order's finances have long since weathered the crisis, and are even better off than before the incident."

"I'm referring to the organizational structure of the Plasma Cult. As Gloria pointed out earlier, the differentiated structure allows your cult to regenerate heads no matter how many times they are cut off, and also causes your size and number of followers to grow uncontrollably day by day—but this model comes at a price."

Ghetsis's smile froze on his face. Hugo continued, "The Plasma Team, now at the peak of its influence, has reached its limit. Its lofty ideals are beginning to bind your hands and feet. The fragmented organizational structure is showing differing demands and voices, and you are increasingly alienated from the core decision-making group of the Plasma Team. You know very well that the Plasma Team can never become a purely elf protection organization, but as the liberation movement progresses, the Order's propositions are becoming increasingly insignificant. You are losing control of this movement, and at that time, the monsters created by Smura will devour you yourselves."

The detective in the white coat raised a finger. "Lionel's risky move proves this point—even within the upper echelons of the Plasma Cult, a growing anxiety of mutual suspicion is emerging. If this situation continues, the cost of maintaining the Plasma Cult itself will only increase. To change this, you must instigate a massive transformation, allowing the Plasma Cult to evolve like the Ayakashi mushrooms on the sea, transforming into entirely new life forms."

"Outlandish," Quixote commented dismissively.

"This is not mere conjecture," Hugo said. "The reason you are so eager for my answer, even coming all the way here in person, is precisely because of this."

The detective looked down at Quixote in front of him.

"Team Plasma doesn't have much time left. By the time the championship passes to me, you won't have time to wait for the next champion to finish his next term. That's why you abandoned Team Magma and chose Team Aqua. You need a transoceanic organization that is more aggressive and reacts faster as your ally. Like the former vice president of the League, you have been driven to the brink of despair by your own desires."

"Are you just spreading alarmist rumors and trying to buy time?"

The Plasma Sage stood up expressionlessly and dusted off his robes.

"I'll ask you one last time: have you decided to oppose the Plasma Group in the coming changes?"

Hugo spoke calmly, so quickly it seemed he didn't even need to think, "In the words of your Plasma Group sages, this is 'Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together.'"

"That's a real shame—"

Quixote took a deep breath, and the toneless voice rang out again, like an ominous death knell—"The United Federation, this organization that paints a rosy picture, originally had the opportunity to continue its mission after the world was turned upside down, but you rejected that glimmer of hope."

"Only those who can't make it in the current world would be so obsessed with changing the world, as if they could win first place simply by changing the arena."

The Unova champion, who had declined the invitation, crossed his arms and said with a mocking expression.

"I will never join such a gathering of losers."

"You've successfully angered me, Champion Hugo. I wasn't planning on making a move today—but I've changed my mind."

Without engaging in a verbal sparring match with Hugo, the Plasma Sage left behind these words before his figure gradually disappeared from the hospital room: "May you perish along with this world you are so proud of, you unworthy Unova Champion."

As he finished speaking, the ground trembled.

"Sigh, what an old trick." Hugo rubbed his forehead and sighed.

next second.

The enormous explosion echoed throughout the entire headquarters of the United Alliance.

When the dust settled and the ward was in disarray, the Unova Champion, still dressed neatly, stood in place, the barrier created by his superpowers shielding him from the impact of the explosion.

"Looks like your tactic of stalling for time and setting up an encirclement failed." Linguine King, hanging from the raven's claws, flipped in through the window shattered by the blast wave. "I never thought there really were magical items in the world that could make someone completely invisible."

"No, it's hard to say what the real purpose of that prop is."

At that moment, Karune and her Gardevoir entered from outside the ward. It was this Kalos Champion's partner who had used the "Reflect" move to shield Hugo from the deadly explosion.

"At least this time, Ghetsis didn't enter the League in his true form. Instead, he only released a shadow constructed of psychic power to communicate with Hugo, which dissipated the moment it triggered the explosion. As for that afterimage, it's very likely related to the psychic-type attack that the Great Cosmic Monster from Akroma used earlier."

"That makes sense. Given Quigish's cautious nature, it's highly unlikely they would rashly break into the Alliance headquarters at this time without any precautions." Hugo stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So, those explosives planted between the floors were left behind by Akromar during his hospitalization?"

Karuni shook her head: "I can't determine the specific components, but the trigger device is definitely Da Yu Monster's 'precognition' technique. That wide-ranging mental energy fluctuation almost erased all traceable clues."

"Since the explosives were timed, didn't he originally think Hugo would accept the terms of cooperation?" Yueju asked, frowning.

"No, I believe that Quixote was at least somewhat sincere in discussing this matter with me. If the negotiations go smoothly, perhaps there will be other ways to cancel the explosion—."

Before the detective could finish speaking, Kalos's Fire-type Elite Four member, Pachira, suddenly squeezed into the crowd. Her sharp gaze swept across every corner of the room before turning to Hugo—"The type of explosive has been identified; it's high explosive." She stated definitively, "This smell of gunpowder is something no Pokémon move can imitate. There are clearly other Team Plasma accomplices lurking within the Unova League. That person could plant a second, or even a third, bomb under your seat at any moment."

"No, not again." Hugo's voice was calm but unwavering. "This is the last time."

At the same time, Vice President Gloria and Gade followed closely back to their room.

The vice president's usually meticulously combed hair was now slightly disheveled, clearly from running all the way.

"According to the information you relayed via mobile phone, those league personnel who had contact with him during his hospitalization in Akromma have been apprehended," she reported urgently. "One of them attempted to resist but was subdued on the spot. Champion Hugo, are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Hugo calmly straightened the collar of his white coat. "However, starting today, the League's security department will probably have to work overtime. The cleanup of the explosion will also be your responsibility. I think with Gardevoir keeping an eye on things, the damage shouldn't have spread outside this ward."

"Aren't you worried about your safety?" Karuni asked Hugo with concern.

This is actually the same question that everyone else present wanted to ask.

"No league champion in the world would be afraid of this level of threat, and I am no exception."

The detective said casually.

"The reason why Ghetsis said I was unworthy of the title was because he saw that I didn't have a powerful Pokémon like Gardevoir with me. If faced with a sudden attack from Team Plasma, I might not be able to protect myself in time. But this problem is actually very easy to solve."

He patted the Poké Balls at his waist. Besides the Poké Balls containing Chimchar and Turtwig, one of the original solid metal Poké Balls had been replaced without him noticing.

"I'm not bad at making friends. If it's just a matter of borrowing a Pokémon temporarily, I believe that whether it's you, Ms. Karen, Mr. Steven from the Hoenn region, or even Mr. Alder, who is currently living a leisurely life at the Suiki Ranch, they would all be happy to send a Pokémon to assist me."

He chuckled. "However, when it comes to guarding me during my time as Unova Champion, I think this guy is the most suitable. He has a bit of a temper, but if you weren't there just now, I think he would have stepped in to help me."

The detective held up the Poké Ball.

Within that, Garchomp opened its golden dragon eyes.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in the Hoenn Sea, a black submarine surfaced at the site of Team Magma's secret base.

The rolling waves pounded against the submarine's hard armor, producing a dull echo.

A man wearing a dark trench coat, with his face concealed by sunglasses and a black-brimmed hat, walked onto the deck and silently gazed down at the boundless sea.

After a while, a short-haired woman who looked like a secretary came up and handed the man a tablet. "The news has been confirmed by Team Aqua. The secret base of Team Magma in this area has been destroyed by the Hoenn League. A large number of Team Magma members, including Red Pine, have been arrested. The escort fleet is expected to arrive at Slateport Port this evening."

The man's fingers swiped casually across the tablet, and after browsing the intelligence content, he handed it back with little interest.

"The overall situation is pretty much as expected, but it was a bit unexpected that Crimson Pine himself would be captured by the Alliance. What happened?"

"I heard that they received assistance from an external alliance. Now that the Hoenn TV station has lost its information window, the accuracy of the intelligence they receive is not as good as before."

The secretary adjusted her glasses, her voice calm and professional. "Besides, Archie and the others seem to be preparing to launch an attack on Mt. Dew, where a certain treasure is hidden, while the Hoenn Champion is away. Do we need to provide assistance? Or should we take this opportunity to do Team Magma a favor?"

"When clams fight each other, it's utterly foolish." A cold smile appeared on the man's stone-carved face. "Clearly, they haven't even dealt with their common enemy, the Elf Alliance, yet they've already started busy fighting amongst themselves. We don't have time to get involved in such childish games."

The secretary hesitated for a moment, then mustered her courage and asked, "Could you please share your views on the future situation in the Hoenn region? Understanding the trends there in advance will help Hoenn's intelligence gathering department make necessary preparations."

"Regardless of whether Crimson Pine is captured or not, Team Lava can still linger on for a while longer. That organization hasn't truly reached its end yet. As for Team Aqua, if their plan on Mount Calamity succeeds this time, that's fine. But if they stumble, that organization is very likely to turn its attention overseas, just like us, and we need to pay close attention to them."

"You mean their relationship with the Plasma Group in the United States?" The secretary's eyes flashed behind her glasses.

"Arrow is far more narrow-minded than he appears. Now that his identity has been exposed by the Unova police, he will definitely seek revenge. The reason we were able to successfully make a deal with them this time was precisely because we took advantage of his deep-seated hatred for Team Magma and Red Pine. If he had to choose between pursuing his own desires and destroying Team Magma, Archie would choose the latter without hesitation—that's just the kind of person he is."

"Ah, speaking of this transaction, the Poisonous Stone Tablets we exchanged with Team Aqua are currently in the hands of the Hoenn League. We need to formulate a plan for their recovery."

"There's no need," the man replied. "We're not the Water Phoenix; we shouldn't be clinging to the price we've already paid. We just need to ensure that every transaction yields a substantial return. The meteorite samples that the Naval Fleet secretly stole from the Devon Corporation through their sabotage operation are the focus of our future research. We need to prioritize."

"yes!"

The man seemed to have finished arranging things, and once again turned his gaze to the distant sea. The secretary bowed and quickly took her leave.

The man was left standing alone on the empty submarine deck.

On the distant sea, a flock of long-winged gulls circled and chased the waves. Underwater, what appeared to be a dense school of fish swam. The biodiversity in this area was more concentrated than in other places, perhaps attracted by the energy emitted by the recent evolution of the giant mushroom island.

For some reason, the man recalled the scene when he climbed up that poisonous stone slab.

The ninja who has now become a top player in the league, after having a daughter, in order to completely break free from the shackles of the criminal world and his family's prohibitions,

He handed over his ancestral treasure as a token of his determination, and his servile demeanor was unbearable to witness.

"Once a person has offspring, their thoughts change, it's absurd now," the man said, as if talking to himself. "However, I can't completely fail to understand it."

Questions like "What choice would I make if faced with the same situation?" are never something a man needs to consider.

To seize everything with one's own hands—spirits, wealth, power, status—even the entire world—that is what men pursue.

Weak points should be covered with armor, and vulnerable links should be mercilessly cut off.

This world doesn't care about ideals or lack thereof, nor about justice or evil; only the powerful can achieve victory, and this is the standard by which the world changes.

He turned around, took off his sunglasses, and looked in the direction of Guandu. His trench coat billowed behind him, casting a large shadow like a black flag.

"One day I will return there, with unprecedented elves, unprecedented strategies, unprecedented allies, and unprecedented power!"

On aboard a submarine amidst this endless blue expanse, a stain on the world.

The leader of the Rockets.

The man feared by the world and known as "Sakaki of the Earth".

A declaration is made in response to destiny.