However, old Matsuda wasn't using a direct League computer; instead, he was on a plane, using his exclusive permissions to check Cain's information.
As a result, the connection was very slow, giving Team Rocket enough time to maneuver.
Perhaps it was all a matter of luck. If Cain had notified Umbra right after showering, his identity might have been exposed, as old Matsuda has the authority to do so.
But now, everything turned out well. When old Matsuda closed his old laptop with satisfaction, he couldn't hide the smile on his face.
A talent!
No, a genius!
Cain had considered that, upon returning to the League, someone might come looking for him, given that what he did aboard the S.S. Anne was no small feat. And even more so, he had left the ship before the League's help arrived. Although he hadn't done anything wrong, he had certainly raised some suspicions.
But Cain would never have imagined that everything he did had been suppressed by old Matsuda.
Exiting the bathroom, Cain rubbed his hair with a dry towel to remove the excess water, then plugged in his phone to charge. As soon as he turned it on, he received an avalanche of messages. Most were from Steven, and a few from Whitney.
In this life, the only people with whom Cain has had any connection, who could barely be considered friends, are Steven and Whitney.
After putting on a clean robe and drying his hair, Cain used the room's video phone to call Steven directly.
He waited a minute, and just when Cain thought no one would answer, Steven appeared on the screen.
"Cain, it really is you! Where have you been all these days?" Steven said in surprise.
Seeing him dressed elegantly, it seemed he was about to go out. He didn't expect to receive Cain's call just before leaving.
"What's the matter? Were you afraid I'd run off with your money?" Cain joked.
In his hands, Cain still had the two materials Steven had previously given him to make the exclusive high-level Pokéblocks. They were indeed quite valuable.
"Haha, you called at the right time. If you'd called a minute later, I probably wouldn't have been able to answer." Steven laughed while adjusting his clothes, showing that he was about to head out.
Cain raised an eyebrow slightly. "Are you going on a long trip?"
"No, I'm just going out to take care of some things my father assigned me. By the way, the deal to exchange Pokéblocks for the Miltank enhancement method was approved. But they want to talk to you in person." Steven remembered what Cain had asked him to do.
Then he added, "I heard you know Whitney, and she was quite helpful. You know how her grandfather is..."
He didn't finish the sentence, but both understood what he meant.
Cain nodded. "Thanks for your help. As for the exclusive Pokéblock for your Metang, it's almost ready. You might have it in a few days."
Asking Steven for help, of course, wouldn't be free. This exclusive Pokéblock for Metang was the reward Cain was offering him.
But the money owed would still be paid; he was just advancing it a bit.
Hearing this, Steven's eyes lit up. "Really? Do you need anything else? Tell me, and I'll send it right away."
"No, what you gave me last time is enough. Besides, there are things you can't obtain—they're specific ingredients I prepare myself. But I warn you that the price might be higher, maybe several times that of common advanced Pokéblocks on the market," Cain warned, so he wouldn't be surprised later.
Steven shrugged nonchalantly. For him, any problem that could be solved with money wasn't a problem.
"Let me know when it's ready, and I'll come pick it up." Steven looked excited, even eager.
He knew how exorbitant the demands he had previously set were. He had consulted several advanced breeders, and they all said that even if a formula could be developed, it probably wouldn't meet his requirements, and the research time would be measured in years.
He couldn't wait that long. Although pseudo-legendary Pokémon grow slowly, his Metang consumes large amounts of rare metals, and its growth isn't that slow.
By the time they finally developed the formula, his Metang would likely have already evolved into a Metagross.
Cain laughed at his response. "Then you're in luck. I just arrived in Slateport City in Hoenn today. If you're not too far away, come by. I'll probably be here for a few days."
Recalling Officer Jenny's expression, Cain deduced that the person she contacted in the League held quite a high rank.
If Steven could come, taking advantage of his status might also be useful. After all, as the heir to the Devon Corporation, his position was quite elevated.
Hearing this, Steven was surprised. "You're in Slateport City?"
Cain nodded, confirming.
"Then wait there. I'll take care of my matters today, and tomorrow at the latest, I'll come to see you."
With that, Steven quickly ended the video call and rushed out.
Although rare stones were tempting, at that moment, the exclusive Pokéblock for his Metang was even more appealing.
He had to go to the company, quickly handle the documents his father had assigned him, and then fly directly to Slateport City.
As the heir to the Devon Corporation, although he wasn't required to manage the company, he had to learn certain essentials and become familiar with administrative management.
It wasn't an easy task!
He had to learn about both business and Pokémon breeding, and still managed to become a Champion, which was truly admirable.
Of course, the financial support from the Devon Corporation was also vital.
After finishing the call with Steven, Cain didn't directly call Whitney. Wearing his robe, he had no problem speaking with Steven since they were both men, but with Whitney, it was different.
He sent her a short message assuring her that nothing had happened, then set his phone aside.
From Cain's perspective, Whitney no longer held much value. As friends, it was enough to notify her briefly.
Steven still had a higher value!
Reclining on the soft bed, after more than ten days at sea, even Cain was exhausted. Despite it being daytime, nothing prevented him from getting a good sleep.
He planned to use the time to prepare the Pokéblocks for Steven, as some of his own Pokémon were also about to run out. All of this needed to be taken care of.
But the reward from his time at sea, not counting the energy crystals, just capturing some Pokémon would already be worth a considerable sum.
There would be no issues in buying more materials.
Additionally, he could take advantage of Steven.
Thinking about this, Cain fell asleep with a smile on his face.
(End of chapter)