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Team Rockets finally retreated.
Their departure was subdued, though their faces were marked with gritted teeth and frustration.
They had arrived with confidence, only to leave in defeat.
The bridge was left in ruins after the intense battle. Its surface was riddled with potholes, and parts of its structure exposed steel and concrete.
Thankfully, it hadn't collapsed entirely, but it was clear the bridge's reconstruction would be delayed yet again.
After recalling all his Pokémon except for Haunter and Gardevoir, Kai pulled out his phone and dialled Looker's number.
When the call connected, Kai quickly explained the situation on the bridge.
"This was definitely an act of retaliation," Looker sighed on the other end of the line. "It's not just you. Several of our Interpol facilities have been targeted recently. Even Lance and Agatha were attacked yesterday!"
Kai tensed at the news. "What about Sabrina and Erika? Are they safe?"
"Hey, hey!" Looker grumbled, clearly annoyed. "We've known each other for a while now, yet you never ask how I'm doing first!"
Kai blinked, caught off guard. "Ah, sorry about that! So... were you attacked too?"
"Of course not!"
"I—" Kai cut himself off, exasperated. "Then why bring it up? Can't you be serious in a situation like this?"
The exchange between them carried an air of familiarity, the kind that only came with time and mutual trust. They had gone from mere colleagues to close friends.
Looker laughed. "Don't worry. The League gyms are located in cities with too many people for covert operations. Plus, being so close to police stations, they're inconvenient for Team Rocket to target. Erika and Sabrina are fine."
Kai felt a wave of relief but resolved to check in with the gym leaders later just to be sure.
Looker continued, "You seem awfully concerned about those two. Are you sure there's nothing more to it?"
Kai frowned, his tone defensive. "It's none of your business! And besides, you were the one who involved them in this whole Rocket mess. If they got hurt because of it, I'd feel responsible."
They bantered back and forth for a while longer, their conversation lightening the tension. Just as Kai was about to hang up, something occurred to him.
"By the way, the bridge was badly damaged during the fight. Would it be okay for me to just leave it like this?"
There was a pause before Looker replied, his voice heavy with concern. "How bad is it? You know, while Interpol is a global organization, the funding we get for the Kanto region is... let's just say, limited."
After grumbling about budget issues for a few moments, Looker reassured him. "Don't worry about it. Just leave the area I'll send a team to handle the repairs and clean-up."
Kai ended the call but soon heard footsteps behind him. Turning around, he saw the bosozoku gang cautiously approaching.
Martha, their leader, rubbed her hands together, wearing an overly enthusiastic expression.
"You're incredible! Truly amazing!"
Kai raised an eyebrow. You?
Not long ago, this group had kept their distance, yet now they were practically falling over themselves in admiration.
Sighing, Kai decided there was no need to hide anymore. He removed his mask, meeting their wide-eyed stares.
"About my identity..." Kai began.
Martha quickly interrupted, nodding fervently. "Don't worry, we'll keep your secret safe! Not a word about today's events will leave our mouths!"
The rest of the gang chimed in, thumping their chests with exaggerated enthusiasm. "We swear to keep your identity confidential!"
Kai wasn't entirely convinced. Could these people really be trusted?
Waving his hand dismissively, he said, "Stop calling me 'you.' It's weird and uncomfortable. Also, that bike I borrowed... it was destroyed by Team Rocket, so I can't return it."
"Big bro, don't worry about the bike!" Martha exclaimed. "We've got plenty more take as many as you want!"
"Big... bro?" Kai echoed, incredulous.
"Yes, please let us call you that!" Martha's eyes sparkled with admiration. "Ever since we saw that video of you fighting the giant Tentacruel, we've thought you were the coolest. And after today's battle, seeing Zapdos and Articuno's power firsthand, we're completely in awe!"
Even Misha, the usually aloof member of the group, nodded eagerly. "To have two Legendary Pokémon under your command... you're absolutely incredible, big bro! Our respect for you is as unshakable as this bridge once was!"
The rest of the gang joined in unison, shouting, "Please let us follow you, big bro!"
Kai pinched the bridge of his nose, overwhelmed by their sudden shift in attitude. Just moments ago, they'd been keeping their distance, and now this?
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm not interested in having followers," Kai said firmly.
As he turned to leave, he heard the distinct sound of knees hitting the ground behind him.
When he turned back, the gang was kneeling, hands clasped together, their expressions pleading.
"Big bro!"
Kai sighed. "I'm sorry, but I don't lead gangs. Besides, weren't you all calling Jessie and James your big siblings not too long ago?"
Misha waved it off. "That was ages ago! Back then, they were the biggest personalities around, doing flashy stunts that caught everyone's attention. But now they've joined Team Rocket, so we've cut ties with them!"
Martha nodded. "We're not loyal to them anymore. Besides, you're so much cooler than they ever were!"
Kai shook his head again. "I'm just a trainer. What could you possibly want from me?"
"Anything!" Misha said quickly. "If you join the Pokémon League, we'll be your support team! If you're fighting Team Rocket, we'll fight alongside you!"
Kai groaned. 'They were persistent, no doubt about that.'
Martha leaned forward, His tone earnest. "Then at least tell us your name, big bro!"
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