Compared to the tranquility of Cinnabar Island, Kanto was in a state of unrest.
Team Rocket had been growing increasingly active, stirring up trouble across the region. Their actions had placed a tremendous burden on Elite Four Bruno, who was in charge of law enforcement. His office was buried under mountains of paperwork.
Meanwhile, in Johto, a new Pikachu-masked assassin had appeared—this time in Saffron City, assassinating a powerful business tycoon.
The incident sent shockwaves through Kanto's business elite. While past masked killers had primarily targeted civilians and ordinary Pokémon, this new one was far more brazen, striking at high-profile individuals. For the first time, these powerful figures felt the real shadow of death looming over them.
Although the crime occurred in Johto, the Kanto League was given full authority over the investigation. Kanto's Elite Four had historically been stronger and more competent, and Johto only had two veteran Elite Four members. With their limited personnel, the decision was made at the highest level—Kanto would take charge.
The formation of Greater Kanto was inevitable. If Kanto was to lead the new, unified region, it had to prove its strength by solving Johto's problems.
Wakaba, the Speaker of the Kanto League Assembly, had been bombarded with urgent documents from the League Headquarters. Late at night, she summoned Lance, Klein, and Bruno for an emergency meeting.
—
Yawning, Wakaba looked exhausted. She barely spoke before shoving stacks of case files into the hands of the three Elite Four members.
"Since Johto's Elite Four is understaffed, the League has officially authorized Kanto to handle the investigation. Given how serious this case has become, we need to assign one of you to lead the effort."
Johto's Elite Four members—including Will, Erika, and the newly appointed Koga—were not responsible for law enforcement. In the past, Bruno had temporarily managed security in Johto. However, Kanto wasn't willing to let Johto take over this case.
With Team Rocket's recent surge in activity, Bruno was already overwhelmed. Before the meeting, he had recommended Klein as the most suitable investigator for the Pikachu-masked assassin case.
His reasoning was solid—after all, Klein had personally captured the previous Pikachu-masked killer. He had firsthand experience in handling such cases.
Klein skimmed through the case files. "Do the victims have anything in common?"
"They were all involved in specialized trade businesses—specifically, they were clients of the Kamiyama Foundation."
At the mention of the Kamiyama Foundation, Klein paused before looking up. "Has anyone questioned their leadership?"
"They primarily operate online, and their main server is based in the Almia region. We requested cooperation from the Almia League, but they've been reluctant to help."
Uncooperative?
Klein didn't know much about Almia. In the original games, it was the setting for the Pokémon Ranger spin-offs. However, in this world, it was an officially recognized region under the League's jurisdiction.
As the discussion continued, Wakaba raised a hand, signaling for silence. She wasn't interested in debate—she wanted action.
"It's late. If you have further questions, discuss them privately. Since Bruno believes Klein is the best choice, the case is now in his hands. All investigation reports and intel from League agents will be forwarded to him immediately."
Field investigators from the League would provide Klein with real-time updates, allowing him to make informed decisions.
With her orders given, Wakaba gathered her belongings and left in a hurry.
It was clear she was more concerned about her upcoming beauty treatments than the case itself. However, Klein knew that despite her seemingly carefree attitude, she was not someone to underestimate. This entire situation had an unusual air to it.
As Wakaba departed, Lance spoke up. "Bruno, stay behind. We still need to discuss Team Rocket. Klein, go prepare for your trip to Johto."
"Understood."
Both Lance and Bruno knew Team Rocket well. Their uncharacteristic movements suggested they wanted Klein to investigate the Pikachu-masked killer—perhaps as a means to expose the Kamiyama Foundation.
Giovanni was playing a game of borrowed knives, using Klein to do his dirty work. It was clear that Team Rocket and the Kamiyama Foundation were not on good terms.
Although Lance despised Team Rocket's tactics, he saw this as a rare opportunity to take action against the Kamiyama Foundation.
The Kamiyama Foundation was an enigma, with backing from a high-ranking figure within the League. For years, both Lance and Bruno had tried to investigate them, only to be repeatedly obstructed—by both external forces and insiders within the League.
Now, the new Pikachu-masked killer had torn open a gap in the Foundation's defenses. While the Foundation itself remained tight-lipped, its vast network of connections within the League had suddenly been exposed, giving Kanto a foothold to strike.
Wakaba was young, but she was a calculating strategist. She had long wanted to take down the Kamiyama Foundation but had been forced to bide her time. Now, with these powerful figures begging for help, she wasn't about to waste the opportunity.
On the surface, Klein's assignment made sense—he had experience with the previous Pikachu-masked killer. But in reality, this was Kanto's first step toward launching a full-scale counterattack.
The events at Seafoam Islands had angered the Kanto League. They would no longer tolerate such arrogance from the Foundation.
—
On his flight back to Cinnabar Island, Klein reviewed a comprehensive network map of the Kamiyama Foundation's connections in Kanto. The deeper he delved, the stronger his sense of unease grew.
Who was the second Pikachu-masked killer?
—
Meanwhile, in Ilex Forest, four students from Cinnabar's Kanto Branch—including Blue—were walking along the forest trail, drawing curious glances from passing travelers.
They wore silver uniforms designed by Klein himself, inspired by the Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Light Society uniforms from his past life. The silver-white design exuded an air of prestige, making Blue's already striking appearance even more dazzling.
"You guys really think Mahogany Gym can handle twelve challengers in one go? Do they even have enough Pokémon for that?"
Beside Blue, a purple-haired boy named Brooke scoffed. He was one of the few students who had passed the placement exam and considered himself an elite, often looking down on his peers.
By chance, Brooke had encountered Blue and two other students in Ilex Forest. The four had decided to travel together to White Moon Town, home to White Moon Gym. To reach it, they needed to cross the dense forest.
Ilex Forest, a sprawling woodland in southern Johto, was home to an abundance of Bug-type Pokémon. Its thick canopy blocked out much of the sunlight, making it eerily dark even during the day.
Blue didn't mind traveling with companions, but Brooke's arrogant demeanor annoyed him slightly. Then again, when he thought about it, wasn't he just as prideful when he first started his journey in Kanto?
"I mainly want to test out new Water Gun techniques. The White Moon Gym Leader specializes in Water-types, so it should make for a great battle."
Unlike most students, Blue had already competed in Kanto's regional tournament. His experience and well-trained Pokémon gave him the confidence to balance academics with his travels.
"Of course, Blue. Must be nice being Professor Oak's grandson—getting the best resources and education from the start. So enviable," Brooke remarked with a sharp tone.
Blue frowned but didn't respond. Instead, he continued walking forward.
Suddenly, he sensed something unusual.
A faint green light shimmered through the trees. A soft breeze swept past.
Then, in a blur of emerald energy, a small figure darted toward them!
The glowing green aura and the disturbance in time and space instantly made Blue realize what Pokémon they had just encountered.
It was the mythical Pokémon—Celebi!
(Chapter End)