Johto Region, somewhere in the Primeval Forest.
Sato sat cross-legged beneath a giant tree without moving, with Umbreon quietly keeping him company at his side.
Umbreon suddenly twitched its ears, its blood-red eyes snapping toward the rear.
"Geh~"
Gengar appeared without a sound and performed a Buddhist rite toward Umbreon.
Umbreon nodded indifferently, then continued resting its head on Sato's thigh.
"It's fine if you didn't find him. After all, he's Team Rocket's strongest executive. It's normal for him to notice something was wrong."
Whoosh! A flash of white light, and Gardevoir also appeared beside Sato, still looking furious.
The only reason Gardevoir returned later than Gengar was because she was unwilling to accept it.
She had only just said last chapter that "not a single one would escape," yet she had let one go this chapter.
Didn't I, Gardevoir, have any dignity?!
Sato's lips twitched, but he did not dare laugh too loudly.
"Alright, catching Caesar and Lambda is already enough to give Team Rocket a headache. We'll have the opportunity to make up for it later."
Sato offered a halfhearted consolation, only to receive an eye roll from Gardevoir. "Once we've recovered enough, it's time to head back. I wonder whether Si'nan and Sosuke managed to escape in the chaos."
Sato murmured softly before recalling Umbreon and Gengar.
"Gardevoir, trouble you."
"Gardevoir~"
Gardevoir reluctantly took Sato's hand. With another flash of white light, One Person One Pet vanished from the spot.
Ecruteak City, Azalea Gym.
Si'nan supported Sosuke, who was covered in bandages from head to toe, while lowering his head and describing what had happened the previous night.
"So you watched the boss get beaten up by four people, then ran back by yourselves?!"
Mark angrily interrupted Si'nan, his voice trembling faintly.
Team Rocket's Four Executives—each