A Villain's Help

"What I want to know is why the New Aqua Gang is looking for Lugia."

Baimu spoke calmly. "And whether the New Aqua Gang has searched for Lugia again since that undersea survey—or even caught it."

Dr. Akihabara did not answer. Instead, he asked a question of his own.

"Are you a member of Team Magma?"

"No."

"The International Police? A Pokémon Ranger?"

"Neither."

"Then why are you asking?"

"Would you believe me if I said it was out of a strong sense of justice?"

"I see."

Dr. Akihabara nodded without hesitation. Before Baimu could decide whether he believed him, the doctor picked up the phone again and tried to make a call.

Baimu frowned. "What are you..."

"I'll ask Miss A-Quan to come in and explain. If I do it, I might only make things more complicated."

Dr. Akihabara clearly placed great trust in Shelly.

But Baimu did not want to confront this New Aqua Gang executive so soon. Even if his gut told him the gang was harmless, getting out would be troublesome if something went wrong.

He was about to press the button to end the call again when footsteps sounded outside the office.

Knock, knock, knock.

Someone knocked on the door.

"May I come in?"

The voice belonged to Shelly. Baimu was speechless for a moment. Did New Aqua Gang executives have nothing better to do? She had far too much time on her hands.

Or had she planted a bug in Dr. Akihabara's office?

Surely not?

"Come in!"

Dr. Akihabara answered at once. Shelly opened the door with a broad smile, and the moment she saw Baimu, she said, "Baimu! I heard you arrived this morning. It was my fault for not having my people give you a proper welcome."

Baimu's heart skipped a beat.