The summer mountain trails took on countless forms, and crimson leaves gradually covered the footprints, erasing the lingering traces of that departing figure.
Dian stood there for a long time before letting out a soft sigh. Perhaps Yōno Mihara really had only wanted to take a stroll, enjoying an outing like any young girl.
But no one dared take that risk.
After all, she was the former leader of Team Rocket in the Kanto Region, a formidable figure who ranked among the strongest in the world.
There was simply too much a Trainer like her could do, especially one outside the League system. So much, in fact, that the League regarded her with extreme wariness and could never allow her to wander wherever she pleased.
If Agatha, Dian, and Elite Shauntal could not persuade her to return, a Champion would likely be dispatched next.
She was like a mobile "nuclear weapon." Wherever she went, people would struggle to feel at ease.
The only solution was to have her stay obediently at home.
Still, at least they had not needed to fight. Dian gave a wry smile. He was currently at his weakest: Silver Sovereignty was dormant, and Misdreavus, Beedrill, Tyranitar... almost all his Pokémon were away from him.
He had only been able to come and "persuade" Yōno Mihara to return thanks to the invisible deterrence of the Infinity Pokémon.
Tap, tap, tap... Agatha slowly approached with her cane, her expression still serene. "I never expected Mihara to back down so easily."
As she spoke, she carefully studied the young man before her, whose name she had heard more than once. "That isn't like her at all."
Then Agatha gave a thoughtful smile and looked meaningfully at Dian. "It seems the League knew what to expect when they sent you."