After leaving the Hearthome Gym and returning to the sunlit streets, Yong looked at the bustling crowds and felt that everything before him was beautiful.
"Maybe this deliberately crafted atmosphere was also meant to temper a Trainer's resolve..."
Yong glanced back at the Gym once more, deep in thought, then disappeared into the crowd.
Meanwhile, the poaching gangs and poachers who had remained active in Kanto and the Johto Region at Team Rocket's behest gradually quieted down following the destruction of Team Rocket Bases in several major cities, including Celadon City, Saffron City, and Vermilion City.
However, only the major figures involved in this Pokémon League operation understood just how deep Team Rocket's foundations ran. They had originally thought it was merely a small poaching organization!
One link connected to the next, layer upon interlocking layer. Like parasites clinging to the Pokémon League's bones, they fed on its resources while hiding deep beneath the surface.
Their foundations had barely been touched...
"Find them! Find those maggots! Without their cover, how could the Pokémon League's operation have turned up nothing?!"
One of the higher-ups flew into a rage during the meeting!
Such a secret operation had netted only a few small fry! Yet the losses and fallout left the Pokémon League unable to answer to the public. Even if they could put on an acceptable front, they still needed a plausible "explanation"!
Thus, immediately after the "sweep operation" ended, the Pokémon League launched a massive "internal investigation"!
For a time, this only left everyone on edge.
Walking along the fields, Agatha found that Pallet Town's peace and tranquility allowed even someone steeped in darkness like her a rare moment of relaxation.
But when she saw a smiling man approaching with long strides, her expression swiftly darkened again.
"Hey~~~ Long time