An airship lay docked at Petalburg City's harbor.
In the Hoenn Region, where the areas of sea and land were almost equal, quite a few towns stood isolated offshore.
One example was Sootopolis City, home to Wallace's teacher, the original artist of water.
"Executive, have you thought this through? If we rashly attack an independent kingdom, the image Team Rocket has worked so hard to turn around will be ruined overnight.
"And many members who have gone legitimate will fall back into darkness." Matori, Team Rocket's chief secretary, pleaded earnestly with Gary, her purple bowl cut framing her glasses.
"Who told you I was going to destroy a kingdom?" Gary rolled his eyes.
"Huh? You're not? Then I really have overstepped." Matori froze, then flushed and glared at Furins beside her.
"Entering an independent kingdom with armed forces isn't much different from destroying it," Furins explained helplessly.
"It's very different." Young Master Mao pursed his lips. "I knew you were the loudmouth behind this.
"Listen, the Mirazu Kingdom's secretary of state is rebelling. We, Team Rocket, are going to the kingdom on humanitarian grounds.
"We'll help the king suppress the rebellion and smash that dumbass secretary of state while we're at it. Even if the king of Mirage doesn't thank me, would he dare criticize me?"
"What if he does?" Matori asked uncertainly.
"What if? Then we'll show him he isn't the only person who can be king," Young Master Mao said calmly.
Furins was utterly speechless. Wasn't that still going there to destroy a kingdom?!
"No harm telling you. The Mirazu Kingdom is just a bit player. My target is Hunter J!" Gary's voice was icy.
"She dared steal my things. She'd better not expect me to brush that grudge aside.
"Some people aren't to be provoked. I'll make