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"Your name is Ash, correct? Thank you so much for saving all of us," President Silph said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.
"Ever since the Master Ball was developed, I've been questioning whether it would truly be more convenient for trainers, or if it might actually hinder their progress," President Silph continued, looking at Ash with a serious expression. Despite having successfully researched this groundbreaking technology, he had harbored these concerns throughout the entire development process.
The Master Ball was undoubtedly the most convenient tool for capturing Pokémon, but at the same time, it could potentially become something that hindered a trainer's growth and development.
Traditional Poké Ball captures required trainers to engage in battle with wild Pokémon, and the reason captured Pokémon listened to their trainers was because they had been properly defeated through this battle process.
Pokémon that were subdued after being fairly defeated in combat would naturally come to respect and identify with their trainer. However, direct subjugation using the Master Ball could easily cause captured Pokémon to feel no connection or respect for their trainer.
Additionally, long-term reliance on such a device would definitely make trainers dependent on its power, which was actually detrimental to their development as skilled trainers.
Although he was a businessman, his daughter was a Gym Leader. He definitely wasn't the kind of heartless businessman who only cared about profits.
"Now I think I understand," President Silph said with conviction. "Ash, I'm entrusting the Master Ball to you. I believe you can use it properly! Go and get it back from them!"
President Silph spoke with complete seriousness. He knew that he couldn't retrieve the Master Ball himself, so he could only entrust this mission to the young man who had single-handedly saved Silph Company.
"I understand!" Ash replied, seeing the earnest expression on President Silph's face and nodding in acknowledgment.
ROOOOAAAARRR!
At that moment, a series of piercing, unnatural roars suddenly echoed through the air. Upon hearing these sounds, Ash's expression changed dramatically as he turned to look toward the distance behind him.
"What is that sound?" Green and Sabrina asked worriedly, having heard the disturbing cries as well. They moved closer to Ash's side.
"So it really wasn't my imagination!" Ash frowned as he listened intently to the distant sounds.
He had sensed something was wrong during his battle with Giovanni. Based on what Giovanni had said, their objective clearly wasn't limited to just stealing the Master Ball.
"What's happening out there?" Sabrina asked, her psychic abilities picking up on the ominous feelings in the air.
"They must have another purpose," Ash said grimly, his frown deepening.
"Another purpose?" the others asked in unison.
"Yes! Capturing Silph Company was just one step in implementing their real plan!"
"If that's the case, then what exactly are they trying to accomplish?" Erika asked, still unable to understand what Team Rocket hoped to achieve after expending so much effort.
"I remember that Giovanni mentioned they deliberately let Kyoko escape," Ash said thoughtfully.
Hearing Ash's words, President Silph suddenly remembered what Giovanni had said earlier during their confrontation.
"What?!" Kyoko's expression changed dramatically upon hearing this revelation. Had she unknowingly become a pawn in Team Rocket's scheme?
"It's a diversion tactic! I need to go after them!" Ash declared, immediately understanding the situation.
Everything had been an elaborate deception. The police had undoubtedly surrounded this building by now, but Team Rocket's real target was somewhere else entirely.
Giovanni had deliberately allowed Kyoko to escape because he wanted her to contact the police. The Team Rocket leader hadn't hesitated to remain here because he was using himself as bait to draw attention away from their true objective.
"We're coming with you!" Sabrina and Green immediately spoke up, determined to help.
Ash nodded his agreement, then headed directly toward the gap in the wall. Sabrina and Green followed close behind.
"Dad! I'm going too!" Erika called out as she watched the three of them prepare to leave, quickly addressing President Silph.
She was a Gym Leader, and now that something like this was happening in Celadon City, even if it wasn't directly related to Silph Company, she had a responsibility to help protect the city and its people.
"I understand. Go ahead, but please be careful and protect yourself," President Silph replied after hearing her determination. Rather than objecting, he responded with understanding and concern.
Ash and the other two reached the ground floor first. However, as soon as they walked out of the building and stepped onto the street in front of Silph Company, a figure suddenly emerged from the shadows.
In the darkness of night, sharp claws flashed menacingly through the air. Ash saw the attack coming and instinctively stepped back. Green and Sabrina also stopped immediately, alert to the danger.
A small, green and black figure landed gracefully on the ground before them. Ash studied the Pokémon that now faced them, noting its sharp, calculating eyes as it stared at him and his companions with obvious hostility.
"Sneasel?" Ash recognized the Dark and Ice-type Pokémon immediately, and Pikachu seemed to sense the threat as well. The Electric-type leaped in front of Ash, electrical energy crackling in his cheeks as he prepared for battle.
At the same time, a human figure stepped out of the darkness. The person wore purple clothing and had distinctive red hair that stood out even in the dim night lighting.
"It's you!" Ash exclaimed, his expression changing slightly as he recognized the newcomer. It was none other than Silver, the mysterious trainer he had encountered on Cinnabar Island.
However, Silver's expression was far from friendly at this moment, and the aggressive attack they had just witnessed was clearly intentional.
"Yes, we meet again," Silver said coldly, his voice carrying no warmth. "Are you planning to interfere with Team Rocket's operations?"
"So what if I am?" Ash replied with a slight frown. He was aware of Silver's complicated relationship with Team Rocket, so it wasn't entirely surprising that Silver would try to block his path.
"If that's the case, then I can't allow you to pass," Silver stated firmly. "I warned you before not to get involved in these dangerous situations, or we would inevitably end up fighting each other sooner or later!"
Silver didn't elaborate on his true identity or explain his motivations. Despite being genuinely interested in Ash's remarkable relationship and bond with his Pokémon, and even though he had helped Ash on several occasions in the past, he was still Giovanni's son. Team Rocket was his father's organization, regardless of his personal feelings.
He understood how crucial this particular plan was to Team Rocket's goals.
"That's true," Ash replied with a slight smile, reaching up to adjust his hat in a characteristic gesture. "But I'm the kind of person who doesn't listen to advice very well. Since our goals are completely different, I guess we'll have to settle this through battle."
Upon hearing Ash's response, Silver's eyes became intensely focused as he prepared himself for the inevitable confrontation.
In truth, he didn't want to fight Ash under these circumstances, but their positions were fundamentally opposed. Perhaps this was the only opportunity they would have for a proper battle to determine their respective paths.
"So you're with Team Rocket too?" Green asked, looking at Silver with a mixture of suspicion and something else she couldn't quite identify. "Listen, kid, don't cause trouble at a time like this. Ash, I'll handle him while you go ahead!"
"What do you mean, kid? I'm not any younger than you are!" Silver retorted, his usually cold demeanor cracking for a rare moment as he lost his composure at Green's dismissive comment.