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For Sato, there wasn't much of real value in Baku's storage gear — the most precious thing was his ID card.
That card symbolized Baku's status in Team Aqua, allowing him unrestricted access to all Aqua bases.
At the same time, it stored the resources Baku had accumulated over his years of service.
Team Aqua's internal ranks were quite similar to Team Rocket's. From low to high, they went: ordinary member, squad leader, platoon leader, commander, elite, executive, cadre, and boss.
From Baku's ID card, Sato learned that Baku's standing in Team Aqua wasn't low. His current position was "Elite" — not top-tier, but well above the average member.
And since Baku was part of the Blood Axe Squad, he held a privileged role even among the elites, ranking higher than most.
In his disguise, Sato was now posing as a gravely injured Baku, which meant he wasn't expected to fight. He only needed to "rest and recover."
But knowing Baku's personality, Sato understood he couldn't just hole up in his room. Doing so would only arouse suspicion.
So, after the medics at the base had treated his wounds, he immediately left his quarters and headed straight for logistics.
Given the circumstances, until his cover was blown, Sato couldn't use any Pokémon other than Swampert.
Yet Baku was part of the brutal Blood Axe Squad, and Team Aqua was a cutthroat organization. If he couldn't recover some battle strength quickly, his position in the group would be dangerously unstable.
Worse, Baku's arrogance had earned him many enemies. Normally, they stayed silent because of his strength. But now that his power was crippled, those grudges could easily come back to bite "him."
If that happened, it would severely hinder Sato's operations inside Team Aqua's base.
Thus, Sato had to restore Baku's strength as soon as possible. Doing so would not only secure his cover identity, but also fit perfectly with what Baku himself would be expected to do.
For a Trainer, the fastest way to regain strength was to quickly acquire strong Pokémon. That was why Sato was heading to logistics — to exchange for a few capable partners.
Before leaving the room, he had already checked Baku's account using the base's computer system (with the ID card inserted). Baku currently had over 20,000 contribution points — more than enough to redeem several powerful Pokémon.
As he walked toward logistics, following the signs, Sato released a faint wave of psychic energy, scanning the base to familiarize himself with its layout.
Baku's fearsome reputation was no joke. Along the way, not a single member dared block him. Ordinary grunts would even stop and salute when they saw him.
This made things much easier for Sato. All he had to do was keep a cold expression, and he could move through the base freely without raising suspicion.
'Looks like playing the villain has its perks. This identity really is convenient.'
He kept his face stern, but inside, Sato was secretly pleased as he watched the deference of the Aqua members around him.
"Ha~ isn't this the mighty Baku? What's with the sickly look today? Well, I guess it figures — one lousy mission and you nearly lost your life. You'd better watch yourself, hahahaha!"
Before Sato could enjoy the ease of his disguise for long, a mocking voice rang out from behind him.
He spun around, glaring sharply at the source.
There stood a pale-faced but handsome man, his arm draped around a voluptuous female Aqua member. He too wore the Elite uniform, and his taunting words were clearly aimed at "Baku."
When Sato turned, the man met his eyes with a mocking grin, his gaze filled with open provocation.
"What's with the sickly ghost appearance? Can that thing of yours down there even move anymore? Don't tell me you can't even last a second, hahahaha!"
Sato wasn't the real Baku, so he didn't know who this man was. But that didn't stop him from spotting a weakness — and striking back with a sharp insult.
Sure enough, his words hit the mark. The man's face flushed scarlet.
Especially when the woman at his side showed an awkward expression, his pride shattered and fury consumed him.
"You're dead, Baku! With your strength ruined, your days are numbered. You're destined to be kicked out of the Blood Axe Squad. And I, Hanmo, will take your place!"
"I was feeling generous and thought I'd let you be. But since you still dare to mouth off, don't blame me for showing no mercy! Crawdaunt, break his arms and legs!"
The Elite named Hanmo shoved the woman aside and released a towering Crawdaunt, barking his command with rage.
Hanmo's reputation in this Aqua base rivaled Baku's — perhaps even surpassed it. His handsome looks made him popular among the female members.
But years of indulgence had left him weakened in certain… areas. No remedy worked, and it had become a festering sore in his heart.
Sato's earlier jab had struck that very nerve. Hanmo's composure shattered. Blinded by rage, he launched his attack without hesitation.
But Sato had been prepared. The instant Hanmo threw his PokeBall, Sato also released Swampert. The two Pokémon appeared almost simultaneously.
Hanmo's Crawdaunt was Level 54, clearly well-trained. Its massive right claw gleamed with metallic light.
At his command, Crawdaunt stomped the ground and leapt high, aiming to vault past Swampert and strike Sato directly with a Metal Claw.
But Swampert's battle instincts were far too refined. There was no way it would allow Crawdaunt to bypass it.
The moment Crawdaunt rose overhead, Swampert leapt too — meeting it midair with an upward Hammer Arm.
A thunderous BOOM echoed through the hall.
Even though Sato had ordered Swampert to hold back, using only about half its usual power, the outcome was inevitable. Against Swampert's superior level and raw strength, Hanmo's Crawdaunt was instantly crushed.
One punch sent it crashing into the steel ceiling, completely knocked out.
"With just that kind of strength, you thought you could replace me? Don't forget — my ace, Swampert, is still here. Did you really think I'd be easy prey? Pathetic. Sickly motherfucker, if you still want to live, get on your knees right now and kowtow three times — then maybe, just maybe I'll spare you."
Sato didn't even glance at the downed Crawdaunt. He stepped forward, aura flaring with razor-sharp intensity, and snarled at the now-pale, panicked Hanmo.