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After Sato entered the restroom, everything went much more smoothly than he'd expected. Using his psychic senses, he confirmed that besides a few drunken researchers who were clearly out of commission, there was no one else around.
Without any trouble, he acquired the ID card from one of the unconscious researchers and also helped himself to a few useful items from the man's storage gear — such as that particularly "intellectual-looking" white lab coat.
Of course, to gather more information, Sato gave the man a quick wake-up call — through a bit of "physical persuasion" — before hypnotizing him for a thorough interrogation.
It didn't take long before Sato extracted the information he needed. Then, to ensure the man wouldn't unexpectedly wake up and interfere with his next moves, he fed him half a sleeping pill.
From both the ID card and the conversation, Sato learned that the researcher's name was Charlie — a data analyst working under Dr. Peter. However, because someone more competent had recently taken his place and he'd made a few mistakes, Charlie had fallen out of favor.
The other Team Aqua researchers drinking with him tonight were in similar positions — all marginalized, disgruntled, and drowning their frustrations in alcohol.
The good news was that despite being sidelined, Charlie still retained the authority to freely access the submarine.
Before infiltrating the submarine under Charlie's identity, Sato made one last stop at the logistics office on the fifth floor. His "Baku" ID card now carried over 100,000 Team Aqua contribution points — just enough to exchange for the incomplete copy of The Complete Psychic Guide.
Although redeeming that kind of item under Baku's name was a little conspicuous, since the rescue mission would begin tonight, Sato figured there was no longer any need to maintain that identity.
Whether the mission succeeded or failed, the persona of Baku would soon vanish from this world forever.
Interestingly, Charlie's ID card held over 30,000 contribution points — which instantly made Sato "wealthy" again after spending nearly all his own on the The Complete Psychic Guide.
Those 30,000 points were quickly converted into rare Water-type materials. For example, Sato exchanged for five Deep Sea Scales — a core ingredient in crafting special food for Swampert — which alone consumed half of those points.
After burning through all the contribution points, Sato assumed Charlie's appearance and confidently walked aboard the submarine.
The defenses within were extremely tight. Even the exterior was guarded by several powerful Water-type Pokémon — all near Elite-Four level strength.
Inside and out, Team Aqua members patrolled constantly — proof of just how valuable this submarine was to their organization.
Once Sato, in Charlie's guise, had safely entered, he discreetly activated the communicator hidden in his pocket. With a single tap, he transmitted a coded message — one powerful enough to bring the entire Team Aqua base to ruin.
At that same moment, thousands of meters above the remote island base, a large airship hovered in the clouds. Inside its command room, Elite Four Dragon-type Master, Drake, sharply turned his gaze toward the communicator on his desk as it began to chime.
"This brat finally made his move. Then so should we. Pass the order — operation starts immediately!"
Drake glanced at the data displayed on the communicator screen, then rose to his feet and bellowed, "Begin the assault!"
The command room burst into action. No one dared delay after hearing the aged yet formidable Dragon-type Elite Four speak. Officers snapped to attention, saluted, and rushed out to their posts.
Within moments, alarms echoed throughout the airship. League operatives who had long prepared for battle released their Flying-type Pokémon, diving in formation toward the island below.
Back inside the submarine, Sato's disguise proved effective. Researchers in the Team Aqua held relatively high status, and although Charlie had fallen out of Peter's favor, the crew aboard the submarine still treated him with professional respect.
Using his psychic perception, Sato quickly mapped out the submarine's interior. With the aid of his Duskull guiding him, it took less than two minutes to reach the heavy metal door that imprisoned Prof. Todd.
To his surprise, the guard stationed there was none other than Hanmo — the Team Aqua elite who had provoked him earlier at the base. Standing beside him was his Level 54 Crawdaunt.
Although Hanmo had been humiliated by Sato before, his pride as a senior Team Aqua officer kept him arrogant. Only a few dared mock him openly; most others still acted submissively around him.
Today, however, his mood was foul. Not only had he been shamed, but Dr. Peter had also punished him by assigning him to guard duty. His face was dark and stormy, the kind that made people think he was owed a fortune.
Like a cornered porcupine, Hanmo lashed out at anyone nearby to vent his anger.
"Charlie, this isn't a place for useless trash like you," Hanmo sneered. "Didn't the doctor already tell you? You're no longer needed aboard this sub. Get lost. Don't think wearing that white coat means you still belong here!"
Recognizing the "disgraced" researcher at a glance, Hanmo immediately saw an outlet for his temper — hurling insult after insult at Sato.
Sato's disguise carried the strong scent of alcohol, matching the image of a drunk researcher. Playing the part perfectly, he took advantage of the "liquid courage" to voice his own "honest feelings."
"Hah! Barking mutt, aren't you? Go on then, bite me if you dare — you cowardly, loudmouthed dog!"
Red-faced and swaying as though truly drunk, Sato jabbed a finger toward Hanmo and cursed him out.
Hanmo, already a ticking time bomb since the earlier humiliation, exploded instantly. Being berated again — and by someone so weak — pushed him past the breaking point.
"You—! You filthy trash, how dare you insult me! Crawdaunt, crush him!"
Hanmo roared, face flushed crimson, and ordered his Crawdaunt to attack.
However, before the attack could commence, a patrolling squad of Team Aqua members entered the corridor — just in time to witness the confrontation.
Hanmo's arrogance had long earned him plenty of enemies. Seeing a respected researcher being assaulted, the patrol members immediately released their Pokémon to protect Sato.
Hanmo fumed even harder. The sight of mere grunts defying him made him want to lash out further. But before he could summon another Pokémon, a violent explosion suddenly shook the entire base.
Even though the submarine was docked underwater, the shockwave caused it to tremble slightly.
An instant later, an emergency alarm blared throughout the vessel — "Enemy attack detected!"
Hearing the alarm, Hanmo and the others turned pale. There was no longer time for petty fights. They quickly recalled their Pokémon and dashed toward the control room.
Before leaving, though, Hanmo couldn't resist giving Sato a vicious kick — slamming him into the wall and sending him sprawling to the floor.
A few seconds later, only one "unconscious researcher" remained lying motionless in the corridor.