Twinleaf Island consisted of two identical islands on Route 20's waterways. They looked exactly alike, like twins, which is why they were called Twinleaf Island.
Their most notable feature was the extreme cold within.
No one knew when the islands had become like this.
Long ago, according to records, Twinleaf Island was a pleasant and habitable island, often used by passing sailors as a rest stop.
Its location was roughly in the southern part of the Kanto region's sea area. To the west lay Cinnabar Island, and below it was Seven Island, the hometown of Lorelei. Further south were New Island and the Orange Archipelago.
These details weren't particularly important.
For the officials present, even a volcanic eruption on Cinnabar Island was not a major concern—especially since Twinleaf Island had almost no permanent residents.
The key point was the rumor that Articuno resided on Twinleaf Island.
Of course, that was for ordinary people.
The senior League officials present knew it wasn't a rumor—it was fact.
The first person to report Articuno's existence was Lorelei, the Ice-type Elite Four member.
It was said she had a special bond with Articuno, although that remained unconfirmed rumor.
So far, no one had actually seen Lorelei and Articuno battle side by side—but that was enough to inspire envy.
Even people of the attendees' level and strength would rarely see a Legendary Pokémon in their lifetime.
And even if they did, earning a Legendary's recognition was almost impossible.
Yet Lorelei had at least one Legendary on good terms.
It was exciting to think that perhaps one day she might even befriend or capture it.
Though Articuno wasn't among the top-tier Legendary rankings, it was still a Legendary Pokémon.
Even if it wasn't as powerful as some Orange Archipelago-exclusive Pokémon that could control regional weather, it was still formidable.
In the Pokémon world, Legendary Pokémon were not merely honorary titles—they represented extraordinary talent, aptitude, and strength far beyond ordinary Pokémon.
"Due to the frequency and magnitude of energy fluctuations, technology-based recordings failed to capture the event.
According to nearby fishermen, the sky suddenly darkened, light snow fell, and strong winds churned the sea into whirlpools. Twinleaf Island visibly shook," Lorelei continued.
"In summary, according to investigations, this incident is related to Team Rocket."
Her resolute conclusion prompted murmurs and discussion among the officials.
"Let me speak," said Sabrina, raising her hand and wearing her usual floral shirt. The discussions quieted.
"On the day after the incident, I led the gym guards to the site, since it falls under my jurisdiction.
I encountered Team Rocket during their retreat. They had mostly withdrawn, and after considering various factors, I did not pursue them.
Fortunately, we didn't alert them. Judging by their behavior, they didn't succeed—the Articuno is still strong.
However, according to my, Lorelei's, and the League's assessment, Team Rocket will definitely return. It's their style."
Sabrina spoke seriously, wearing her sunglasses.
"What could Team Rocket possibly want? Considering Twinleaf Island's harsh environment, investing manpower and resources would be entirely inefficient," said one person, frowning.
Targeting Articuno in its home territory was reckless. Unless Team Rocket had lost their minds, there was no rational reason.
"Indeed, the extreme cold alone would discourage many Pokémon. Even with advanced technology, they would struggle against a Legendary's power," another agreed.
"Hmph, whatever they're thinking, causing trouble at this time is definitely a bad idea," someone else commented.
President Goodshow spoke: "Correct. While we don't know Team Rocket's exact intentions, as a criminal organization, their actions are what we must prevent.
Moreover, this involves the Legendary Pokémon Articuno—we cannot let them succeed.
Lorelei, Bruno, this matter is yours to handle. Ensure it is resolved before the official start of the Conference."
Lorelei in her usual uniform and Bruno, shirtless, nodded in tacit agreement.
Agatha added, "Then, why not have the first sixteen young trainers in the Talent Reserve System gain some experience here?"
Though phrased as a question, it was effectively a command.
Lorelei nodded. "Agreed. We're also short-handed, and these trainers are reasonably capable."
Bruno remained neutral, but he understood this implied consent.
"Alright, I'll notify them later."
The three Elite Four members efficiently resolved one issue.
The reports continued.
"By the way, did the gym leader of Fuchsia City come?"
The officials took turns reporting. When it was the gym leader's turn, it turned out the Fuchsia City gym leader wasn't present.
The Serebii family representative smiled and said, "I know a bit—after the Fuchsia gym leader fully harnessed the Fuchsia power, he discovered an unusual Pokémon and went to capture it, so he was delayed."
"An unusual Pokémon?" Agatha asked with interest.
The Serebii representative nodded. "Yes, he didn't elaborate—just said it was unusual."
"Never mind. Since he isn't here, it's fine. This year, Fuchsia City has had little happening. We'll handle it later."
Everyone understood the gym leader's behavior. Trainers naturally got excited when encountering Pokémon.
"The Cerulean Cape Incident was resolved; it was mainly caused by trainers' Pokémon straying during training.
The Gyarados Incident in Cianwood City was caused by Team Rocket using a special sonic attack.
The Vermilion Hunting Ground Incident was resolved after addressing the main park supervisor.
The Dark City Valley Incident is ongoing; our expectation is that it involves the natural reserve of ancient Pokémon."
One by one, the gym leaders recounted events, all of which were properly resolved.
The sun set.
Before they knew it, it was dinner time.
"Alright, everyone, thank you for your efforts this year," President Goodshow said, closing his notebook, removing his glasses, and massaging his nose bridge, announcing the good news.
"Phew—"
For a moment, the conference room was filled with the sound of people exhaling in relief.
"Hey hey hey, let's go, let's go, drinks?"
"No, no, my wife is urging me to get home for dinner."
"Same here, my son still needs me to help with homework today."
"Wow, Gym Leader Rika, your skin looks amazing! Is it because you always use expensive perfume?"
"Hey, about that transaction list last time… can you stop dragging it out? Do you have procrastination issues or what?"
The family representatives and gym leaders gradually trickled out of the conference room, chatting casually with those they knew well.
"Hey, Flint, by the way, what's going on with Silas Alaric? Isn't he funded by your Pewter Investments?"
A middle-aged man slung an arm around Flint's shoulders, asking casually.
"Hah, it's nothing. Just a kid with a wide circle of friends, it's fine. He mentioned it to me a while ago anyway," Flint replied nonchalantly.
"Lucky you guys, how do you always find such promising talent?"
"Eh, average. It's just my eldest son who's a bit silly—that's why I consider it a bit of an achievement," Flint said, exhaling through his nose at his friend, modestly answering the question.
Meanwhile, Lance, Lorelei, and Bruno formed a small private zone away from the chatter.
"Hmm, that's enough. With these people, we don't need to expend extra effort guarding Junsha and the others," Lorelei said, reviewing the detailed information Lance had given her, nodding in satisfaction.
"Be careful. I have a feeling Team Rocket is scheming something recently. They've withdrawn from many parts of Kanto." Lance said solemnly.
Bruno and Lorelei nodded. They clearly understood.
A temporary withdrawal doesn't mean giving up—it means preparing for a better next strike.
"By the way, what exactly is your relationship with Articuno?"
Finally, after holding back for a dozen times, Lance's curiosity prompted the question.
If Lorelei really could command Articuno, he realized… becoming the Kanto Champion in this lifetime might be impossible.
Lorelei smiled alluringly. "Oh? Curious? I won't tell you. Besides, you can't beat me anyway—what's the point of knowing?"
With that, she swiveled her hips and walked away gracefully, full of charm.
Lance sighed, standing there helplessly.
Bruno silently patted his shoulder, and they exchanged a look: definitely a woman not to be trifled with.
"Back to work, back to work~"
That night, Silas Alaric received an official message from the Pokémon League. He glanced at the title and felt a jolt of excitement.
Wasn't this the hot post he had just seen on the forum? And now it already had results?
Eagerly, Silas opened the message.
After reading, his excitement subsided a little.
It turned out that the League had simply confirmed that Team Rocket would take action, and he was to go early to serve as security.
"Hmm, not bad," he muttered, decisively accepting the mission. He could handle this task.
It wasn't mandatory; his status as a reserve talent didn't impose restrictions. But the League's benefits were too generous.
Silas wished that all of his future employers could be as generous as the League.
"Gather at the following location at 7 a.m. tomorrow. Transportation will be provided."
Immediately, his watch received a message with the location.
The sender? An unknown number.
Silas paused—this was the first time he had encountered such a situation.
...
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