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Lake of Rage, the largest lake in the Johto region, is said to have once been the caldera of a volcano. After the volcanic crater collapsed, it slowly filled with rainwater, eventually forming the lake as it exists today.
To the west lies a massive forest labyrinth. When it rains, the lake overflows and floods this area, turning it into a sprawling wetland. Amphibious Pokémon appear in droves, creating a vibrant, teeming ecosystem. But once the skies clear, the waters recede, and the forest gradually returns to its natural stillness.
No one knows when exactly the Gyarados living here began to act out. They've become increasingly aggressive attacking boats, harassing swimmers, and driving away locals who now avoid the lake entirely.
Two weeks ago, officers were dispatched to investigate the cause of the Gyarados rampage. But instead of finding answers, they stumbled upon something far more dangerous Team Rocket.
Startled by the discovery, the officers didn't engage. Instead, they alerted the International Police leading to the covert operation now underway.
Under Looker's command, Kai, Sabrina, and a squad of International Police agents arrived at a hillside overlooking the hidden Rocket base.
Peering from behind the ridge, they saw a large clearing carved out of the once-dense forest. At its centre stood a full-blown Team Rocket base.
Even from afar, it was clear this wasn't just a makeshift camp.
A sleek, three-story research facility stood at the core, surrounded by signal towers, warehouses, power stations and even a small dock giving them direct access to Lake of Rage. They had built with permanence in mind.
But today would be the end of their operation.
By the time Kai and the others arrived, Rocket grunts were already hauling crates from storage and loading them into trucks. They were preparing to evacuate.
Still, they didn't seem rushed. Their movements were calm and measured.
"At least that's one bit of luck," Looker murmured. "It's been over a day since you and Lance were seen in Blackthorn City, and nothing's happened since. They've probably convinced themselves it was just a coincidence. They're packing as a precaution but still waiting to see how things unfold."
Kai nodded. Looker's reasoning was solid.
Suddenly, Sabrina tugged on Kai's sleeve. He followed her gaze and spotted the Iron-Masked Marauder.
So he was here.
He was still riding that mechanical spider of his, and from the looks of it, he was preparing to leave the base.
Was he heading out to capture more Pokémon?
"That's the Iron-Masked Marauder," Kai whispered. "He's leaving. Should we grab him now?"
Looker eyed the man and frowned. After a moment's thought, he said, "Not yet. Assign someone to tail him. If we act now, we risk blowing the entire operation. The perimeter isn't fully sealed yet. If we move too early, others might escape."
To fully encircle the research base, Looker had deployed three teams. His unit was already in position, while the other two were maneuvering through the forest to flank the base from the sides. It was a time-consuming route, and stealth was critical.
Reluctantly, Kai watched as the Iron-Masked Marauder disappeared into the trees.
He couldn't stop him but he could still act.
He quickly sent a message to Clair, the Gym Leader of Blackthorn City.
After Kai left Blackthorn, Lance had already returned to Kanto. Now, the best chance of catching the Iron-Masked Marauder lay with Clair and her fellow Dragon-type trainers.
Clair replied almost instantly.
Just one word: Received.
Yet somehow, Kai could feel her determination radiating through the screen.
As the sun dipped low, the group waited quietly for another half hour. Then, Looker received confirmation the other two teams were in position.
But he didn't give the order right away. Instead, he glanced at his phone once more.
A call was coming in from Karen.
Since she was nearby, Kai could hear both sides of the call.
Back in Goldenrod City, Karen and Will had already led a strike force into another Rocket facility. And the mission was going surprisingly well.
At first, they met almost no resistance easily taking control of most of the base. Even when Team Rocket mounted a counterattack, they couldn't slow their momentum.
To top it off, they'd spotted one of Team Rocket's top executives and engaged him in battle.
Despite his rank, Karen confidently assured Looker that Team Rocket was no match for her and Will. She expected the base to be fully secured soon, and that they'd be able to send reinforcements his way.
Kai nodded quietly.
Just then, the Rocket base near the lake burst into a frenzy. They must've received news that the Goldenrod facility had been breached.
Some grunts scrambled to reinforce. Others kicked their evacuation into high gear.
This was their chance.
Looker's expression hardened. "Move in!"
At his command, agents poured out from the forest on three sides, racing toward the research facility.
Even on the lake, speedboats charged in from the water.
The net was closing.
The Rocket base's sensors finally picked up the assault. Sirens blared throughout the compound. Grunts panicked as they spotted the advancing agents.
"Crap! The International Police are here too?!"
"We're surrounded!"
Amid the chaos, a towering man emerged from the facility vested, gloved, and built like a tank. A squad of Rocket grunts followed closely behind.
"Quit panicking!" he bellowed. "It's just the International Police! What's there to be afraid of? Take them down!"
His bravado could only mean one thing either he was absurdly confident in his strength… or he had a hidden trump card.
Kai was certain it was the latter.
Because outside of the infamous bumbling trio, Team Rocket's higher-ups were rarely foolish enough to fight a battle they couldn't win.
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