High risk often comes with high rewards. Satoshi could already imagine that after completing this mission, the reward would be extraordinary.
He recalled the long-term hidden mission where he encountered Mew. At that time, he had faced opponents ten levels higher than himself, yet after completing the mission, he had received an Exp. Share and a Gold Bottle Cap—items of immense value. Given this precedent, even if this mission didn't grant another Exp. Share, the rewards would undoubtedly be worthwhile.
Satoshi weighed the risks and benefits carefully before deciding to accept the mission. It wasn't a reckless decision; rather, he analyzed both his own capabilities and the enemy's potential strength before making up his mind.
"Ash has the ability to take on opponents stronger than himself. If things get dangerous, I can always tap into the Viridian Force."
"Besides, the enemy probably won't send their main force. If they do, Ash and I won't stand a chance, making this mission impossible in the first place."
"But even if they do bring their strongest Pokémon, I can still use the Viridian Force to temporarily boost my team to Gym Leader-level. I can win—but at the cost of revealing one of my trump cards."
"Take it, take it! Damn it, I can win this!"
Satoshi clenched his fist and made his decision.
"It just so happens that I also have an S.S. Ticket for the 'S.S. Anne.' Let's go check it out. If there's a real problem, we can handle it. If not, we can just enjoy ourselves."
He kept his words casual, though his intent was clear. Ash immediately beamed with excitement. The more he spent time with Satoshi, the more he liked him. As his rival, Satoshi was also incredibly reliable and helpful—a trait Ash greatly admired.
[Ding! Due to your actions and words, Ash's favorability toward you has greatly increased. Your relationship is now 'Confidant'!]
Who the hell is your confidant? Satoshi thought to himself. You're not a girl like Misty...
Although he knew Ash well, Satoshi was still primarily a pragmatic, goal-oriented individual. However, he couldn't deny that completing these hidden missions often resulted in unexpected friendships.
Of course, this wouldn't apply to Team Rocket. They'd remain his enemies no matter what.
But forming bonds with people like Ash, Gary, Misty, and Yellow wasn't a bad thing. Even though they were all a bit hot-blooded, they were the type who would go through fire and water for their friends.
Satoshi had always been a lone wolf, but that didn't mean he was opposed to having companions.
Ash, Gary, Misty, and even Yellow—these were all people worth befriending.
Of course, as for the latter two… well, it was hard to say if they would remain just friends.
Vermilion Port was the most important harbor in the Kanto Region, serving as a major hub for goods and travel across different regions. It was always bustling with activity.
Docked at the port was the S.S. Anne, a luxury cruise ship beyond compare. The cost of building such a masterpiece was estimated to be around 150 billion Pokédollars—a staggering amount, even in this world.
The S.S. Anne had 18 decks, measuring 380 meters long and 72 meters wide, with 2,800 rooms capable of accommodating over 6,000 passengers. Weighing 227,000 tons, it was truly a marvel.
The ship boasted world-class amenities, including casinos, international restaurants, swimming pools, rock climbing walls, golf courses, and even special battle arenas for Pokémon Trainers.
Naturally, it was a favorite among the ultra-wealthy, attracting powerful business magnates, high-ranking Pokémon League officials, and even noble families.
Of course, where there were rich people, there were Trainers too.
Many wealthy second-generation Trainers could easily afford the S.S. Tickets, using them as an opportunity to see the world while honing their skills.
Today, as the S.S. Anne prepared to embark on another global cruise, the port was filled with an array of extravagant vehicles, and elegantly dressed men and women arrived one after another.
Among them, two young Trainers approached the ship.
Their youthful appearance immediately marked them as Rookie Trainers, fresh into their adventure.
At least, that's what outsiders assumed.
Those unfamiliar with the Trainer world might have mistaken them for rich kids on a thrill-seeking journey.
But experienced Trainers knew better.
Even though they looked young, their presence carried a certain weight—an unspoken aura of strength. They weren't just ordinary Rookie Trainers.
Though some wealthy businessmen and nobles dismissed them as mere kids, seasoned Trainers could recognize hidden potential when they saw it.
However, they only got it half right.
Yes, Satoshi and Ash were strong. But their S.S. Tickets weren't bought—they had been given for free.
"Ash, calm down. Didn't you say you wanted to be the strongest Trainer? Are you really getting nervous over something this small?"
Satoshi was an Elite-level Trainer in his past life. He had faced far grander challenges than this. Being watched by hundreds of people was nothing.
But Ash wasn't quite as composed.
Despite his future as a Champion-level Trainer, right now, he was still a young adventurer experiencing many things for the first time.
"Ugh... I just don't like being stared at by so many people," Ash muttered, clearly uneasy.
"I heard there's a battle arena on the ship. I'll go fight a few matches to shake off this feeling."
Ash decided that facing other Trainers would make him feel more comfortable.
As for investigating the Pokémon theft case… well, that could wait until nightfall.
Since they were already on the S.S. Anne, it would be a shame not to explore and enjoy themselves first.
Satoshi smirked. This was probably the real reason Ash accepted the mission.
He was passionate and kind-hearted, sure, but he wasn't stupid. He knew when to have fun.
End of the Chapter.
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