Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Just as Cain began to focus, Officer Jenny stood firm and saluted him.

In a strong voice, she declared, "Thank you, Cain, for your outstanding contribution in Vermilion City. Thank you for your brave fight against the enemies on the S.S. Anne, saving countless lives."

"On behalf of all officers in Slateport City, I express our deepest gratitude."

After she spoke, the officers behind Officer Jenny also stood firm and saluted Cain with serious expressions.

The spectators watching began to murmur among themselves, dropping their expectant attitude. Although Matsuda had blocked information about Cain, news of what happened on the S.S. Anne had already spread across all League regions.

Although specific details of Cain's actions weren't recorded, his identity card had a note stating: "Made a significant contribution on the S.S. Anne. If encountered, immediately notify the following number: XXXXXX."

After saluting, Officer Jenny took out a special League communicator, entered the number, and sent a message indicating Cain's presence in Slateport City.

She thought that would conclude her task, but the response arrived almost immediately: "Keep Cain in Slateport City. This is an order."

And after that, there were no further details.

Officer Jenny smiled resignedly. Since the person on the other end ordered her to keep Cain in the city, she really had no choice, especially because that person's League rank was several levels above hers.

"Could this be someone from the higher ranks of the League?" she thought to herself.

Looking up, she saw Cain watching her with a curious expression. Jenny felt a bit uncomfortable, unsure of how to explain herself.

"Is it true that someone asked you to notify them the moment you saw me?" Cain asked with a smile.

The truth was, in his current state, Cain's smile wasn't exactly pleasant.

However, Officer Jenny wasn't swayed by his appearance and nodded. "Yes, that's correct. I'm sorry, but that's what the last line of your identity card said."

"I understand. Well, can I go now? Don't worry, I won't leave Slateport City, but... you can see the state I'm in..." Cain said, gesturing to his disheveled appearance.

"Oh, of course, go ahead, Cain," Officer Jenny replied, stepping aside to let him pass.

The other officers did the same, creating a path for Cain to move forward.

Cain didn't return Slowpoke or Tropius to their Pokéballs and simply moved forward with his Pokémon by his side. Slowpoke remained calm, showing no interest in the city, while Tropius, with his head held high, looked around curiously, clearly excited to be in such a new environment.

Watching Cain and his Pokémon walk away, Officer Jenny sighed slightly. "He's a very strong trainer. That Tropius seems more powerful than I could handle."

Officer Jenny had sensed an intense aura of danger from Cain, one that only trainers who had been hardened at the edge of death possessed.

Cain hadn't returned Tropius intentionally, hoping to have a deterrent effect. Since Jenny had reported his arrival, soon others would also find out, including potential Team Aqua members or allies who might be interested in ambushing him.

Being cautious wasn't a bad idea.

However, as he approached the city proper, Cain finally decided to return Tropius to his Pokéball. His size was simply too large and could cause issues in the streets.

Cain chose the tallest hotel in the area, which seemed to be the most luxurious around. He quickly booked the most expensive room and, after Haunter confirmed everything was secure, released his Pokémon.

Since it was a luxury suite, it even surpassed the luxury room on the S.S. Anne. With a height of nearly five meters, even Tropius could be comfortable, as long as he didn't fully extend his neck.

Instead of going straight to shower, Cain took out a communicator marked with the Team Rocket emblem. Not only did it have the team's emblem, but it also featured a black cloud below it, the distinctive symbol of the Shadow Unit.

When Cain officially joined the Shadow Unit, Umbra had personally given him this communicator along with his contact code.

Umbra had instructed him to use it to contact him in case of an emergency.

Cain entered Umbra's code into the communicator and wrote: "Possibility of League infiltration. Risk of high-level investigation. Requesting authenticity upgrade for identity."

After writing the message, he sent it.

A moment later, the communicator beeped with a response. Cain checked it, and there was only one word: "Approved."

"They don't even bother to write a bit more," Cain thought with an ironic smile as he tucked the communicator into the most hidden corner of his ring.

Finally, he headed to the bathroom to take a shower.

The bathroom was spacious enough to include a small pool where the Pokémon could swim.

Everyone quickly joined in, except for Tropius, whose size prevented him from enjoying the pool.

What Cain didn't know was that his message had caused a stir in Team Rocket's data team. The deputy leader of the Shadow Unit had given an unwavering order to enhance Cain's League identity to the highest possible level.

The goal was for his identity to be at the highest possible level, even comparable to that of the three main Executives.

But that was almost impossible. Team Rocket had taken years and considerable expense to ensure that the identities of its three main Executives were secure enough to go undetected, even by League Champions.

For Cain, the best they could do was ensure his identity couldn't be thoroughly investigated by anyone except a Champion.

Currently, is there a Champion in the League? No.

That was enough. To reinforce Cain's identity further, Giovanni's personal scientist would need to intervene, requiring Giovanni's own approval.

But for Cain, this level was already sufficient. He didn't believe anyone would try to dig that deeply into his information.

After all, no matter how much Cain attracted attention, he was still a minor character with little significance.

However, his data would be scrutinized, as someone in the League was already reviewing his information.

If Cain were present, he would recognize that person as the elder Matsuda from the S.S. Anne.

(End of chapter)