Pokémon Detective Case Files

Chapter 445 Even the fisherman on the riverbank hesitates

Chapter 447 Even the fisherman on the riverbank hesitates

"—Peace talks?"

Chao was stunned. This was a completely new term he had never heard from the League side in his half a lifetime of struggling in the Hoenn region.

"how?"

Ignoring the disarray among the Aqua Team executives and the two Gym Leaders who also looked puzzled, Yati looked directly at the Aqua Team Leader who could deliver the final blow and said, "Given the current situation where neither of us can do anything to the other, negotiation is probably the most realistic and safest option at this stage."

A hint of amusement appeared on Shui Wutong's face.

The scene was already under attack by three Unova region gym leaders. Although it was unclear how strong this new Bug-type gym leader was, if he was a veteran trainer of equal strength to Kiku, it was unlikely that his subordinates would escape unscathed.

More importantly, this was originally a war for Team Plasma! Despite the verbal alliance, Team Aqua had no obligation to shed blood for a battle that had nothing to do with their own beliefs.

"So, the champion wants us to withdraw from this battle?" He raised his hand slightly, and the Pokémon beside him all turned to a defensive stance, his tone tentative and tactful.

"It's not just this battle, it's the whole war."

As Artie recalled the message from the detective, she said firmly, "Your organization must immediately terminate its alliance with Team Plasma. In exchange, the Unova branch of the Pokémon League will tacitly approve your unauthorized entry. As long as you do not continue to violate any more laws, the Unova League will cease all hostile actions against Team Aqua."

"Hey, Yati, this is no joke." Boss Ju lowered the brim of his wide hat, his tone serious. "These guys aren't exactly welcome guests who should be greeted with a smile."

"Hmph, it seems your alliance hasn't reached a consensus yet," Shui Wutong chuckled sarcastically.

"I asked the Champion the same question." Artie remained calm, gently shaking her finger as if wielding a paintbrush. "My colleagues may have their own opinions; however, although the leaders of the various cities are symbols of the Alliance, their actual authority is limited. What truly affects your organization's quality of life in the United States are the more ubiquitous social institutions. And with the Champion's personal influence, the United States Police, the Alliance Security Service, and the Alliance Intelligence Department will fully support all his decisions."

"Wow, that sounds like a tempting offer."

Shui Wutong gave a smile that seemed almost entirely convincing, as if she had been persuaded. "However, please forgive me for refusing."

The air froze instantly, and the Pokémon on both sides, who had relaxed slightly, tensed up again, their eyes locked in a fierce confrontation.

"Can I hear your reasons?" In the silence, Yati raised an eyebrow and asked in return.

"The reason is simple. I have some personal grudges with your champion."

Water Archie took a step forward, approaching the Abyss Hall Master. "If the Water Fleet is afraid of the pressure from a mere branch of the Alliance, then wouldn't it be better for us to simply disband here instead of setting sail from the Hoenn region?"

"The reason we came to Unova is largely to settle this score. That guy not only disrupted our global operations but also exposed our most important hideout in Hoenn. Therefore, we can't guarantee that we will abide by the law—even if we clash with the police, you, or the intelligence agency, we will defeat them one by one."

"That's right, if we keep swallowing our anger, people will really think our Aqua Team is easy to bully!" Ushio chimed in from the side.

"Wow, it's a complete criminal declaration." Feng Lu rolled her eyes. "In the end, we're still going to have a fight here, aren't we?"

"We'd love to hear that too," the "depth charge" replied loudly, clenching his fists without backing down. "Please wait a moment."

Yati raised a hand to signal a pause, then quickly took out his phone again to check the information. As if he had seen something new, his expression quickly regained its composure, and he looked at Shui Wutong again.

"You mean, in order to exact revenge on the individual champion, Team Aqua is willing to turn against the entire Unova League—is that what you mean?"

Shui Wutong nodded: "Since we are destined to be enemies with the alliance, reliable allies are essential. We cannot betray our existing partners at this time."

"Even if this ally was eyeing you with hostility from the very beginning?"

Having just received new instructions, Aya raised her voice, deliberately asking, "Team Plasma isn't known for upholding the spirit of contracts. You should have already seen what happened to Team Magma, right?"

"Given Quixote's style, do you really think he would tolerate another criminal organization taking root in his territory? You're not threatened yet only because they still need your strength. But once your organization has exhausted all its resources for them, have you really considered whether you'll be greeted with help or ruthless betrayal?"

Shui Wutong remained silent for a moment before responding, but her tone already revealed a hint of wavering: "We have our own solutions, no need to worry."

"Then, as the spokesperson for the United Alliance, I will now offer you a third way."

As if anticipating the other party's reaction, Aya spoke up at the opportune moment, "Mr. Hugo, the current champion of the United League, has confirmed that he will step down from his title at the Hinoki Tournament in three months and will not seek re-election. In other words, this individual who currently enjoys the championship title and is protected by the entire administrative system will return to the status of an ordinary person in three months. At that time, you will not need to fight against the entire League machine to settle your grudges. All you need to do is wait for these three months."

"Did you come up with this idea yourself?" Shui Wutong asked.

"No, it was the champion's idea from beginning to end," Yati frankly admitted.

"Phew—that makes me even more wary." The leader of Team Aqua sighed. "After all, even if he's no longer the champion, the League can't just stand by and watch the impending crime. I doubt your protection of him will decrease much then."

"Compared to 'seeking help from a tiger' by dealing with plasma clusters, this is already the most attractive proposal right now, isn't it?"

The Bug-type Gym Leader was calm and composed, speaking as if he were a seasoned diplomat.

"The Pokémon League has stood the test of time for over a century, isn't it precisely this unwavering commitment to 'never betray anyone'?"

In the silence, only the sound of the water sycamore's own breathing could be heard.

Two paths lie before them: one is to become someone else's hound, tearing the Alliance apart for Team Plasma; the other is to remain behind the scenes and watch as the two major powers slaughter each other. Which path is more suitable for Fleet Aqua now? Should they enter the game and become pawns, or retreat and reap the benefits?

As he pondered, the air, thick with dust, seemed to freeze, and his gaze deepened.

Finally, the man slowly raised his head, his eyes filled with determination.