“I’ve recruited an informant for our International Police division!” August got straight to the point, wasting no time with pleasantries.

  An informant?

  Lance hadn’t expected this to be the reason August contacted him. He was momentarily stunned before blurting out:

  “Someone actually wants to join the Kanto division in its current state?”

  “...”

  August’s face darkened.

  He couldn’t deny that Lance was just stating the harsh reality, but the way he said it made August, the first person to join the Kanto division, sound like a total fool.

  “Ahem...”

  Realizing his slip-up, Lance cleared his throat awkwardly. “Alright, send me the details. I’ll process their induction.”

  The Kanto division was still just an empty shell at this point. They desperately needed more personnel to strengthen their operations against Team Rocket. Having an extra pair of hands, no matter the capacity, was a step forward.

  Besides, Lance was curious—who would willingly join the International Police at a time like this?

  As he thought about this, he opened the file August had sent.

  “Hmm... Blue? A girl? And a rookie trainer? Are you sure about this?” Lance asked skeptically.

  Based on the report, this trainer named Blue didn’t seem like an ideal candidate for the job.

  But Lance knew August wasn’t the type to recruit people just for the sake of numbers. There had to be a reason.

  “I’ve already assessed her capabilities. She may seem like just another rookie, but she can handle herself against Team Rocket grunts. More importantly, she’s highly skilled in disguise and intelligence gathering. As an informant working from the shadows, not engaging in direct combat, she’s more than qualified.”

  August understood Lance’s concerns. The International Police was a high-risk organization, and recruiting someone without the necessary strength could do more harm than good.

  That said, he never intended for Blue to take on Team Rocket head-on. Her skills in infiltration and deception were far more valuable for gathering intel.

  Hearing this, Lance felt reassured.

  He had already reviewed the mission report from Mt. Moon. Throughout the operation, August had demonstrated exceptional professionalism.

  Since August had made his judgment, Lance was inclined to trust it.

  “Alright, I approve. I’ll bring her credentials to the next meeting. Also, the rewards for our st mission have been finalized.”

  At the mention of rewards, August perked up. “How much is the bounty?”

  He had used most of his free berries from the League Headquarters to make Pokéblocks. Some were given to Mew, while others were traded with Clefable. Now, his stock was nearly depleted.

  If he wanted to make another batch, he’d have to buy a lot of berries—and that wasn’t cheap.

  “Roughly two million,” Lance informed him.

  “Hiss...”

  The number was far beyond August’s expectations.

  “Team Rocket is worth that much?”

  Back when he captured poachers, the rewards had never been this high.

  “The bounty for capturing Team Rocket members alone isn’t that high,” Lance expined. “But the intel you provided about their attempt to capture Mew is extremely valuable. The League’s intelligence division is already analyzing Team Rocket’s recent activities, and we should have some results soon.”

  Hearing the first part, August nodded in understanding. But as for the second part...

  He remained skeptical.

  Team Rocket had infiltrated the League so thoroughly that it was practically Swiss cheese. Who knew how many of those so-called ‘intelligence agents’ were actually working for the enemy?

  “Either way, be careful,” Lance warned. “Team Rocket has been more active tely. Since you just disrupted their operation, they might be targeting you next.”

  August’s expression turned serious.

  Considering what had happened to his former colleagues, if Lance was bringing this up, there was a very real chance that Team Rocket would come after him soon.

  Thinking it over, he reached a conclusion.

  It was highly likely!

  If someone had interfered with his pns to capture a Legendary Pokémon, he would definitely make them pay!

  August never believed Team Rocket or Giovanni to be the forgiving type.

  His expression hardened as the thought sank in.

  Seeing that August had taken his warning seriously, Lance didn’t say anything further. He simply told him they’d discuss the rest at the next meeting before ending the call.

  The room fell into silence.

  Only the soft rustling of Gardevoir flipping through a book remained.

  After a long moment of contemption, August knew he couldn’t just sit back and hope Team Rocket wouldn’t come after him.

  He hated being on the defensive.

  So, he had to act first!

  “Instead of waiting for Team Rocket to make a move on me, I should create trouble for them first.”

  The best defense was always a strong offense!

  With this mindset, his gaze drifted to the Cedon City travel guide on his desk, settling on a shop that had been marked and recommended.

  “Looks like I’ll be making a trip.”

  ...

  Cedon Game Corner, located in the heart of Cedon City, was a well-known attraction.

  Wearing a disguise mask that altered his appearance, August stood before the Game Corner, reviewing the intel he had gathered from the League database.

  Despite being a gambling establishment, the Game Corner paid substantial taxes to the League every year. This financial contribution kept it open despite frequent public controversy.

  “Darling, let’s go py!”

  A girl in a white dress, carrying a shoulder bag, clung to August’s arm, swaying slightly as she spoke.

  August tried pulling his arm away but failed. He turned to the heavily made-up girl, who now looked like a completely different person.

  “Tell me, do we really have to act like a couple?”

  His original pn had been to split up—he would investigate while Blue gathered intel. But she insisted that going in as a couple would be less suspicious.

  “Of course! I’m a professional at disguises! Plus, this is my first mission. If we go in together, you can watch my back. I don’t want to mess up.” Blue whispered into his ear.

  Her breath tickled, making him slightly uncomfortable.

  Just as he was about to respond, Blue changed the subject, looking at the crowd entering and exiting the Game Corner.

  “Are you sure this pce is connected to Team Rocket?”

  Of course!

  August thought to himself but chose his words carefully: “I have my sources. Right now, I just have suspicions...”

  When it came to Team Rocket, sometimes, suspicions were all you needed!

  Hearing this, Blue fshed a bright smile. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

  With that, she tugged August inside.