"It seems our previous actions really did push Team Aqua into a corner—they're striking back harder than we expected."
"All the more reason to seize this chance and wipe out a plague like Team Aqua for good."
"I don't disagree. But right now, our top priority is minimizing the chaos they've caused."
"Team Aqua's recent operations have wreaked havoc on several towns and major businesses. We have to put a stop to this—fast."
"So, according to you—"
"That's enough discussion."
Before Elite Four member Drake could finish, Steven Stone, seated at the head of the table, cut in with a calm yet commanding voice.
Seeing that, Elite Four member Glacia refrained from further comment.
Unlike the Kanto League, the Hoenn League had undergone a sweeping reform since Steven's rise to the position of Champion.
Now, the League's authority lay firmly in the hands of the Champion and the Elite Four.
Thanks to his strength and leadership, the Elite Four placed their full trust in Steven. In turn, Steven had led the Hoenn League to a new era of growth and unity.
In other words, with the exception of Kanto, most other regional leagues had adopted a similar structure: the Champion oversees all operations, while each member of the Elite Four is responsible for a division—Rangers, the Police Force, Investigators, and the Pokémon Center Network.
Only the Kanto League, despite its unmatched strength, remained split—its power shared between the Elite Four and the Five Great Families, caught in endless internal struggles. With Team Rocket pressing from the outside, the region often felt like it was slowly fading into irrelevance.
"Sidney, what's the current situation with the Pokémon Hunters?"
After the room quieted, Steven turned his attention to Elite Four member Sidney.
The others could already sense what Steven was planning.
"The Pokémon Hunters have gone dark for the time being. That's freed up quite a few Rangers and Forest Hunters for reassignment."
Sidney answered without hesitation.
"Good. Starting today, mobilize available Rangers and Investigators. Have the Police and Pokémon Centers maintain defensive readiness, but allocate any extra personnel where needed."
"I'll also be pulling additional support from within the League—select trainers from each Gym will join the formation of an action squad."
"If Team Aqua wants to flex its muscles, then it's time we show them that there's only one voice of authority in Hoenn: the Hoenn League."
"Drake, you've had prior experience dealing with Team Aqua. I'm putting you in charge of coordinating our counter-offensive against them."
"If needed, the other three Elite Four members will join you on the front lines. I'll also be notifying Wallace—he'll coordinate with you personally."
"Now move out!"
"Yes, sir!" ×4
With Steven's command, the Elite Four immediately sprang into action.
No one questioned what would happen if Team Aqua or Team Magma tried to exploit this mobilization. Or perhaps the question simply didn't matter.
Because if Team Aqua or Magma dared to strike during this moment of vulnerability…
Then the man waiting for them—Steven Stone—would show them what true despair looked like.
...
"Never expected Archie to escalate things with the League this far. I'll admit, I didn't see this coming."
Reclining against his chair, Maxie chuckled.
"Boss, what are our next steps? Do we go after the League? Or do we strike at Team Aqua?"
One of the three commanders of Team Magma, Tabitha, asked in a low, gruff voice.
"As much as that bastard Archie pisses me off… let's be honest here. If Team Aqua goes down, and it's just us left standing against the entire League…"
"What do you think our odds are?"
Maxie didn't answer directly—instead, he threw the question right back.
"Understood."
"Good. As long as you know. We'll lend a hand—but don't risk too many of our people."
"Yes, sir!"
With the Pokémon Hunters out of the picture, the three great powers of the Hoenn region were now locked in a volatile standoff.
Just as Ron was preparing to leave Sootopolis City, continuing his resource gathering and strengthening his Machamp and others, an unexpected message arrived—from Elite Four Drake.
"Hello? Elite Four Drake? You wanted to speak with me?"
After a moment of hesitation, Ron decided to follow the message's instructions and dialed the number listed.
"Ron? Good, is that you? Are you still in the Hoenn region? Are you free?"
The voice on the other end belonged to Drake—blunt and direct, with a sense of urgency.
"Yeah, that's me. I'm still in Hoenn, and I don't have anything pressing at the moment."
Hearing the concern in Drake's tone, Ron responded quickly.
"Good. I'll keep it short—we're launching a coordinated strike against Team Aqua and Team Magma. Are you willing to help?"
"Of course, your efforts will be recognized—we'll convert your contributions into League Credits. What do you say?"
Ron froze for a moment upon hearing what Elite Four Drake had said.
It wasn't that he was hesitant to help, but rather, he was trying to figure out why the League had decided to take direct action against Team Aqua and Team Magma.
Especially judging from Drake's tone—it was clear that this wasn't just a containment operation. The League was aiming for total annihilation.
But wasn't the plan to wait for Ash's arrival before moving against them? Had the timeline been moved up?
What Ron didn't realize was that he was the reason this war had escalated in the first place.
"I understand, Elite Four Drake. I'm currently in Sootopolis City. What should I do next?"
"Sootopolis, huh? I'll send a squad to meet you there right away. From now on, I'll be assigning you tasks directly. This will be a secure, one-on-one channel between us."
"By the way, Ron—what's your current strength level?"
"My Persian and Bellossom have both successfully broken through. Right now, I have three Pokémon at Elite Four-tier strength."
"You've progressed quickly. Good. Wait for my team to rendezvous with you. After that, I'll assign missions based on your capabilities. Sound good?"
"No problem."
With Ron's confirmation, Drake ended the call.
As the commanding officer of this operation, days of meticulous planning and coordination had not worn Drake down. On the contrary, it only seemed to fuel his determination.
At first, the Hoenn League's goal had simply been to deliver a heavy blow to Team Aqua. But once Team Magma entered the fray and the war escalated into full-blown conflict, the League's objectives shifted rapidly. Now, they had resolved to wipe out Team Aqua entirely.
That was why Drake had turned to Ron.
To him, every trainer at the Elite Four level was an invaluable asset. The addition of even one more powerhouse might be the tipping point that led to Team Aqua's defeat.
"Everyone, get ready. A fierce battle lies ahead."
Using telepathy, Ron passed the order to his Machamp and the others. Then, he quietly waited for Drake's squad to arrive.
Inside his Poké Balls, all his Pokémon—except Gengar, Lucario, and Frogadier—had already completed their preparations.
Meanwhile, deep within Team Aqua's hidden base, Archie studied the incoming intel with a grim expression. Realizing that they had no other choice, he issued the command.
"All forces, mobilize. If we don't strike back now, Team Aqua will be erased from existence."
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