Pokemon: Sandstorm Elite

A vast amount of data was retrieved, and at the same time, the Pokémon confined within the base were also released. However, as Klein stepped forward and examined the documents, his brows furrowed.

It was all insignificant research, some even conducted merely to assist Silph Co. with pharmaceutical testing. If not for the "R" emblem, this place could have easily been mistaken for an ordinary research facility.

The personnel left behind at Base No. 9 were just newly recruited students, seemingly unaware of the base's true purpose or the significance of its emblem.

"Head to Base No. 8!"

The results were the same. Unlike Base No. 9, which still stored a batch of Pokémon, Base No. 8 was merely a storage facility. It was more of a massive warehouse filled with all kinds of equipment, including some models dating back decades—enough to set up a museum.

"What about Base No. 6 and Base No. 7?"

As they made their way to Base No. 8, Klein dispatched teams of two to investigate the other bases. The reports soon came in—once again, nothing of value.

To Klein, this was a worthless effort. But from the League's perspective, it was a major victory. News of a large-scale sweep against Team Rocket, detailing the massive rescue of Pokémon, spread like wildfire across online forums.

Fighting-type Elite Four member Bruno led the operation, while Sandstorm Elite Klein was on the front lines. After hours of battle, thirteen Team Rocket bases were destroyed. This was the largest security operation in the Kanto region that year, playing a crucial role in maintaining regional stability.

Scrolling through these reports on their phones, the investigation team members remained unimpressed. The League had its sources within Team Rocket, and Team Rocket, in turn, had infiltrated the League just as deeply. From the looks of it, Team Rocket had been aware of this operation well in advance, leaving the League to come up empty-handed.

"The League is shameless. They found nothing, yet they claim a great victory."

The six investigation team members gathered together, expressing their anger at the League's actions. Meanwhile, Klein remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.

"The original source of these reports appears to be a media subsidiary of Silph Co."

Klein's sudden remark made the team pause. His words carried a hint of dry humor—what difference did it make whether the news came from Silph Co. or the League?

"The outside world was unaware of this operation, but now, thanks to these reports, the League has no choice but to play along to save face. These big shots really know how to manipulate things."

Klein's words were heavy, making one of the female investigators chuckle awkwardly before stepping forward. "Captain, why don't we head back? Looks like Team Rocket is more cunning than we thought."

"Yeah, but before that, we need to gain something from this."

"But…?"

"Arresting the six of you should make this trip worthwhile."

With a deafening roar, a massive wave of sand surged forward, engulfing the area and sealing off all escape routes for the six investigators.

"Captain, what is the meaning of this?"

Unbothered by his apparent disadvantage, Klein spoke calmly. "I checked the data in your Poké Balls. Many of them contain Pokémon that don't belong to Mt. Moon—Pokémon that you captured there."

One of the investigators turned pale and snapped, "You accessed our Poké Ball data without authorization? That violates League regulations! We're going to report you!"

Hearing this, Klein looked at them blankly. "If I found something, then it's not a problem anymore. Besides, do you have any proof that I tampered with your Poké Balls? Or are you saying… there's something wrong with your heads?"

He tapped his forehead, mocking their intelligence. As their verbal exchange continued, the six investigators had subtly surrounded Klein from multiple angles. Though obscured by the swirling sand, they now wore sinister grins.

Did this little fool not realize he was already trapped?

In a flash of lightning, a Gengar emerged from the shadow of one of the investigators, darting toward Klein at an incredible speed.

"Die, you little brat!"

(End of chapter)