"That's... the insignia of Shadow!?"
Standing on the balcony and prepared to stop his cousin and Stephen's companion, Lance's face suddenly changed drastically.
Because of Joker's influence, he had always prioritized Team Rocket as his primary target.
But Shadow, the largest criminal organization in Johto...
How could he not know about them?
Ash exclaimed loudly, "What is that!?"
Pikachu, who had not yet fully acknowledged Ash as its trainer and therefore had not activated its 50/50 ability, also sensed the overwhelming intimidation emanating from the massive airship. It lowered its head in fear.
Gary, clearly more knowledgeable than his friend beside him, said, "That insignia, I've seen it on the news before—Shadow!"
Red silently stepped in front of his mother and younger brother, shielding them.
"Hmm? It looks like they're broadcasting something."
In the Galar region, Leon, who had been watching the match on TV to observe Lance's strength, frowned. He noticed the giant screen mounted on the other side of the airship.
Accompanied by static sounds, the screen flickered to life, though it first displayed a snowy, distorted image.
Within seconds, an ominous scene appeared on the screen, one that sent chills down the spines of countless people around the world, including the Pokémon League itself.
["That... that man... isn't he the richest man in Johto, known as Tycoon Grandpa?"]
["And behind him are his two sons, Aldous and Altair!"]
["Yes, yes! I'm from Olivine City. Back when I was a trainer, I even challenged Altair, who was the Gym Leader. He was pretty nice, actually."]
["Nice, my foot! Can't you see something's off here? They're sitting on an airship marked with Shadow's insignia!"]
At the center of the screen sat Caishen, Johto's wealthiest man, on a throne.
To his left and right were his two sons: Aldous, officially a member of the Indigo League's Elite Four, and Altair, the Gym Leader of Olivine City. They stood like imposing bodyguards flanking their father.
Behind them stood a large group of subordinates dressed in white uniforms.
Anyone from Johto could immediately recognize this attire—Shadow!
"Those bastards!"
Lance, watching from the VIP section of the arena, clenched his teeth so hard it seemed they might shatter.
The fact that Caishen and his family were aboard an airship bearing Shadow's insignia spoke volumes. As a special investigator, how could Lance fail to understand the implications?
Beside him, Lorelei's face darkened.
She had sent countless criminals to prison over the years, but she had never imagined that one of her colleagues might be among them.
"If we don't deal with them decisively, the reputation of the Pokémon League will be in ruins."
Agatha, leaning on her cane, narrowed her eyes and stood up.
["Greetings to all members of the Pokémon League… no, to everyone across the Pokémon continent. I am the Supreme Commander of Shadow—Caishen."]
The voice of Caishen, accompanied by the airship's speakers and live broadcast cameras, echoed across the world.
Viewers in front of their televisions erupted into heated discussions:
["Shadow... is that the largest criminal organization in Johto?"]
["Team Rocket in Kanto and Shadow in Johto are said to be the two strongest criminal organizations on the Pokémon continent!"]
["Really? In Unova, we also have this strange group called Team Plasma. They preach about the uselessness of Poké Balls or something."]
["What nonsense! Never heard of them!"]
["Wait, Aldous is one of the Indigo League's Elite Four, right? My God! An Elite Four member is a criminal leader!?"]
["And Altair is also a Gym Leader in Johto. Locals even say he's the strongest Gym Leader in the region."]
["This is terrifying! Thank goodness our Kalos region is peaceful and free of undercover criminals infiltrating the League."]
...
The revelation of Caishen's identity, along with his two sons as his protectors, shocked the entire world.
"President Caishen! What are you trying to do!?"
Chairman Goodshow, who had been sitting at the commentator's booth as a guest judge, suddenly stood up and shouted toward the airship.
He had been wondering why he hadn't been able to contact the family for the past few days. Now, their sudden appearance made it clear they were up to something big!
As he yelled, Goodshow also secretly signaled the security team at the entrance to evacuate the audience. He had a premonition that something major was about to happen.
"Everyone, please leave quickly," said Officer Jenny as she approached Ash and his friends, whispering a warning.
"W-what's going on? What's happening?" Ash asked, still confused about the situation.
"Leave!"
Even the usually silent Red spoke up.
"Those people... they're definitely up to no good."
Blue narrowed his eyes, staring at the airship.
"Blue, let's just leave for now. Without our Pokémon, we're powerless here," Gary advised, pressing his lips together in worry.
Blue frowned deeply. Though he didn't want to admit it, his brother was right this time.
At that moment, Chaishen spoke again on the screen:
["Hahaha... There's nothing particularly special I want to say. I just wanted to inform the world that the era of the Pokémon League's rule is over. From now on, it's the era of Shadow."]
In the past, Caishen had appeared kind and gentle to the citizens of Johto, akin to Hiruzen Sarutobi. But now, all pretense was gone, and he had fully embraced his inner Danzo Shimura.
His declaration sent a unified thought through the minds of the elite members of various Pokémon Leagues across the regions:
"This guy has lost his mind."
Sinnoh - Cynthia: "Is he serious? Are they…"
Hoenn - Steven: "That airship… it can probably hold, what, 500 people at most? President Caishen's strength is unknown, but with just this small group and two subordinates who are barely Champion-level, he thinks he can overthrow the League?"
Steven glanced at his companion, Wallace, whose face was ashen, and couldn't help but tease, "You still haven't gotten over it? It's just a breakup!"
Wallace muttered under his breath, "Winona... my Winona... I didn't agree to polygamy... I only love you... How can I live without you…"
Galar - Oleana: "Chairman, what's your take on this?"
Chairman Rose smirked coldly. "It seems the leader of Shadow is a complete fool. But if he manages to take out a few of Kanto's elites, I wouldn't mind funding the construction of a luxurious grave for him."
In the games, there were countless instances where regional Leagues were nearly toppled by criminal organizations, only for the protagonist to swoop in as a hero and save the day.
But that was just the games. The reality was a different matter altogether.
In reality, when one region's League faced existential threats, even without a protagonist's divine intervention, other regions would step in to provide reinforcements.
The XY anime was a perfect example of this.
When the Kalos region was thrown into chaos by Lysandre and Team Flare, and the Kalos League couldn't handle it alone, wasn't it Steven who stepped in to help?
The same logic is applied here.
Though Caishen appeared to be declaring war on the Indigo League, in truth, he was challenging the combined might of Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Paldea, and nearly ten other regions.
And with his current forces, it wasn't even certain he could defeat the Indigo League alone.
"This old fool has lost his mind."
Even Blue, who was evacuating with the crowd, couldn't help but sneer contemptuously.
On the airship's massive screen, Caishen's smirk deepened.
["It seems you all think I'm joking. Very well, let me give you a small demonstration of Shadow's true power."]
With the entire world watching in curiosity, Caishen motioned with his hand.
A Shadow team member respectfully presented a box to his side.
The box opened automatically, revealing three black Poké Balls unlike any in circulation, their surfaces adorned with ominous black patterns.
Buzz... whoosh whoosh whoosh!
The airship's floor opened slightly, allowing wind to rush in.
With a cruel smile, Caishen lightly tossed the three black Poké Balls forward.
The next moment, all the Pokémon League elites gathered below in the arena, as well as the civilians evacuating under Officer Jenny's guidance, looked up and saw—
Boom! Boom! Boom!
In an instant, the black Poké Ball opened itself in mid-air.
Immediately, the howling sound of a hurricane enveloped the entire arena. Most of the audience instinctively raised their hands to shield their eyes. However, those watching from their televisions in other regions had no such concern.
Wedgehurst Town, Professor Magnolia's Research Lab.
Sonia, holding the yellow rodent Pokémon in her arms, sat beside Nessa. Her expression suddenly changed drastically.
"Black wind!?"
Indeed, a pitch-black hurricane was sweeping across the Indigo Plateau.
"What is that thing?!"
Even Professor Oak, known as the second-most authoritative figure in Pokémon studies after Dr. Stephen, had never seen such a phenomenon. He shouted in disbelief.
The black hurricane raged on, making it impossible for anyone on-site to open their eyes. It also obscured the vision of those watching on television.
Then, a commanding voice came from the airship above.
"Dark Freeze."
Dark Freeze?!
Hearing that name, both Professor Oak at the scene and prominent researchers like Professor Birch and Professor Kukui watching from afar were utterly baffled.
"Which Pokémon's move is that?"
At that moment, a silver streak pierced through the black hurricane.
"Is that Ice Beam?"
Red and Blue, who could barely open their eyes to catch a glimpse of the silver streak, frowned in thought.
"No, that's not it!"
Compared to the usual silvery-white Ice Beam, this one had an eerie dark energy swirling around it.
"Scatter!"
Lance leaped from the VIP stand. His Aerodactyl soared out of its Poké Ball, catching him mid-air as they dove downward.
"Clair! Everyone, move!"
Lance shouted toward the Trainers in the arena.
"Hmph!"
Karen let out a cold snort.
As the so-called "Dark Freeze" attack launched, her Galarian Moltres had already emerged from its Ultra Ball, carrying Karen into the sky. They passed by Lance as he descended.
Lance grabbed his cousin's hand, pulling her onto his Aerodactyl's back. Then, he reached out toward William, who was nearby.
"Give me your—"
Before Lance could finish his sentence, the dark energy-infused Ice Beam struck the ground.
The fleeing audience, who had just managed to escape the Indigo Plateau stadium, felt a chilling cold behind them. They instinctively turned to look.
"Impossible!"
Ash's eyes widened in shock.
The magnificent Indigo Plateau arena had been transformed into a frozen palace!
And those who hadn't made it out in time were encased in ice, frozen in place. Their terrified expressions were still visible on their faces.
"Don't stop! Keep running!"
Bruno's voice rang out.
At this moment, Ash and the other lucky survivors realized that the silver-white frost on the ground was still spreading toward them.
It was less than two meters away from Pikachu, who was tethered to Ash by a leash!
"Pika?!"
Pikachu cried out in fear.
Suddenly, a figure stepped in front of him.
Pikachu looked at the figure in disbelief.
It was the human kid he had always thought of as naive and foolish—Ash?!
"No! Ash!"
Delia, watching from a distance, screamed in terror.
"Hitmonlee, Fire Punch!"
Just as the few remaining survivors thought they would also succumb to the freezing attack, a Hitmonlee descended from the sky. Its fists burned with flames, slamming into the ground.
The ground shattered, and the flames rose, temporarily halting the advance of the frost.
It was Bruno and his Hitmonlee!
"Run!"
Bruno shouted, his back to Ash and the others.
Red, snapping out of his daze, grabbed his younger brother and bolted down the Indigo Plateau.
"Red, look at that…"
Ash, holding Pikachu in his arms, pointed toward the sky with a blank expression.
"Stop talking and run!"
Red's words, spoken today, might have outnumbered all the words he'd said in a month.
"No, look!"
Frustrated with his brother's incessant chatter, Red turned to look—and froze in place.
Hovering above the Indigo League, releasing the dark, icy aura, was none other than Kanto's legendary bird, Articuno!
But this was not the Articuno they had seen in books or images.
This Articuno's body emanated black flames, and its eyes glowed with an ominous red light.
And that wasn't all.
To Articuno's left and right were Moltres and Zapdos!
Like Articuno, they looked different. Their eyes also shone with a bloody red glow, and their bodies were cloaked in dark flames.
The spectators watching from all over the world fell into stunned silence.
Back in Professor Magnolia's lab, Sonia and her childhood friend Nessa stared in disbelief, their mouths agape.
In Unova, May and Hilda.
In Kalos, Serena, and Diantha.
In Alola, Lusamine and her family…
Countless people across the other regions showed expressions of shock and horror.
The Shadow Organization had managed to corrupt the legendary Kanto birds!
"Something's wrong with the three legendary birds."
Professor Magnolia frowned.
Even without being an expert, anyone with eyes could tell that something was off.
"Is this the best you garbage can do?!"
Lance, standing on Aerodactyl's back, suddenly turned his head, glaring furiously.
Below him was William, who had been frozen into an ice statue.
"Cousin! The three legendary birds are being controlled!"
Clair, now riding her Dragonair, called out to Lance.
"I know."
To be honest, the fact that the birds were being controlled angered Lance even more than failing to save the audience.
"Dragonair! Dragonite!"
Lance called out softly.
His signature Pokémon team—Dragonite and two Dragonair—emerged from their Poké Balls.
"None of you are getting away!"
Hearing their trainer's command, the two Dragonair coiled together, raising their heads and letting out a mysterious, melodious song.
The energy from the song gathered and flowed into Dragonite.
"Dragon Dance."
"Draco Meteor!"
Dragonite opened its mouth, releasing a high-density dragon-type energy sphere that ascended into the sky, aiming directly at the ominous trio of legendary birds.
["The League's strongest is leading the charge, huh?"]
["It's said that the Indigo League originally planned to have Lance replace Agatha at this conference. After all, he is the strongest fighter on the scene."]
[ "But the opponent is the Three Legendary Birds. Wouldn't it be too much for him to handle alone?"]
["Just watch, and you'll see."]
Lance made the first move, causing the hearts of viewers across the entire continent to leap into their throats.
The strongest fighter of the Indigo League was stepping up right from the start!
Boom—!
However, just when everyone thought Lance was attacking the Three Legendary Birds, a high-density Dragon Energy Ball glowing with golden light exploded in front of the birds.
The energy ball fragmented into countless meteors trailing golden light, bypassing the Three Legendary Birds and hurtling toward the large airship further above, where Caishen and his team were stationed.
"Get down here… NOW!" Lance shouted.
Lance might have many flaws, but his love for Pokémon was unquestionable.
Since the Three Legendary Birds were being controlled, Lance didn't want to harm them.
If he could eliminate the ones controlling them, the birds would naturally return to normal, right?
The endless golden meteors bypassed the Three Legendary Birds and converged toward the airship marked with the Shadow logo.
"Don't underestimate the power of Legendary Pokémon enhanced by the forces of darkness, boy."
Caishen, showing no concern, stood with an indifferent expression as the Dragon Meteor Shower approached.
The Moltres, cloaked in dark energy and exuding an aura eerily similar to Galarian Moltres, flapped its wings and charged forward.
It intercepted the meteors—faster than the Dragon Meteor Shower could reach the airship.
"Dark Flame!"
Moltres flapped its wings.
Just like earlier with Articuno, the flames it unleashed were entwined with dark energy, the red and black blending together.
It was as if a fiery tsunami rained down from the sky.
Boom—!
The sky above the Indigo Plateau echoed with the deafening collision of fire and meteors, like meteors crashing into the ground.
The red-black flames clashed fiercely with the Dragon Meteor Shower.
For a moment, even Caishen's face showed a flicker of surprise.
"Oh~ so you can block my Dark Flame. Looks like Goodshow had a reason for wanting to push you into a Champion."
"Then… let's see how you handle this!"
Suddenly, a black and gold streak of light emerged from the Dark Flame.
Whoosh—!
The Dragon Meteor Shower, already weakened by the Dark Flame, couldn't withstand the force of this new attack.
Slam!!!
The Dragonite in the center of Lance's team was sent flying backward between the two Dragonair.
It was Zapdos!
With the Dragon Meteor Shower disrupted, the Dark Flame continued to descend.
"Lance!"
"Charizard! Gyarados!"
Lance called out sharply.
A Gyarados and a Charizard emerged from their Poké Balls.
Hydro Pump! Air Slash!
The fusion of wind and water created a tornado-like waterspout, colliding with the red-black flames.
The weakened dark flames were scattered instantly, dissipating into the sky.
"Dragonite, are you okay?" Lance called toward the massive crater below, where smoke and dust billowed.
A burst of orange light shot out at incredible speed, returning to Lance's side.
It had used Extreme Speed!
"Rawr!"
Dragonite responded to its Trainer, indicating it was fine.
However, its large belly bore a bleeding gash that was impossible to ignore.
"Come here, I'll heal you," Lance said.
["Lance—Lance the Elite Four Member—actually fell into a disadvantage right away!?"]
[ "Dragonite is injured, but it doesn't seem too serious. Lance is healing it now."]
[ "So that's the rumored Viridian Power? That's so convenient… but the question is, how many more times can he use it?"]
[ "Everyone, look! The airship is coming down!"]
Lance, the new champion of the Indigo League, falling into a disadvantage in the first round was a shocking blow to audiences around the world.
But there wasn't even time to lament Lance's setback—the Shadow airship was descending.
Both side doors opened simultaneously, and a large number of Shadow Team members jumped out.
What truly terrified everyone, however, were the two figures who descended slowly from either side of the airship, casually tossing out Poké Balls: the brothers Aldous and Altair.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Aldous threw out three Poké Balls:
Regirock, the Rock Titan!
Regice, the Ice Titan!
Registeel, the Steel Titan!
Boom! Boom!
Altair threw out two Poké Balls:
Latios and Latias, the sibling Eon Pokémon!
The entire world was stunned.
This lineup was horrifying.
...
"It's basically a nerfed version of Team Rainbow Rocket," Stephen remarked, sitting atop Latios.