41. Silph Tower

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Kai stared up at the building. "Isn't this the headquarters of Silph Co., the same building that Team Rocket took over in the Pokémon games?"

He studied the first floor carefully. Everything appeared normal security guards patrolled routinely, and a bored receptionist yawned at her desk. Yet, something felt off.

Suddenly, the wail of a police siren echoed as a patrol car sped past.

It didn't stop at the Silph tower but continued toward another part of the city.

Kai frowned and listened closely. The sound of distant shouting suggested a commotion a few streets away.

"Weird," he muttered. "Why does the city feel so chaotic all of a sudden?"

Seeking answers, Kai climbed to a vantage point in a deserted alley. From his backpack, he retrieved a pair of binoculars and focused on the higher floors of the Silph tower.

The smoke had mostly dissipated, but through the windows, he caught sight of figures in black uniforms with a prominent red 'R' emblazoned on their chests.

They were herding researchers to other areas while extinguishing the remnants of a fire.

"Team Rocket!"

Kai's eyes narrowed. He hurried to a nearby public phone booth and called the police.

The line rang for a long time before someone picked up. He quickly described what he'd seen, but the response shocked him.

"What? We've already sent officers to investigate the Silph tower, and they didn't find anything unusual," the operator said firmly. "In fact, we've checked twice. The building is clear. Now, if you'll excuse me, we're dealing with real emergencies, unlike your pranks."

"Pranks?!" Kai protested, but the operator had already hung up.

He sighed, piecing together Team Rocket's strategy. They must have staged this perfectly:

Call the police early. When officers arrived at the Silph tower and found nothing, they dismissed it as a false alarm.

Create chaos elsewhere. By orchestrating citywide disturbances, Team Rocket pulled law enforcement away, ensuring no one investigated the tower again.

Control the narrative. Even if a researcher managed to call for help, disguised operatives in the lobby would dismiss the claim as a repeat hoax

"A clever plan," Kai admitted grimly.

Kai snapped a few photos of the tower with his phone and sent them to Looker, the Interpol agent he'd worked with before. The call came moments later.

"Kai! Is it really Team Rocket's doing?" Looker asked urgently. "I'm tied up investigating their base in Celadon City. I'll head there, but I'm hours away."

"Yes, it's them," Kai confirmed. "But their strategy has everyone fooled. I've tried calling the police, and they're convinced it's another prank."

Looker groaned. "That explains a lot. But what are they after? Silph Co. produces Pokémon-related tech, including Poké Balls... surely Team Rocket doesn't need those?"

Kai shrugged. "Who cares? Whether they're after rare tech or hosting their boss's birthday party, we can't let them succeed."

Looker chuckled. "True. But your photos didn't capture much evidence. Without visible Rockets in the frame, it'll be hard to convince anyone official to act."

Kai smirked. "Sounds like you're asking me to handle this myself."

"Not alone," Looker assured him. "I've contacted the Pokémon League to send backup. Someone should be arriving soon to assist you."

Before Kai could respond, the call ended. He tucked his phone away and resumed observing the tower. A few minutes later, a familiar voice startled him.

"What are you doing here?"

Kai turned and froze. "Sabrina?!"

Sabrina, the Saffron City Gym Leader, raised an eyebrow. "You? I was told by the Pokémon League to assist an Interpol operation. I didn't expect you to be involved."

Kai quickly explained the situation, gesturing toward the Silver Tower.

Sabrina nodded. "So we need to infiltrate the building and uncover their plan. What's your strategy?"

Kai thought for a moment. "Sneaking in from the lobby won't work. My original plan was to have Kirlia use Psychic to lift me to a higher floor, then scout with Gastly. But since you're here, let's tackle this together."

Sabrina smirked faintly. "Fine. But let's make one thing clear I'm not here to babysit."

Kai grinned. "Wouldn't dream of it."

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