Natsume immediately recognized the veteran International Police officer.
Codename: 'Handsome.'
In reality, he was a middle-aged man with a weathered face and a serious demeanor, often referred to as "Uncle" by those who knew him.
This officer had been active across multiple generations.
His impressive track record included dismantling remnants of Team Galactic and arresting the Seven Sages of Team Plasma.
However, due to his lack of political maneuvering and preference for working alone, his merits and demerits balanced out, leaving him without a promotion for many years.
But Handsome wasn't driven by the desire for promotion. He genuinely fought to crack down on crime.
As Saitama would say, he was a "hero for fun."
Overall, Natsume held a great deal of respect for this earnest and justice-driven man.
But now wasn't the time for casual conversation.
Natsume instinctively glanced back at Silver.
There was a good chance he'd be mistaken for an accomplice of the suspect.
The target's sudden appearance with a somewhat familiar young man caught Handsome off guard.
Still, he coughed lightly and said, "Sir, I mean no harm... I just want to ask the young man behind you a few questions."
This was directed at Natsume-sensei.
Silver coldly interjected, "Before you question my hostage, shouldn't you ask me first?"
"Hostage?" Handsome frowned.
Silver leaned closer to Natsume and whispered, "Now, attack me."
This was the best way to keep Natsume-sensei from getting involved.
Though there was a risk of injury, Silver didn't want to harm an innocent person.
Amid the chaos of battle, Silver was confident he could escape.
But Natsume-sensei hesitated, and the situation remained at a standstill.
Suddenly, Natsume's cough broke the silence of the alley.
"Officer Handsome, do me a favor," Natsume said. "Let's sit down and talk."
Both men in front and behind him were momentarily stunned.
The fact that Natsume had accurately called out his codename on their first meeting startled Handsome.
International Police codenames were only disclosed to local police stations during joint investigations.
Could this young man have connections with the police?
On the other side, Silver's usually impassive face showed a rare flicker of surprise.
Natsume... even had ties with the International Police?
Natsume's words seemed to have an effect.
The tense atmosphere eased slightly.
Both sides silently retracted their Poké Balls.
To break the awkward silence, Handsome scratched his head and laughed. "I know a good café nearby... How about we sit down and talk there? My treat!"
After a deep glance at Handsome, Silver silently looked to Natsume-sensei for confirmation.
Natsume smiled and nodded.
He had confidence in Handsome's character.
After all, this detective had once collaborated with the Team Rocket Trio to capture a Team Galactic Executive.
Anyone who could get along with the Trio couldn't be all that bad.
...
Under Handsome's lead, the three arrived at a café in Goldenrod City.
Inside the café's private room, Handsome turned to Natsume, his weathered face showing a hint of curiosity. "Sir, may I ask... how did you know my codename?"
Silver, his expression still stoic, also turned to Natsume.
From the moment they met, this man had left an impression of being unfathomable.
Now... Natsume-sensei's background seemed even more mysterious.
"Oh... I overheard the Jennies talking about it," Natsume replied with a smile. "A man in a brown trench coat, active across different regions... You have quite a few admirers in the police stations."
This wasn't entirely baseless.
In the games, NPCs would occasionally mention information about "Handsome."
For the Jennies, learning his codename wouldn't have been difficult.
"Is... is that so?" The middle-aged uncle blushed slightly, scratching his cheek awkwardly.
While fame was a burden for a detective, it wasn't a bad thing if it circulated within the Jennies' inner circle.
But... why did he know so much about the Jennies?
Handsome looked up, studying Natsume more closely. "May I ask your name, sir?"
Natsume smiled and shook the offered hand. "You can call me Natsume."
Handsome meant no harm, and aside from theft, Silver hadn't done anything truly heinous.
Moreover, the group had heavyweights like Red and Lance backing them.
If anything, it was the International Police who wanted to befriend Silver to investigate Team Rocket further.
Hmm... now that I think about it...
Silver shouldn't be the one panicking. Shouldn't I, as a Team Rocket Executive, be the one worried?
Natsume belatedly realized this.
Meanwhile, the middle-aged uncle looked thoughtful.
Natsume... that name sounded familiar.
Pulling out his mobile phone, Handsome checked his notes and suddenly understood.
Recently, there had been news of police station reorganizations across different regions, which the International Police had also heard about.
At the time, Handsome had looked into it.
Apparently, a young man had developed a "Beat Up Strategy," which had been promoted with Officer Lance's recommendation.
Only now, upon meeting him in person, did Handsome connect the dots.
Could it be...?
Handsome tentatively asked, "Are you... Natsume-sensei?"
Silver glanced at the detective, slightly surprised.
Natsume-sensei's reputation had spread this far?
This flicker of surprise didn't escape Handsome's notice.
"Ahem... just a minor reputation," Natsume coughed lightly, tacitly confirming.
The detective's face showed a hint of respect.
To develop a strategy promoted across leagues at such a young age, this Trainer's future was limitless.
Unlike specialized battle Trainers, strategy-oriented Trainers only grew more formidable with age.
No wonder he knew my codename...
Handsome wiped a bead of sweat. "Natsume-sensei... I apologize for my earlier rudeness. Please don't take it to heart."
"In any case, Officer Handsome, why don't you explain the purpose of your visit?"
The middle-aged uncle nodded.
"Right," Handsome said, folding his hands and turning to Silver. "I'd like to know your father's current location. Of course, as an informant, whether you share is entirely up to you."
His cloudy eyes held a glimmer of hope, his attitude sincere.
Natsume thought to himself, So it's about this...
At the same time, Silver's expression grew complicated.
The word "father" made him uneasy.
After a moment of hesitation, and out of respect for Natsume-sensei, Silver finally spoke. "The last time I saw him was in Ilex Forest in Johto..."
Though Silver omitted some details, Natsume quickly pieced it together.
At that time, Giovanni, with Celebi's help, had already recovered his health.
"Failure is unacceptable... unless it makes you stronger."
Silver continued, "Those were his exact words. To grow stronger, he needed more time, more elite members... So he set out on his own. It's been two years since I last saw him."
Handsome listened intently, a good listener.
"And what about your own thoughts?" Handsome asked.
Silver looked down at the Poké Ball in his hand, gripping it tightly. "I'll dismantle Team Rocket and make him atone for his actions... But before that, I need to become stronger."
Natsume crossed his arms, thinking to himself, If you want to dismantle Team Rocket, just let Giovanni retire honorably...
Your old man would be thrilled if you 'overthrew' him!
Of course, he couldn't say that out loud.
As an Executive, Natsume-sensei still planned to recruit the Trio to work for his company...
"I see," the middle-aged uncle smiled gently. "You've been through a lot, young man."
Silver was slightly taken aback, feeling a strange sense of warmth.
He glanced at the detective's kind expression and fell silent.
"Well... my investigation is complete!" Handsome stretched and laughed.
"Pestering a kid isn't my style... If I want to arrest Giovanni, I'll have to rely on my own strength and my partner's!"
Croagunk chuckled, the badge on its hat gleaming.
"Then... I'll take my leave," Silver said, standing up.
With the International Police's investigation concluded, Natsume prepared to leave with Silver.
But Handsome suddenly called out, "Natsume-sensei, could you stay a moment longer?"
After waving off the departing Silver, Natsume sat back down.
"Is there something else, Officer Handsome?"
"Well," the middle-aged uncle hesitated, rubbing his hands together. "The International Police are currently recruiting talented individuals from various leagues."
"Through various channels, we've compiled a shortlist."
"It includes the creator of the Beat Up Strategy and the leader of medical reforms..."
Natsume-sensei's expression turned subtle.
Handsome looked up at Natsume, his gaze earnest.
"Natsume-sensei... have you considered joining the International Police?"
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