I, Gary, Want to Become a Pokemon Master

"That's why we have to investigate," Steven said.

"Now that we have a search warrant, can't we just go in and search?" Zinnia asked, puzzled.

They clearly had a search warrant, but the other party was acting strangely—so should they just force their way in and search?

Wallace stared at Zinnia with a confused expression.

"Why are you staring at me?" Zinnia asked again, puzzled.

"No, I just think you're not very smart," Wallace said bluntly.

"What! You're the one who's not smart! I'm very smart!" Zinnia immediately felt insulted. She was the brightest child in her village—otherwise, she wouldn't have become the Lorekeeper's successor.

"Then you'd break in by force? Do you think the people on the Aether Marine Platform wouldn't have a backup plan? That offshore platform is enormous. Do you even know where the research is being conducted?"

"And that platform can also conduct research on seabed resource extraction. If we can't find solid evidence of illegal energy research, we can't act. If we alert them too soon, it'll be even harder to investigate."

Wallace was right. After all, this was a society governed by law. Moving against the Aether Foundation wasn't easy. Even a regional Champion had to conduct covert investigations—open interference was out of the question.

"I didn't know there were so many rules in the outside world," Zinnia muttered under her breath, clearly annoyed.

Wallace then remembered that Zinnia had grown up in isolation and didn't know much about the modern world.

"Then how should we proceed?" Gary asked.

The main objective was to uncover illegal research on the Aether Marine Platform. As long as they had solid evidence, they could legally shut it down and conduct a search.

"No need to rush. Let's gather detailed intel first before we move. Let's head to Slateport City—it's a good operational base."

Steven then led the group to Slateport City and booked rooms at a hotel owned by the Devon Corporation.

By evening, Kennedy had mapped out the layout of the Aether Marine Platform and traced all transport and communication routes with the outside world.

Then, a tactical meeting began.

"Everyone, what do you think of this plan?" Kennedy asked.

According to the platform's logistics schedule, supplies were delivered once a week by a cargo ship departing from Slateport. If they wanted to infiltrate, they could disguise themselves as crew members transporting cargo.

The idea was to place scanning devices on the platform. These scanners would automatically capture layout data and detect any energy emissions.

Judging from previous readings of infinite energy, the experiments were conducted at night—meaning the operators didn't dare work during the day.

"Alright, I've got no objections," Wallace said.

Gary and Zinnia both nodded in agreement.

"But here's the issue. We need someone to infiltrate. Wallace and I are out of the question—every time the platform receives supplies, a full inspection is conducted," Steven noted.

Both Steven and Wallace were well-known Champions of the Hoenn League. Almost everyone in the region knew them, especially those in major companies. Steven, being the son of Devon's president, would be instantly recognized by anyone from the Aether Foundation, their corporate rival.

"We need someone unfamiliar to them. Gary, I think you'd be the best choice," Wallace said.

"Me? I've won the Pokémon League Conference twice. Are you sure I'm unknown enough?" Gary asked. He wasn't afraid of taking risks, but being relatively famous could be an issue.

If someone followed Pokémon battles, they'd likely recognize him. If he hadn't won the Conference, it would've been easier—most people only remembered Champions, not the runners-up... unless you always came in second.

Now it was Steven's turn to hesitate. Sending an adult was too risky—adults raised suspicion. But a teenager? That could work.

"I'll do it!" Zinnia suddenly volunteered, stepping forward.

"Zinnia, stop it. You're not ready for this," Gary quickly said, holding her back. This was someone who barely knew how to operate a Pokégear. Asking her to handle scanning devices was asking for disaster.

"Gary... I don't think Zinnia is a bad choice," Steven said.

"Mr. Steven, are you serious? She doesn't even understand how modern society works. She could blow the entire mission," Gary protested.

"That's exactly why she's the perfect choice," Wallace interrupted. "Because she lacks that understanding, she won't raise suspicion. People will underestimate her."

Gary opened his mouth to argue again, but Zinnia interrupted him.

"Gary, don't say anything. I've already decided. I lost the Meteorite—I should be the one to get it back. This is part of my trial," Zinnia said calmly.

Gary fell silent. She was right.

Delivering the Meteorite to Rayquaza had been her mission, and its loss was her mistake. Now she wanted to make it right. Gary couldn't object.

"Since you're volunteering, I won't stop you," Gary said.

"Then Miss Zinnia, let me explain the plan in detail," Kennedy said, stepping in.

The ship captain handling the cargo had already been paid off by the Devon Corporation. In two days, it would be time for the next delivery. Zinnia would board disguised as a crew member. After helping unload supplies, she only had to discreetly place the scanner in a concealed spot on the platform.

The platform guards weren't strict—they just didn't allow outsiders near. But supply crews could still access the warehouse.

Her mission was simple: place the scanner. To be safe, Steven prepared three scanners for her.

Each scanner had been disguised as a decorative item or magical trinket. Anyone unfamiliar with the technology would think they were just ordinary accessories. Zinnia was trained on how to activate them.

Steven and Wallace also brought in experts to show her the best places to hide the scanners aboard the platform.

After two days of intensive training, Zinnia was able to install the scanners in designated spots—quickly and without detection.

This Morning

"Zinnia, be careful out there. Take this Poké Ball with you. Use it if you get into danger," Gary said, taking out a pink Poké Ball and handing it to her.