[Pokémon]: Serperior
[Classification]: The Regal Pokémon
[Type]: Grass
[Ability]: Overgrow
[Potential]: Blue
[Level]: 41
[Moves]: Tackle, Leer, Absorb, Attract, Vine Whip, Wrap, Growth, Grass Knot, Leech Seed, Mega Drain, Pound, Leaf Blade, Coil, Giga Drain, Bind, Gastro Acid, Leaf Storm…
This was the information displayed for Serperior.
"Let's retreat!"
Celosia's expression was grim. Even with her Poison/Dark-type Drapion, she hadn't been able to defeat a mere Grass-type Servine. Now that it had evolved into a Serperior, she knew—this trainer was someone Team Flare could not afford to provoke.
At her command, the Flare squad withdrew.
"Ash, that was amazing! And Serperior is so beautiful, don't you think, Squishy?"
Bonnie clutched the little Zygarde Core tightly, overjoyed that it hadn't been taken away.
"They all wore identical red uniforms and moved in perfect coordination. Kalos… why does that sound so familiar?"
Clemont tilted his head in confusion as the group pressed on. They continued their journey with one new companion—Squishy.
Meanwhile, Celosia reported back to Team Flare's headquarters.
"Yes, the situation was exactly like that…"
Her words were received by none other than Lysandre, the red-haired leader of Team Flare. He inhaled deeply, then immediately convened a secure video call with the four squad leaders.
"Representative."
Not just them—the upper echelons of Team Flare appeared as well.
Lysandre, while not on the same level as Giovanni in terms of global influence, was undeniably one of the most charismatic underground leaders, far surpassing the criminal bosses of other regions.
"All plans are to be postponed," Lysandre ordered gravely. "I did not expect that trainer, Ash, to be here in Kalos. This is not good news for us. If he learns of our designs, he might involve himself. A trainer whose strength surpasses even a Champion… we cannot afford to provoke him."
His fist clenched. They had been laying the groundwork for so long. Now was not the time for unnecessary conflict.
"Yes, Representative!"
From that moment on, all of Team Flare's operations were suspended.
Ash's suspicions were correct—the original storyline had been drastically altered.
At the very least, Team Flare's plans were now indefinitely delayed.
"That trainer also seems to have ties with Professor Sycamore. Hopefully, Alain won't slip up."
Lysandre issued a stream of precise orders. Every Flare member obeyed without hesitation. Ash's name, from this day forward, was etched into the consciousness of the entire organization.
Celosia hesitated, then asked the question that was on her mind:
"Representative… what about Z? One of its cores is already traveling with Ash. How are we supposed to act if it's with him?"
Lysandre nodded slowly.
"You are correct. But rest assured, Z will not remain with him forever. When the Core is alone, you will have your chance to strike."
On the other side, Alain also received his instructions from Lysandre.
He was to continue gathering intelligence about Mega Evolution. Ash may have been the one to unearth the Mega Stones and Key Stones, but there were still countless mysteries left unsolved.
And those mysteries were exactly what Lysandre sought.
If it meant waiting longer for the perfect opportunity, then so be it.
------
Ash and his friends, now traveling with Squishy, passed through another forest where they unexpectedly ran into an old acquaintance—Sanpei the ninja.
Sanpei and his Greninja had crossed paths with them once again, and he couldn't resist testing Ash's progress—especially the progress of his Frogadier.
But before any challenge could be issued, Frogadier had already sensed their presence.
"Sanpei, you seem to be in a hurry. Are you on another mission this time?" Clemont asked curiously.
"That's right. Fate works in mysterious ways—I never expected to meet you again here. Especially you, Ash and Frogadier. Your progress is astonishing. It truly leaves me speechless."
Sanpei and Greninja regarded Ash and Frogadier with a mix of respect and intrigue.
"I'm returning to my ninja village as quickly as possible. Oh, that's right, Ash—you also have a Frogadier. How about visiting my village as a guest? Our village has a very old legend… a legend about Greninja."
His words made Ash's heart skip.
"Wow! So, are there lots of ninjas in your village? And what about kunoichi—female ninjas? I want to introduce one to my brother as a wife. She has to be reliable, though!"
Bonnie's eyes sparkled as she teased.
"Bonnie! I've told you a hundred times—I'll find my own girlfriend. Stop trying to pick one for me!" Clemont nearly toppled over, exasperated.
"Haha! Don't worry, there are plenty of kunoichi in the village—and yes, they're very beautiful," Sanpei said with a laugh.
Ash, of course, didn't refuse. After all, the time had come—Frogadier's evolution was just around the corner!
Fortunately, the ninja village wasn't far from their current location.
Three hours later, guided by Sanpei, the group arrived at a mountain cave.
As it turned out, the path to the ninja village lay through a hidden passageway inside the mountain—an entrance only the villagers knew. Outsiders could never find it alone.
Sanpei cupped his hands around his mouth and called out:
"Brother, Leader Hanzo, I've returned!"
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T/N:
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