Suicune's gaze grew even more cautious, its clear, jewel-like eyes locked tightly onto the smiling human before it.
It was the earthly envoy of Ho-Oh, entrusted with the duty that Ho-Oh had placed upon the three Legendary Beasts. Before completing that mission, it had no intention of being captured by a human.
Especially because…
Suicune could distinctly feel it—this human's heart was not pure.
"As the emissary of Ho-Oh, you should be capable of telepathy, right?"
Lucas's eyes ran up and down Suicune's graceful body. The corners of his lips curved faintly upward into a smile as he addressed it.
In truth, most legendary and mythical Pokémon possessed telepathy.
For them, this ability wasn't something particularly difficult. But for ordinary Pokémon, achieving it was indeed rare.
Only a handful of exceptional cases existed—Pokémon with extremely strong psychic power or those blessed with the aura ability could communicate through telepathy.
But among the ranks of legends, telepathy had practically become a universal passive skill.
That said, it wasn't their native language. Unless necessary, legendaries usually disliked using it.
After all, telepathy was a direct communication from mind to mind, and most legendaries didn't enjoy opening their hearts so directly.
"Human, you've already gained Reshiram's recognition. Isn't that enough? You shouldn't feel the need to forcibly capture me, should you?"
The silence lingered for a moment, then in the ears of Lucas and his companions, a neutral voice—neither male nor female—resonated.
It was Suicune's telepathy.
"If it's a legendary Pokémon, no human would ever feel they had too many of them."
Lucas shrugged lightly. Who in their right mind would dislike having more legendary Pokémon under their command?
"I have my own responsibility to bear. I cannot allow myself to be captured now."
Suicune's eyes hardened, its vigilance confirming that this human wasn't going to let it slip away easily.
"That depends on whether you've got the strength to resist."
Lucas pulled out a Poké Ball, his smile widening further.
"I've heard that the three Legendary Beasts wander the world for a purpose—to search on Ho-Oh's behalf for a human with a pure heart, one who can become the Rainbow Hero."
"And when that chosen one holds the Rainbow Wing, the beasts guide him through trials until the Rainbow Wing leads him to Ho-Oh at the end of the rainbow."
He turned the Poké Ball slowly in his palm, speaking calmly, almost conversationally.
That was the duty of the three Legendary Beasts.
And in the original story, the one chosen as the Rainbow Hero was none other than Ash!
But that was the movie-version Ash, completely different from the TV-version Ash Ketchum the idiot. The movie Ash's natural talent was astonishingly high.
In that version, his Pikachu wasn't just some mascot—it was a true "Pika-god." In just one region's worth of growth, Pikachu stood face-to-face against Ho-Oh without faltering!
"And what of it?"
Hearing this, Suicune crouched lower, its vigilance intensifying.
Yes, it was true—the legendary beasts carried Ho-Oh's mission, wandering the world to search for such a human. But outsiders weren't supposed to know that.
"Tch~ Don't you think I'm personally quite suitable to be this so-called Rainbow Hero? Why don't you just take me to meet Ho-Oh yourself?"
Lucas raised an eyebrow, smiling at Suicune.
If he could see Ho-Oh and even capture it, then there would be no need to worry about Pryce finding Ho-Oh before him, right?
Granted, his chances of Ho-Oh recognizing him were slim. But people had to be brave enough to try—wasn't that right?
And Lucas always considered himself very good at trying things no one else dared attempt.
Suicune: "…"
Green: "…"
Marnie: "…"
Good grief!
Green stared at Lucas with a face full of shock. Where in the world did this guy get the audacity to declare himself suitable to be the Rainbow Hero?!
Didn't he just say himself that Suicune and the others sought a human with a pure heart?
How could he, of all people, have any connection with the word "pure"?
"Human, are you mocking me?" Suicune's eyelids twitched involuntarily. It felt this human was deliberately making a fool of it!
"Do I look like I'm joking? Come on now~ I've already been chosen by the White Dragon. Or are you implying I'm not qualified?" Lucas spread his hands.
At the very least, he was the Hero of Truth, Reshiram's chosen. Not to mention the chosen of Rayquaza's legacy!
Reshiram glanced at Lucas: Honestly, I think you really might not be qualified…
Where did this guy get the confidence to think he could apply for the position of Ho-Oh's Rainbow Hero?
"Lord Ho-Oh and Reshiram judge by different standards."
Suicune's temperament was evidently good. Even faced with this nonsense, it still rejected Lucas's words in the most tactful manner.
The White Dragon chose based on truth. For Reshiram, as long as a human's true convictions were firm, Reshiram could acknowledge them—whether that truth was good or evil mattered little.
But Ho-Oh was different.
Ho-Oh was innately kind, a legendary who carried a heart brimming with compassion. What it sought in a Rainbow Hero was a soul of purity and justice.
And Suicune could clearly tell—Lucas had nothing to do with purity or kindness.
"Human, abandon that unrealistic thought. Lord Ho-Oh will not acknowledge you."
Suicune shook its head firmly, speaking with utmost seriousness.
It had roamed the earth for centuries, meeting countless humans. Yet even now, it had never once found a true Rainbow Hero.
And this human, whose heart was far from pure, was certainly not the one.
"That's really a pity. Since I can't meet Ho-Oh, I suppose I'll have to wrong you a little instead."
Lucas sighed softly, sounding almost regretful. As expected, he was never fated to resonate with those upright and righteous legends.
"Human, I bear the sacred duty entrusted by Lord Ho-Oh. I—"
Suicune instinctively took another step back. This guy turns hostile at the drop of a hat?!
"That's none of my concern. Come on now~ as long as I defeat you, you'll just have to come with me."
Lucas directly cut Suicune off. He wasn't interested in its endless chatter.
Anyway, Suicune wasn't a high-tier legendary. If he beat it, he could capture it. Why waste time persuading it?
"Moltres, prepare—"
"Hahahaha~ I've finally found you, Suicune!"
Just as Lucas was about to throw out a Poké Ball, a rough, excited laugh suddenly rang out in his ears.
All three—Lucas, Green, and Marnie—instinctively turned toward the sound. Suicune, which had just been about to bolt, also paused, its eyes shifting curiously toward the source.
Another one trying to capture me?
Damn it! Why was it so sought after?
Ah… this cursed, helpless charm of mine!
Suicune's eyes glistened faintly with sorrow. Was being this handsome really such a burden to bear?
The newcomer was a burly man riding a black machine, his gaze blazing with excitement as it locked onto Suicune.
The man wore a tight black bodysuit, draped in crimson armor, a golden mask covering his face, and a neatly trimmed black beard.
"What a coincidence. To think I'd stumble upon this moment."
Lucas arched an eyebrow. This man was none other than his current target—Vicious.
Originally, Lucas had planned to find Suicune first and then use it to draw this guy out. But fate had brought them face to face sooner than expected.
"Lucas, that's Vicious, isn't it?" Marnie asked, recognizing him from the intel Carr had sent.
"What an unlucky fellow," Green muttered, clicking her tongue as she watched the man brimming with excitement.
He'd had a sliver of hope for survival. But now? He was running headfirst into the abyss, without even looking back.
"Looks like our luck's pretty good. We'll be heading for the Whirl Islands this very afternoon."
The corner of Lucas's mouth lifted slightly. Yes, their luck was excellent.
"Hahaha~ Suicune! Once I capture Suicune, then continue tracking down the three Legendary Beasts—I'll become the strongest!"
Vicious paid no attention to Lucas's group. Right now, his eyes contained only the elegant, aloof Suicune, his laugh brimming with arrogance.
He had already tested the Dark Ball's effects with his own hands. This was the most powerful Poké Ball in history!
It not only guaranteed a 100% capture rate but also awakened the potential of any Pokémon it captured, making them stronger—and absolutely obedient to him as their master.
What did that mean?
It meant Vicious had the chance to become the strongest!
If he captured legendary Pokémon with these Dark Balls, he would surpass Giovanni himself!
"Giovanni, that fool. To think he wouldn't use such an amazing invention, even handing some over to me. Hmph~"
"Once I capture these legendary Pokémon, that damned Carr—he'll be the first one I make pay."
A cold glint flashed in Vicious' eyes. Ever since being dispatched to Johto, he had endured enough of that short, pompous man's constant bossing around.
Once Suicune was his, Carr would be the first to suffer!
"I admit, I'm curious about what you claim. But unfortunately, Vicious, you won't get that chance."
Just then, a light laugh reached Vicious' ears.
"Who? Hm? You…"
Vicious froze, then his eyes sharpened darkly as he turned toward the voice.
Someone recognizes me?
His gaze fell upon Lucas and his companions, brows furrowing as he studied the boy in white. There was a faint familiarity…
Yes, he looked familiar.
"It's only been half a year, Executive Vicious, and you've already forgotten me? I can't help but feel deeply hurt."
Lucas smiled lightly at him.
"You're… Lucas? That strongest executive?!"
Under his mask, Vicious' brows furrowed even tighter as the realization hit him.
Yes—he had seen Lucas before.
The Team Rocket's strongest executive, parachuted into Johto. On his very first day, he had beaten Carr into the ground.
And Vicious had been present back then!
Remembering now made Vicious' expression turn extremely grim. He knew just how terrifyingly strong this young man was despite his age.
Back then, Carr had been utterly humiliated, nearly destroyed by Lucas's Tyranitar.
One by one, Carr's main Pokémon had been wiped out instantly by that monster.
It was an utterly despairing scene, one Vicious could never forget—the bloodless pallor of Carr's face, the way his legs shook uncontrollably…
"You have a choice. Come back with me willingly, or die and sink beneath these waves. I'm very democratic, you see—you're free to pick one."
Lucas shrugged casually, smiling all the while.
"Damn it! Giovanni actually sent you personally."
Vicious ground his teeth. This guy was a monster. He could never be his match.
And knowing Giovanni as he did—ruthless and merciless—there was no way Giovanni would allow a traitor like him to keep breathing.
Vicious' heart raced with panic. He had witnessed firsthand just how strong Lucas's core team was.
Wait. Hold on.
No, things were different now! He had the Dark Ball!
Why should he fear this boy?
"Hmph! Lucas, don't be so sure. Maybe it's you who'll be unlucky today! I now possess the Dark Ball—the strongest Poké Ball in the world!"
"No Pokémon can resist its power!"
Confidence surged back into his voice.
Lucas merely raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Then let me show you the Dark Ball's power! Hehe~ Today's the day you pay the price."
Vicious snatched a Dark Ball from his belt, sneering coldly.
Yes—his Dark Ball was invincible!
"What an idiot," Green muttered, utterly speechless at his misplaced confidence.
What was this guy even thinking? Giovanni had dismissed the Dark Ball outright—why would Vicious worship it like it was divine?
"There are always people whose brains are wired differently. They cling to their own little truths as if they were universal law. People like that—well, they're what we call frogs at the bottom of a well."
Lucas's tone was relaxed, almost amused. "But it's fine. Let's keep watching his performance."
"Then watch closely! You'll soon learn who's really the frog in the well!"
Vicious' eyes grew icy cold. So arrogant even now? Good—he would savor the look of despair on that boy's face.
His gaze snapped to Suicune. That was it. Once he captured Suicune, he'd have the power to crush Lucas!
Suicune tilted its head, returning his stare with a baffled expression.
Why are you looking at me?
"Go! Dark Ball!"
Vicious roared with triumph as he hurled the Dark Ball heavily toward Suicune.
In all his tests, the Dark Ball had never failed. It guaranteed capture of any Pokémon. Not even a legendary could resist it.
Once Suicune was his, and its potential enhanced by the Dark Ball, Vicious was certain he could defeat Lucas.
Yes. Everything was falling into place.
The Dark Ball drew closer and closer to Suicune. Vicious' lips twisted into a feral grin.
Lucas's expression, meanwhile, was one of mild curiosity. He almost looked forward to seeing how much power the Dark Ball could really squeeze out of Suicune.
But then—
Clatter!
The sound of the Dark Ball hitting the ground echoed sharply.
And then…
Vicious: "…"
Lucas: "…"
Suicune cast a doubtful glance at the pitch-black Poké Ball lying by its side, then immediately turned its eyes toward Vicious, filled with utter disdain.
Was this human an idiot? Did he really think that by simply tossing a ball so carelessly, he could actually hit it?
Did he think the title of Legendary Beasts was just for show? It was the embodiment of the North Wind!
"This… this…"
Vicious stood frozen, his gaze locked blankly on the Dark Ball that had completely missed its mark. Feeling the undisguised contempt radiating from Suicune's eyes, he couldn't help but clutch the spot over his heart with his hand.
He actually… he actually threw the Dark Ball into thin air! Vicious felt as if he could hardly breathe anymore…
(End of Chapter)
Lmao