Pokémon Detective Case Files

Chapter 329 The Poison Den - A Letter of Appeal Across the Ocean

Chapter 331 The Poison Den - A Letter of Appeal Across the Ocean

These two interviewers from the Hoenn region were not involved in the poisoning incident, nor did they possess the professional skills to assist in solving the case. Therefore, they did not accompany Azur Lane and Officer Jenny to the Flying Cloud Police Station in the afternoon.

After finishing their research work with Mr. Kusanagi, the two left the Hasuu Residence and returned to the hotel they had booked before arriving in Unova.

After settling their luggage and organizing the video footage and travel notes they had recorded during the day, Dai and Mary naturally became interested in the latest developments regarding the poisoning incident.

So, they tried calling the Azure Detective they'd met during the day. "Oh, the poisoning case over there is basically solved. It's just that it's led to an even more serious incident... I have a detective's duty of confidentiality, so I can't reveal details right now."

"That's what Miss Azure said when she received the call."

"An even more alarming incident... Could it be that the suspect escaped from their hideout? Or is there a deeper conspiracy behind this crime, like Team Aqua or Team Magma?"

Mary couldn't help but press on, driven by her professional instincts. Before she could even finish her sentence, she already regretted her impulsive persistence.

Azure Detective also sounded slightly embarrassed: "Although I really want to reveal some harmless information, Officer Jenny is glaring at me like an angry Dodori, so let's talk about something less sensitive."

"Oh, I'm sorry, you're right—so, does Detective Hugo from your agency have time for an interview?"

"Well, you can't be sure about that."

"I'm sorry," said the Azure Detective.

"It seems that the station chief has gotten involved in some inexplicable incident again today, and his planned schedule has been completely disrupted. However, he will be coming to Feiyun Police Station tonight."

Upon hearing this news, the two journalists naturally lost all interest in soundly sleeping in their hotel room.

They raced against time, sneaking out in the dark and heading straight to Feiyun Police Station with their photography equipment.

So, "I see, the written interview with Zijin TV? Speaking of which, there is such a thing; it was indeed my oversight and I forgot."

"I'm truly sorry. Although it might sound like an excuse, there have been just too many unexpected incidents lately, and even as a detective, I'm a bit overwhelmed."

Late at night, in the interrogation room kindly provided by Officer Jenny, Hugo sat facing two interviewees.

Since the detective politely declined the request to leave video footage, the cameraman Dai had nothing else to do but participate in the conversation with his partner.

"No, no, it's us who's causing all this trouble. We changed the interview method at the last minute. By the way, Mr. Hugo, Champion Daigo entrusted us to deliver this to you—"

Seeing that the detective's personality was much more easygoing than she had imagined, reporter Mary breathed a sigh of relief and quickly greeted Dai.

The latter took out the commissioned props from his camera bag and carefully handed them to Hugo.

"Is this the Key Stone for Mega Evolution?"

The detective looked surprised as he looked at the pendant inlaid with colorful gemstones.

Mary nodded: "This is one of Steven's collection items. It was personally dug, collected, and polished by Mr. Steven himself, and finally made into what it is now. It is a key item that can be used to activate the Mega Evolution of a Pokémon. The champion heard that someone in the Unova region needed this stone, so he asked us to pass it on to you."

"What a precious gift!" Hugo exclaimed. "Due to supply and demand, although the mining volume of Evolution Keystones is more abundant than that of their paired Mega Stones, their market price is several times higher."

"Mr. Daigo said that the stones displayed in the shop window are beautiful, but they are ultimately too lonely. They should be allowed to shine in the right hands, so as to do justice to the brilliance that has been buried deep underground for tens of thousands of years."

The reporter repeated the message the client had given when entrusting the props, but Hugo just smiled and shrugged—"The lady who needs the keystone probably won't accomplish anything particularly brilliant. However, she and her similar dolls have a deep and abiding affection for each other."

It can indeed make this keystone glow, in a physical sense—we've already tested that.

The detective readily accepted the Keystone, pondering what gift to give his colleague from Hoenn, while continuing to question the two interviewers: "Marie, Dai, you two have traveled all the way from Hoenn to Unova, surely your purpose isn't just to deliver goods?"

Hugo calmly crossed his hands and pressed on with his question—

"The Team Aqua smuggling incident happened several months ago. Both the details of the case and my thoughts as a detective can be easily conveyed through written communication or telephone. And if you want to safely transport such small items, you can simply have a messenger Pokémon carry them on its person."

The delivery was completed instantly using the Pokémon Teleporter. So, why did Mauville TV send you to Unova to conduct a face-to-face interview with me?

"Detective, you guessed correctly; we do indeed have something else to hide."

The reporter didn't hide anything and went straight to the point—

"Since it's already late at night, let's save time for the interview and skip the previous incident. Let's get straight to the real reason we came to UZA."

"It concerns two evil organizations in the Hoenn region and the recent unrest they've caused there," photographer Dai added.

"That's right. After the case that Detective solved, the Hoenn League thought that evil organizations like Team Aqua would quiet down after losing the protection of Hoenn TV. But who knew that instead of disappearing after the incident, they became even more arrogant and launched a series of destructive operations in multiple cities in the Hoenn region."

Miss Mary took a stack of crime scene photos and a Hoenn map marked with various locations from her bag and placed them on the table in front of the detective.

"The timber processing center in Rosemary, the headquarters of the Devon Corporation in Kanazon City, the shipping base and the Nanmu Shipyard in Slateport City, the power plant in Mauville City, the volcanic research institute in Lava Town, the grain storage warehouse in Akihabara Town, the meteorological bureau and spacecraft testing ground in Mossdeep City, the port in Lilycove City, and the desalination facility in Mossdeep City—all these important facilities in the Hoenn region have been secretly sabotaged by an evil organization. Because the saboteurs always operate at night and recklessly destroy surveillance cameras along the way, we don't even know if it's Team Aqua's revenge or some dangerous plan being carried out by another organization, Team Magma, under the guise of this smokescreen."

"Such a big event, yet I've barely heard a word about it in the Unova region."

Hugo keenly noticed the problem and pointed it out bluntly to the reporters.

Mary replied, "That's because the perpetrators only destroyed the important facilities in the factory and did not cause any casualties or Pokémon injuries. The damage to the facilities was mainly concentrated in the most critical core areas, and it was difficult for a layman to see anything unusual."

Places like the Zijin Power Station also have emergency equipment to deal with sudden situations, and the repair of key equipment is relatively quick, so as not to affect the lives of local residents.

"Therefore, since the situation was not serious enough to be irreversible, the Hoenn League forcibly suppressed the discussion surrounding this matter. The League believes that this may be a tactic used by terrorists to create panic in the Hoenn region, and if the rumors are allowed to fester, it is very likely that we will fall right into the trap of the saboteurs."

"It seems the Hoenn League has a much stronger control over the region than we do here."

As he compared the details in the photos, Hugo couldn't help but remark, "But this also shows that the criminals' acts of destruction weren't particularly large-scale. When I first heard your description of the situation, I thought the criminals would at least put on some eye-catching fireworks display like explosions or fires."

The reporter waved his hand, saying, "If there were such conspicuous phenomena, the police wouldn't be completely unable to find the criminals. It's precisely because their sabotage operations are silent and highly covert that the League has been unable to deal with them. Especially in the later stages, police throughout Hoenn have increased their vigilance. Even under such circumstances, their sabotage operations have continued to succeed repeatedly, and they haven't stopped even now."

"I see, is that how it is?"

Hugo nodded, having roughly understood the situation.

"So, were all the cameras at the scene destroyed? Did any of the more concealed cameras survive? What about the cameras in other areas? Did they capture any footage of suspected vandals?"

Despite the enormous scale of the crime, the detective showed no signs of panic. Instead, he calmly and methodically inquired about the details.

"I'm sorry, my previous expression was a bit vague."

Miss Mary shook her head apologetically and explained, "The saboteurs didn't intentionally destroy every single camera. Rather, destroying surveillance was just a byproduct of their sabotage."

"Yes. Those guys used some kind of device or Pokémon that emits strong electromagnetic waves, like an electromagnetic bomb, to completely destroy all electronic products in the vicinity. As a result, the electronic surveillance in those areas naturally became completely ineffective."

Photographer Dai added from the side.

"I see. Electromagnetic interference is indeed a silent and thorough means of concealment. I've heard of cases of theft using this method in other regions as well."

The detective nodded, stroking his chin as he pondered—

"However, why would the Hoenn League focus its suspicions on Team Aqua and Team Magma? Could it be a criminal operation carried out by other individuals or organizations?"

Dai, however, disagreed, saying, "Detective, I think it's highly unlikely that it was perpetrated by an individual or amateur organization. The destruction of so many facilities would occur simultaneously, and they would be geographically distant. Furthermore, the sabotage of these critical facilities would be precise and cunning, requiring considerable expertise. Simply sending out partner Pokémon would be far too much to accomplish successfully and without leaving a trace. Only a large, meticulously planned organization with impeccable discipline could carry out such a large-scale sabotage operation."

"Moreover, all of the facilities mentioned above were institutions that Team Aqua and Team Magma had strongly opposed."

Reporter Mary added, "The predecessor of the Water Fleet was an extreme environmental organization advocating for the protection of the ocean. They strongly opposed the destruction of the coastal ecosystem by the port of Water Seong and the shipping base of Kaina; they believed that the sewage treatment at the Zi Dong Power Plant did not meet the required standards; and they felt that the research on volcanoes and abnormal weather by the Fuyan Town and Green Ridge Meteorological Bureau exceeded the reasonable limits of human intervention in nature."

"The Lava Team, in contrast, is an extremist group that evolved from a terrestrial ecological protection organization. They believe that the lumber center in Gumei Town and the camphor shipyard in Kaina City are destroying forests; they believe that the grain storage warehouse in Qiuye Town has led to a large-scale proliferation of local Rada, which is the culprit for disrupting the local ecological balance; they insist that the rocket tests conducted by the Green Ridge Meteorological Bureau have caused a large amount of land to be contaminated by rocket fuel; and they condemn the desalination facilities in Muddy Water Town for further encroaching on the already small land area. "And there's also the Devon Company in Kanaz City, whose headquarters were attacked as well."

The detective pointed to Kanaz City on the map and reminded Daodai to answer: "Device Corporation has faced strong protests from both Team Aqua and Team Magma for developing new energy sources. They seem to think that what Devon Corporation's technology department is researching will one day destroy the entire Earth."

"Well—just to be on the safe side, let me ask one more question: can I confidently assume that all this information is just the unrealistic paranoia of extreme environmental groups?"

Even the detective started to have some doubts.

"Of course!"

Reporter Mary answered immediately without hesitation, stating firmly, "It's not just the Devon Corporation; all the so-called 'potential risks' of the facilities mentioned above are completely fabricated by Team Aqua and Team Magma. They are either baseless rumors without any evidence or old rumors that have been debunked years ago, containing no truth whatsoever."

"It's not surprising that they would do such a thing. According to investigations and analyses by the Hoenn Alliance and various media outlets over the years, Team Aqua and Team Magma seem to have long forgotten their original mission and have become nothing more than gangsters who wantonly commit crimes under the guise of expanding the ocean and land."

"They didn't even try to hide their depravity, allowing their original rational followers to leave en masse, leaving only the most fanatical..."

The most tyrannical and most loyal organizational leaders gathered a large number of hooligans and idlers from all over the country, becoming two intractable problems on the Hoenn continent.

"They chose a development path completely opposite to that of the plasma cluster here. Is it better to maintain a false facade with lies, or to completely embrace evil? Which path is more despicable?"

Hugo commented with deep emotion.

Indeed, given the nature and scale of the sabotage, the likelihood of someone outside the two major evil organizations committing the crimes is extremely low.

The real question is, which group from Team Aqua and Team Magma was the culprit? And what was their purpose in causing such widespread destruction?

He looked at the two interviewers.

"Is the Hoenn Alliance directing its attention and criticism towards the evil organizations after the incident because those organizations were previously protested against by the two major organizations?"

"Based on the information Daigo, the champion, gave us, that's roughly the situation." The reporter nodded in confirmation.

"However, judging from the locations of these attacks, it's less likely that this was a crime committed by Team Aqua or Team Magma."

It seems more like a product of collaboration between the two parties.

The detective countered skeptically, "Among the damaged facilities are projects opposed by Team Aqua and projects protested by Team Magma. Logically, it should be easy to assume that these two organizations might have reached some kind of cooperation agreement, right?"

"Furthermore, as you can see, Team Aqua's leader's influence in the Hoenn region has greatly diminished since his identity as the TV station director was exposed. Yet, under these circumstances, he still chooses to jump out and carry out this disruptive operation against the Clam Alliance. He must have received some kind of assistance that emboldens him—and such assistance inevitably comes at a price: helping Team Magma destroy the Alliance facilities they want to attack."

Could this be part of the price we're paying?

"I think that's impossible."

The photographer then interjected.

"Whether it's Team Aqua or Team Magma, they are no longer the two extreme environmental groups they used to be. Now, one side aims to expand the ocean, and the other aims to create land. Their ideologies and goals are completely in conflict, just like the ancient rivalry between Kyogre and Groudon. You could even say that these two evil organizations would rather see the other side's organization destroyed than defeat the Hoenn League."

"That's right. In this context, even if one of the two organizations tries to ally with the rival, it's impossible to gain the full trust of the other. And suspicion breeds more suspicion. Even villains won't entrust their backs to a potential enemy who might stab them in the back at any moment," Mary added.

"I see, that's certainly a sufficient reason."

The detective nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips—

"However, even two villainous organizations that are irreconcilable can achieve a performance effect that looks like a collaboration by having an unspoken understanding between them."

"What do you mean?"

Has the detective discovered a clue to solve the case?

1

Seeing the detective's expression gradually brighten, the two interviewers unanimously sensed that the attack that had plagued the entire Hoenn League for so long might finally see the light of day on this dark night.

"Although we don't have concrete evidence at hand, it's a very worthwhile area to investigate. Let me ask you two a few questions first."

The detective placed the heavily marked Hoenn map in the center of the table and asked the reporter, "In the series of factory sabotage incidents in the Hoenn region, which facility was the first to be attacked?"

"I remember it was the Nanmu Shipyard in Kaina City. The attack occurred in early September of last year. A few days later, a similar incident of vandalism occurred at the Kaina City Shipping Center in the same city. These were the first two incidents."

Reporter Mary quickly replied.

Hugo continued, "You previously mentioned that several acts of sabotage occurred at the same time, and were far apart from each other."

How many times has this happened?

"Twice," the reporter gestured on the map.

"One time it was the power plant in Violet City and the desalination facility in Twilight City; another time it was the volcanic research institute in Fumaru Town and the grain storage warehouse in Akihabara Town. All of these were cross-city crimes committed in very distant locations. What does this tell us?"

"If nothing unexpected happens, this at least proves that the sabotage was originally launched by Team Magma from the Hoenn region."

The detective snapped his fingers and said with a smile?

"Information about this operation was leaked to the ears of the Marines, who are enemies of the Magma Team, through channels such as undercover agents and spies. These villains who believe in the ocean decided to take advantage of this opportunity to ride the wave of sabotage and use the same sabotage methods as the former to carry out attacks and retaliations against their own targets."

The two interviewers paused for a moment, with one of the reporters reacting first: "You believe that Team Magma's destructive actions and Team Aqua's actions are ultimately two completely unrelated parallel lines, except that the latter borrowed the former's methods to achieve its own ends?"

"The fact that the event times don't overlap proves this point, doesn't it?"

Hugo raised an eyebrow and asked back with considerable confidence.

"Furthermore, based on your description, I believe that Fleet Aqua has long harbored resentment towards those ports, factories, and research institutes. Compared to the Lava Team's attacks on grain depots, timber centers, and desalination facilities, their reasons for attacking are more substantial and specific. Unlike the Lava Team's fabricated claims, perhaps that organization still clings to the old ideals of protecting the ocean."

The detective tapped his fingers lightly on the table, while the two interviewers grew increasingly apprehensive.

Dai tried asking, "Then what is Team Lava's purpose in starting their destructive activities?"

"This is all just my speculation. But if you were the leader of Team Lava, and one day you were sitting at home watching the news, and suddenly discovered that your rival's hidden identity as a TV station manager had been exposed, what would you think about amidst the celebration with your subordinates?"

"What are you thinking about?" The photographer looked completely bewildered.

"Team Aqua, which seeks to expand its oceans, is backed by a massive media industry. Their ships sail the azure seas and skies of Hoenn and Unova, and their smuggling operations are spread across the world. As the opposite of the former, Team Magma, as believers in the land, how could they possibly lag behind? How could they not develop a strong competitive spirit?"

The detective picked out several photos from the ones Mary brought and arranged them side by side at the front of the Hoenn map. "Food, wood, fresh water, and energy and fuel—do you think Team Magma will utilize these plundered technologies and resources?"

What are you going to do?