Chapter 180: Silver Joins the Group Chat
Silver stared in shock at the Masked Man, now unmasked.
In his memory, the Masked Army never removed their masks.
Coupled with Green's strange reaction just now…
Silver regained his composure. "You're not with the Masked Army… Who are you?"
Asahi shrugged. "I never said I was with them. You just assumed it. Honestly, I complimented you, and you attacked me — this was self-defense."
"...?"
A question mark slowly formed on Silver's face.
After thinking it over carefully, he realized Asahi really hadn't said he was part of the Masked Army from the start.
A complete misunderstanding.
Silver turned his head away, slightly embarrassed.
On the other end of the call, Blue pieced together what had happened.
Knowing Asahi as well as she did...
"Asahi, you didn't prank Silver again, did you?" Green asked bluntly.
Silver blinked in surprise, and his gaze toward Asahi became even more suspicious.
"...Ahem."
Realizing his little scheme had failed, Asahi coughed and changed the subject. "Let's start over — I'm Asahi, head of the Kanto branch of the International Police, and your sister's boss."
Silver's attention snapped back. "International Police? Sister Green's boss?"
Did this mean—
"That's right. Green has already joined us. I came here today to invite you to join the department as well."
Silver frowned. He didn't trust Asahi or the League, but if his sister was already part of this...
Seeing Silver hesitate, Asahi sighed internally. If not for Green, his plan to manipulate Silver into joining would've worked long ago — why did it have to be this complicated?
Handing the phone to Silver, Asahi said, "This is your mess — you handle it."
Green: "..."
Though exasperated by Asahi pushing the task onto her, Green knew this was necessary for their fight against the Masked Army.
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In the end, after Green's persuasion, Silver reluctantly agreed to join the International Police.
Partly because his only (so he thought) family member was there, and partly because learning of Asahi's accomplishments gave him hope for avenging himself against the Masked Army.
This was a fight for justice.
With yet another recruit secured, Asahi grinned. "Here's your badge and communicator."
Despite his lingering doubts about Asahi's reliability, Silver quietly accepted the gear without comment.
"Pick a code name for yourself," Asahi added.
The International Police had a tradition of using code names — but since Asahi started using chatroom nicknames instead, the code names had become... a bit unconventional.
Silver typed one word into the nickname box: Silver.
[System Notice: "Silver" has been invited to the chat by "Gardevoir Is The Best."]
Gardevoir Is The Best: "@Everyone, welcome the newbie!"
Jigglypuff Is The Cutest: "Welcome, Silver!"
Psychic Girl Prodigy: "Welcome to the club."
Mewtwo: "+1."
Beware Of Asahi's Scams: "Huh? Another recruit? Did Asahi trick you into joining too?"
Silver stared at the chat, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information.
Again?
Tricked?
What did all this mean?
He looked up at Asahi.
Asahi waved a hand dismissively. "That's just Gary. Don't mind him — his training's been a bit rough lately."
Silver: "..."
Honestly, Asahi seemed way more suspicious to him.
However, unlike Gary, Silver wasn't foolish enough to voice his thoughts — he just kept them to himself.
At that moment, Asahi was busy typing in the group chat.
Gardevoir Is The Best: Done evaluating the challengers at your gym yet? Why are you free enough to spam the chat?
Beware Of Asahi's Scams: Hmph, do you even know who I am? Handling a bunch of trainers trying to sneak by with cheap tricks is child's play. You think this is enough to stump me? Asahi, you're way too naive.
Gardevoir Is The Best: ? Looks like I underestimated you. My bad.
In the Viridian Gym, Gary, who had been scrolling the chat while the staff cleaned the battle arena, was about to smile smugly at Asahi's apology — but then a sudden realization struck him like lightning.
Blueport City… Saffron City… Celadon City…
The painful memories came flooding back.
A sense of danger flared in Gary's mind. He hurried to type a response — only to see Asahi had already sent another message.
Gardevoir Is The Best: @Cinnabar Island Riddle Master, Gary might challenge your gym soon. I'm counting on you.
Cinnabar Island Riddle Master: Got it. (smiles) Also, welcome to the newbie.
Beware Of Asahi's Scams: Nooo, Blaine! Don't do this!
Gary wanted to slap himself — why couldn't he just keep his mouth shut?
Silver quietly observed the chaotic group chat, a strange feeling stirring in him.
He felt a subtle longing to be part of the banter, yet his long-standing solitude made the warmth of the group feel almost foreign.
Noticing Silver's expression, Asahi patted his shoulder. "Now that you've joined my department, we're all family here. Let me introduce you — Jigglypuff Is The Cutest is Green, Psychic Girl Prodigy is Sabrina, and Cinnabar Island Riddle Master is Blaine."
Sabrina? Blaine?
Weren't those Kanto Gym Leaders?
A flicker of surprise flashed through Silver's eyes. This organization was stronger than he had expected.
"What about Mewtwo?"
Silver finally asked about the one person Asahi hadn't introduced.
It was a rare moment — Silver taking the initiative. A sign he was slowly starting to integrate into the Kanto branch.
Asahi smiled. "Mewtwo is the second-strongest member in our organization — right after me, of course. If we ever go to war with the Masked Army, Mewtwo will be our main force."
Hearing that, Silver automatically imagined Mewtwo as a powerful trainer.
Strength was something Silver deeply respected, especially when it could help him achieve his revenge.
After the introductions, Asahi turned to Silver. "I noticed earlier you were trying to catch that Ursaring. Need my help?"
"No need. I'll catch it myself next time," Silver replied coolly, calling Weavile back to his shoulder.
Asahi shrugged, respecting his decision. "Suit yourself. Since you're not catching Ursaring, come back to Azalea Town with me — I need to pick something up."
Silver said nothing, silently following Asahi.
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