Four days later.

Cain arrived in Goldenrod City, in the Johto region.

There was one day left before the Grand Exchange Market began, but the city already showed an unusually tense atmosphere. The residents, who usually led a relaxed life, were now walking in a hurry, finishing their errands quickly, and returning home as soon as possible.

Although they probably didn't fully understand what was happening, the widespread nervousness in the air made them act cautiously.

From time to time, people could be seen on the streets whose appearance clearly indicated they were not from the Johto region. Their mere presence drew the attention of passersby.

Clandestine organizations from other regions, to varying degrees, were involved in this event.

At that moment, the luxury hotels in Goldenrod City were fully booked, showing the impact of the market organized by Team Rocket.

Simply put, as long as you had money, you could buy almost anything at an event like this—even a pseudo-legendary Pokémon.

Of course, the requirement was not just having enough money, but also the strength to protect your purchases.

Cain chose a regular hotel to stay in.

Then, he made a slight modification to his appearance.

If he showed his true face, he could go directly into Team Rocket's inner circle. With his current rank as an Officer and his quasi-Elite level strength, his voice carried weight at this event.

However, he couldn't let his connection to Team Rocket be so obvious, as that would complicate his position with the Pokémon League.

On this mission, he was acting as a double agent. Maintaining the balance between both identities was crucial.

Besides, within Team Rocket, there were many who didn't look kindly upon him. If they found out he was there on a League mission to investigate them, the situation would become dangerous.

Even if Giovanni likely wouldn't be too bothered, Cain couldn't take unnecessary risks.

He only needed to alter his appearance enough for the League investigators to recognize him, but not Team Rocket.

He would enter the event as a regular participant, gathering information about Team Rocket as opportunities arose.

After finishing his disguise, Cain headed to the designated meeting point for the mission.

There, he would have an entire team of Investigators at his service.

As a Senior Investigator in the League, he would normally be assigned at least three Intermediate-level investigators, each of whom would in turn have three Junior-level investigators.

This was the standard structure within the Pokémon League.

However, Senior-level investigators were rare, while Intermediate and Junior ones were more common. Therefore, some Senior investigators ended up with more subordinates.

Lance, for example, was still officially a Senior Investigator, but in terms of authority, he was approaching the level of a Chief Investigator.

The League was paving the way for his promotion, and once his mission in the newly discovered region was completed, he would likely achieve it.

His strength growth was impressive.

On the other hand, Cain and Steven, though both Senior Investigators, had no assigned teams because they simply didn't want one. The League accepted this because, in part, their appointment to this position was aimed at enhancing their credentials and experience.

Although Steven was only in it for the reputation, Cain did have some genuine interest in the profession.

Cain entered what appeared to be a regular Pokémon supply store.

This was one of the League's secret hideouts in Goldenrod City.

After showing his identification, he gained access to a secret underground base within the store.

Inside, several League investigators were already waiting. Upon seeing him enter, they stood up with uncertain expressions.

Cain glanced at the League badges on their chests and couldn't help but feel exasperated.

"Guys, you're here on an undercover mission, not sightseeing. If you walk into the black market wearing those badges, I doubt you'll make it out alive."

Still, he couldn't scold them too harshly.

Some of them were older than him.

Moreover, becoming a League investigator required significant dedication. These people were committed to the safety of the Pokémon world and played a crucial role in keeping the darker parts of society at bay.

If not for them, peaceful city life wouldn't be possible.

Cain cleared his throat and said, "Greetings, I'm Cain, a Senior Investigator. We'll be working together on this mission."

He took out his League badge to prove his authenticity.

"Yes, captain!" they responded in unison.

There was no contempt in their eyes due to his age. On the contrary, some even showed admiration.

After all, reaching the rank of Senior Investigator was their professional goal—and Cain, despite his youth, had already achieved it.

Cain nodded slightly in greeting.

He observed the group: four Intermediate-level investigators and twelve Junior-level ones. Sixteen people in total, all under his command.

Honestly, he saw them more as a burden than a help...

But the orders were clear, and he couldn't reject them.

"You already know the mission. You have five minutes to change clothes and hide any League identification."

His tone was serious and commanding.

As the leader of Team Heaven and an Officer in Team Rocket, handling a group like this wasn't difficult.

"Yes, sir!" they replied without hesitation.

Five minutes later, they were all dressed appropriately for the mission. There was no indication that they belonged to the League.

Cain nodded, satisfied.

It couldn't be denied that these investigators had discipline. At least their adaptability was decent.

"From now on, think of yourselves as members of underground organizations from various regions. Form into pairs and scout the Goldenrod City black market. Investigate what kinds of goods are being traded and identify the key areas. We'll regroup here at nightfall to discuss your findings."

Without further explanation, he assigned the task.

"Yes, sir!" No one questioned his orders. Even though it seemed like a simple task, they would carry it out to the letter.

Soon after, they all headed to the black market.

Having a group investigate on his behalf would make things much easier for him. Now he wouldn't have to comb through the entire market to find what he wanted to buy.

Cain stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Well, in the end, these guys weren't so useless after all. He took back what he had thought earlier.