Team Rocket had been utterly dismantled this time, leading to an overwhelming number of arrests.
The detention center in Rota Town couldn't hold so many people, so high-ranking officers, including Blade, were immediately transferred elsewhere.
As for the lower-level members, they were swiftly tried and thrown into prison.
Since Klein had played a direct role in the incident, he couldn't return to Cinnabar Island immediately.
Instead, he stayed in Rota Town to assist local investigators and Officer Jenny's team.
However, his primary task wasn't fieldwork—it was dealing with the relentless swarm of reporters.
Though the media was mainly focused on Groudon, Klein, as a key figure in the events, still had to endure numerous interviews.
For the most part, he simply answered questions truthfully, avoiding any mention of deeper conspiracies, his own strength, or the mysterious Legendary Pokémon involved.
As a result, his standing within the League remained solid, and this incident barely affected his reputation.
"By the way, Professor Oak just contacted me. He wants you to bring Gary back to Pallet Town with you.
Apparently, it's because Ash, the new Orange League Champion, has returned home."
Klein raised an eyebrow.
Ash and Klein had once fought alongside each other in Shamouti Island.
Now, after winning the Orange League, Ash was starting to consider his next goal—
And, unsurprisingly, he had developed an interest in challenging Klein.
Thus, he had asked Professor Oak to invite both Klein and Gary to Pallet Town.
Klein wasn't aware of these details, but given his respect for Professor Oak and the potential value of keeping Ash as an ally in the future, he agreed to the invitation.
In two days, he would head back to Pallet Town with Gary.
Since Ash had returned, it only made sense to let Gary be the one to "humble" him first.
"Where's Gary now?" Klein asked.
"He challenged Rota Gym a few days ago," Agatha replied, "and was personally received by Queen Ilene.
Since then, he's been training at the Royal Academy."
Gary had plans to compete in the Johto League after returning to Pallet Town.
And, of course, he had used his natural charisma to win over Queen Ilene.
Agatha chuckled, clearly proud.
"Apparently, he's quite interested in the legend of the Aura Guardian.
During his challenge at Rota Gym, Queen Ilene even gifted him a newly hatched Riolu."
Klein wasn't surprised.
Gary had always been popular with women.
Even a strong-willed queen like Ilene had been charmed enough to entrust him with a Riolu.
Seizing the opportunity, Gary had stayed at the Royal Academy to study the training of Riolu, Lucario, and Fighting-type Pokémon.
That was why he hadn't been at the Pokémon Center to meet Klein.
"Professor Klein!"
Just as Klein ended the call, Gary's voice rang out.
Turning around, Klein saw him approaching, wearing a gray cloak.
Beside him stood a well-mannered Riolu, bowing respectfully in sync with its trainer.
Unlike most Fighting-types, this Riolu didn't exude raw aggression.
Instead, it gave off a composed and serene presence, leaving a strong impression on Klein.
"This Riolu seems well-trained," Klein remarked.
"Thanks! But I still have a lot of questions about raising it.
That's why I'd like to ask for your guidance, Professor."
Gary had seen Klein's Lucario in action—
A Lucario so powerful that it had gone toe-to-toe with the guardian of the seas, Lugia.
After witnessing that battle on the news, Gary had even considered traveling to Kalos to catch two Clawitzer for himself.
However, unlike Klein's Lucario, his Riolu showed more promise in close-quarters combat rather than ranged special attacks.
Since he never forced his Pokémon into unnatural roles, Gary had abandoned the idea of training a long-range strategy.
"Well, since you're here," Klein said, "we'll head back to Pallet Town together."