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"So that's what it is! I've seen the torch being lit on TV during the opening ceremony before, but this is my first time seeing it on the road!"
Misty finally understood after listening to Ash's explanation. They were cutting it close—there were only two days left before the Indigo Plateau Conference began.
The timing made sense. It would take about a day to travel from Viridian City to the Pokémon League, so everything should line up perfectly.
"But with this kind of relay method, aren't you worried about wind or rain putting it out?" Misty asked, glancing at the still-quiet streets around them.
"There's no need to worry. The sacred flame comes from Moltres itself, so it will never go out!" Ash explained, addressing Misty's concern.
The sacred fire used in each League competition wasn't just any ordinary flame. For example, the Kanto Region used the flame of Moltres, one of the legendary bird Pokémon.
The Johto Region used flames from Ho-Oh that had been preserved in the Bell Tower in Ecruteak City since ancient times. These legendary flames possessed special properties that prevented them from being extinguished.
"The flames of Moltres? That sounds amazing! I can't wait to see it!"
Hearing this, Misty's eyes lit up with anticipation. Even though she had actually encountered Moltres before, she hadn't really had the chance to appreciate it properly during that chaotic situation.
"It's coming!"
"The sacred fire is here!"
Suddenly, excited voices rippled through the crowd. Soon, a figure appeared in the distance, jogging steadily toward them.
It was the torch bearer, running with the sacred flame held high. After reaching the designated spot, another runner would take over and continue the relay.
A bus followed close behind. Standing on top of it was an elderly man with a distinctive white beard. Despite his stooped posture, he radiated energy and authority. Several police motorcycles formed a protective escort around the vehicle.
"That's the flame of Moltres! I wish I could be one of the torch bearers!"
Misty watched with obvious envy. Being chosen for such an important role would be incredible—her sisters would be so jealous! Unfortunately, all the runners had already been selected long ago.
Ash's attention, however, was focused on the elderly man standing atop the bus behind the torch runner. This man's identity was truly exceptional.
His name was Charles Goodshow, the chairman of the League Executive Committee responsible for safeguarding the sacred fire. He also served as the head organizer of the Pokémon League Conference and was, in fact, the original founder of the entire Pokémon League Conference system.
While the Kanto Region might have lost some of its former glory over the years, and its overall Trainer skill level was no longer the highest among all regions, it remained the birthplace of the League Conference itself.
The entire Alliance Conference system had been established by this very man standing before them. For decades, he had devoted himself to managing and improving the competition.
His dedication to discovering and nurturing talented Trainers had inspired other regions to create their own League Conferences, which was why major tournaments now existed throughout the Pokémon world.
He was someone who had devoted his entire life to the Pokémon League. It was no exaggeration to call Charles Goodshow one of the most important figures in the history of the Pokémon League.
Clap clap clap clap!
At that moment, applause erupted from both sides of the street. The spectators began clapping spontaneously—first to honor President Charles, and second to celebrate the sacred flame of passion burning brightly before them.
CRASH!
"AHHH!"
Without warning, a terrifying sound shattered the peaceful moment. As the bus following the torch bearer moved forward, the road suddenly collapsed beneath it.
The police motorcycles escorting the vehicle fell into the crater as well. Chaos erupted instantly, and the surrounding citizens screamed in panic.
The bodyguards aboard the bus reacted with impressive speed, quickly grabbing President Charles to prevent him from falling off the tilting vehicle.
"What's happening?" Officer Jenny, who had been following on a motorcycle that managed to avoid the collapse, stared at the scene in shock.
Whoooosh!
But before anyone could respond, thick black smoke billowed down from above. The torch runner who had just passed the collapsed area took another step, then turned around to see what was happening behind him. Black smoke surrounded him from all directions.
In an instant, the entire area was engulfed in the dark haze. A panicked expression crossed his face as he felt something tugging forcefully at the torch in his hand.
"Prepare for trouble!"
"And make it double!"
"To protect the world from devastation!"
"To unite all peoples within our nation!"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"
"Meowth! That's right!"
The familiar motto echoed from above. Everyone looked up to see a Meowth hot air balloon floating in the sky.
At the same time, a mechanical arm had seized the sacred fire's torch and was lifting it into the air.
"Oh no! The sacred fire is being stolen!" Officer Jenny exclaimed, watching the scene unfold with a horrified expression.
These were the same criminals who had topped Team Rocket's wanted list in Viridian City for years. The figures in the hot air balloon were none other than Jessie and James.
"Why is it these two again!" Misty said angrily from beside Ash.
These troublemakers never knew when to quit. Now they had even set their sights on the sacred fire itself!
"Hahaha! We'll be taking Moltres's flame!"
From atop the hot air balloon, Jessie and James laughed triumphantly. Nearby, their Weezing floated in the air, continuously releasing thick black smoke to cover their escape.
They had originally sneaked into Viridian City hoping to find an opportunity to meet with the boss, but when they heard that Moltres's sacred fire would be passing through, they decided to steal it as a gift before their meeting.
"Team Rocket?" President Charles, standing on top of the tilted bus, frowned as he witnessed the scene.
He hadn't expected something like this to happen in Viridian City. It surprised him greatly. They had been keeping close watch on Viridian City for some time now.
Giovanni had been remarkably quiet lately, engaging in no suspicious activities. Why would he suddenly attempt to steal the sacred fire? Besides, the flame should be of no practical use to Team Rocket whatsoever.
That's what Charles was thinking, but from Ash's perspective, it wasn't surprising at all that Jessie and James would pull something like this.
The mechanical arm controlled by Meowth brought the sacred fire up into the balloon's basket. A glass container was quickly produced, and the sacred flame was transferred inside before the now-empty torch was carelessly tossed back down.
"Mission accomplished! We'll be taking our leave now!"
After issuing the command, Weezing released an even larger cloud of smoke. The dark haze grew thicker and thicker, obscuring everyone's vision. Jessie seized the opportunity to steer the hot air balloon away from the scene.
"The sacred flame cannot be taken away!" Charles shouted from atop the bus, his voice filled with authority despite the chaotic situation.
"Yes, sir! We'll send officers to block them immediately!" Officer Jenny responded quickly, her voice sharp with determination.