Chapter 181: Controlling the Narrative
Nurse Joy listened intently as Xiu laid out his proposed counter-strategy as Professor Oak added his own credibility, endorsing the plan while perhaps softening some of Xiu's more ruthless-sounding justifications.
Despite the inherent risks Xiu had acknowledged – managing the logistics, potential infiltration, and the sheer cost – Head Nurse Joy recognized the potential. Her current approach was reactive, stretched thin. Xiu's plan, while bold, offered a proactive path, a way to regain the initiative.
"It's... unconventional," Nurse Joy admitted after a moment of careful consideration, her gaze sharp as she assessed Xiu. "And highly risky." She looked from Xiu to Oak, then seemed to reach a decision. Her usual calm returned, now overlaid with steely resolve. She slapped her hand firmly on the desk. "But desperate times require desperate measures. Proceed. You have my authorization. Coordinate with Sachiko for necessary resources and permits."
With Nurse Joy's approval secured, the plan moved into immediate execution. Xiu first accompanied Professor Oak to the main entrance of the Pokémon Center, where a small camera crew – hastily borrowed from the tournament broadcast team – was setting up.
As instructed, Pokémon Center staff, posing as concerned tourists with luggage, began filtering into the background of the shot, creating an image of refuge seekers arriving. The cameras started rolling as Professor Oak, shedding his earlier weariness and stepping effortlessly into his public persona, addressed the camera directly.
He spoke calmly, acknowledging the recent disturbing incidents but emphasizing the Pokémon Center's commitment to public safety. He announced the opening of the arena as a temporary shelter for displaced visitors, outlined basic procedures, and guaranteed adequate food and security under the Center's protection.
His familiar face, his trusted voice, projected an aura of calm authority designed to quell panic. The camera lingered on shots of staff courteously guiding the 'tourists' inside.
Once the short public service announcement was filmed, the 'tourists' quickly reverted to their staff roles, preparing for the real influx. The propaganda piece was rushed to editing, destined for broadcast on city-wide channels and looped playback on sound trucks that were already being dispatched throughout the city.
"Excellent performance, Professor," Xiu commented dryly as Oak joined him by the waiting response vehicle. "Very convincing."
"Mastering the direction of public opinion is key," Oak retorted, echoing Xiu's earlier sentiment, though a hint of satisfaction showed in his eyes. "Besides, the battle camera team at the venue were completely on standby" he added, gesturing towards the departing camera crew, "It would be a waste to leave them there. Now, let's get to your friend's storefront. Time for the next phase."
Xiu took the driver's seat, Oak settling beside him. As they drove, they could already hear the amplified sound of Oak's message beginning to play from one of the deployed propaganda trucks nearby. Tourists on the street paused, listening, expressions shifting from anxiety to cautious relief. Some began changing direction, heading towards the Pokémon Center.
Their destination was the small, nondescript storefront near the market district that Kurokawa had secured earlier, intended as the primary distribution point for their independent food supply. As they approached, explosions suddenly rocked a nearby district – a series of booms followed by rising smoke visible even several streets away.
"Seems your counter-move has provoked a reaction," Oak observed calmly, watching the smoke plume. "They're escalating."
Xiu remained focused on driving, navigating streets where emergency vehicles now sped past with increasing frequency. More incidents were breaking out – small fires, localized disturbances— diversionary tactics by Team Rocket.
Ironically, the scattered attacks seemed to be having the opposite of their intended effect; instead of increasing general panic, they appeared to be reinforcing Oak's message, driving more tourists towards the perceived safety of the Pokémon Center.
They arrived at the storefront. It looked abandoned, the rolling shutter pulled halfway down. Xiu parked nearby, instructed Oak to wait, then ducked under the shutter.
Inside, the warehouse space was dimly lit, stacked high with the recently arrived sacks of grain from Pewter City. Xiaoyuan sat slumped in a folding chair near the entrance, a logistics ledger open in her lap, fast asleep, her head tilted to one side. Pichu dozed peacefully on a nearby grain sack.
The small electric mouse woke instantly as Xiu entered, chirping softly. Xiaoyuan startled awake at the sound, blinking owlishly before recognizing Xiu. The ledger slipped from her lap, scattering papers.
"Wh-what? You scared me," she mumbled, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"Time to open shop," Xiu said simply, turning and heaving the heavy rolling shutter upwards, flooding the space with daylight.
Oak entered, followed closely by the camera crew and several Pokémon Center staff members dressed in plain clothes – the designated 'customers' for the next staged filming segment. Xiaoyuan stared, confused and still groggy, as the crew quickly set up lights and cameras.
"Prepare to film!" Xiu called out, taking charge. The staff actors began arranging themselves into a convincing queue.
Xiaoyuan finally grasped what was happening. "Wait, filming? Here?"
"Exactly," Xiu confirmed. He looked her over critically. "You, however," he stated bluntly, pulling her gently away from the makeshift counter area, "look exhausted and frankly, not very customer-friendly right now." He turned to one of the younger, more presentable female Pokémon Center staff. "You'll play the shopkeeper. Here are the lines." He handed her a pre-written script emphasizing affordable prices and ample supply.
Xiaoyuan stood dumbfounded as the staff took her place behind the counter. My operation... and I'm sidelined?
The filming began. The shopkeeper recited her lines, interacting cheerfully with the customers, emphasizing the low prices and availability of essential goods. Professor Oak stepped into frame periodically, acting as a concerned citizen discovering this source of affordable food, praising the initiative and implicitly vouching for its legitimacy.
"Why?" Xiaoyuan hissed at Xiu, pulling him aside, keeping her voice low but furious. "I prepared all morning! I organized the shipments! This is my setup!"
Xiu didn't look at her, his gaze fixed intently on the street outside the open storefront, scanning the passersby. Sigh, he sighed, his voice barely audible. "Think. Your face is now directly associated with a large sum of money Oak just transferred. You were just in a meeting with Nurse Joy discussing the market being potentially linked to Team Rocket.
Putting your face on a widely broadcast news segment right now means that you're painting yourself red for a bull to see." He finally glanced at her. "I'm just protecting you."
The implication hit Xiaoyuan like a physical blow. She remembered the danger, the ruthlessness Oak had described. Her anger instantly evaporated, replaced by a chilling fear. She instinctively grabbed Xiu's arm, looking up at his face, searching for reassurance. "I... I didn't think... I'm sorry."
"It's fine," Xiu said curtly, gently removing her hand from his arm. "Just think beyond the immediate task and consider the wider implications..."
His words trailed off. His eyes narrowed, focusing on two figures dressed in simple, unremarkable clothes, loitering across the street, trying too hard to look casual. They hadn't been there moments ago.
Xiaoyuan noticed his sudden tension. "Xiu? What is it?" She started to follow his gaze.
"Don't look," Xiu commanded sharply, pulling her slightly behind him. "Scizor's Poké Ball. Give it to me. Now."
Startled, Xiaoyuan fumbled for the Poké Ball at her belt and pressed it quickly into his hand, her voice trembling slightly. "What's happening?"
"Just stay behind me," Xiu instructed, his voice calm but his posture radiating readiness. He didn't turn back towards the figures across the street, instead continuing to watch the filming crew as if nothing was wrong, projecting an air of casual oversight. His peripheral vision, however, tracked them intently.
The filming concluded just as the two figures across the street suddenly stopped pretending. They broke into a run, heading directly towards the open storefront, their hands moving towards their waists – reaching for Poké Balls.
Xiaoyuan gasped, instinctively turning towards the threat despite Xiu's warning.
The two men were closing fast. Just as their fingers closed around their Poké Balls, a streak of white erupted from seemingly nowhere beside Xiu. It shot across the street with incredible speed, unfolding mid-air into a rapidly expanding net of sticky, white strands.
Before the two men could react or release their Pokémon, the net enveloped them completely, tangling their limbs. More strands shot out in quick succession, wrapping around them, immobilizing them within seconds, cocooning them completely on the pavement like a caterpillar about to turn into a butterfly
It was a String Shot. Deployed with blinding speed and precision.