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Homura truly lived up to being the scheming old fox who once framed Sato. Even after thoroughly searching his spatial backpack, Sato couldn't find the slightest clue related to Team Magma's plan.
However, to Sato's delight, although Homura had been cautious enough not to leave behind any trace of the organization's scheme, the backpack of the female Team Magma member—who had earlier urged him to hurry along—yielded a major discovery.
She had the habit of keeping a diary. Although her daily entries were short and fragmented, Sato finally found a faint clue about Team Magma's plan within her recent entries.
"Volcano… What is Team Magma planning?"
As Sato carefully read through the pages, the repeated appearance of the word "volcano" immediately caught his attention. A bad premonition rose in his heart.
The diary contained no explicit description of Team Magma's plan, but the word "volcano," appearing multiple times, was enough to spark countless speculations. Sato was certain that this operation was inseparable from a volcano.
The moment he linked "volcano" with Team Magma, he immediately thought of the ancient super-legendary Pokémon, Groudon, sealed beneath the crater of Mt. Chimney.
"Could they be trying to awaken Groudon again? But as far as I know, once the League learned that Groudon was hidden inside Mt. Chimney, the area was completely sealed off. There's no way Team Magma could break through the League's defenses head-on."
"And if they intend to awaken Groudon, why did they appear on Route 117?"
"No… that's not right. Homura encountered me because of Seviper. Their presence on Route 117 was probably just passing through. Their destination wasn't Route 117. So where were they really headed?"
"I can't figure it out… I just can't."
Following the thread of "volcano," Sato tried to deduce Team Magma's goal, but soon found himself stuck. The key question—where Homura and his group were truly headed—blocked his reasoning entirely. Without knowing their destination, he couldn't connect it logically to Groudon. It was a dead end.
"Forget it. When the sky falls, the tall ones hold it up. I'm insignificant—this isn't my fight. Let the League deal with the headache."
After pondering fruitlessly for a while, Sato stopped thinking about it, mocking himself slightly.
Still, no matter what, this operation by Team Magma was certainly another extremely dangerous move.
Even though he didn't want to get involved, Sato ultimately decided to anonymously mail the diary to the League branch in Mauville City. Whether the League chose to take it seriously was no longer his concern.
"That's the situation. The rest is up to you."
To be safe, however, Sato eventually contacted the Dragon-type Elite Four member Drake and slightly polished the details of his encounter with Team Magma that night before reporting it.
"This intelligence is very important. I'll personally retrieve that diary and report it directly to the League."
At the same time, Drake—currently at the Hoenn League headquarters on Victory Road—changed expression after hearing Sato's report. He gave a solemn assurance.
Drake normally handled maritime security in Hoenn and was less informed about inland matters. But as a high-ranking League official, he still knew more than most.
Recently, Team Aqua had quieted down significantly, while Team Magma had become unusually active.
After hearing Sato's account and the diary's contents, Drake immediately realized—just like Sato—that Team Magma was likely planning something major. The League had to take it seriously.
"Good. Then I'll leave it to you. I won't get involved. Goodbye."
Hearing Drake's response, Sato felt much more at ease and prepared to end the call.
"Wait, kid! Have you thought it over? If you agree to join, I'll personally guarantee and recommend you. You don't have to worry about your past. With the contributions you've made, the League will overlook previous matters."
Before Sato could hang up, Drake hurriedly added.
In fact, more than a month ago, Drake had already extended an olive branch to Sato. Back then, Sato declined. Now, over a month later, Drake brought it up again.
"I'm used to living freely like drifting clouds and wild cranes. I won't join. Maybe if I ever get bored, I'll consider it. That's all—hanging up."
Hearing the proposal again, Sato shook his head and once more refused Drake's goodwill.
"This brat—he actually hung up on me."
Drake had intended to persuade him further, but seeing that the call had truly ended, he stomped his foot in frustration and stared helplessly at the communicator in his hand.
At the same time, Sato lowered his own communicator, equally helpless in thought.
"I'm sorry, old sir. I already have a better path. Yours won't work in the long run."
He understood clearly that although Drake held a high position within the Hoenn League, and could easily secure him favor and promotion through recommendation, it wasn't sustainable.
Drake was old. Though still vigorous, no one could guarantee he wouldn't suddenly fall ill and pass away.
If the Dragon-type Elite fell, Sato's backing within the League would vanish. Given his criminal record, no matter how strong he was, he would inevitably be marginalized.
In contrast, his alternate identity, Tyler, had already successfully joined the League. Though currently only an outer member, Tyler's background was spotless—untouchable.
Moreover, Tyler had formed a connection with Steven, the League Champion. The growth potential of that identity within the League was nearly limitless.
Sato firmly believed that as long as he demonstrated sufficient strength—say, by winning a regional League Conference—he would earn not only the League's trust, but genuine reliance.
Compared like this, Sato didn't even need half a second to decide which path to choose.