pdf-ebookys Chapter 13 The Infallible Robbers
Chapter 13 The Infallible Robbers
Ham, a middle-aged man, is nearsighted and has changed jobs many times over the years. His most recent job is generally referred to as "bank robber".
This niche and unique job is actually not easy. In terms of physical strength, one must be able to fight and be tough, and run away like the wind. In terms of culture, one must plan and scheme, and have a big picture in mind.
At the same time, staff members often need to perform multiple roles.
Beforehand, one must gather intelligence, scout the location, and understand the bank's engineering design and security situation; during the operation, one needs to infiltrate and disguise like an actor, engage in psychological warfare with bank employees like a negotiation expert, dodge traps like a gymnast, prepare bombs like a chemist, and shake off pursuers like a race car driver; afterwards, one must constantly guard against betrayal by accomplices and subsequent police investigations, and if one's identity is not well concealed, one's image may even be printed on a wanted poster...
Although this job is very hard, if successful, a single operation can bring in a huge amount of wealth that an ordinary person could never achieve in a lifetime.
—If it can be successful.
The ecosystem of the bandit profession can be summarized in one sentence: the bold get rich, the timid starve, those who steal a hook are punished, and those who steal a country become kings.
In the past, there was the young Boss Sakaki—a man who rose through the ranks of the yakuza, leading his henchmen to sweep through major banks in the Kanto region as if on a roll call. Accompanying him was an incredibly powerful Beedrill, which first flashed with a cold light, then unleashed its stinger like a dragon. Its unparalleled strength made all the guards and bodyguards avoid it like the plague.
Under the leadership of this great leader, the gang, now known as "Team Rocket," has entered a golden age. Smuggling and extortion are routine, and breaking into vaults is as easy as strolling through a garden. They have quickly built the first cornerstone of a giant black market empire.
However, that group ultimately suffered from their flamboyant behavior and disbanded two years ago during a joint operation by Pokémon Leagues and Interpol in multiple locations.
Currently, there's the Aquarion Fleet, which is gaining momentum in the Hoenn region. These people operate as a gang, and their crimes are always successful.
The leader, Shui Wutong, is meticulous in his thinking. To outsiders, his crimes seem like a dream. The victims of his robberies often only come to their senses several days after the crime, but by then they are powerless to recover their losses and can only lament the Shui Fleet's lucrative achievements.
Suspiciously, despite committing numerous crimes, the Water Fleet has shown no signs of expanding its influence, probably because it is engaged in some large-scale project with significant upfront investment.
The path of crime, paved with blood, is already studded with stars.
After making up his mind to become a robber, Ham carefully studied the valuable robbery cases left by these industry bigwigs, absorbed and digested the essence of their crimes, and also consulted local industry veterans. Finally, he devised a perfect criminal plan.
However, Ham discovered that, throughout history, both in China and abroad, all the great bandits who ultimately achieved success and became legends in the industry were often also exceptionally skilled trainers with powerful Pokémon to support them.
Ham's own Pokémon were too weak to silently defeat the bank's guards or escape from the police's encirclement.
Therefore, in order to make up for his lack of combat power, Ham invited his childhood friend, who was a manager at a security company in another city, to join the criminal gang and plot something big together.
Just as Ham had predicted, his childhood friend, who had always been a bit of a rascal, hit it off immediately and happily joined the newly formed crime squad. Even more surprisingly, his friend had somehow managed to "borrow" a full twelve Pokémon from his former security company—Pokémon that were said to be able to rival the main force of a gym leader.
This is a wonderful surprise!
With the addition of a powerful security supervisor, Ham's team finally overcame its lack of combat strength, achieving a leap forward in overall capabilities. Like a roaring tiger sprouting wings, or a fire-breathing dragon gaining the ability to "store water," the team had finally filled its last gap!
Now, let the spectacular crime unfold.
.
Ham's team's plan proceeded smoothly until they entered the bank vault.
When Ham and his burly-haired companion took down two bank guards and used an illegally modified industrial drill to break through the thick outer wall of the vault, they believed they had one foot in the door of a successful robber when they saw the layers of gleaming gold bars stacked behind the drill.
The thought of living a life of luxury and debauchery after converting the gold bars into cash made the two of them drool with happiness.
"Haha, we only encountered two guards along the way. We must have used our tricks to exhaust those cops. They must be fast asleep now, completely worn out! Thanks to that, we haven't triggered any alarms yet. I reckon by the time we leave the city, the police might not even realize the bank has been robbed!"
Even now, Ham's companions are still cheering for his plan. What a simple-minded fool! He gets excited and shouts over nothing if he uses his brain even a little bit.
However, the previous tactic of luring the tiger away from the mountain was indeed vicious. After all, it was a criminal plan designed by a big shot in "that organization." It was truly an extraordinary fart from an old god.
Whenever Ham thought about the anonymous emails he was asked to send, targeting different trainers and inciting them to kill each other, he felt a chilling fear, like a thorn in his back—what kind of demon, with such profound insight into human nature, could write such inflammatory and evil words...
Ham had no intention of correcting his companion's misplaced admiration at this point. In fact, he hoped that his companion would gradually build up his image as a wise man in his mind. After all, the higher his partner's evaluation of him, the lower the possibility that he would rebel for money.
"You stay here and supervise the Pokémon moving the gold bars. I'll go outside and keep watch. Although the plan is perfect, anything can happen, so be careful," Ham instructed his childhood friend.
"You can rest assured, Boss Ham!"
Hearing his companion address him with such respect, Ham's steps became even lighter as he left the vault.
.
Ham began to observe from behind the bank counter, directly opposite the entrance. The street outside the bank was so quiet under the cover of night; there wasn't even a single pedestrian walking by.
However, it wouldn't be a problem even if someone passed by the bank at that moment.
Ham's choice of where to park the truck and break open the gate was very deliberate. The truck's shadow perfectly concealed the large hole in the iron gate melted by the Pokémon's flames, making it impossible for passersby to notice the unusual situation inside the bank.
Thinking of "inside the bank," Ham's heart, which had just been at ease, started racing again. Although the two guards who were tied up had been knocked unconscious, bound, and stripped of all their police equipment, there was no guarantee that they might have a special constitution and wake up midway through, then secretly contact the police outside using methods Ham didn't know about.
Ham then went to the two unconscious guards, took out a bottle of sleeping pills from his pocket, and gave each of them a handful.
Does this mean everything is foolproof now?
Although there are many alarm devices inside the bank, they have all been destroyed by his Electric-type Pokémon beforehand. The only one left is a hidden device that continuously sends out special signals. Once that device is destroyed, it will sound an alarm, so it is important to identify it. Ham has already told his partner and childhood friend to be careful of that device.
Could a tracking device be hidden in the stolen gold?
That's alright, Fire-type Pokémon can help him remelt the gold. He doesn't believe that after this process, there will be no trackers left.
"It's foolproof, absolutely foolproof," Ham muttered repeatedly, somewhat nervously.
The street in front of me was empty, with only dust blown by the night wind drifting idly by.
There was no sign of the police appearing—success was within reach!
"Even if the police surround this place now, we are confident that we can escape with the stolen gold bars."
The robber, who was wearing glasses, finally seemed to have convinced himself and straightened his back.
The lens, oblivious to the world around it, reflected a tiny point of light.
The robber thought it was his imagination and rubbed his eyes. But then two, four, ten points of light appeared... a torrent of car headlights appeared in Ham's field of vision.
The police car has arrived.