After wrapping up the farce caused by Team Magma, Ash and his companions were questioned by Officer Jenny. During the interrogation, they learned that Team Magma had stolen the scorched rock treasured in the Oceanic Museum—right while they were confronting Ash.
"So that's what happened. Those wretched members of Team Magma, don't let me run into them again," Ash said with extreme anger upon learning the outcome. In the end, May and Natsuki managed to calm him down. As the three of them made their way back, Director Stern sent someone over to relay a message: because the situation was rather serious, he wouldn't be able to properly host them this time, but he would make it up to them the next time Ash and his friends visited Slateport City.
Ash, May, and Natsuki fully understood why Director Stern said that. After all, the accident had caused severe damage, and with research data and items stolen by Team Magma, the Oceanic Museum wouldn't be able to reopen for quite some time. The three returned to the Pokémon Center, reunited with Brock—who had been waiting there for a while—and told him everything that had just happened. After listening to the recount, Brock said, "Since this matter is temporarily resolved, let's set off tomorrow morning. We've stayed in Slateport City for quite a while now." Hearing that they would be leaving tomorrow, Ash, May, and Natsuki all nodded in agreement, then each went back to their rooms to rest.
Chapter 77