Even though Officer Jenny seemed very fierce in the group chat, the Gym Leaders weren't upset. After all, Officer Jenny was merely pointing out their recent flaws. Ultimately, the purpose of the League's Gyms is to challenge and hone the skills of trainers.
It wasn't long before Officer Jenny seemed to get busy, and the tirade in the group chat ceased.
Rota Gym — Dylan: Ahem~ Newbie reporting in. Please take care of me, seniors. (Cute peek.gif)
Unfortunately, Dylan had just entered the chat right when Officer Jenny was in full swing, leaving him no chance to greet the other Gym Leaders.
Cerulean Gym — Daisy: Phew~ Officer Jenny is so scary when she's angry. I didn't dare to say anything. Welcome, newbie~ (Patting cute head.gif)
Daisy, the second eldest of the Cerulean sisters and Misty's older sister.
Viridian Gym — Giovanni: Hehe~ Officer Jenny only does this for everyone's benefit; otherwise, she wouldn't have created this group chat.
Cerulean Gym — Lily: Giovanni is right. But we three sisters really don't have any talent as trainers (teary eyes.gif). It would be wonderful if we were as skilled as you, Giovanni.
Cerulean Gym — Violet: Who knows when Misty will return? I'm worried, and it's ruining my skin.
Viridian Gym — Giovanni: Officer Jenny is willing to give you an extension. During this time, just do your best with what you can manage.
Viridian Gym — Giovanni: Speaking of which, I heard that Gym Leader Dylan recently rescued the S.S. Anne from a Team Rocket hijacking and even defeated Executive Archer. Quite impressive for someone so young.
Noticing the conversation shifting to him, Dylan's eyes gleamed subtly.
Cerulean Gym — Lily: Wow~ That's amazing! So what Officer Jenny said was true? (Admiration.gif)
Celadon Gym — Erika: I heard the same. To thwart Team Rocket's plans, Mr. Dylan must be very strong.
Vermilion Gym — Lt. Surge: Hahaha~ Today's youth are truly remarkable. Even beating Archer—let's spar when you have time! (Grinning.gif)
Rota Gym — Dylan: You flatter me. I wasn't the only one facing Archer on the S.S. Anne; I had a friend who prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
Rota Gym — Dylan: I'm sure if it were Giovanni or Lt. Surge, Archer wouldn't have stood a chance. (Shy.gif)
Vermilion Gym — Lt. Surge: Hahaha~ Of course! I'm Lt. Surge, after all! Just Archer? No problem!
Viridian Gym — Giovanni: Hehe~ No need to be so modest, Mr. Dylan. You're already an outstanding young Gym Leader. The evil Team Rocket should be eradicated. If I ever encounter Archer, as a League Gym Leader, I certainly wouldn't let him escape.
Pewter Gym — Flint: As expected of Giovanni, such determination!
Celadon Gym — Erika: I will fight Team Rocket to the end! (Charging in.gif)
Cerulean Gym — Lily: Everyone is so awesome! We'll be here cheering for all of you!
Rota Gym — Dylan: You all rock.
Viridian Gym.
A middle-aged man in a luxurious black suit sat in a chair, scrolling through the group chat on his phone. His thin, shadowed face and neatly cropped hair made it clear that he was none other than Giovanni, the Viridian Gym Leader.
He was also the boss of Team Rocket!
"Dylan... hehe~"
After a long moment, a meaningful smile curled Giovanni's lips as he gently played with a Poké Ball in his left hand.
"Boss, I deeply apologize."
In front of Giovanni stood Archer, bowing in shame.
"It's fine. If Dr. Fuji is unwilling to return, there's no need to force him. When Mewtwo awakens, he will understand."
Giovanni spoke calmly. Dr. Fuji was a talented and outstanding researcher, a real pity he was lost to them.
"The mythical Pokémon, Darkrai, is a fine trophy."
Giovanni then glanced at the Poké Ball in his hand. Inside was the only prize Team Rocket managed to secure from the S.S. Anne—Darkrai.
"I think only you, boss, could properly wield Darkrai."
"Legendaries certainly have potential, but it has an even greater use." Giovanni's deep eyes flickered slightly.
"Archer, take it to the base and have the team attempt to fuse Darkrai's genetic material into Mewtwo."
Darkrai, being a mythical Pokémon, undoubtedly possessed exceptionally powerful genes. If Mewtwo could absorb Darkrai's genetic material, it would undoubtedly become even stronger!
"Boss? Wouldn't that be…"
Archer hesitated, worried that this might cause Mewtwo to have an adverse reaction. After all, Dr. Fuji was no longer with them.
"Mewtwo is now stable. If we add other Pokémon's genetic material, the outcome is uncertain…"
"I trust Mewtwo," Giovanni replied calmly.
"It is the cornerstone of Team Rocket's ideals and our greatest creation."
Giovanni slowly stood up and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the cityscape of Viridian City. His voice was low and magnetic.
"The Pokémon League could never understand. We've created a true miracle! A human-made creature capable of rivaling 'gods'!"
A hint of irony touched Giovanni's lips. Why did the Pokémon League so vehemently oppose Team Rocket? It wasn't just because they stole Pokémon like any ordinary criminal organization. It was because of the inhumane and cruel genetic experiments they conducted! These barbaric and heartless acts were the true reason the Kanto League relentlessly pursued Team Rocket, with Champion Lance and Elite Four Lorelei leading the charge.
To Giovanni, these two were like rabid dogs, obsessively hating and condemning Team Rocket.
Giovanni never denied his ambition. His goal in leading Team Rocket had never wavered. However, he scoffed at the League's reasoning for opposing them.
Yes, experimenting on Pokémon is cruel, but look at what we've accomplished now!
Mewtwo is on the verge of awakening! It is Team Rocket's crowning achievement! A new legendary Pokémon created using cloned genetic technology!
A man-made legend!
This proves that Team Rocket was right! Scientific progress and technological breakthroughs require sacrifice, don't they? Indeed, too many innocent Pokémon have been sacrificed.
But to Giovanni, it was all worth it! Because Mewtwo was born!
"Mewtwo is perfect! It is the perfect Pokémon!!"
Giovanni's calm voice carried a trace of emotion.
He believed in Mewtwo. It would adapt to Darkrai's genetic material and become even more perfect!
"Yes, I understand."
Archer now fully grasped Giovanni's resolve and respectfully acknowledged it.
Though he had reservations, fearing the high risk of failure and potential harm to Mewtwo, the boss's will was paramount. Giovanni had made his decision, and Archer's duty was to follow. He would always be loyal to Giovanni.
"Go," Giovanni said without even glancing at the Darkrai Poké Ball on the table.
Darkrai? Just a minor inconvenience. Giovanni had long since reached the level of an elite champion; a legendary Pokémon like Darkrai was utterly insignificant to him.
Darkrai's power was something Giovanni's main Pokémon could easily crush.
"Understood." Archer took the Darkrai Poké Ball and left Giovanni's office.
The room fell silent once more. Giovanni returned his attention to his phone. He had met Red before, a child with great potential whom Giovanni admired.
As for this Dylan… he might be worth watching.
Viridian Gym — Giovanni: If anyone encounters a high-ranking Team Rocket member, please don't act rashly. Team Rocket is extremely dangerous. You can contact me, and I'll come immediately to help.
Rota Gym — Dylan: As expected of Giovanni! We're counting on you! (Awesome.gif)
Cerulean Gym — Daisy: Giovanni is so cool!
Viridian Gym — Giovanni: Hehe~ It's my duty as a Gym Leader and a member of the League. (Humble.gif)
Rota Gym.
"Hmph, Giovanni…"
Dylan couldn't help but laugh. As expected of Giovanni.
No wonder no one had ever suspected Giovanni's true identity. Perhaps he even had high-ranking officials in the Pokémon League on his payroll.
Meanwhile, outside Rota…
"Rota! I'm back, everyone!"
A handsome young man, Gary, gazed confidently at the road ahead.
After half a month of intense training, he finally felt ready to defeat that man.
Today! He would avenge his previous loss and prove the strength of the Oak family name!
"Gary is so cool~!"
"Today, Gary will definitely succeed!"
"Of course! Gary has been through special training!"
Gary's cheerleaders couldn't help but cheer.
"Hmph~ My dear fans, let's go inside."
Gary casually flicked his hair and strode confidently into Rota.
"Huh? When did this notice board appear?"
Gary soon stopped in front of a sign, reading the message on it. His face twitched slightly.
'Rota Notice: Rota Street Pokémon Gym welcomes all challengers. Gym Leader: Dylan! A man as warm as the sun~'
Shameless!
Gary cursed inwardly. What kind of person who uses Poison-types would describe themselves as 'warm as the sun'?
Bah! Truly shameless!
"Hmph! No matter what, I'm getting that Gym Badge this time!"
Gary snorted, bypassing the notice board, and marched towards the Rota Gym.
He had captured a guaranteed victory Pokémon just for this occasion! There was no way he would lose this time!
This time, Gary was sure of it!
(End of Chapter)