Viridian City Gym
Standing before the massive white-brick, red-wood structure of the Viridian Gym, Johan took a deep breath.
Stepping up the pristine white stairs, crossing the plaza, he arrived at the gym's entrance.
Bang!
Before he could knock, the doors opened slowly, and Matori—sporting her signature bowl cut—peeked out.
"Johan-sensei, you're here," she greeted with a polite smile.
Stepping aside, she made way for Johan to enter.
As if I had a choice. Johan couldn't help but gripe internally.
The main reason for his visit was Bill's sudden request. He'd been roped into delivering something to Pallet Town, leaving him little opportunity to refuse.
To reach Pallet Town without taking a direct flight, Johan had no choice but to pass through Viridian City.
What Johan hadn't expected was that Giovanni, after sending Matori, Koga, and the infamous Rocket Trio to "test the waters," would also want to meet him in person.
The thought filled him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
He wasn't too worried about Giovanni harming him.
Judging by Giovanni's personality, it seemed far more likely he'd try to recruit him.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga, Giovanni even went so far as to disguise himself as a fossil collector to interact with Red and extend an invitation before resorting to combat.
Even after Red defeated Giovanni, the latter offered aid during Red's battle with Lance.
So, rather than fearing for his safety, Johan was more concerned about one specific scenario:
What if Giovanni reveals his true identity?
That would put Johan in a tough spot.
But for now, he maintained a calm and collected demeanor, smiling as he replied,
"After all, when the boss invites you, how could I refuse?"
With that, he followed Matori into the gym.
Peeking from the Bushes
Not far away, Jessie gripped a pair of binoculars, her voice ringing out excitedly.
"Hey! Did you see that?"
"What exactly am I supposed to be seeing?" James replied helplessly. "You're the only one with binoculars, Jessie!"
"Exactly, nya!" Meowth chimed in, equally exasperated.
The binoculars had been Meowth's creation, but under Jessie's relentless demands, it had been forced to hand them over.
"I'm talking about that hottie with the Dratini—the one who bought five ice creams back in Smoke Ink City! He's the advisor!"
Recognition dawned on James.
"Oh, no wonder he told us to be cautious around the League police. He's a cadre!"
"He's a good guy, nya!" Meowth added with a dreamy sigh.
"And that bowl-cut nerd is clearly scared of him," Jessie observed, feeling triumphant for spotting such a "key detail."
Inside the Gym
As Johan and Matori entered, rows of white incandescent lights clicked on one after the other, illuminating the gym's vast interior.
A massive battle arena stretched out before them.
At the far end stood a middle-aged man in a sleek black suit, his hands tucked into his pockets, exuding an air of quiet sophistication.
This was Giovanni—the current Gym Leader of Viridian City and the leader of Team Rocket.
But to Johan's surprise, Giovanni didn't seem as intimidating as he'd imagined.
Why?
Because Giovanni was crouched on the ground... feeding cats.
With one hand holding several cat treats, he was surrounded by a Persian and a small group of Meowth. One particularly bold Meowth had even climbed onto Giovanni's arm for a better shot at the snacks.
The scene was so unexpectedly wholesome that the tension Johan had felt moments ago melted away.
So that's the secret!
Guys who like cats usually have gentle personalities.
The mystery of Meowth's special treatment in the Rocket Trio was solved. It must have been personally raised by Giovanni—there was no other explanation for its inclusion in a team otherwise comprised of two privileged humans.
Moreover, Giovanni's current attire reassured Johan further.
Although he wore a black suit, there was no sign of the signature red "R" emblem of Team Rocket.
This meant Giovanni likely wouldn't be revealing his identity today.
That was all Johan needed to know.
"Ahem." Matori cleared her throat softly before speaking.
"Giovanni-sama, Johan-sensei has arrived."
Hearing this, Giovanni stood and looked over at Johan with a gentle smile.
"Forgive me for the informal welcome," Giovanni said, gesturing toward the cats as if to excuse the scene.
Johan chuckled.
"I never expected Giovanni-sama to be such a gentle soul."
"Oh?" Giovanni fed the last of the cat treats to Persian, then lightly patted its head, signaling for it and the Meowth to leave. Rising to his full height, he regarded Johan with amused interest.
"And what kind of person did you imagine me to be?"
Johan rubbed his chin, pretending to think.
"Strong. Confident."
Matori nodded; those were givens.
"Ambitious. Responsible."
Matori's agreement deepened.
Giovanni was responsible not only for Team Rocket but also for his Pokémon.
However, Giovanni's smile remained unreadable, his eyes narrowing slightly as he listened.
Then Johan added, "Family-oriented. Or rather, someone who values familial bonds."
Matori blinked, startled.
Family-oriented? Giovanni?
Even Giovanni himself seemed taken aback, though he quickly recovered. His thoughts drifted to Johan's earlier question during their first conversation—about whether Giovanni had children.
Johan continued, "Most of the time, rational."
Most of the time?
Now Matori was completely lost.
What kind of evaluation was this?
Giovanni, however, maintained his enigmatic smile, asking,
"And the rest of the time?"
Johan shrugged casually.
"Emotional."
A man who transformed the entirety of Team Rocket into a tool for finding his son—how could that not be emotional?
The memory of Giovanni shielding Silver from a fiery collapse crossed Johan's mind—a testament to Giovanni's humanity as both a man and a father.
Matori, watching the exchange, felt increasingly out of the loop.
What were they even talking about?
"Anything else?" Giovanni prompted, intrigued.
Johan smiled.
"Possesses the air of a true master."
Though it might sound like flattery, it wasn't untrue. Giovanni's prowess as a trainer was matched only by his willingness to pass on his knowledge, as evidenced by his book Secrets of the Earth, which greatly benefited Blue.
Giovanni chuckled softly.
"So this is how Johan-sensei psychoanalyzes me?"
Johan nodded without hesitation.
"But after today, I'd add one more."
"Oh?"
"You're a gentle uncle."
Giovanni froze for a moment, then burst out laughing.
It wasn't often he felt understood, but this young man before him seemed to "get" him in a way few ever did.
"Well then, Johan-sensei," Giovanni said, still smiling.
"Would you care to have a battle with this 'gentle uncle' of yours?"
Johan froze, his smile stiffening.
Battle? Against Giovanni?
"The battle will follow standard gym rules," Giovanni assured him. "After all, isn't battle the best way for trainers and Pokémon to connect?"
Even Gengar popped out of Johan's shadow, its red eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Ka-kaah?"
Uncle, are there prizes involved?
Johan tried to shove Gengar back into the shadows, muttering under his breath.
You don't even know who you're up against!
Giovanni laughed heartily.
"Of course, there will be rewards."
Seeing Gengar's enthusiasm, he added,
"Besides, your Pokémon seems eager to battle."
Johan sighed in defeat.
"Alright," he relented. "As long as the outcome doesn't matter."
"It's just a friendly match," Giovanni confirmed, tossing a Pokéball in his hand.
With both trainers taking their positions, Matori stepped up as referee, her heart racing with excitement.
"2v2 standard battle format. The match ends when one side's Pokémon are unable to continue!"
The gym fell silent, and both trainers readied their Pokéballs.
"Begin!"
The two trainers threw their Pokéballs simultaneously.
Bang!
From Giovanni's side emerged a burly Rhyhorn, its muscles rippling with raw power.
Clearly, Giovanni wasn't pulling out his strongest Pokémon, but even this Rhyhorn radiated immense strength.
"Oowu~~!"
Johan's Ice Vulpix stepped forward, its tails fanning out elegantly, its eyes sharp and focused.
This Rhyhorn... is dangerous.
Vulpix's determination was palpable.
This time, I'll give it everything I've got!
Giovanni vs. Johan.
Battle Start!
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Powerstones?
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