Pokémon: I’m Really Not a Team Rocket Spy

"Yes, just like that! Remember this feeling!"

Seeing progress finally being made, Maki felt a surge of excitement. Riding the momentum, he decided to have Charmander master Flame Burst in one go!

Boom!

The red sparks collided with the ground, but unlike ordinary embers that extinguished upon impact, they exploded like fireworks at the last moment, scattering flames in all directions.

After the tenth attempt, Charmander finally managed to learn Flame Burst, albeit barely.

Although the resulting firepower was minimal and insufficient to cause significant damage, mastering the first step was always the hardest. Once that was done, the rest would be smoother sailing.

Practicing the move several more times to ensure the success wasn't a fluke, Maki let Charmander wrap up its training.

"Do you need a potion? There's some in the gym," Sabrina reminded him as she approached, the Pachirisu doll somehow back in her arms.

Maki shook his head.

"No need. I have some here that are better suited for Charmander."

His potions were specially prepared for Charmander. Different Pokémon had varying constitutions, and the effects of potions could differ accordingly.

Maki retrieved a spray-type potion from the bag beside him. Manufactured by Silph Co., he had added some enhancements himself to improve its efficacy.

"Open your mouth," Maki said softly. Charmander obeyed without a sound during the treatment process. Despite some stinging pain, it endured without complaint.

"Boo... Booo?"

(Are we done? Can I go back to sleep now?)

Maki nodded and took out a Master Ball.

"Thanks for your help today."

Dragonite casually waved one of its large claws before a red beam of light enveloped it, pulling it back into the Master Ball.

"I'll take Charmander back to rest. Don't stay up too late practicing," Maki reminded Sabrina. He knew she often used meditation in place of sleep, but the two weren't exactly the same.

"What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow? I'll gather some berries to sell and replenish my visible accounts."

Although the Saffron City Black Market operated with tacit understanding from the League, both sides maintained a delicate balance.

The black market refrained from over-expanding its influence, and the League turned a blind eye.

This was because the League knew many trainers' incomes weren't entirely legitimate. If they were to investigate, hardly anyone would come out clean.

However, the black market didn't pay taxes. Allowing it to grow unchecked offered no benefits to the League and would only disrupt the fragile balance.

This wasn't unique to Saffron City—other cities followed the same pattern. However, the presence of Team Rocket in Saffron meant its black market was slightly more developed, though still within tolerable limits for the League.

The Pokémon world, unlike Earth in Maki's past life, had many gray areas. Even the League couldn't act freely, as the greatest opposition to a cleanup would likely come from within.

Maki never intended for his background to look spotless—it would seem fake otherwise.

The black market was a good resource, but it wasn't time to use it yet.

Was the League full of genuinely good people? Some, like Lance, certainly existed, but they often had strong family backing, such as Lance's Dragon Clan.

Recalling Charmander to its Poké Ball for rest, Maki was about to head to his room when Sabrina suddenly called out to him.

"Maki, do you know if Giovanni has any new plans in Johto?"

Maki paused before turning back. "Why do you ask?"

Sabrina frowned, her expression tinged with concern.

"Because people from Kanto, especially Saffron, are being reassigned to Johto, even Lt. Surge among them."

Lt. Surge's strength was undoubtedly close to that of an Elite Four member. With Kanto and Johto splitting, he could easily apply to join Johto's Elite Four. Yet he remained content as Vermilion City's Gym Leader, which was clearly part of Giovanni's strategy.

Vermilion's strategic location as a port city made it crucial for Team Rocket, ensuring Surge had to stay to maintain order.

"It's probably related to the upcoming division between Kanto and Johto. My father wouldn't tell me anything specific, but I'm sure he has it under control," Maki shrugged, showing little interest in Rocket affairs. With Giovanni at the helm, major issues were unlikely.

"If you're curious, why not ask him directly? He trusts you enough to share his plans."

Giovanni's policy of absolute trust in capable subordinates was one reason people like Surge remained fiercely loyal.

"I was just asking casually. I'm not particularly interested in these things," Sabrina replied with a shake of her head. She'd rather spend her time meditating than worrying about such matters.

"Besides, you don't seem to care much about Saffron's issues either," Sabrina added.

Maki placed a hand on her shoulder, steering her toward her room. As she floated, there was no resistance.

"Have you been practicing the training method I gave you?"

Sabrina referred to the meditation technique she had secretly shared with Maki, unknown even to her father, Anders.

"I feel like it's not quite suitable for me," Maki admitted.

"Your talent is lacking," Sabrina said bluntly, cutting off any chance for Maki to defend himself.

"Well, maybe it's helped a little after all this time," Maki replied weakly.

"Even a novice trainee at the gym would surpass your half-baked psychic abilities," Sabrina retorted.

"..."

Thankfully, Maki had built some tolerance for her sharp tongue.

"These things depend on innate ability!"

"Raising a Psychic-type Pokémon would help improve your abilities," Sabrina insisted. Her persistence in having Maki catch a Psychic-type Pokémon resembled a gamer fervently recommending their favorite game to friends.

Maki wisely avoided further discussion, knowing it would cost him his night's rest.

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