Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command!

"Charizard, your mission is the toughest. I hope you can focus entirely on improving your strength over the next month."

"I'll provide you with unlimited resources and support."

Luo Yuan retrieved a significant number of fire-type Pokémon training items from the Silph Company's vault. His goal was simple: help Charizard break through to the Elite Four level during this period.

"Roar!"

Charizard let out a roar and patted its chest, signaling its confidence.

---

While Luo Yuan was intensifying his training efforts...

In Giovanni's office upstairs, Giovanni was meeting with Agatha, who had just arrived.

"You're saying you want me to head to the Indigo Plateau to help secure the Indigo League Tournament from potential Team Rocket attacks?"

Seated at his desk, Giovanni stared at Agatha, his expression filled with amusement.

The League was inviting the leader of Team Rocket to guard against attacks from Team Rocket? That was absurd.

What exactly was the League thinking?

Were they inviting a wolf into the fold?

Agatha, misinterpreting Giovanni's hesitation, assumed he was reluctant to go.

She frowned slightly.

As the strongest Gym Leader in Kanto, Giovanni was a critical part of Lance's security plan for the tournament. His presence was non-negotiable.

Agatha, as one of the Elite Four, was well aware of Giovanni's strength.

She had read his book, Secrets of the Earth, and knew that only someone with Elite Four-level mastery over ground-type Pokémon could produce such a work.

If Giovanni refused to participate, the League's defenses would have a significant gap.

Fortunately, Agatha had come prepared.

"If you agree to help with the security detail, I can recommend you for the Elite Four position," she said, revealing her bargaining chip.

Rumors of the League selecting a new Elite Four and Champion had already spread within Kanto.

Giovanni, with his Elite Four-level strength and his prime age, would surely be tempted.

Yet, Giovanni wasn't tempted at all.

He had already explained the reasons to Luo Yuan through Matori.

Currently focused on reviving Team Rocket's economy, Giovanni simply didn't have the time to be an Elite Four member.

But now that Agatha had come knocking, refusing outright would arouse suspicion.

This lack of autonomy was frustrating, but Giovanni knew there was no way around it—unless he wanted to expose his identity and declare war on the League.

After a moment's consideration, Giovanni nodded and agreed to Agatha's request to assist with the tournament's security.

As Agatha left, satisfied with the outcome, Giovanni scratched Persian's head and grumbled, "What a hassle."

These unexpected situations were beginning to grate on him.

Still, he picked up the phone on his desk.

"Matori, you'll be in charge of Team Rocket while I'm away."

---

Far away in the Hoenn region...

"...That's the message Luo Yuan wanted me to convey to you," Matori said before abruptly cutting the communication.

"That woman…!"

Hunter J glared at the now-blank screen, her face twisting in frustration.

She had half a mind to cut ties with Team Rocket.

But when she thought of Luo Yuan's Deoxys, which had utterly dominated her in battle, a shiver ran down her spine. The memory was like a bucket of ice water extinguishing her anger.

"Fine. I'm not under her jurisdiction anyway. Let's just leave it at that," she muttered, using mental gymnastics to calm herself.

In truth, even if Luo Yuan decided not to pursue her, leaving Team Rocket wasn't an option.

The issue lay with her subordinates.

Over the past month, they had grown accustomed to the perks of being part of Team Rocket.

Compared to their previous unstable and precarious lifestyle as Pokémon hunters, their current situation—with regular pay and excellent benefits—was like heaven.

Her once-loyal subordinates were now utterly won over by Team Rocket's generosity.

If she attempted to leave, they would be the first to object.

And having grown used to their services, Hunter J found the idea of going it alone unthinkable.

"Hmph. Just wait until I climb the ranks in Team Rocket..."

With this thought in mind, she turned to her subordinates.

"According to Lord Luo Yuan's instructions, we'll start expanding our operations in Mauville City. Keep a low profile and don't expose our identities."

Luo Yuan had emphasized caution, and she wasn't about to ignore it.

"Yes, ma'am!"

Her subordinates saluted in unison, their morale higher than ever—a stark contrast to their attitudes before joining Team Rocket.

Their newfound loyalty to the organization and its ideals was evident in their dedication.

"..."

Hunter J's emotions were conflicted.

---

Time flew by, and a month passed in the blink of an eye.

The annual Indigo League Tournament was about to commence at the Indigo Plateau.

The League's extensive promotions had turned the event into a major festival.

The Kanto region was abuzz with excitement, and the atmosphere was electric.

After a month of intense training with his Pokémon, Luo Yuan appeared at the registration desk at the Indigo Plateau.

"May I help you?"

Nurse Joy, overseeing registrations, greeted Luo Yuan warmly.

"I'm here to register," Luo Yuan said curtly. With a snap of his fingers, the Eevee in his arms nosed into his jacket and retrieved a badge case, which it handed to Nurse Joy.

"What an adorable Eevee!"

Nurse Joy stroked Eevee's head gently before taking the badge case. She scanned each badge with a special machine.

After verifying them, she handed Luo Yuan a printed card.

"Mr. Luo Yuan, here is your participant number. This year's tournament will follow a preliminary round plus elimination format.

"Sixteen participants will advance to the elimination stage, and from there, the champion will be determined.

"The match schedule will be posted on the website and at the venue once registration is complete. Please make sure to check it so you don't miss your matches."

She also handed him a tournament guidebook.

The booklet included an aerial map of the Indigo Plateau, clearly marking the venue, hotels, and nearby shops—perfect for first-time visitors.

Although Luo Yuan had never been to the Indigo Plateau before, as a Team Rocket executive, he had thoroughly studied its layout.

Still, he thanked Nurse Joy for her kindness.

"Thanks. We'll chat next time."

---

Oh, you're still here? Nice. While I'm out here juggling revival matches and reminding villains why they should reconsider their life choices, someone's behind the scenes making sure my story reaches you. Gotta admit, they're doing a pretty solid job.

If you want to help keep this whole thing running smoothly, here's the link: [patreon.com/WiseTL]. Think of it as… supporting your favorite underdog. Everyone loves an underdog, right?

Anyway, time to get back to saving the day. See you in the next chapter—don't forget to stay out of trouble (that's my job).

— Xia Luo 🕸️