Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! [236]

"...."

Upon hearing Luo Yuan's modest "small goal," Malva couldn't help but want to call him arrogant.

But as she looked at Luo Yuan's expression—one that genuinely seemed to consider the goal insignificant—she swallowed her words.

Besides...

Recalling Luo Yuan's Dragonite, which was at least at the Champion level, Malva felt that perhaps his "small goal" wasn't entirely out of reach.

"Well then, let's conclude the interview here."

Originally, Malva had planned for a detailed one-hour special interview. However, due to unexpected issues on Clair's side, her focus was disrupted, leaving her unwilling to dedicate more energy to this.

Just as Malva was about to pack up her recording device, her eyes skimmed across a vague note in her notebook.

"One last question, if I may."

"Please, go ahead."

"When gathering material online, I came across a forum post claiming to have seen you dining with Sabrina from the Saffron Gym and Misty from the Cerulean Gym. It described your behavior as rather… intimate. Care to comment on your relationship with them?"

A clear smirk played on Malva's face as she posed the question, feeling that she had finally turned the tables against Luo Yuan.

Unexpectedly, Luo Yuan's face showed genuine surprise, as if this was the first time he had heard about it.

"Did that happen?"

"Hmm?"

Malva froze, puzzled by his reaction.

Could it be that what she found online was false information?

It made sense. People online often speak irresponsibly, spreading baseless rumors.

Perhaps this was just another one of those rumors...

After all, the idea of one person simultaneously dating two Gym Leaders seemed too absurd to believe.

"Apologies for bringing up such an unverified claim," Malva said, offering a polite nod.

"It's fine. As a public figure, I've learned to accept that slanderous rumors are part of the territory," Luo Yuan replied with a casual wave.

Malva, hearing his words, was reminded of her own experiences as a well-known journalist in the Kalos region. The kind of nonsense she encountered online resonated deeply.

As she nodded in agreement, Luo Yuan suddenly asked, "By the way, could you share the forum and the poster's ID?"

Malva: "...."

---

In a hurry to get in touch with Team Rocket to discuss further plans, Malva left the café shortly after.

Meanwhile, Luo Yuan sent a copy of the interview's recording to the president of Silph Co., editing out a few parts before doing so.

The president replied quickly, stating that the news would be distributed the next day through Silph Co.'s associated newspapers and television networks.

With Luo Yuan being a seeded participant in the Indigo League and Malva holding the prestigious title of Kalos Elite Four, no media outlet would pass up the chance to air such a surefire hit.

After finalizing matters with Silph Co., Luo Yuan contacted Matori.

Matori was currently in Team Rocket's base, standing in the command hall. The massive screen behind her displayed an island completely surrounded by an overwhelming number of Tentacruel.

On the island, several Team Flare members huddled together, shivering under the harsh sea breeze.

"How's Team Flare holding up?" Luo Yuan asked.

"They're still trapped on the island. The Tentacruel haven't dispersed, clearly unwilling to let them go," Matori replied with a faint smile.

The plight of Team Flare seemed to greatly amuse her.

"Didn't they try escaping with Flying-type Pokémon?" Luo Yuan inquired, already knowing the likely answer.

"Take a look at this video." Matori chuckled and sent him a clip.

The footage showed a Team Flare trainer releasing a Braviary, attempting to flee through the air.

However, as soon as Braviary ascended, a massive tentacle shot out from the ocean, grabbing both the Pokémon and its trainer. The pair were tossed violently in the air before being thrown back onto the island.

Thanks to Team Rocket's high-resolution drone cameras, Luo Yuan could even see Braviary and the trainer vomiting upon landing.

It was clear the Tentacruel had no intention of letting the Team Flare members escape.

Or perhaps... it was treating them like playthings.

Much like how a cat toys with a mouse before deciding its fate.

"Tragic. Absolutely tragic," Luo Yuan remarked, shaking his head with a laugh.

"You didn't call just to ask about this, did you?" Matori said, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course not. Do I seem that idle?" Luo Yuan replied, shaking his head. "I was just interviewed by Malva from the Kalos Elite Four."

"Malva?" Matori repeated, clearly familiar with the name.

As a high-ranking member of Team Rocket, she couldn't ignore the presence of a Kalos Elite visiting their turf.

"Why bring her up? Don't tell me you're planning to go after her? Now's not the time for that."

Given Luo Yuan's history of defeating Elite Trainers such as Lance, Agatha, Bruno, and Lorelei, Matori instinctively assumed he meant to challenge Malva.

"Go after Malva? You could say that, but not in the way you're thinking," Luo Yuan replied.

Matori looked at him in confusion.

"Team Flare is from Kalos, and Malva is also from Kalos. Don't you think there might be a connection between the two?" Luo Yuan said with a sly smile.

"You mean..." Matori's eyes widened.

"Exactly. During the interview, Malva seemed distracted. After a few subtle probes, I suspect she has some unspeakable ties with Team Flare," Luo Yuan said, spinning his narrative effortlessly.

Malva's behavior during the interview had been flawless. Under normal circumstances, it was impossible to deduce that she was connected to Team Flare.

However, Luo Yuan already knew the story's direction. By working backward from the conclusion, no amount of acting on Malva's part could escape his "deductions."

In truth, Luo Yuan was merely fabricating an excuse to justify his foreknowledge.

But Matori didn't know this.

Hearing Luo Yuan's words, she immediately perked up.

"Is that true?"

The moment she asked, she already believed him.

Having worked with Luo Yuan for so long, Matori had developed an almost blind trust in his judgment, rarely questioning his conclusions.

If Luo Yuan said Malva was linked to Team Flare, it must be true.

"So, what's our next move?" Matori asked.

Though aware of Malva's Elite status, dealing with her wouldn't be easy.

After all, Malva was publicly visiting Kanto as a Kalos Elite, making any direct confrontation highly complicated.

---

T/N: i wont be reading all comments from now on! sorry!

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