Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! [304]

"Oh? The challenge has already started?"

Luo Yuan raised an eyebrow.

Once this public exhibition challenge concluded, Luo Yuan and Koga could officially drop the "candidate" from their Elite Four titles.

The fact that Lance was rushing to organize the matches meant he was eager to solidify Johto's League structure as soon as possible.

"It seems Lance is feeling the pressure," Luo Yuan remarked.

Koga chuckled at the comment, nodding as he thought of Lance's recent state. "That's true."

"So, how's the coordination with the Johto side coming along?" Luo Yuan asked.

By "Johto," he was referring to Team Rocket's Johto division. As the future Elite Four of Johto, Luo Yuan would need the division's cooperation for his duties. At the very least, there couldn't be any internal conflicts.

"Archer's been very cooperative… After all, everyone knows Giovanni trusts you the most right now."

The recent capture of Sird had already spread through Team Rocket's higher-ups.

While many were shocked to learn about Sird's undercover identity, it also gave them a clearer understanding of Luo Yuan's position within the organization.

With Archer's sharp mind, he wasn't about to pick a fight with Luo Yuan under such circumstances. After all, even a minor inconvenience from Luo Yuan could spell serious trouble for him.

Hearing Koga's explanation, Luo Yuan simply smiled and said nothing. There was no need for modesty. Both Giovanni's trust and Sird's capture were undeniable facts.

---

The trio chatted as they walked until they arrived at a tall building in the heart of Goldenrod City.

"This is our temporary office for the Johto League," Koga explained.

Previously, Kanto and Johto had shared the Indigo Plateau as their administrative hub. After the official split between the two Leagues, Johto began planning a new headquarters, though the location was still under consideration.

The elevator took them to the top floor, where Lance was deep in conversation with a young woman.

Luo Yuan immediately recognized her—Whitney, the Goldenrod City Gym Leader.

He remembered her clearly, mainly because of her infamous Miltank and a certain amusing tidbit.

After briefly sizing up Whitney, Luo Yuan shifted his attention to Lance, who, as always, wore his signature cape.

"Luo Yuan, you're here," Lance greeted him, drawing Whitney's curious gaze.

As a Gym Leader in Johto, Whitney knew she'd need to establish good relations with the incoming Elite Fours.

She had already been following Luo Yuan's rise—his youth, strength, and striking appearance.

Now, seeing him in person, she realized that not only was he stronger than she had imagined, but he was also far more handsome.

The only downside? He seemed to already have a girlfriend.

Whitney glanced at Sabrina, who stood beside Luo Yuan. Their eyes briefly met, and Whitney sighed inwardly with a hint of regret.

After exchanging pleasantries, Lance quickly got down to business.

"Since you're here, we'll hold the challenge match tomorrow," Lance announced.

"So soon?" Luo Yuan asked.

Lance nodded. "With Kanto and Johto splitting recently, I'm currently the only established Master in Johto. Without more representation, there's no deterrence against external threats. It's better to finalize the Master appointments as soon as possible."

"Also, Team Rocket's recent inactivity has me uneasy," Lance added.

"Team Rocket?" Luo Yuan raised an eyebrow.

From what he remembered, Team Rocket hadn't done anything significant in Johto lately. What was making Lance uneasy?

"Precisely because they've been inactive," Lance explained. "Given Team Rocket's usual methods, it's highly unusual for them to stay quiet during a period of transition like this."

Luo Yuan: "..."

You have a point—I have no rebuttal.

When a criminal organization isn't causing trouble, it really does seem suspicious.

After all, based on their history, Team Rocket should have taken advantage of the situation to stir up chaos. Luo Yuan made a mental note to discuss this with Archer and the others later. Perhaps they could stage a minor event to ease Lance's nerves.

Outwardly, however, Luo Yuan maintained his role as the future Elite Four and responded from the League's perspective.

"In that case, we'll need to tighten security against Team Rocket's activities in Johto."

And so began the classic "defend against myself" scenario.

Unaware of the irony, Lance nodded in agreement.

"I'll leave it to you," he said with confidence. "My resources are limited, and that's why I was so eager for you to arrive."

"Leave it to me," Luo Yuan replied, taking on the task of countering Team Rocket.

For Johto's fledgling League, defending against Team Rocket seemed challenging on paper. But for Luo Yuan, it was the easiest job imaginable.

As a senior member of Team Rocket, Luo Yuan knew the organization wouldn't make any significant moves. Meanwhile, Team Rocket would have advance knowledge of the League's actions. A perfect win-win.

Lance, having heard of Luo Yuan's feats in the Sevii Islands, had no doubts about his abilities.

Koga, however, couldn't help but feel regret.

Had he thought of it earlier, he could have volunteered to handle Team Rocket himself. Now, it was too late. All he could do was accept the mountain of paperwork Lance handed him.

---

For Luo Yuan, the Elite Four challenge felt more like a formality—especially with his recent acquisition of Ghost-Type Affinity, which made the battles a breeze.

"Mimikyu, Shadow Ball!"

"Ka-ka~!"

Mimikyu, gripping Donphan with Shadow Claw, gathered Ghost energy into a sphere and launched it with precision.

The orb struck Donphan squarely in the stomach, sending it crashing with a loud cry.

The referee raised a flag. "Donphan is unable to battle. Luo Yuan wins!"

"Darn it!"

The opposing trainer clenched his fists before letting them fall in defeat. Losing all three matches left him with no excuses.

Luo Yuan smiled but said nothing, glancing toward Koga.

Compared to Luo Yuan's swift victories, Koga's battles were progressing at a much slower pace.

---

Note: In the Japanese version of the mobile game Pokémon Masters, Whitney's description mistakenly included part of Miltank's bio:

"The cheerful and talkative Goldenrod Gym Leader. Produces 20 liters of milk daily. The milk is rich and delicious."