Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! [332] [200 PS]
Luo Yuan departed from Sootopolis City atop Rayquaza, marking the conclusion of the Groudon & Kyogre incident.
However, the impact of the "Tech Hunter" who appeared during this event continued to ripple across the region.
---
Slateport City
In the newly repaired Hoenn Pokémon Association headquarters, which had been damaged during the attack, a meeting was underway.
"Based on preliminary statistics, the Groudon and Kyogre incident caused catastrophic damage to coastal cities in the Hoenn region, with Sootopolis City bearing the brunt of it. The total direct economic loss amounts to hundreds of billions, with indirect losses reaching trillions."
"Traces of Team Rocket activity have been found across various Hoenn cities. Under the leadership of the former Pokémon Hunter, Hunter J, they are actively pursuing remnants of Team Magma and Team Aqua."
"According to the latest public opinion polls, more than half of Hoenn's residents believe the 'Tech Hunter' played a positive role in this event, saving the Hoenn League. Nearly a third remain neutral, while only a small percentage view the Tech Hunter's influence as potentially harmful to the region."
"Groudon and Kyogre have returned to slumber in their respective underwater caves. The masterminds behind this incident, Maxie and Archie, were captured by Elite Four Luo Yuan, and Giovanni. They are currently imprisoned. As for the Tech Hunter, we have yet to locate their whereabouts..."
At the head of the conference table, Steven was summarizing the recent developments using a PowerPoint presentation.
Seated around the table were the chairman of the Hoenn Pokémon Association, the Elite Four, eight Gym Leaders, and both Luo Yuan and Giovanni, who had resumed his identity as a Champion in the Kanto region.
Luo Yuan listened to Steven's briefing with a composed expression, as though the "Tech Hunter" who caused all this had nothing to do with him.
Giovanni, seated beside him, couldn't help but glance at Luo Yuan, impressed by his poker face.
Of all the attendees, Luo Yuan and Giovanni were undoubtedly the most relaxed.
Their operation had not only achieved all its objectives but had also exceeded expectations in several areas.
Take recruitment, for example.
Initially, Luo Yuan and Giovanni had planned to recruit 1,000 trainers in the Hoenn region to join Team Rocket. Ideally, about 500 of these would be elite members from the remnants of Team Magma and Team Aqua—a goal they would have been satisfied with.
But after Luo Yuan's public declaration, Hunter J alone had recruited over 1,000 former Team Magma and Aqua members. The number of trainers willing to join Team Rocket was simply overwhelming.
Faced with financial constraints, Matori had to implement a selection process, ultimately handpicking the most elite 1,500 trainers to expand Team Rocket's presence in Hoenn.
Unlike Team Magma and Team Aqua, which relied on extortion and theft to sustain themselves, Team Rocket in Hoenn was entirely funded by the Kanto headquarters. Without financial pressures, they avoided criminal activities and, surprisingly, even garnered local support.
The aftermath of the incident continued to bring benefits to Team Rocket.
"Mr. Giovanni, could you share some insights into Team Rocket's operations?" Steven suddenly directed a question at Giovanni.
Luo Yuan, momentarily caught off guard, froze. Did Steven uncover Giovanni's true identity?
Just as Luo Yuan considered deploying Deoxys to escort Giovanni out of danger, Steven clarified, "As someone living in Kanto, you must have some knowledge about Team Rocket."
Hearing this, Luo Yuan relaxed and withdrew his hand from the Master Ball.
Giovanni, on the other hand, maintained his composed demeanor despite the complex emotions running through his mind.
"If Champion Steven wishes, I'd be happy to oblige," Giovanni replied, exuding an air of authority.
"I am quite familiar with Team Rocket. In fact, no one here knows more about them than I do. The Kanto League has been dealing with them for years, and they are indeed formidable..."
For the first time, Giovanni analyzed Team Rocket from the perspective of an outsider.
Drawing on publicly available information, he provided an in-depth and comprehensive overview of Team Rocket, from their meticulous organizational structure to their revolutionary technological advancements.
Unlike the chaotic fanaticism of Team Magma and Team Aqua, Team Rocket was a tightly run organization with a clear hierarchy. They prioritized scientific research and consistently produced groundbreaking technologies.
Their goals were pragmatic, focused on steadily expanding their influence rather than pursuing dramatic, world-ending schemes.
By the end of Giovanni's analysis, the attendees had gained a newfound respect for Team Rocket.
This was no ragtag band of zealots—it was a well-oiled machine, possibly more organized than the League itself.
The implications were daunting.
Harboring this concern, Sidney was the first to speak up. "Mr. Giovanni, how does the Kanto League deal with Team Rocket? Surely you have effective strategies?"
Kanto's sustained peace suggested they had valuable experience in handling Team Rocket. Surely Hoenn could learn from them.
Under the expectant gazes of everyone present, Giovanni paused before answering.
"Strategies? Of course, we have them. But I wouldn't recommend adopting them."
"Why not?" came the bewildered response.
Giovanni smirked and said calmly, "To be honest, we've completely failed in suppressing Team Rocket. Not long ago, an operation led by former Champion Lance ended in a resounding defeat. At this point, we can no longer contain Team Rocket's expansion."
"Then how does Kanto remain so peaceful?" someone questioned in disbelief.
Giovanni's smile deepened as he explained, "Because we've stopped resisting. We found that as long as we don't actively hunt down Team Rocket, they don't cause significant harm to society.
"These days, Team Rocket has transitioned from outdated practices like Pokémon theft to legitimate businesses and technological investments. As long as we maintain appearances, peace naturally follows."
"..."
The room fell silent.
Can it really work like that?
As everyone exchanged bewildered glances, their worldview seemed to shatter.
---
T/N: Bro is gassing himself up