Chapter 219: Viridian Gym

The Viridian Gym, located in the northern part of Viridian City, was one of the most prestigious and popular gyms in Kanto. The main reason behind its fame was none other than its mysterious and powerful Gym Leader—Giovanni.

Unlike Sabrina, whose strength came from her psychic abilities and mind games, Giovanni's strength was straightforward, overwhelming, and absolute. Every battle against him left trainers with a feeling of unmatched power—as if they were mere insects facing a titan.

However, there was a hidden truth behind the victories of those who managed to obtain the Earth Badge. It wasn't just their own growth and strategy that helped them win. The reality was that Giovanni deliberately held back, allowing some trainers to pass.

Had he fought seriously, very few—if any—would ever leave the Viridian Gym with a victory.

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The Mastermind Behind Viridian Gym

Seated in his luxurious office, Giovanni absentmindedly ran his fingers through the soft fur of his Persian, his other hand supporting his chin. His lips curled into a subtle smirk as he mused over the upcoming battles.

"I wonder if there's a trainer worth testing today…" he murmured to himself.

His voice was smooth, deep, and calculated—the voice of a man always ten steps ahead of everyone else.

His eyes briefly flickered with intense excitement as he thought about his ultimate creation—the Pokémon that would soon shake the very foundation of the world.

Mewtwo.

It was still young, still growing—but its power was already unmatched. Giovanni had no doubts. One day, it would ascend beyond even the gods themselves.

And when that day arrived…

The world would belong to him.

His gaze shifted to the golden ring he wore on his left hand. His fingers tightened slightly as a quiet whisper left his lips.

"Mother… your dream will be realized by me at twenty-four."

A sudden knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

"Come in," he said, his voice effortlessly transitioning from cold calculation to warm professionalism.

A gym staff member entered the room, bowing his head respectfully.

"Mr. Giovanni, it's time. The challengers are waiting in the hall."

Giovanni slowly stood up, adjusting the collar of his suit.

"Then let's not keep them waiting," he said smoothly, stepping past the staff member and exiting the room, Persian following close behind.

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The Popularity of Viridian Gym

Meanwhile, in the waiting hall, Ash sat among a large crowd of trainers.

Despite arriving early, he had already been placed far down the list—over ten trainers were ahead of him, with twenty more behind him. The sheer number of challengers showed just how popular Viridian Gym was.

Looking around, Ash noticed something strange.

Many of the trainers waiting weren't first-time challengers. Instead of looking nervous or frustrated from past failures, they actually seemed excited—even eager.

Curious, Ash focused on their conversations.

"This time, I'll definitely win after taking Mr. Giovanni's advice!" one trainer said confidently.

"Yeah, Giovanni is such a great guy," another chimed in. "Even though I lost, he pointed out my mistakes and told me how to improve."

"Right? He doesn't just defeat challengers—he actually helps us get stronger!"

The room buzzed with praise for Giovanni, and Ash couldn't help but feel uneasy.

He knew who Giovanni truly was—the ruthless leader of Team Rocket. But listening to these trainers, it was clear that he had crafted a different image for the public.

A heroic figure. A mentor. Someone who was feared, yet respected.

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A Dangerous Realization

Ash clenched his fists.

Could it be… that this is how Giovanni recruits new Team Rocket members?

Thinking back on it, it made perfect sense.

Team Rocket was a massive organization—so large that even with both the Kanto and Johto Alliances working together, they had never been completely destroyed.

And now, it was clear why.

Giovanni wasn't just leading criminals—he was grooming trainers.

By defeating them, then offering them guidance, he built loyalty. Some of these trainers, grateful for his help, might eventually be lured into Team Rocket's ranks.

And the worst part?

No one even suspected him.

"A criminal mastermind hiding in plain sight…" Ash muttered under his breath, his expression darkening.

To the world, Giovanni was a respected Gym Leader. But behind the scenes, he was a man who controlled a vast criminal empire.

Ash had the urge to stand up and expose the truth—to tell these trainers who Giovanni really was.

But he knew the cold reality.

No one would believe him.

Not without evidence. Not unless the Pokémon League itself stepped in.

For now, all Ash could do was prepare for battle—and, more importantly, watch Giovanni carefully.

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A Dangerous Opponent Awaits

As Ash waited for his turn, he pulled out Pikachu's Poké Ball, holding it firmly in his hands.

This wasn't just another Gym Battle.

This was a battle against a man who was as cunning as he was powerful.

If Giovanni was indeed holding back against challengers, then Ash would have to fight smart.

He needed to see through Giovanni's tactics.

He needed to push him harder than any other trainer had before.

Because if Giovanni took him seriously, then maybe—just maybe—he could force him to reveal his true strength.

And that would bring Ash one step closer to understanding the true power behind Team Rocket.

A small smile crept onto Ash's face.

He wasn't just here for a badge.

He was here to challenge the devil himself.