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Viridian City — a peaceful city embraced by lush green forests.
Before entering the city proper, Liam had Aerodactyl land on the outskirts. He then recalled Aerodactyl into its PokeBall, held Zorua in his arms, and quickly made his way toward the Viridian Gym.
Before arriving, Liam had already informed Giovanni. So after reaching the Viridian Gym, he was allowed to pass without obstruction all the way to Giovanni's office.
"You're here? Oh right, you mentioned over the communicator that you're going to Hoenn? I've heard there are quite a few powerful Pokemon over there. If you have the chance, capture a few and add some strength to the organization."
The moment Liam entered the room, Giovanni smiled and spoke.
"Uh… if I get the opportunity, I'll definitely send a few your way."
Liam's mouth twitched slightly as he walked over and sat on the sofa, replying casually.
"Heh, good. So? What brings you back to headquarters this time?"
Giovanni didn't seem particularly concerned. He stood up, walked over, and sat opposite Liam.
"There is something. And it concerns you, so I came to ask you first."
Liam nodded and looked at Giovanni.
"I just received news from Johto. The Hunter Group's leader, Janine, and that so-called 'Brain' Iga were rescued by a Hoenn organization called Team Aqua. I've been assigned to capture them and bring them back. Considering your relationship with the Hunter Group's leader… I wanted to know your thoughts."
After all, Janine was Giovanni's mother. Liam wanted to understand Giovanni's stance first.
But after hearing everything, Giovanni showed almost no reaction. He simply smiled faintly and pointed to his now-short hair.
"This is my answer. From the moment I cut my hair short, I severed all ties with her. Whether she lives or dies has nothing to do with me. However…"
He paused, then frowned.
"Iga was rescued too? Hmph. That one—I will personally deal with him. Not for myself, but for Sister Miyamoto and Jenny. When you head to Hoenn, I'll send people to assist you. When you capture Iga, lend him to me for a while. I'll return him afterward."
A cold killing intent flashed in Giovanni's eyes.
"Heh. Doing it for Sister Miyamoto is basically doing it for yourself, isn't it? And you're making it sound so noble. Fine, you can borrow him—but no killing. I still have to complete the mission."
Liam shrugged. After thinking it over, he agreed.
"Hmph. Fine. I'll return him in one piece. Anything else? You said that was just the first matter."
Giovanni didn't argue further and asked about the rest.
"Hehehe, the rest is minor. I just wanted to ask you for a few PokeBalls. Remember that Mew Ball you showed me last time? Do you have any? Give me ten or eight to start."
Thinking about the Mew Ball—whose performance rivaled the Master Ball—Liam rubbed his hands eagerly.
"What?! Ten or eight?! Are you wholesaling from me?! No! The total production isn't even that many! Where do you expect me to get them?!"
Giovanni nearly exploded in anger.
"Tch. Stingy. Then how many can you give me? I genuinely need them."
Liam waved dismissively.
"Hmph. Wait."
Giovanni snorted and walked back to his desk. After rummaging through a drawer, he retrieved a small box and returned, reluctantly pushing it toward Liam.
"There are three Mew Balls here. Consider them organizational benefits. That's all I can spare. Want them or not?"
"Yes, yes, yes! Three is fine! I won't call you stingy anymore! Ahem. Nothing else then—I'll get going."
Without even checking, Liam swiftly stuffed the box into his backpack and stood up to leave.
Bang.
The office door slammed shut behind him.
Giovanni remained seated, expression twitching, rubbing his forehead helplessly.
...
"La la la~ Come out, Aerodactyl! Let's head to Fuchsia City Port!"
With his goal achieved, Liam happily left Viridian City. After releasing Aerodactyl, he directed it to fly toward Fuchsia's harbor.
Mid-flight, Liam sat cross-legged on Aerodactyl's back. Zorua still slept peacefully on his lap. Liam took out the box and opened it.
Inside lay three neatly arranged, faintly pink spheres — the precious Mew Balls.
"Three… should be enough. Heh. First I'll capture those two from the Hunter Group, then I'll think about how to use these three."
In the system store, Mew Balls were priced only slightly below Master Balls. Exchanging them for points would be expensive. Getting three for free naturally made Liam very pleased.
After two days of intermittent flying and resting, on the afternoon of the third day since leaving home, Liam arrived at Fuchsia Port.
Standing quietly by the dock, watching ships pass in the distance, he recalled that a year ago this place had been in chaos — Seel and Dewgong causing trouble, Articuno appearing amidst a blizzard…
Now, prosperity had returned.
"Doo~ Doo-doo~"
Suddenly, a loud horn echoed from the sea.
Liam turned and saw a massive cruise ship cutting through the waves like a battle axe under the setting sun. It gradually slowed before stopping just outside the dock.
Once steady, a boarding ramp lowered swiftly. Several sturdy sailors descended and began securing the vessel.
"Wait. No need to tie it."
A commanding voice called out from the deck.
The sailors froze in confusion.
"Heh. The person we're here to receive is already here. No need to dock fully. Welcome the guest aboard—we set sail immediately after."
A middle-aged man dressed in a captain's long coat and white cap leaned against the railing. A large pipe hung from his mouth. He held a photograph and stared directly at Liam.
"Hello, Champion. I didn't expect you to arrive so early. Please board. Over the next few days, my Wavebreaker will show you the beauty of the sea."
The captain called out warmly after confirming Liam's identity.