Seven days had passed since Renjiro began his intense training regimen with his Pokémon.
The setting sun cast an orange glow across an abandoned warehouse district on the outskirts of Shuangyang City. Dust swirled in the breeze, and wild grass grew between the cracks in the concrete.
Renjiro stood tall, his gaze sharp, as he issued his latest command.
"Nidoking, Nidoqueen—Hyper Beam! Charmeleon—Flamethrower! Milotic—Freeze Ray!"
With a synchronized roar, the Pokémon sprang into action.
"Rooaaarrr!"
The twin beams of energy burst from Nidoking and Nidoqueen, glowing with destructive force. Charmeleon unleashed a torrent of flame, while Milotic's elegant form arched as it fired a shimmering Freeze Ray.
But none of the attacks flew directly at the massive boulder that stood as their target. Instead, the beams and blasts veered purposefully to the side, curving in mid-air like guided missiles.
Just as the attacks passed the boulder's edge, Renjiro's voice rang out.
"Now!"
The four attacks suddenly twisted, as if bending to his will, and slammed into the boulder from multiple angles.
BOOM!
The boulder shattered into hundreds of fragments, the ground trembling from the impact. Dust billowed into the air.
Renjiro lowered his arm, pride glowing in his eyes.
"Well done! Nidoking, Nidoqueen, Charmeleon, Milotic—you've mastered it beautifully."
Over the past week, Nidoking and Nidoqueen had trained tirelessly to perfect the advanced control techniques described in the Hyper Beam Training Manual. They could now curve and redirect their Hyper Beams at will, turning what was once a straight, predictable blast into a fearsome homing strike.
Even more impressive was what Renjiro had discovered during their practice:
The principles of turning and guiding Hyper Beam could also apply to jet-like moves such as Flamethrower and Freeze Ray.
Once he realized this, Renjiro had immediately incorporated Milotic and Charmeleon into the training sessions. The results had exceeded his expectations.
Charmeleon now had precision control over his Flamethrower, capable of bending his stream of fire to strike evasive targets. Milotic's Freeze Ray could arc gracefully through the air, freezing even the most agile foes.
Meanwhile, Persian—the team's designated mascot—enjoyed a life of leisure.
"Meow~"
The elegant cat stretched languidly, then sauntered over and curled up in Renjiro's lap. With half-lidded eyes, Persian purred contentedly as Renjiro absentmindedly scratched behind her ears.
Of all the Pokémon in Renjiro's care, Persian had the easiest life—every day filled with fine food, warm naps, and gentle affection.
Renjiro chuckled softly.
"You're the happiest of us all, aren't you?"
But his thoughts quickly returned to more serious matters.
"It's about time," he murmured, gazing at the rubble left behind by his Pokémon's attacks. "The strength of my team has grown significantly. It's time to begin Team Rocket's first formal training camp."
With that decision made, Renjiro pulled out his phone and drafted a message.
> [Giovanni]: Inform everyone to gather here tomorrow at this address. We will begin our first official training camp.
He sent the message to Zhang Xuewei, his trusted lieutenant.
Within moments, Zhang Xuewei replied, his excitement evident even through the text.
> [Zhang Xuewei]: Don't worry, Boss. Leave it to me. I'll make sure everyone is ready.
Zhang Xuewei's heart raced. The time had finally come. Team Rocket's first official training camp was about to begin. If they didn't act soon, the morale they'd built so carefully might start to fade.
In Team Rocket's private group chat, chatter was already stirring.
> [Zhang Tianyu]: When's the training starting? If nothing's planned soon, I'm heading to the Battle Tower for some real practice.
Zhang Tianyu had been a lively presence in the group ever since joining Team Rocket. He checked the chat daily, drawn by the mix of talent, ambition, and humor.
> [Xie Yongge]: Why are you so eager? Isn't it great like this? We get paid every month without lifting a finger. If it were up to me, I'd stay this way forever.
> [Dong Hetong]: Typical Xie! Some of us have dreams, you know. Not everyone wants to sit back and do nothing.
> [Ji Qi]: Xie, you know this can't last. The boss didn't set this up to hand out free paychecks. Listen to Zhang Tianyu—focus on getting stronger.
> [Cao Ruifeng]: I envy you, Brother Yu. My dad cut off my allowance after I failed my practical Pokémon exam… no more pocket money for me.
> [Logan]: Oof. That's rough, man.
> [Zhang Tianyu]: Don't worry about money. You call me Brother Yu, right? When I go to Shanghai for the Battle Tower, I'll cover everything for you.
Zhang Tianyu's generosity sparked a flurry of responses.
> [Logan]: Brother Yu! Take me too!
[Zhang Tianyu]: The more the merrier. Let's all go and get stronger together.
[Ji Qi]: Jealous…
[Shen Mo]: Envy +1.
[Geeky]: +1.
[Dong Hetong]: +1.
The group buzzed with camaraderie. But before plans for an impromptu trip to Shanghai could solidify, a firm message appeared.
> [Team Rocket]: @Zhang Tianyu. You can't go.
Zhang Xuewei stepped in, his tone serious.
> [Zhang Tianyu]: Huh? Why not?
The reply came swiftly.
> [Team Rocket]: @Everyone. Boss Giovanni has spoken. Our first training camp starts tomorrow at this location (address). Attendance is mandatory. Miss it, and face the consequences.
The group exploded with messages.
> [Xie Yongge]: Damn it, Zhang Tianyu! Your big mouth jinxed it! There goes my lazy life! (crying emoji)
[Su Chu]: Finally! I've been waiting for this. I can't wait to meet Boss Giovanni in person!
[Ji Ping]: Same here! This is what I signed up for.
[Zhang Liangwei]: I hope we'll see Boss Giovanni's true face this time. He's so mysterious.
[Shen Mo]: I just want to thank him. Thanks to him, my kid's tuition is paid off.
[Dong Hetong]: Me too. Boss Giovanni is my benefactor.
Zhang Tianyu stared at his screen, heart pounding with anticipation.
"So it's finally time…"
He had joined Team Rocket with dreams of becoming strong enough to defeat the team that had once crushed him. Now, after half a month of waiting, his chance had come.
> [Cao Ruifeng]: Where is Warehouse District No. 8? My GPS says vehicles can't even get there.
> [Dong Hetong]: Same. Never heard of this place.
> [Ji Ping]: Is that even in Shuangyang City? Sounds made up.
> [Team Rocket]: That's normal. Warehouse District No. 8 used to be the heart of Shuangyang's industry, but it's been abandoned for nearly ten years. Now it's overgrown and full of wild Pokémon. Most people have forgotten it exists.
Zhang Xuewei's explanation silenced the confusion.
> [Team Rocket]: Remember—Boss Giovanni takes this training camp seriously. Don't disappoint him.
One by one, the members pledged their attendance.
> [Cao Ruifeng]: I'll be there.
[Xie Yongge]: Count me in.
[Zhang Liangwei]: Definitely.
[Shen Mo]: I'm coming too.
[Zhang Tianyu]: You can count on me.
That night, excitement, curiosity, and determination filled the hearts of Team Rocket's members.
The dawn of their true training was only hours away.
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more chapter available in p@tréøñ(Atoki_29)