"What a spectacular battle. As expected of monsters—monsters through and through~"
Giovanni opened his mouth in admiration, his deep eyes flickering with a subtle light.
He had to admit, the battle just now had truly astonished him.
After all, Blue was only seventeen, and Lucas was merely eighteen!
Among their generation, the two were undeniably peerless. Although throughout the three matches Blue had been almost entirely suppressed by Lucas, his performance was still commendable in many aspects. He handled things well, and was able to respond to many of Tyranitar's fierce offensives.
However, from a certain perspective, Blue still seemed a bit immature compared to Lucas. His underlying strength was nowhere near on the same level.
Of course, Giovanni had already anticipated this outcome from the very beginning. He simply wanted to see just how far Blue could go.
After all, Lucas was already at the level of a top-level Champion, whereas Blue was currently only a mid-level Champion. There was absolutely no room for surprise in the result of their match—unless Lucas intentionally threw the match or used a completely different team to let Blue win.
But knowing Lucas's personality, the fact that he didn't trash talk Blue during the battle was already being considerate. Letting Blue win? That was even less likely.
"This Earth badge—you've earned it."
As he spoke, Giovanni signaled to Matori, who took out a small box and handed it to Giovanni.
Giovanni took the Earth badge from the box and walked up to Blue with a smile.
"I didn't win," Blue replied, his expression one of displeasure. He didn't take the badge. Proud as he was, accepting a badge after a defeat felt like an insult to him.
"Gym battles have never required a win to earn a badge. With your current strength, challenging a gym isn't even necessary."
Giovanni's magnetic voice was warm and calm as he slowly explained.
Indeed, gyms were originally facilities meant to temper trainers. For new trainers—except for true prodigies—who would actually expect them to defeat a gym leader?
The primary purpose of gyms was to aid a trainer's development. Winning wasn't always necessary; as long as a trainer met the standards set by the gym leader, the badge could be granted.
"Lucas was just acting as a substitute Gym Leader today. If you come back to challenge us again, you won't see him. As for me, well… I'm afraid I'm no longer your match."
Seeing Blue frown, Giovanni smiled calmly and continued.
He had already gauged Blue's strength. To avoid Blue pestering him again later, it was necessary to just give him the badge.
Yes, best to hand over the badge now and get him to leave.
"…Alright."
Since Giovanni had gone that far, Blue didn't insist further. He took the Earth badge.
Afterward, he turned his gaze toward Lucas, his eyes flickering constantly.
This was his first time suffering such a crushing defeat at the hands of a peer!
Even last year, when he'd just left Pallet Town and battled more experienced trainers, he had never lost this badly.
"I'm Blue Oak. You're strong… but next time, I definitely won't lose to you."
The proud Blue proactively extended his hand toward Lucas, his handsome face wearing a rare expression of seriousness.
Though the loss was harsh, it had given Blue a wake-up call.
He had thought that after a year of intense training, there were no peers who could rival him—except for that annoying Red.
After all, he was already a Champion-level trainer.
And this year, his goal was nothing less than the Champion's title!
Not the Kanto League's championship, which he considered a childish game, but the title of Champion of the Indigo region!
Yes, ever since he had left Pallet Town, Blue's goal had been to become the Kanto Champion!
But he knew he wasn't strong enough yet. That's why he hadn't participated in the Indigo Conference last year. Instead, he traveled alone across Kanto to train and experience real battles.
To become the Indigo Champion. To reach the pinnacle of the world. To become the strongest trainer in existence!
That had always been Blue's dream—a dream that had been quietly growing in him since childhood.
But now, it seemed he was still far from ready.
"Lucas. I'm Lucas Blackthorn."
Lucas gripped Blue's hand, a bold and confident smile spreading across his face.
"Sorry to say this… but I'm going to need you to give up on that unrealistic goal. I don't lose to anyone."
Lucas locked eyes with Blue as he spoke, his tone natural—so natural it sounded like a matter of fact.
Want to beat me?
Sorry, but if I can crush you once, you'll never rise above me in your lifetime.
"How amusing. Then I'll be looking forward to the look on your face when you lose."
Blue clearly wasn't someone easy to provoke. He raised an eyebrow, a defiant smirk tugging at his lips as he stared straight at Lucas.
"You're stronger than me now, sure. But that doesn't mean you always will be. We'll meet again."
Leaving those words behind, Blue slung his bag over his shoulder and left.
He was someone who hated losing. But a loss was a loss. He understood he wasn't as strong as Lucas—yet.
But that didn't mean he would give up!
He was Professor Oak's most proud grandson. He would never admit inferiority to anyone.
A single defeat didn't mean anything. If he lost now, he'd just win next time!
"What an interesting rival. Looks like the future won't be so lonely after all."
Watching Blue's retreating back, the smile on Lucas's face grew even brighter.
Blue's appearance had truly been a delightful surprise. Perhaps this is just how it is for exceptional people—great talent always invites great challenges.
Lucas was outstanding. So outstanding that he practically had no equals.
But because of that, he yearned for rivals—Giovanni, Lance, Leon… even they weren't enough.
And now, with Blue's arrival, there was another worthy opponent he could respect. And if Blue was here, then surely Red existed as well.
"Young people these days… truly terrifying."
Giovanni chuckled at Lucas's comment. But unlike Lucas, his thoughts on Blue were different.
Having interacted with Blue himself, Giovanni knew clearly that Blue and Lucas were not the same.
Though Blue was also arrogant and prideful, his values were righteous and grounded.
Giovanni knew very well—Blue could never be recruited.
Which meant that one day, Blue would inevitably become Team Rocket's enemy.
With a potential enemy of such boundless growth… how could Giovanni not feel a sense of unease?
"Boss, you're always joking. Sure, he has potential—but potential is still just that. If he wants to catch up to you, he'll need at least a year or two of hard work."
Lucas raised an eyebrow and teased.
Giovanni was a true top-tier Champion, and even among that rank, he was one of the strongest.
Blue was indeed remarkable, but potential alone wasn't enough. Turning potential into true power took time.
If Blue wanted to catch up to Giovanni, he'd need at least one or two years, minimum.
Upon hearing this, Karen and the others' expressions subtly changed. That comment revealed a lot.
So, the Gym Leader of Viridian Gym… had actually been hiding his real strength all along!
"I'm not joking. Youth represents limitless possibilities. Just like you, Lucas —your future is dazzling."
Giovanni shot a glance at Karen and the others, smiling faintly.
He had been stuck at the top Champion level for many years. Yet he still couldn't find the way to take that next step forward.
So, he kept training new mainstays, accumulating depth in hopes of breaking through.
But if there's no path forward… there's just no path. Eventually, someone will catch up to you. Lucas had already done so—and at such a young age, he might soon surpass even the Champion tier.
"I still don't have a clue."
Lucas's expression turned slightly serious as he frowned and spoke helplessly.
Above top-tier Champion level… there was no doubt that it was the level of someone like Pryce—a realm he referred to as the Master-tier.
A top-tier Champion could stalemate with wild high-level Legendary Pokémon. But a Master-tier trainer like Pryce could easily defeat even top-tier Legendaries like Ho-Oh or Lugia.
Even with Pryce's teachings, Lucas still barely had a grasp on that level—his understanding was shallow at best.
"If it were that easy, Lance and I wouldn't have been stuck at this stage for so long."
Giovanni shook his head. He wasn't surprised.
If understanding the next step were simple, neither he nor Lance would have been stuck at top Champion level for years.
"Let's head inside to talk. And while we're at it, introduce your friends to me."
Skipping the topic, Giovanni smiled. With Blue gone and no challengers around, it was a good time to chat.
He signaled to his subordinates to shut the Gym's front gate—clearly indicating they were closed for now.
Even Gyms need rest, right? It's not a 24/7 convenience store.
Viridian Gym was spacious and luxuriously decorated with cutting-edge technology. It exuded the scent of wealth.
After all, Giovanni really was rich. His public identity as a successful entrepreneur ensured a steady income—never mind the profits secretly flowing in from Team Rocket's dealings in Pokémon trade, game corners, amusement parks, and other shady businesses.
Inside the lavish office, Giovanni retrieved a bottle of fine red wine from the cabinet, while Matori, ever considerate, began brewing tea.
"I heard you stirred up quite a commotion in Hammerlocke City in Galar. Things got pretty serious. I wouldn't be surprised if the Galar League sends someone to Kanto to cause trouble."
Pouring Lucas a small glass of wine, Giovanni swirled his own glass slowly, his voice calm.
He was quite interested in Lucas's actions in Galar.
Though Lucas was arrogant, he was also a man who put profit above all else. Giovanni didn't believe for a second that he would raise such chaos in Hammerlocke without a very good reason.
"Ah~ there was something I needed there. Hammerlocke just had to deal with the inconvenience."
Lucas took a sip of the wine. Hm. Not bad at all.
"Oh?" Giovanni's deep eyes flickered slightly.
Hammerlocke had been attacked by a Team Rocket executive. If someone really wanted to investigate, it wouldn't be hard to find clues.
From what Giovanni knew, half the city had been destroyed due to a clash between Zacian and Eternatus—two legendary Pokémon of Galar.
And there were rumors that a Team Rocket member had released Eternatus, which had previously been sealed away.
Considering Lucas's nature, if he truly discovered the location of a Legendary Pokémon, there was no doubt he'd take action.
Still, these were Lucas's secrets. Giovanni wouldn't pry too deeply.
Although Lucas was nominally his subordinate, in truth, they were more like partners.
"Whatever it is you're trying to do, just remember—Team Rocket will always have your back."
Giovanni smiled faintly after a moment of thought.
Lucas had made enemies in the Galar League, but Giovanni didn't care.
Team Rocket had always been at odds with the Pokémon League. Besides, Galar was far from Kanto—Giovanni wasn't worried about them making a move.
Upon hearing Giovanni's words, Karen and the others finally confirmed their suspicions…
"So, he really is the boss of Team Rocket. The Kanto League is utterly rotten."
Karen's lips curved into a mocking smile. The Gym Leader of Viridian Gym was actually the boss of Team Rocket. How utterly decadent the Kanto League must be.
Viridian Gym was known as the strongest Gym in Kanto. Giovanni was famous—seen as a kind and capable Gym Leader in the public's eyes.
But the most ridiculous part was, that persona was just a façade. And the League hadn't noticed a thing.
Or maybe they had… but lacked conclusive evidence. Or worse yet—maybe it was all swept under the rug.
"Boss, you're really quite the domineering one."
Lucas smirked slightly, teasing Giovanni.
Listen to that: 'Team Rocket will always have your back.' Now that's some reassuring loyalty.
"Go ahead and introduce your friends."
Giovanni smiled calmly and didn't take the remark to heart. He turned his gaze toward Karen and the others.
"Karen, Will, Marnie. Boss, you probably already know—I'm part of an organization myself."
Lucas introduced the three and then paused, speaking to Giovanni with a thoughtful tone.
They'd met last year. When Giovanni had invited him to join Team Rocket, Lucas had briefly mentioned that he already belonged to another organization.
"I see. So, these three are part of it too?"
(End of Chapter)