"Fool!"
Giovanni uncharacteristically scolded Athena harshly. "If Damalanth is truly investigating me, he would definitely send trusted agents to do it discreetly, perhaps even bringing Professor Oak on board. Do you really think that minor agent we planted could uncover such information?"
"So, you're saying…"
"Exactly." Giovanni's expression darkened. "Damalanth must have confirmed my identity through other channels, like through Blaine."
"Would he really betray us?"
He wouldn't have dared before. He knows too many of Team Rocket's secrets and understands I wouldn't risk a mutual downfall. But the situation is different now. Giovanni glanced at the shattered XY console on the ground, speaking gravely, "Since my identity has been exposed, if Damalanth directly confronts him, he has no reason to keep it hidden."
"That old scoundrel!" Lance couldn't help but curse.
Giovanni continued his analysis, "Damalanth has clearly confirmed my identity, yet he deliberately lets rumors spread about an investigation. It's a signal for me to leave the Kanto region voluntarily."
"That old fox isn't ready for an all-out war with us yet."
As the head of the organization, Giovanni could easily see through his opponent's hesitation. The top two gym leaders in Kanto are high-ranking members of Team Rocket. How deeply has the League been infiltrated? Are there insiders among the Elite Four? How many of the dozens of gym leaders have secretly allied with us? Not to mention the business and noble families colluding with Team Rocket.
If war breaks out, the League would be severely weakened. The Kanto region already relies heavily on its rich Pokémon culture to stand with the other three major regions. If its strength is compromised, it will be difficult to maintain its status alongside Johto, Sinnoh, and Unova.
So in the short term, the League won't act rashly. The world is never black and white, but as the symbol of justice, once the League confirms Team Rocket's leader's identity, it will surely act after cleaning house internally.
The differences in their stances make this conflict inevitable.
"Truth is, we at Team Rocket aren't fully prepared either," Giovanni said in a deep voice.
He had studied much of Johto's history and military tactics over the years, understanding the importance of internal stability before facing external challenges. Rather than depleting resources battling the Kanto League and risking mutual destruction, it's better to fully control Mewtwo and consolidate Team Rocket's internal power. When the time is right, executing our plans will be a breeze.
"It's kind of a pity," Lambda sighed. They had been preparing for multiple plans and were about to pull the net.
"Pity?" Giovanni shook his head. "Once you clear the XY game, you'll understand. The game exposes more than just my identity." He squinted. "If you were to continue, could you guarantee success?"
The game's plot had prematurely leaked several of Team Rocket's plans. Some details were unknown even to Giovanni, like the ghostly Marowak in Lavender Town. Yet, the developer knew and included it in the game, which was quite mysterious.
Giovanni was no stranger to such situations. "Is it Celebi's ability to foresee the future, or another Celebi? What is the developer's true motive for this game? We need to find the person behind this."
"Archer, you go personally," Giovanni ordered. "Have that person go to Johto to investigate the game's designer."
"That person?" Archer was taken aback. "Are you sure she won't mess it up? Her relationship with Team Rocket is merely cooperative, and she's so lazy she won't even leave her house, let alone travel overseas."
"Tell her that completing this task will get her what she's always wanted," Giovanni replied calmly.
"Understood!" Archer hesitated no more.
"Everyone, proceed with your tasks." Giovanni turned his back to them, waving them off.
The four obediently retreated. Giovanni stood by the window, gazing out with newfound determination. "One day, I will reclaim control here."
Elsewhere, Pallet Town's Oak Laboratory was bustling with activity. It was the day for new trainers to receive their starter Pokémon, and many young people had arrived early. Only Ash was late due to staying up all night playing games, rushing in as the last one.
"Oh, the sleepyhead finally arrived," Gary taunted, twirling a Poké Ball in his hand. "With your attitude, you think you can beat me? I've already picked the best Pokémon."
Ash originally wanted Squirtle, but seeing the Poké Ball in Gary's hand, he exploded, "You jerk! You took my Pikachu!"
"Huh?" Gary looked puzzled. "Who wants that common electric rat?"
Blue, who was just leaving the lab, couldn't help but interject, "Ash, how many times do I have to tell you, starters can only be chosen from the main three, there's no Pikachu."
"Then I'll catch one myself later!" Ash declared, waving his fist defiantly. "I want Squirtle!"
Everyone around facepalmed — he hadn't even entered the lab yet and was already talking nonsense at the door.
"Sorry," Blue waved her Poké Ball, "I've got Squirtle."
"Mine's also Squirtle," Gary immediately added.
"How can this be?" Ash deflated instantly.
"That's what you get for being late," Professor Oak chuckled as he walked out. Ash rushed over, "Professor! Then I want Charmander!"
"Charmander was taken by someone who arrived on time."
"Then Bulbasaur?"
"Bulbasaur's also been chosen."
"Am I supposed to go on my journey empty-handed?"
"Well, not exactly…" Professor Oak hesitated.
"I'll take it! Give it to me!" Ash shouted impatiently.
Ash agreed before Professor Oak could finish. The professor, prepared for this, handed him a Pokédex and Poké Balls, then pulled out one with a lightning bolt design. "This little one is a bit shy, you…"
Professor Oak was about to give a word of caution, but Ash had already excitedly opened the Poké Ball. A cute Pikachu appeared on the wall.
"Pikachu!" Ash exclaimed joyfully.
Gary and Blue were stunned, not expecting Ash to really get a Pikachu.
"You know Pikachu?" Professor Oak was surprised. Ash usually couldn't remember key details, and without Blue, his star student, he wondered if his teaching was lacking.
"He's been playing Pokémon Fire Red recently, Pikachu's his favorite," Blue explained.
Professor Oak understood, thinking the game had helped. Carl's game was impressive, even teaching Ash something. He was impressed.
Gary secretly breathed a sigh of relief, confirming his grandfather wasn't showing favoritism. According to the rules, families that hadn't paid enough in League fees could only receive standard Pokémon, not the main three. He'd thought his grandfather might give Ash a break, but it turned out to be Pikachu. How could a common electric mouse compare to his champion Squirtle?
Ash happily cradled Pikachu, not noticing the tension building in its forehead. "Uh-oh!" Professor Oak tried to warn, but Pikachu had already unleashed its electricity.
"Pika—chu!"
After a surge of electricity, everyone was left tingling.
Half an hour later, all the new trainers had set off.
Watching Ash's departing figure, Professor Oak was thoughtful.
An elderly man with a white beard approached, asking, "You have high hopes for that child?"
"He's special," Professor Oak replied.
"That Pikachu is quite something too."
"You have a good eye."
"Too bad we misjudged Giovanni."
"He hid too well."
Professor Oak chuckled, a bit helpless. With Viridian City so close to Pallet Town, he hadn't uncovered Giovanni's secret.
"Shall we act?" Professor Oak asked seriously, "Together, we stand a good chance."
"And then?" Damalanth shook his head, "Even if we capture Giovanni, Team Rocket won't vanish. We both know where their real base is, and Giovanni at his age can't be the founder. There's definitely someone behind him."
"You're right," Professor Oak nodded. "So you're here today for…"
"I'd like you to introduce me to someone."
"Who?"
"The real creator of the XY game console."
Professor Oak's eyes lit up, smiling, "With your status, wouldn't it be easier to contact the Johto embassy directly?"
"Don't pretend," Damalanth smiled. "I want to meet the true creator, not just a company representative."
"How can you be sure I know them?"
"Why else would you endorse the game?"
"It's a fantastic game, its features rival the Pokédex."
"Such high praise? I agree, though." Damalanth paused. "But supporting ten million consoles is no ordinary feat."
Professor Oak sighed inwardly, thinking of how Gary's antics had stirred up trouble, making a note to reprimand him later.
"I'll need to ask them first," Professor Oak said.
"That's only fair," Damalanth replied.
"What do you want with him?" Professor Oak was curious.
"Don't play dumb." Damalanth's expression turned serious. "He exposed Giovanni's true identity through the game, and Lance confirmed the situation in Lavender Town. I'm worried he's like Colress."
"Colress?" Professor Oak's eyes flickered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "If he's using Celebi's power, it's possible."
"But Colress's fate is well-known. With Carl's intelligence, would he make such a mistake?"
"Besides, meddling with time would cause noticeable ripples, and there have been no recent reports."
After pondering for a moment, Professor Oak said gravely, "I'll help you find out if he has more Team Rocket intel."
"Thank you," Damalanth said earnestly. "Especially about internal traitors. Aside from you and Lance, I trust no one."
"We can't just sit and wait. What's your plan?"
"I have an idea."
"Oh?"
"Get some help."