The evening arrived, Viridian City.
"Yo~ Matori, long time no see, come, let the young master see if you've gotten fat recently."
Entering Viridian Gym, Damian steps forward to greet Matori who comes to meet him with a smile.
"Boss, please show some restraint."
Matori steps back a pace, pushes her glasses up, glancing淡淡着 at Damian and the three behind him, Caitlin's delicate features stay expressionless, she surveys this purple-haired glasses girl and then looks away, no threat.
Paul and Dawn observe the luxurious, imposing gym.
Why would Mr. Damian come to Viridian Gym?
Dawn and Paul aren't fools; they suddenly become conscious of a point, shock coursing through them.
"Pfft—haven't seen you in half a year, Matori is so cold."
Damian spits out.
Matori subtly rolls her eyes at Damian, bewitching and charming, privately it's fine, but not in front of others.
"Boss, you coming to the gym like this isn't ideal, Lord Giovanni isn't to be trifled with—if he's discovered—"
"Relax, Mewtwo checked it; no one tailing us, and nearby cameras didn't catch us."
"Very well, Giovanni is inside waiting for you, please."
Hearing this Matori isn't surprised; she trusts Damian won't act rashly.
Following Matori into Giovanni's office, Giovanni sits at the desk gently stroking a Persian with his right hand.
"Yo~ Dad, this is so comfortable, huh?"
Damian sits down unreservedly, teasing Giovanni.
"Uncle Giovanni, long time no see, have you been well?"
Caitlin performs a noble's curtsey to Giovanni.
"Not really that long; we just met in Unova not long ago."
Giovanni nods with a mature smile, then looks at Damian.
"You're not the one who's comfortable, Damian, the new boss of Team Rocket, a reputation-holding force at home and abroad."
Giovanni's tone carries a hint of teasing.
It's really true!!!
Dawn is stunned; rumors say Mr. Damian joined Team Rocket due to family pressure and public opinion, leading a promising path astray.
But obviously everyone was fooled by Damian!
There's no father-son confrontation between Damian and Giovanni; it's all a lie!
Paul's heart surges as well, but he maintains his composure outwardly.
"Ha—this is also due to your Dad's favor, right? Now, Dad, let me introduce these two."
Damian introduces Dawn and Paul to Giovanni.
"They're prodigy Trainers I dug up in Sinnoh, very talented."
"Hello."
Giovanni smiles at them and nods, admiring Damian's eye for talent.
Weren't Caitlin and Gladion also brought in by Damian?
And indeed Caitlin has become Damian's right hand.
Gladion's strength is strong, and his management skills are undeniable, one of Damian's most valued subordinates.
"Mr. Giovanni, hello."
Dawn and Paul bow in return.
"There have always been rumors that Mr. Giovanni, and Mr. Damian—"
Dawn glances cautiously at Giovanni, unable to hold back her puzzled question.
Perhaps because Team Rocket has reformed now, Damian has reconciled with Giovanni privately?
"That's Damian's suggestion; after I decide to hand Team Rocket over, I've cut ties with the organization."
Giovanni's statement clearly indicates that the former Team Rocket boss was Giovanni himself.
So is Mr. Damian really taking over the family business?!
Dawn remains silent; if that's the case, the League has been toyed with by these two father-and-son.
And the former Team Rocket boss was, in fact, the Viridian Gym's Gym Leader.
Viridian Gym is a League official gym!!
"Dad, today Silver went to the Park; did he tell you about it?"
Damian, taking a sip of the tea Matori brought, asks Giovanni.
"Hmm, the kid—very persistent about you."
"Perhaps a bit too persistent, Damian; you should prepare yourself psychologically."
Giovanni ponders; he thinks continuing like this is not good for Silver's mental health.
"I understand; I'll arrange some psychological counseling for him when the opportunity arises."
Silver—if you want to bring your Brother back, you'll need to keep at it.
"By the way, Selene's suggested a few days ago that the Alola League is established; after the Manaloa tournament begins, she hopes I'll attend in person. What do you think?"
Giovanni asks Damian with a smile.
The Manaloa Tournament is Alola Region's regional tournament built on Manaloa Arena funded by the Aether Foundation; the Alola League chairman is Lusamine, i.e., chairman in person.
Hmm, this makes Kukui and others relieved; the choice of the Alola chairman is superb!
Selene?
Hearing that name, Caitlin's attention sharpens, she sits up straight, placing the teacup down.
Sensing this, Giovanni's smile seems deeper, as he watches Damian with a sly grin.
"She's sent it to me too; she hopes I'll attend to witness her peak moment in Alola."
Damian's tone carries some emotion.
Yes, in the blink of an eye it's past, Selene is about to ascend Alola too. "I've already agreed; this matter is significant for Selene, so I'll go in person."
"Well, I'll agree as well; for such an important life moment, I should be there in person, but I'll go during finals; can't expose yourself."
Giovanni sips tea, nodding.
As for whether Selene will win, that's not really on Damian or Giovanni's minds.
In Alola, who can really stop Selene from rising? Don't joke.
Unless some external demons like Rosa or Dawn appear, but Damian bluntly says even if they fight, Rosa and Dawn probably aren't Selene's opponents.
After all, Selene in this world has been taken in as a gym apprentice by Giovanni for half a year before debut, and has top-tier Pokémon resources.
She debuted with top talent Dratini, later gifted Nihilego and Articuno by Damian; this treatment is top-tier.
Selene says she's caught Tapu Koko and has her eye on a very handsome large lion.
Supposedly the lion Solgaleo was brought to the real world Alola by Lunala from Ultra Megalopolis, pairing with Lunala.
But Lunala is a crucial teammate/family for Lillie; Selene is indeed envious but too shy to say she will Catch Nebby.
According to Nebby, its body belongs to Lillie, Damian, and Solgaleo.
Nebby isn't fond of Selene, after all Selene teased Nebby in its childhood.
Now, chasing the Moon Goddess who fears ghosts, Selene targets Day-God Solgaleo who fears fire.
Solgaleo isn't hostile toward Selene; he even agreed to her Capture battle, but sadly Selene's strength is still behind Solgaleo's.
Capture failed.
But Selene doesn't give up; she plans another challenge later; Solgaleo is willing to give her another chance.
One can imagine the future: Selene, as the first Champion of the Alola League, may lead the Alola Region to rise.
"Speaking of which, when will you tell Selene about your current identity?"
Giovanni asks Damian.
Selene's refined brows rise; the psychological pressure on her grows.
It seems Uncle Giovanni is very approving of Selene, even calling her daughter-in-law.
Caitlin tightens her lips; clearly she feels the pressure.
"Not in a hurry; after Selene wins, we'll talk."
"Fine, as long as you know what you're doing; it's your own business."
Giovanni takes a sip of tea and doesn't plan to intervene in his son's romantic matters; he knows Damian is a bit of a rogue, but he certainly admires Selene—the girl is a prodigy, and Selene and Damian have known each other for a long time.
Even though Damian has many excellent women around him, Giovanni thinks it would be difficult for anyone to threaten Selene's status.
"Dad, when are you planning to challenge the Elite Four? I'm waiting to see the show."
Damian crosses one leg over the other, calmly asking Giovanni.
Indeed, the Kanto Elite Four challenge is the most important thing this second half of the year.
Mr.Giovanni, are you challenging the Elite Four?
Dawn's eyes widen; what a show to watch—watch Mr.Giovanni push Kanto's Elite Four?
Giovanni laughs lightly.
"Except Lance, the others aren't much pressure; nothing spectacular."
Giovanni pats the head of the Persian with a calm tone.
"Looks like Dad plans to use Groudon."
Damian doesn't deny it.
Without Groudon, it would be hard to predict between Giovanni and Lance; with Groudon, only Damian stands a real chance against Johto's old monster.
"If you want to reach Champion, it's essential."
Giovanni nods.
"Goodshow previously took the eight special badges from first generation leaders; supposedly to summon a legendary Pokémon."
"That means Lance could also obtain a legendary as his main roster."
"I'm not planning to hide my strength; becoming Kanto Champion would be ideal, and we'll see which Legendary Pokémon he gets."
Giovanni explains; Lance's strength is already strong, and likely to gain a high-tier legend for his main roster.
Giovanni won't underestimate him; since he's decided to challenge the Elite Four, the goal is Champion.
"If it's Ho-Oh or Lugia, they can't threaten Dad." Damian shook his head."
Damian waves his hand, not denying.
In the special manga, the Legendary large birds summoned by Lance were Lugia; the world isn't sure if it will change.
But whether Lugia or Ho-Oh, facing Primal Groudon is extremely difficult.
"Then isn't that perfect? Damian, you'll have to call me Kanto Champion from now on."
Giovanni leans back in the chair, slowly tipping the teacup with a faint smile.
Team Rocket's career is thriving with Damian at the helm, while Giovanni moves powerfully in the white world; Silver can be proud of him.
Giovanni feels his life is absolutely perfect—
If there were parallel worlds, the Giovanni of parallel worlds would be green with envy of him? Hehe—
The world is just too wild!
Dawn is stunned; the former Team Rocket boss hiding his identity becoming the Indigo League Champion?
Dawn glances at Damian, then at Giovanni, and wonders—could this be real?
~~
Get early access to 160+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
patreon.com/PokemonStoryWeaver
~~~
Every 100 Power Stones = 2 extra chapter