At the same time, inside a room on the S.S. Anneone specifically arranged by the officials for Mondo, the outside security contractor.
"This kid is going to be a major problem!" Mondo's marble-hard, rugged face grew increasingly grim as he watched Hisoka's six morning matches on the television.
"Meow, Officer Mondo. This guy's Weavile is much more powerful than that brat's Pikachu. If we capture it and present it to Boss Giovanni, he'll definitely be pleased."
Just then, a Meowth standing on its hind legs began to speak eloquently in human tongue. Its reasoning was so sound and its speech so fluent that one could not help but wonder if a human soul was hidden within its feline body.
"Exactly, exactly! Meowth is right. If we offer this Weavile to the Boss, he'll surely see us in a new light."
Standing beside this talking Meowth were a man and a woman, both dressed as servers. The man had short, messy, light blue hair and a somewhat delicate face. The woman was tall with waist-length, wine-red hair and refined features; she was a stunning beauty, though her words carried a certain tomboyish grit.
"Just the three of you?" Mondo looked at the trio and suddenly grinned. "The famous Rookie Trio of Team Rocket. In the two years since your debut, every single mission has ended in failure."
Mondo's expression turned fierce, and his voice went cold. "I don't know why Boss Giovanni keeps three pieces of trash like you around, but for this operation, you're only fit to run errands in the back. If you act without orders and cause any problems for the mission, I'll have your hides."
"Now, get out!"
"Yes, Officer Mondo!"
Frightened out of their wits by Mondo's sudden outburst, the trio scrambled to open the door and bolted out together.
"Ouch! Watch where you're going!" Lisa cried out as her head was knocked back by the three people bursting through the door. She was about to erupt in a flurry of curses when she realized the three had already vanished down the corridor.
"You're just in time." Mondo waved Lisa over as soon as he saw her.
Rubbing her forehead, Lisa sat on the sofa with a huff. "Are those three clumsy fools your subordinates?"
"No!" Mondo shook his head. "Those three are an independent unit. They have no direct superior. If they do, they answer only to Boss Giovanni himself."
"That impressive?" Lisa gasped, covering her red lips with her hand. "Directly under Boss Giovanni... those three must have quite the background."
"Forget about them; they're just trash," Mondo sighed, pointing to the photos on the table. "You should recognize this person."
"Let me see." Lisa took the photos, her beautiful eyes shimmering with delight. "This handsome little brother... he looks quite good in these shots. Don't tell me he's a member of your Team Rocket too?"
There were three candid photos on the table: one of Hisoka commanding a battle, and others of his Weavile and Kirlia.
Mondo gave a cold laugh. "You're overthinking it. It's more likely he's an undercover agent for the League. I have a mission for you..."
"What kind of mission?" Lisa asked, lazily crossing her elegant legs.
"Make sure this kid never sees tomorrow's sun."
With a thud, Mondo slammed a dagger deep into Hisoka's photograph.
"That wasn't in our employment contract." Lisa pulled the dagger out and began to nonchalantly trim her nails with the tip.
"One million!" Mondo stated a figure.
"Tsk, tsk. This little guy is so handsome. If he were willing to spend a night with me, and if he were good at it, I might even pay him a million myself."
"Three million!"
"Don't test me, old man." Lisa tossed the dagger back onto the table and held up five slender fingers. "Five million. I won't do it for a penny less."
Mondo's face darkened. This woman was making an outrageous demand, but he was already in a difficult position. To ensure the mission's success, he had to accept, no matter the cost. Then again, he reminded himself that Boss Chenyi intended to dispose of this woman once the job was done. She might have the life to take the money, but she wouldn't have the life to spend it.
"Fine. Five million it is. But the job must be done perfectly. An 'accidental' fall into the sea... no problem, right?"
"When I handle things, you have nothing to worry about." Lisa rolled her eyes at him, then held out her right hand. "The usual rules: half as a deposit upfront."
Mondo readily pulled out a League Black Card from his vest. "This is an unregistered black card. It doesn't require a password and can be used for online transfers immediately."
"Hehe, then I'll accept this without ceremony!" Lisa tucked the black card away with a smile, turned around, and walked out the door with a swaying, graceful gait.
Watching her retreating back, Mondo bared his teeth in a chilling, predatory grin.
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