Chapter 156: The Team Rocket Way
As night fell, a cool sea breeze swept over the island, adding a chill to the tranquil night. The dense jungle opposite was a sleeping black beast, its silence punctuated by the rustling of leaves and the low roars of Pokémon.
Something was approaching.
At the very edge of the newly established safe zone, over a hundred Team Rocket grunts stood in neat, disciplined rows, their faces etched with a fearless resolve. These were Matt's elite, meticulously trained, the best of the best.
Snap!
The sound of a breaking branch was the signal. A tide of wild Pokémon, their eyes burning with rage at the invasion of their home, charged out of the darkness.
Their aversion to humans was primal, and the slaughter of their flying brethren had cemented their hatred. This was a blood feud.
Faced with the sudden onslaught, Matt's subordinates displayed the professionalism of a true military unit. Their years of selfless dedication to the organization, their unwavering loyalty to their captain, had forged them into a force as solid as rock.
"First row, fire!" Matt's command cut through the night. The first row of grunts swiftly raised their specialized capture devices and pulled the triggers in unison. A volley of nets accurately struck the first wave of charging Pokémon.
The tide did not slow. The enraged howls of the captured creatures only spurred the others on, their charge growing more ferocious.
"Second row, prepare!" Matt's voice was calm, his eyes missing no detail of the unfolding battle.
From the side, Giovanni watched, a flicker of approval in his eyes. This was how it should be. This was how Team Rocket should operate.
The second row was ready. At Matt's command, they fired, another dense volley of nets effectively curbing the Pokémon offensive— but many of the creatures were still struggling wildly, tearing at their restraints.
"Third row, support!" The third row moved with swift precision, their enhanced capture devices firing supplementary shots, reinforcing the nets and completely subduing the struggling Pokémon.
With just their most basic capture devices, they had repelled the first wave. It was a testament to Matt's unique approach. Unlike Ank or Price, who trusted only in the strength of their Pokémon, Matt, who had once dreamed of being a researcher, understood the power of technology.
And unlike them, he had the full backing of Madame Boss, who was willing to invest heavily in his vision.
Giovanni's eyes narrowed. In the future, he would recruit his own researchers— preferably the underappreciated, the radicals whose work was deemed too dangerous by the mainstream.
The Researcher Forum account Matt had helped him register would be a useful tool for scouting such talent.
"Retrieve," Matt commanded. "First and second rows, release Pokémon. Kill."
The grunts swiftly retrieved their nets and released their own Pokémon. "Kill!" Matt's voice rang out again, now laced with an undeniable, murderous intent.
The Team Rocket Pokémon, sensing their masters' resolve, roared as one and pounced on the remaining wild Pokémon. The battle erupted anew, but with the initial wave already neutralized, the grunts held an absolute advantage.
The remaining wild creatures were either systematically eliminated or fled in terror.
Giovanni watched, a faint smile playing on his lips. This was a training method he would apply to all his future teams.
The battle did not last long. The wild Pokémon were utterly defeated, their groaning or lifeless bodies littering the ground.
"Clear the battlefield," Matt said softly. "Collect the decent ones. Kill the worthless. Dispose of the remains."
The grunts moved with brutal efficiency. Flashes of red light from the Poké Balls flickered in the darkness, accompanied by the mournful cries of Pokémon being put down. It took nearly two hours before the last of the carnage was cleared away.
"Maintain patrols," Matt called out as the grunts began to disperse. "Night duty, stay sharp."
"Yes, sir," they responded in unison.
When they were alone, Matt frowned. "These wild Pokémon are very aggressive," he said. "And they seem to have some understanding of human tactics. Something is not right."
"Then that means," Giovanni said, stroking his chin, "there are other humans on this island."
Matt pondered this. "It is possible. Our technology cannot yet scan an entire island for human life. Anything is possible."
"Should I go and investigate?" Giovanni offered.
"No," Matt replied immediately. "The forest at night is too dangerous. If something were to happen to you, I would be unable to explain it. We will discuss it tomorrow."
He did not know that Giovanni had an advantage in the forest— but Giovanni did not press the issue. He had his own priorities. He nodded. "Alright."
"Go and rest," Matt said, his gaze fixed on the dark treeline. "See you in the morning."
Giovanni returned to his tent, sat cross-legged, and began to practice Calm Mind.
His Pokémon still needed him. He would heal them in the morning.