Chapter 158: First Blood
After creating his account, Giovanni felt a brief sense of unreality. He had just infiltrated the Kanto Researchers' inner network— it had been far too easy.
Matt saw through his thoughts. "Do not overthink it. You have no published achievements, nor have you received official certification from the Alliance. For now, you are not considered a true Researcher."
Giovanni understood. If it were that easy, the security would be meaningless. Following Matt's suggestion, he left a comment under Professor Oak's article, explaining his interpretation of the senryu poem.
Ding.
Almost instantly, a reply appeared. It was a "like" from Professor Oak himself. The user "Cinnabar's Hottest" also commented: "This explanation makes it easy to understand. As expected of the Champion. A good insight." "Dr. Elm" replied: "I need to learn more from my seniors. I will also study senryu later." His reply, in turn, received a "like" from "The Ghostly Matron."
The user "Westwood V" then commented: "Are you a new Researcher? I have not seen your name before. Do you need to join my project to gain some experience?"
Giovanni typed a reply: "Thank you, but I already have a lead on a project of my own."
"Westwood V" replied: "Young people nowadays are truly remarkable. I look forward to your results."
Giovanni did not continue the conversation. As a newcomer, saying too much would be a mistake. He needed to cultivate an image of someone who was passionate about research and singularly focused on his goals.
"Not bad," Matt nodded in satisfaction. "You have made an impression on them, but not too much of one. When you have results, you will be able to make a real splash." After turning off the computer, he asked, "Whatever you need for your research, just ask."
"Not much," Giovanni said, pointing to the Poké Ball containing Matt's Yanmega. "Your Yanmega, a few others around level thirty, and a camcorder will suffice."
"That simple?" Matt asked, confused.
"The concept is simple," Giovanni replied. "But experiments always require trial and error. We have not even begun."
Matt nodded. It was not a problem. There seemed to be many Yanma on this island. "Okay. I will have someone prepare them."
Giovanni, however, had his own considerations. While he could cultivate Yanmega for Team Rocket, if he were to use them for nefarious purposes now, his public identity would be compromised.
"When the Yanmega are ready," he told Matt, "I need you to control them. You can continue to cultivate their strength, but they cannot be seen by the public until after my findings are released."
Matt understood. "Do not worry. I will personally control these units. When the time is right, they will all be handed over to you." He looked at Giovanni, his expression serious.
"For now," Matt continued, "you can focus on your research. Once your Pokémon have fully recovered, I will personally guide your training."
"Good," Giovanni clenched his fists. He needed to become stronger. Training with a master like Matt was the best option. In just over half a year, he had gone from an ordinary person to a trainer with Senior-level Pokémon. His progress was like riding a rocket... and in a sense, he was.
"When your results are published," Matt added, "and the units are established, you will also receive corresponding resources from within the organization. This is a rule set by the Boss."
Giovanni's eyes lit up. "I will remember that."
A week passed. Giovanni's Yanmega project was in full swing. Matt was a man of action; the day after their conversation, he had captured more than a dozen Yanma for Giovanni's research.
But Giovanni's worries had also come true.
The reconnaissance squad Matt had sent out had vanished without a trace. The teams sent to survey and choose a location for the base were attacked the moment they left the perimeter. Fortunately, with several Chiefs present, there had been no casualties— but they had confirmed it:
There were other humans on the island.
In the makeshift conference room, Matt's expression was grim. "What is the situation?"
One of the Chiefs pointed to the stitched-up gash on his face. "They are... savages," he said, his voice strained. "They command Pokémon without Poké Balls. Their physical fitness is incredible; they fight hand-to-hand with their Pokémon. They do not fear death or pain.
And they have strange Pokémon with them, some resembling Ghost-types." He looked distraught, furious. "This injury... one of their Pokémon controlled my own. They used the opening to break through our defenses!"
A murderous aura rose from Matt. The reconnaissance squad... they must have been wiped out. It was always Team Rocket who did the killing. Now, someone dared to kill their people?
"Hmph. A bunch of savages dare to stir up trouble," Matt growled. "Prepare yourselves. I am going to wipe them out."
The Chiefs looked at each other, a flicker of fear in their eyes. "Sir," one of them said hesitantly, "we can prepare, but there is a problem. They are elusive. We do not have their exact location. We fear there will be heavy losses. Building the base is the priority..."
Matt slammed his fist on the table. "The problem now is that they are not giving us a chance to build the base! So you tell me, what should we do?!"
The Chiefs fell silent.
It was Giovanni, who had been sitting quietly nearby, who slowly stood up. Under their puzzled gazes, he spoke, his voice calm and steady. "I will go. Finding their gathering place will not be a problem."
"No," Matt refused immediately. "It's too risky."
"Captain," Giovanni said, his voice taking on a hard edge. "Have you forgotten what kind of organization this is? What do you take me for?"
"It is still not allowed," Matt insisted. "If someone goes, it will be you and I, together."
"You need to stay here," Giovanni explained patiently. "If you move, and they attack the camp, that would be a catastrophe."
Matt looked at Giovanni's confident expression. He finally relented. "I will give you my Weezing. If you encounter danger, you must retreat immediately."
Giovanni took the Poké Ball. "Okay."