Granny Joyce asked bluntly, "What price do I have to pay?"
For those who are strong, finding the right apprentice is often harder than a novice seeking a mentor. Talent, character, and many other factors must be considered. Even Ethan Cross, soon to join the Elite Four, couldn't make the cut.
"Price?" Carl glanced at Professor Oak. "We're all friends here, no need to be so formal."
Professor Oak showed a helpless smile, while Granny Joyce remained silent, lost in thought.
Lorelei and her group couldn't help but admire Carl's audacity. The guy certainly had guts.
"You'll appreciate her personality, and her talent is exceptional. As a trainer or coordinator, she's outstanding. If she specializes in Poison or Ghost types, she could become an Elite-level trainer in the future. The possibility of her reaching the top is very real," Carl continued.
He was talking about Jessie from Team Rocket. The group actually divides into two: Giovanni's core members and the special trio of Jessie, James, and Meowth.
Each of them has their own story: Jessie dreams of becoming a doctor or a star, James is a runaway rich kid, and Meowth is a unique Pokémon longing for love. They're not inherently bad, just misguided.
With their talents, they could have achieved great things. If not for their attachment to each other, they would have gone their separate ways long ago. Team Rocket just isn't the place for them.
Carl has always admired this trio and hopes to give them a fresh start. With a chance to change their fate, why not take it?
"What's her name?" Granny Joyce was clearly intrigued. If Carl was right, it was like receiving ten talented successors in one.
"I'll send the details to Professor Oak later. You can ask him directly," Carl said, choosing not to reveal everything in front of everyone. Announcing someone's Team Rocket affiliation could easily be taken as a joke.
He planned to send a detailed message to Professor Oak. Given Granny Joyce's status and power, a little investigation would validate his judgment.
Others misinterpreted Carl's intention, glancing enviously at Professor Oak. To them, Carl appeared to be matchmaking for his old friend.
Even in such critical moments, thinking of helping an old friend was why Professor Oak valued Carl so much. Anyone would cherish a friend like him.
Professor Oak kept silent, his expression neutral.
Granny Joyce glanced at Professor Oak, saying nothing, which was her way of agreeing with the arrangement. Meanwhile, Blaine sighed quietly, realizing he couldn't even compete in friendship with Professor Oak.
Granny Joyce suddenly became serious: "The information is reliable, consider it a personal favor." She didn't want to accept Carl's help without returning the gesture.
Carl shrugged nonchalantly, "It's no big deal." He turned to Lance, bringing up the earlier topic again: "Let's talk about the Team Rocket infiltrator in the Elite Four."
"You're in Cerulean City now?" Carl asked, "I suggest checking out Koga; it might yield unexpected results."
"Koga?!" President Damaris was so shocked that he almost staggered. The current Cerulean Gym Leader, second in strength only to Giovanni and Blaine, had recently been promoted to Elite status and was preparing to join the Elite Four.
"Impossible!" President Damaris was incredulous. If the information hadn't come from Carl, he wouldn't have believed it.
Seeing Damaris's shock, Carl decided not to mention Erika and Erika's father. Compared to them, Koga's ties to Team Rocket were shallow and could still be salvaged.
"Don't worry too much," Carl explained, "Koga joined Team Rocket mainly to break into the Elite level. His ties to the organization aren't deep; he's just a backup piece and might have even forgotten his role. It's much better than Blaine's situation." Blaine spread his hands helplessly, "No need to target me now, is there?" He suddenly had a thought and looked at Professor Oak thoughtfully.
Lance's expression grew serious, "Do you have solid evidence?" He silently resolved to thoroughly investigate Koga's connection to Team Rocket, provided the allegations were true.
"It's simple," Carl said confidently. "Check the origins of the Pokémon he first used to break into the Elite level. You could also ask him directly; he might spill the beans."
Everyone exchanged glances, the atmosphere momentarily tense.
"Thank you," Lance said solemnly, then asked, "Who else in the League is part of Team Rocket?"
Carl smiled but didn't answer directly, instead changing the subject: "Let me tell you something else. Over by Lake Rage, Team Rocket is conducting evolution experiments on Pokémon, led by a scientist who was involved in the Mewtwo research." His eyes gleamed with determination—his true target was the red Gyarados.
"A Team Rocket base at Lake Rage?" President Damaris interrupted, more certain than ever. Though Mahogany Town was small, it was overseen by the region's strongest Gym Leader, Pryce. Known for his unyielding ice-type mastery, Pryce had nearly captured Rocket executive, Proton. How could Team Rocket operate under his nose?
Carl gave a calm smile, "Whether it's true or not, send someone to check it out. I have no reason to deceive you; honesty is more beneficial for me."
Damaris hesitated. As the League President, he knew he couldn't let emotions cloud his judgment. Seeing this, Carl decided against revealing Pryce's secret, choosing instead to focus on the pressing matters at hand.
"Lance, contact me as soon as you reach Lake Rage," Carl said to him. He wasn't doing this out of kindness; as someone from the Johto region, Kanto's issues weren't his concern. Developing a game console was just a convenient way to make money, and helping the Kanto League was merely incidental.
Revealing Koga's identity was out of regard for Cynthia and Professor Oak, recommending Jessie to Granny Joyce was a spur-of-the-moment idea. As for the Lake Rage operation, he had his sights set on that red Gyarados.
This Gyarados was remarkable. After Lance captured it, it quickly became a mainstay, capable of holding its own against Groudon and Kyogre a year later. Even with the resources of the Dragon Clan, such rapid growth proved extraordinary potential.
A Gyarados that could Mega Evolve and surpass the starters in talent—what trainer wouldn't be tempted? For Carl, its imposing appearance alone was worth the effort, not to mention its strength and potential.
To Carl, Lance was just a tool to pave the way.
To ensure Lance didn't beat him to it, Carl had some contingency plans in place.
"No problem, I'll count on you then," Lance replied sincerely. In matters of fighting crime, he was always committed.
Carl's assured promise made it hard not to believe, even President Damaris could only smile helplessly, saying nothing more. Although he hoped Carl was wrong, he knew the chances were slim.
"Have we all fallen behind?" President Damaris couldn't help but question himself.
"Just call me Carl, no need to be so formal," Carl said, feeling a bit uneasy about the title. It wasn't that it sounded bad, but he felt undeserving of it. In his upbringing, such a title was reserved for those of great virtue and respect.
"Alright, then just call me Lance," Lance smiled, thinking Carl wanted to get closer.
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