"Keep it within bounds—don't go overboard."
Giovanni smiled faintly. He wasn't reassured by Damian's bold talk; if anything, it gave him a headache.
He knew today's Damian all too well.
Proud, cocky, loud—and reckless by habit. He was really worried Damian would stir up too much trouble in Alola and end up drawing the League's ire.
"Ha~ Don't worry, Dad. I'll mind my manners."
Damian flashed a clean, shy smile. If you judged by looks alone, he was downright misleading.
"Oh, right, Dad—why not have Matori come along with me? She's crazy competent. I could really use her."
"roll…"
...
Saffron City, the biggest and most bustling metropolis in the Kanto Region—famous even across other Regions.
The "Saffron" in Saffron City shines like gold. Says it all.
The next day, Damian arrived at Saffron City's airport. Yep—next stop, the Alola Region.
"Young master."
Damian had just reached the entrance when two people stepped up to greet him.
"Proton, Domino—long time no see."
Damian grinned and gave them a nod. These two were the subordinates Giovanni had assigned to him.
"Approximately six months and nine days. Congratulations on taking the Indigo Plateau Conference title, young master."
Proton replied with a courteous smile—polished and polite.
Proton looked like a handsome youth with short green hair—fair-skinned, with a slightly wicked air to his features.
Among Team Rocket's Four Admins, Proton really was a standout—purely on looks, anyway. Archer, Ariana, and Petrel… best not mentioned.
Proton was one of Team Rocket's executives. In terms of strength, not exactly top-tier, not exactly weak either—bottom rung of the Elite class.
Domino stood by with a pleasant smile. In her fitted black dress, she had striking curves, long golden Long, wavy hair, pretty face—very alluring.
She was Team Rocket's officer Domino, aka the "Black Tulip." Her Trainer skills were average, but as an intel specialist, she was in her element—professional makes all the difference.
"The other members have already departed from different airports. The rendezvous point is set."
"Good. With you backing me up, Proton, I'm a lot more at ease."
Damian patted Proton's shoulder, genuinely satisfied.
He wasn't Archer, sure, but Proton had real chops. With his help, Damian could save himself a lot of hassle.
"That old man—here I am expanding his borders, and he's still stingy about sending people."
Damian couldn't help griping. Yeah, they'd agreed on Proton plus a few more officers.
In the end, it was just Domino as the sole officer. Giovanni's explanation? He simply couldn't spare anyone else.
Domino had even resigned her public-facing researcher post to be reassigned under Damian.
"…"
Proton gave a couple of dry chuckles. Truth was, he was happy to head to Alola with Damian.
Kanto was on rails—day-to-day management was dull. Heading to Alola to conquer new ground? Way more exciting.
Domino didn't dare make a peep. In front of her stood the crown prince and an executive. What could a lowly intel officer like her say?
Especially when the prince was grumbling about the boss—no way she was touching that.
"Alright, let's head in. To Alola."
"Yes, young master."
"Nice. Love the energy. Move out!"
The Alola Region, the world's most famous vacation paradise, renowned for its breathtaking beaches and seas.
The climate is warm, resources plentiful, every corner soaked in that tropical "southern isles" vibe.
On Alola's beaches, you see coconut palms, pineapple juice, hibiscus shirts, and beach competitions everywhere—pure island life.
Whether for travel or adventure, it's prime territory. The only pity is that Alola still hasn't found a League—yet.
Alola, Melemele Island, Hau'oli City Airport.
"Aaaah~ now that's sunshine. And the sea breeze smells amazing."
Stepping out of the terminal, Damian took off his shades and stretched in bliss. Long flights left him a bit stiff.
He gazed into the distance—azure ocean meeting clear sky at the horizon, the heavens mirrored on the water. Gorgeous.
And no denying it, Hau'oli City was packed. It was Melemele Island's most famous seaside city, after all.
"Let's go grab food first, then talk through the plan."
Damian took Proton and Domino to a well-known nearby restaurant and booked a private room.
"Young master, I've received word—the first batch of members has arrived in the Alola Region as well." At the table, Proton reported to Damian.
"Good. Proton, send people to buy some land—and pick up a mall, then gut and renovate it."
Damian nodded.
"Turn the mall into an entertainment complex. You should be familiar with that playbook, right?"
They'd brought a lot of capital to Alola, but every project needed to spin up fast.
Times had changed—Team Rocket had a lot of mouths to feed. Of course they had to run companies and build industries. Money doesn't grow on trees.
Team Rocket's creed: use Pokémon to rake in profits—and rule the world.
"Understood."
Proton nodded. He'd managed the Celadon Game Corner for a while—knew the ropes.
"Now for the main event—Domino." Damian looked her way.
"Take a team and gather intel. Team Skull and the Aether Foundation are top priority."
"For now, focus on Team Skull first. Since Team Rocket's new in town, we should 'introduce' ourselves to our peers."
A wicked smile tugged at Damian's lips.
"Yes, young master. I'll get it done ASAP."
Domino nodded solemnly.
"No need to be so stiff. I trust your skills." Damian took a sip of pineapple juice—pure, clean flavor.
"Young master, we just got to Alola. Going straight at Team Skull—might that be a bit unwise?"
After a moment's hesitation, Proton lowered his voice, trying to be tactful.
In his view, Team Skull was the local thug-tier evil organization. To play it safe, they should avoid direct conflict at first—after all, they didn't yet know Team Skull's true strength.
"Proton, we're guests here. If we're going to take someone's turf, we ought to say hello first."
"Besides…"
Damian didn't bother to hide his contempt.
"Team Skull is, at the end of the day, a gang of losers led by a bigger loser."
"Relax. Once we find their base, there won't be a Team Skull in Alola anymore."