Personally prefer the MC to have some nuance. Don't like the constant grimderp kill everything mc.

Really like how you handled this. Most people have some degree of morality. Having him be ruthless but principled is probably my favourite personality type you could choose. This is the only story I have actively followed since I opened my account for a reason. Can't wait to see what you do next.

Really love the progression of this novel. Im interested to see how he treats his subordinates. A mini giovanni maybe?

Really love Giovanni in this fic. Very cool dynamic.

Really like the fact that Maria slightly disadvantaged the MC for her own gain. Really gives the characters life.

This looks great. Can't wait to see how Alex manages a larger group. I see him as a ruthless, smart and loyal to those he truly cares about. Hope you reinforce his willingness to kill. Don't get me wrong, I am thankfull you haven't had him running around slaughtering people, (That gets old fast), but I would still like to see his more ruthless qualities explored more.

This is pretty interesting. I really like the fact that the mc is still selfish but is willing to include the people he cares about under the umberella of the 'self'. I could see this going in multiple directions but I personally like the team rocket angle. Maybe you could do some interesting character conflict later on when Alex's allegiance is revealed. Will be interesting to see how you will tackle that problem. I personally like the idea of keeping an alex vs steven dynamic when he is revealed as a member of team rocket: Though there are plenty of other options. Thanks for the chapter, and best of luck on your future chapters.

I really like the interaction between alex and maria in this chapter

Np man. As I said, you seem to be going in the right direction. Just remember, its your show. You probably have a plan and you are definitely going to go somewhere I don't expect. The only concrete advice I can give that will pretty much always be right, is to build up the relationship slowly from what seems like friendship. The romance should be an extension on that. Use whatever means you want to build up this 'friendship'. Dates, conversations, shared experiences etc The direction you want to bring their relationship is up to you. Considering the whole hierarchy thing you have a few fun options. The rivals, love/hate relationship thing, you could do a power couple, you could side-step the whole thing by having them be promoted in different sections/areas so no conflict. You could even have one acquiesce to being a subordinate (This is risky and probably suboptimal without a very specific reason for doing so. Examples include a shadow ruler mc similar to danzo or maybe a story focused on a mentor/tutee relationship between the mc and some authority figure) Good read so far. Will definitely be reading on.

Yeah, that's a pretty cool idea. Personally I like the idea of the professor in combat.

While it reads slightly better, the problem is mainly structural. What I mean by this is that the mcs actions don't seem to match up with his words/beliefs. Your cautious mc rushes a random romance in a criminal organisation because she is really hot? The only way to fix it is to restructure the story which is probably not worth it. I can suspend my disbelief and accept that the cynical, ambitious mc is now head over heels in love with this random criminal girl for no particular reason. But he now has to slow down. If he continues to act impulsively it will really kill the enjoyability. As I said I don't understand romance and find it really boring so just saying 'they love each other, enjoy the romance' doesn't really work for me. A good, interesting relationship with intriguing character interactions will really improve a bland romantic arc. You already are doing it. You have a great power dynamic with two ambitious people competing in a highly hierarchical organisation (be careful with this one, you don't want the mc to win or lose everything. A challenge is fun, complete domination/submission is pretty boring) . They both respect each other... Somewhat. There is plenty of dark/gray themes to explore. Plenty of interesting interactions are possible with the pokemon etc. You really have a good foundation with this. You don't even need to do much 'slice of life' stuff. You just need to show how the mc interacts with the love interest. You could do this in anyway you want. A few chapters back is when I started to lighten up on your romantic arc. That conversation was interesting, if a bit short. Even debates on morality/philosophy can work well, you develop your character, show they have disagreements, can highlight their dynamic etc. Sorry for rambling. Tldr: Slow down the romance, develop the relationship (dates, discussions, combat together, transient character interactions, etc), eventually true love. That's my suggestion anyway.

I was wary of the early chapter romance since it seemed you turned your mc into a love sick fool almost instantly. So far it seems better so I'm not particularly against it. In general I find romance very boring but it doesn't seem like it will end up particularly tedious like so many other stories. Don't overdo or rush it and it should be fine.

Say what you will about the american law system but you cannot just casually execute injured combatants infornt of like 10 witnesses. Especially not in a suburban neighbourhood. Really bizarre choice there. You could get away with it in the middle of no where or in a war but not in suburbia.

Why does he keep putting his stats into strength? He is a cop and in america. He atleast needs some dex so he can survive a shootout.

This is interesting. Curious how you are going to do this.

Timeline is a bit screwey but whatever. Curious where you are going with this so ill keep reading.

Thank god he isn''t one of those socialist kinds of people. Wouldn't want the proletariat to throw of their chains and all that jazz.

That was fucking ballsy

Well that's an ominous end. Although I don't suggest it, if you are going to gith temari romance pls take it slow. Pretty sure this is going to be a ****ed situation and creepy romances are pretty unsatisfying.

Wha a twist!