Chapter 198

Johto, New Bark Town.

If the essence of Pallet town was pristine white, then New Bark's essence was the vibrant green of commerce.

Lush berry trees encircled the town.

As the day grew late, a Hoothoot perched atop a tall tree, letting out a Growl to signal the time.

"Hey, I'm so sorry...I'm causing you trouble," Luke said as he visited Gold's home.

Gold's mother responded with a warm smile, "Not a problem at all. Gold enjoys having guests over. I'll tidy up the guest room for you."

Gold chimed in with a grin, "No need, really! Teacher Luke and I are planning to stay up all night playing games!"

"Is that so?" she replied.

"Nonetheless, if you could prepare the guest room, that would be greatly appreciated," Luke insisted politely.

Their friendly banter set a lighthearted mood, and it was clear that Luke had an enjoyable visit in store.

...

In Gold's home, many small Pokémon roamed the premises.

Peering from the second floor, one could spot Oddish, Sandshrew, and Kakuna in the courtyard.

Gold gestured proudly, saying, "I've learned quite a bit about Pokémon from my time at the Day Care. Taking care of them isn't too hard."

Standing near the TV, Silver, who was eagerly waiting for the special program to begin, coldly remarked, "I think it's your mother taking care of them."

"Come on! Watch your mouth, or I'll kick you out!" Gold responded playfully, the two friends sharing a teasing rapport.

With their personalities, they made an odd but harmonious pair, and their interactions often led to hearty laughter.

Luke, standing nearby, watched the duo with an amused smile.

As they chatted, Luke's phone buzzed.

Taking a look at the message, he said, "I have to step out."

Outside, at the town's phone booth, he asked, "What's up, Matori?"

"Is this a good time for you to chat?" Matori inquired.

"If I couldn't talk now, I wouldn't have answered the call," Luke replied with a hint of amusement. "Go ahead and tell me what's going on."

"Actually, I'm not the one looking for you; it's Master Giovanni who wishes to speak with you," Matori explained.

This revelation left Luke momentarily perplexed.

Giovanni wants to have a conversation with me?

Was our Interpol involvement discovered so quickly?

But Matori's next words dispelled his doubts.

"It pertains to Young Master Silver."

Luke gently stroked his chin.

So Giovanni is reaching out to me because he wants to discuss Silver...

This was not a major revelation.

Moreover, Teacher Luke was also curious about this influential figure.

"Please connect me to him," Luke said.

"Understood."

The phone rang several times before connecting to Giovanni.

As the microphone was lifted, a deep, gravelly voice spoke:

"I've long heard of your name, Teacher Luke."

On the other end of the line was a prominent figure within Team Rocket. The experience felt surreal for Luke.

But having even been in contact with Red, Teacher Luke did not feel uneasy.

"What's the reason for this call, Mr. Giovanni?" Luke asked.

"The first reason is to express my sincerity in seeking your assistance," Giovanni began.

"The second reason is to reiterate your autonomy. You will have absolute freedom within Team Rocket, and I won't interfere with your decisions."

"But in life, there's no such thing as absolute freedom," Luke sighed.

"Perhaps," Giovanni replied with a chuckle. "Additionally, if I may, I'd like to know more about... Silver's current status."

Luke nodded. "He has found a trustworthy friend and has his own path. However, I believe he still wishes to see you."

"Yes," Giovanni said, his voice tinged with emotion. He ran his fingers over Persian, who was nestled in his arms.

"So you wish to meet as a wanted criminal, one with a multitude of offenses?" Luke asked.

"In this context, your most significant role is not as a wanted criminal, but rather as Silver's father," Luke continued. "And I believe Silver would prefer to see his father."

Luke sensed that he was taking a gamble, a significant risk.

However, if Team Rocket could be reformed...

If Luke were to join Team Rocket and Silver was successfully recruited, it would be a logical outcome.

While fraught with danger, it was a risk worth taking.

Giovanni fell silent for a prolonged moment before saying, "You're the first to make such an offer to me, Teacher Luke."

Giovanni's voice was low, but it contained the one vulnerability that Luke had detected.

"My father always said that the father's first duty was to protect their family."

Luke's tone lightened. "Mr. Giovanni, I believe you can do much better."

"…I cannot abandon Team Rocket."

Giovanni stated firmly, "Luke, among the many people, you're the only one person who has grown close to Silver and hasn't been rejected."

"If you can make him accept Team Rocket..."

"Team Rocket, as it currently stands, is not worthy of his acceptance," Luke interrupted.

Giovanni's tone turned cool, and he inquired, "Is that so?"

Luke remarked facetiously, "Silver is a wayward youth."

"At this stage, the Team Rocket's practices are unforgivable poaching activities."

Giovanni fell silent and eventually sighed. "In reality, Team Rocket hasn't engaged in poaching for quite some time."

"Ever since we succeeded in creating that... Pokémon, we no longer needed to procure Pokémon in that manner."

"Those individuals who engage in poaching under the banner of Team Rocket are nothing more than mere clowns."

Luke found this development intriguing and said, "That is quite curious."

So you're really gearing up for Team Rocket just to bring your son back home?

That's quite the grand ambition!

"Without Team Rocket, alliances will remain in disarray," Giovanni declared coldly. "Teams like Magma, Aqua, and the Galactic are nothing more than a bunch of fools. It's more prudent to have Silver lead Team Rocket, and that is the most significant objective right now."

"And you are the only one who can accomplish this goal, Teacher Luke."

"Have you ever thought about rebranding Team Rocket?" Luke inquired.

Giovanni was momentarily taken aback. "Rebranding the Team Rocket?"

Luke massaged his temples and elaborated, "Since the goal is to bring Silver back, changing Team Rocket's public image is crucial."

"It's evident that Team Rocket is seen as a poaching criminal organization. But what if we shift its image to one of 'justice'?"

"Team Rocket can secure legal sources of funding, eliminating the need for criminal activities to generate revenue. Similarly, Team Rocket possesses a significant following. If these aspects can be transformed into positive word-of-mouth, Team Rocket's image will undergo a significant change. By positioning it as a legitimate organization, Silver would be more inclined to return."

Giovanni contemplated this for a moment, his brows furrowed. "Luke, Team Rocket's foundation lies in its association with evil."

"Much like knights of darkness or nocturnal enforcers," Luke said with a grin, "the line between good and evil is quite thin."

Giovanni raised an eyebrow, then burst into hearty laughter. "Fascinating!"

"However," Giovanni asserted with cold seriousness, "an organization without its own armed force will crumble. I cannot allow Team Rocket to disintegrate."

"As long as the actions are 'righteous'," Luke argued. "Dismantling illegal organizations such as Pokémon hunters, poaching syndicates, and smuggling rings, as well as tackling powerful and unruly Pokémon, are essential methods for improving the organization's reputation."

Can the darkness police the darkness?

Giovanni's lips curled. "You're even more intriguing than I had imagined, Teacher Luke. But you must understand, there are many die-hard individuals in Team Rocket."

"If there isn't a clear direction, Team Rocket will become like a ship riddled with holes. Without a cause for evil, I shudder to think what they might resort to."

"So, what we need is a completely revitalized Team Rocket," Luke proposed.

Luke suddenly chuckled. "A Team Rocket that is dismantled, reformed, and reborn."

"A Team Rocket that can earn the approval of the Alliance, the public, and Trainers."

"One that would make your son proud to carry its name."

Giovanni fell into silence.

Team Rocket's deep-seated issues were worsening, and he had indeed considered starting a new organization.

Yet he had contemplated teaming up with other criminal organizations.

And now, Teacher Luke had offered a proposal that he couldn't easily dismiss.

A Team Rocket that could make Silver proud to acknowledge it...

"Times have changed, Mr. Giovanni," Luke said with a faint smile.

"People would rather stand under a bright rainbow than be drawn to the enigmatic abyss of darkness."

"I believe this is what Silver also wishes for."

The rainbow...

It truly is beautiful...

Giovanni remained silent for an extended period before finally stating, "I will give it some thought."

"Moreover, you are an outstanding advocate, Teacher Luke." Giovanni chuckled.

"It's my pleasure."

"Teacher Luke... I mean, if this new organization comes into being, would you be willing to join?" Giovanni inquired earnestly.

Giovanni's swiftness in making decisions took Luke somewhat aback.

"Have you already thought of a new name?"

"Didn't you just decide for me?" Giovanni retorted.

Luke was momentarily speechless.

Giovanni continued, "I will expand your authority within Team Rocket."

"You will have the ability to hire and dismiss personnel under the title of Executive."

"Additionally, you can directly relay tasks to Matori, who will do everything possible to see them through..."

Luke's expression grew complex.

This was no longer just Executive-level authority...

This was a ministerial position!

"Take care of your health, Boss Giovanni," Luke coughed lightly. "Exhausting yourself is not worthwhile. I need to prepare for the establishment of a new organization..."

"I will. But I need to take a break once in a while," Giovanni laughed.

Change doesn't happen overnight.

However, as long as the seeds are sown, there's potential for growth.

The call ended.

Giovanni gazed out the windows at the sea of clouds. A rainbow pierced through the clouds, a sight of breathtaking beauty.

"Rainbow... Team Rocket?"

Giovanni murmured, a slight smile gracing his lips.

"What an intriguing individual..."