"Are... are these really the Pokémon Team Rocket can provide?"
Platinum observed the exchange list in the Team Rocket app, and her eyes stayed on the screen with surprise. She looked quite cute. One could describe her expression as wide-eyed and blank.
It was not surprising that Platinum was astonished. The Pokémon on the list at this moment were truly excessive.
The list included Dratini, Larvitar, and Bagon.
There were also Zapdos, Regirock, Regice, Registeel, Thundurus, and Tornadus.
Platinum finally understood why Caitlin could use a Pokémon like Tapu Lele. This Team Rocket was exceptionally magnanimous.
Paul's eyes flickered constantly. He scrutinized the three giants, beginning with Regirock. He remembered clearly that his brother, Reggie, had lost to the giants owned by Brandon.
Now, he also had a chance to obtain a giant like Regirock.
Damian answered, "Of course it is true. These Pokémon are currently being raised at Team Rocket's farm. As long as you have enough merit points, you can exchange for them."
Damian continued, "However, the condition is that you must be able to catch them yourself. Pokémon are living beings with their own will. If you cannot earn their recognition, you will not be able to command them."
Damian explained this point. It was necessary to make this clear.
In fact, this rule applied to all Pokémon, not just to Zapdos, Regirock, and the others. Once a member exchanged points for a Pokémon, they still had to capture it. Even when a beginner receives a starter Pokémon at a laboratory, they must earn its approval. There were many cases where beginners were disliked by their first Pokémon.
Capturing ordinary Pokémon was relatively simple. Because Pokémon like Zapdos, Regirock, or Thundurus were naturally powerful, capturing them was much more difficult. Generally, a Team Rocket Executive with enough points for something like Regirock would have the strength to catch it.
Platinum sighed from the bottom of her heart. "Amazing...!"
Although Damian's words described a difficult task, it was still incredible.
Paul clenched his fists. "Leader Damian, I want to do a mission!"
His goal was now Regirock. To get merit points, he needed to complete missions.
Platinum's expression also changed slightly. She had the same idea. She checked the mission lists for other regions in the app. Most missions involved removing groups of Hunters, capturing Alpha Pokémon in the wild, or stopping small villain teams. These missions were positive for the regions.
She wondered if Team Rocket was actually a legitimate business.
Platinum's opinion of Team Rocket and Damian improved quite a bit.
Damian smiled and gently stroked the round stomach of the Jirachi in his arms. "Don't be in such a hurry. Team Rocket just arrived in the Sinnoh region two days ago. We are still in the exploration phase."
Damian added, "Once we have a clear grasp of the situation, the Sinnoh section will update with missions. Don't worry. Team Rocket is just starting out here, so there won't be a shortage of tasks."
Team Galactic was a difficult opponent. If Paul and Platinum worked hard to participate in the cleanup, they would get many merit points.
Damian suggested, "Wait for the notification. I will notify you first. Besides, you also need experience so your strength can improve faster."
Damian was dedicated to training the new members.
Paul looked discouraged. "I understand."
Damian looked at Paul. "Especially you, Paul. I believe your potential is not bad. However, you still need to work harder on your training. Don't just focus on increasing the intensity of the special training."
Since Paul had joined Team Rocket, Damian felt he should give him advice. Paul frowned when he heard this.
Damian continued, "The relationship between a Trainer and a Pokémon has always been one of mutual support. We not only need to find a path that suits us, but we also need to find our true strength."
Damian explained, "Strict training for Pokémon... there is no way to get stronger without enduring some hardship, right? There is nothing wrong with that. But you must maintain a balance. You also need to pay attention to the Pokémon's own state. This isn't just about physical care; it's also about a connection of the heart."
Damian said to Paul, "Pokémon and Trainers who recognize each other can sometimes display power beyond imagination. This is because the Pokémon is not just winning for the sake of victory; it is also fighting for you, its Trainer."
Paul remained silent.
He subconsciously disagreed with Damian's words. In his philosophy, he wondered if building a relationship with Pokémon was meaningful. He also wondered how he could do rigorous training if he had a close relationship with them.
However, Damian was his leader, so Paul thought about the advice for a moment.
Damian saw Paul's deep thoughts and glanced at Platinum. He respected her thoughts. He also wanted to help Platinum find her confidence because Caitlin had defeated her before.
Damian asked, "Platinum, is that okay?"
Platinum hesitated for a moment but did not refuse. "Um—no problem. Paul, do you want to have a battle?"
Paul agreed, "Fine."
He wanted to see the skill of Platinum, whom Damian called an exceptional trainer.
They did not need to go outside. There was a field in the backyard for the battle.
The result was a complete victory for Platinum. Paul lost very quickly. His best Pokémon, Torterra, was completely suppressed and defeated by Platinum's Garchomp.
Clearly, there was a massive gap in strength between them.
Paul's brow was furrowed. "...Was I really this weak?"
He had lost before, but he had never been beaten 0-6 by someone his age. Paul had believed his strength was exceptional among trainers of his age.
Platinum worried that she had been too heavy-handed. "Paul, are you okay?"
Paul snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head. He bowed to Platinum. "I'm fine. Thank you for the guidance. I learned a lot from this battle."
He was traditional in this regard. He always showed respect to those who were truly strong.
Platinum replied with a modest smile, "You're welcome. We will all be colleagues from now on."
Paul asked with confusion, "With your strength, why did you also join Team Rocket?"
He could imagine how talented Platinum was. She was very powerful for her age. She overshadowed other trainers of her generation in the Sinnoh region.
Platinum bit her lip and did not explain. "Because of some special reasons."
She added, "And... my strength is actually still far from enough."
Paul looked confused. "?"
He thought Platinum was bragging. She had beaten him badly, but she called her strength insufficient.
Platinum understood what Paul was thinking. Her pretty face looked unpleasant. "I don't mean to be humble. Paul, you saw Ms. Caitlin, right?"
Paul nodded silently. Caitlin was the elegant girl with blonde hair who stayed near Damian.
Platinum said, "I had a battle with her this morning. My entire team was defeated by her using only one Pokémon."
Platinum's tone was disheartened. When that battle ended, she had been in a stupor. Her confidence had vanished. If she did not have a strong will, she might have quit being a trainer.
Paul's expression changed. Was that elegant girl really that powerful?
A one-versus-six victory usually only happened when there was a massive gap in strength. Caitlin was likely at the Champion level. Caitlin was also very young.
If Caitlin was already this strong, he wondered about Damian, the leader of Team Rocket.
Soon, Paul clenched his fists. His eyes burned with excitement. He felt that joining Team Rocket was the right decision. He could get stronger quickly in this environment.
Platinum thought silently, "As long as I can get stronger and then defeat Ms. Caitlin, maybe Damian will agree to let me leave Team Rocket..."
She still felt her future did not belong to Team Rocket. She knew this thought was unrealistic. Damian would not let her leave easily, but she wanted to try.
She did not run away for two reasons. First, Platinum kept her promises. She would be embarrassed to break her word. Second, she could hide, but she worried about her family and clan. She feared Damian would take revenge on them.
Platinum understood that she could not leave unless Team Rocket fell or Damian was arrested. Running away would only cause trouble for her family.
Over the next two days, Damian stayed in Jubilife City. He was in a relaxed mood. Caitlin and the others were busy.
Zinnia trained her new Dratini. Caitlin trained the Baby Lugia. Platinum sparred with Gladion. Paul was also doing special training.
Paul changed his harsh way of training Pokémon slightly. It was still rigorous, but it was no longer cruel. He began to consider the feelings of his Pokémon. Damian believed that Paul would grow faster because he understood his Pokémon's feelings.
Damian received a report that Team Rocket members found a Team Galactic base.
Outside a fruit tea shop, Damian wore large sunglasses while drinking through a straw. Jirachi was on his left and Victini was on his right. Miss Shell floated opposite them. The three of them enjoyed fruit juice and small cakes.
Damian posted a message on the forum, "Good news, everyone! We have discovered Team Galactic in the Sinnoh region."
He added, "To eliminate Team Galactic, anyone who has time can sign up to participate in the upcoming cleanup operation."
The number of replies to the post increased immediately.
A user shouted, "Can we finally fight Team Galactic again? I want to join!"
Another user posted, "Boss, pick me! Boss, pick me! I'm beautiful and good at my work! I can fly anywhere!"
A different user scoffed. "Have the people above no shame? With your flat chest, do you have the nerve? Damian, honey, I am large! Pick me!"
One user asked, "Wait, are you two for real? Isn't the boss recruiting fighters? What are you even talking about?!"
An account named Rosa is Number One commented, "I, Hilda, am officially objecting! Students should act like students, okay? One by one, you have no chest, no butt, and no face. How can you compete with my sister Rosa, who can fly nationwide? Go back and do your homework!"
Hilda was baffled. "???"
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The story is already available up to Chapter 405.
And in just a few days, it'll be updated to Chapter 450.
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