Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom-Chapter 445 - 444: Giovanni and the Warning

In a secret room of the Team Rocket base, located beneath Viridian City,

Cain found himself face-to-face with the man who could be considered the greatest villain in the Pokémon world.

Under the guidance of Umbra and Sabrina, Cain entered the room alone.

In the center of the room was a large desk, covered with numerous documents and books. Behind the desk stood an enormous bookshelf, also filled with books. It was evident that to become someone of great power, both in strength and influence, knowledge was essential.

Sitting in a grand chair between the desk and the bookshelf was a man dressed in an elegant black suit, with a firm and resolute expression on his square face. His short, well-groomed hair and a confident smile on his face completed his imposing presence. One hand held a book, while the other continuously stroked the soft fur of his Persian.

Giovanni did not flaunt his importance upon seeing Cain enter, as other figures of power might.

"Leader!" Cain knelt on one knee as he entered, addressing him with sincerity.

"Rise," Giovanni said calmly, setting his book aside.

His voice was deep and firm, exuding an innate confidence. It was evident not only in his speech but also in the impeccable organization of his surroundings: not a speck of dust on his desk, and the books and documents were perfectly arranged.

As Cain rose, he took the opportunity to steal a glance at Giovanni. The first impression was clear: this man was truly worthy of being Team Rocket's leader.

He was the epitome of charisma.

"I've heard from Umbra that you've managed to establish a small force in the Hoenn region and have even requested an identification code for your group within the organization," Giovanni remarked, still stroking Persian, a gesture that suggested he was deep in thought.

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"That's correct, Leader. I've prepared everything to expand Team Rocket's influence in the Hoenn region," Cain responded respectfully.

Though Giovanni showed no emotion on his face, Cain felt as if those piercing eyes could see straight through him, as if Giovanni could read his deepest thoughts.

"Really? You don't need the organization to provide you with additional support?" Giovanni asked.

Cain felt a slight tension. Although he had managed to establish himself in Leafy Town, the last thing he wanted was someone interfering in his territory.

"Thank you for the offer, Leader, but it's not necessary. I'm confident I can solidify our position in Hoenn on my own," Cain replied firmly.

Giovanni nodded slightly, not pressing the matter further. "If at any point you need support, just inform Umbra. Reasonable requests will be granted. But... I hope you fully understand what you're doing," Giovanni said in a serious tone.

Cain nodded, though sweat began to form on his back. While he claimed to be expanding Team Rocket's territory in Hoenn, his true aim was to strengthen his own power. Giovanni seemed to be aware of this.

Though he hadn't expressed it directly, it was clear he understood Cain's motivations. However, his silence on the matter indicated a willingness to tolerate it to some extent.

That was Giovanni's charisma—allowing his subordinates a degree of freedom, as long as they remained loyal and increased their power. He trusted that no one could escape his control.

That confidence stemmed from his absolute superiority.

"Yesterday, I saw something on television. It seems you're building a good reputation within the League," Giovanni said, shifting the topic.

"That's right, Leader. I believe having a public identity is essential to establishing a strong foundation in Hoenn. Additionally, I'm planning to establish a gym in Hoenn. With a public position and the organization's secret support, I can achieve much more for Team Rocket."

"A gym in Hoenn? In your Leafy Town?" Giovanni seemed well aware of the location.

"Yes, Leader. I've already made the necessary connections within the League, and they've approved the construction of the gym in Leafy Town," Cain replied confidently.

Although Giovanni wasn't fully informed about this project, he would soon know. The League was already moving, and with Giovanni's vast information network, it wouldn't take long for him to learn everything.

Giovanni observed thoughtfully. Cain appeared more capable than he had anticipated. Unlike other Team Rocket gym leaders who relied on the organization's support, Cain had managed to establish a foothold in Hoenn independently, even creating a small underground empire.

Although Leafy Town was small and remote, with sufficient resources, it could hold potential for growth.

Suddenly, Giovanni's strategy for Hoenn shifted entirely. Initially, he hadn't expected much from Cain, someone who had just emerged from the Trial Island. But now, Cain had exceeded his expectations.

Given that Cain demonstrated valuable talent, he deserved more support.

"Very well. Since you have this capability, I'll issue instructions for your identity within the League to be protected at the highest level of confidentiality. Proceed with your plans; Team Rocket will back you," Giovanni declared decisively, making a firm gesture with his hand.

"Additionally, I'll grant you privileged access within Team Rocket and promote you to Officer. You'll have the authority to appoint Captains and junior officers in Hoenn."

"As for higher-ranking Officers, they can be promoted as long as they pass the necessary tests. From now on, you'll report directly to Umbra, who will then inform me," Giovanni added.

"Take care of this, Tenebris," Giovanni ordered, addressing a shadow in the room.

"Understood," a voice responded from the shadows, though no one was visibly present.

It was "Tenebris," another leader of Team Rocket's Shadow Unit, holding a rank equivalent to Umbra's.

Cain felt a slight surge of emotion. Not only because of his new rank as Officer but also because Giovanni had appointed him as the highest authority in Hoenn.

From now on, Cain would only need to answer to Umbra and Giovanni, granting him almost total control over the region without interference from other high-ranking officials.

"However, you must remember this: what I give, I can also take away. I'll let you do some things your way because, in this world, the most important thing is strength."

"Even though you're now an Officer, your power is still far from sufficient. Strive to become stronger, or else you'll remain a minor player," Giovanni warned sternly.

"Understood, Leader," Cain replied, feeling renewed tension.

Giovanni had issued a warning.

(End of Chapter)