Team Rocket's Second-in-Command!-Chapter 381: Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! []

When Luo Yuan heard the Silph president propose resolving the rivalry with Devon Corporation through a Pokémon battle, he almost thought he had walked into the wrong story.

The idea seemed utterly absurd.

While Pokémon training was the world's mainstream profession, using battles to settle corporate disputes was an entirely different matter. This wasn't some roadside skirmish between trainers over a few hundred Pokédollars—this was high-stakes business.

Silph's president shared Luo Yuan's incredulity.

"To be honest, I thought it was ridiculous when Devon proposed it," the president admitted.

"Still, it tells us something," Luo Yuan mused, rubbing his chin. "Devon must be under significant pressure themselves."

Devon Corporation was simultaneously fending off scrutiny from the Pokémon Association while trying to thwart Silph's expansion. It made sense they were desperate enough to propose something so unconventional.

"I agree, but their interference has been extremely effective. Our expansion plans in Hoenn have completely stalled."

"If they suggested a battle, who's representing Devon? Don't tell me it's Steven Stone," Luo Yuan asked.

The president hesitated briefly before nodding.

"Well, that's not great," Luo Yuan muttered.

Bringing in Steven—current Champion of Hoenn—was a bold move, but it made sense. Not only was Steven a member of the Stone family that owned Devon Corporation, but his position as Champion also carried significant weight.

Still, it was unusual for a Champion to engage in something so blatantly tied to corporate interests.

"Devon must feel cornered if they're willing to sacrifice their public image like this," Luo Yuan concluded.

Turning to the president, Luo Yuan added, "So, you're asking me to represent Silph in the battle?"

The president nodded.

Ever since he learned of Luo Yuan's true identity, his feelings had been complicated. However, his gratitude outweighed any reservations. Luo Yuan was Silph's strongest pillar of support.

At first, Luo Yuan's instinct was to decline.

It wasn't that he doubted his ability to win—he simply felt he had been acting too high-profile lately.

As the youngest Elite Four in history, Luo Yuan had just made headlines in Alola for resolving the Aether Foundation "incident." Taking down Steven next would draw even more attention, which didn't align with his usual reserved style.

"I'll personally, along with other shareholders, offer a combined 5% stake in Silph as your compensation," the president added, sparing no expense.

It was a hefty offer, but not one made lightly. If Silph secured Hoenn's communications market, the 5% share would pale in comparison to the potential profits.

Luo Yuan raised an eyebrow at the offer.

5%?

That was no small amount. Combined with his current holdings, this would make him the second-largest individual shareholder in Silph, behind only the president.

The offer was tempting.

After a moment of consideration, Luo Yuan decided to accept.

It wasn't just the shares—he also felt a sense of responsibility as Silph's spokesperson. His image represented the company.

Steven Stone, huh? Luo Yuan thought.

Let's see who's really the better trainer.

"By the way, there's going to be an official witness for this battle, right?" Luo Yuan asked. "We can't risk the losing side going back on their word."

While unlikely, the stakes were too high not to consider the possibility.

"Of course. The Pokémon Association in Hoenn will act as the witness," the president replied.

"That won't do," Luo Yuan said flatly. "The Hoenn Association might lean in Devon's favor."

He thought for a moment before suggesting, "I'll contact Lance."

Silph was based in Kanto and Johto, making it a local enterprise for Johto. Given the circumstances, having the Johto Champion act as a neutral witness wasn't an unreasonable request.

After finalizing the time and location for the battle, Luo Yuan adjusted his plans, delaying his return to Johto in favor of a trip to Hoenn.

Beside him, Lusamine raised an eyebrow at the mention of his impending showdown with Steven.

Speaking so casually about challenging a Champion—it was as if Luo Yuan didn't even consider the possibility of losing.

But if he does lose, Lusamine mused, it might actually be amusing. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

Luo Yuan caught her sidelong glance and frowned.

"You're not secretly hoping I'll lose, are you?" he asked suspiciously.

"..."

Lusamine felt like her thoughts were an open book in front of Luo Yuan, laid bare for him to see.

At that moment, the Pokémon battle dedicated to Tapu Koko ended with cheers from the crowd.

High above, the guardian deity's silhouette appeared briefly in the sky.

Luo Yuan waved at it nonchalantly, though he couldn't shake the feeling that Tapu Koko hesitated mid-flight when it noticed him. Its movements seemed unusually stiff.

---

After three more days in Alola, Luo Yuan finally said goodbye to the sun, sand, Lillie, and Lusamine.

His departure was hastened by the urgency of the situation in Hoenn—otherwise, he would've gladly stayed a few extra days.

Onboard Team Rocket's airship, Matori was delivering a progress report to Luo Yuan and Giovanni, who attended remotely via holographic projection.

"The integration of the Aether Foundation is complete," Matori began. "Additionally, we've finalized the location for Faba's research facility. All Ultra Beast research data from the Aether Foundation has been sent to the New Island base."

"Well done," Giovanni praised, clearly satisfied with the results in Alola.

If not for Luo Yuan's involvement, Giovanni doubted any other Rocket executive could've achieved such clean, decisive results.

"I also heard you're heading to Hoenn to face Steven in a battle?" Giovanni asked.

"Huh? News travels fast. Even you know about it, Boss?" Luo Yuan was about to inform Giovanni himself.

He had expected the story to leak, but the fact that Giovanni—stationed all the way in Kanto—knew about it within three days was astonishing.

Giovanni chuckled. "I heard it from Silph, but the news is already spreading throughout Hoenn. Devon Corporation has heavily publicized the battle as a way to showcase their strength."

---

...

Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.

Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.

WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it... or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.

If you had fun, you know what to do:

👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]

Heads up—Patreon's 50% off for all tiers during May. So if you were on the fence? Now's the time.

And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.

👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]

Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.

—Leaf