Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command!

"You…"

Gary couldn't shake the feeling that Ash was doing this on purpose.

Still, he wouldn't let it show:

"It's just a silly list," he said dismissively.

Gary tried to act like he didn't care at all.

But to Ash, Brock, and Luo Yuan, Gary's expression said otherwise.

Their laughter was good-natured, but it only served to make Gary more flustered.

Just as Gary was about to retort, a soft beep interrupted him.

The communicator on Luo Yuan's belt lit up.

Luo Yuan glanced at the screen and slipped the device back into his pocket.

"You guys keep chatting. I've got something to take care of," he said, releasing his Charizard.

Hopping onto its back, Luo Yuan took off into the sky.

"Where's he off to in such a hurry?" Ash asked, tilting his head in curiosity.

"Luo Yuan's always like that," Gary replied, shrugging.

But deep down, Gary had his suspicions.

Yesterday, while out shopping with his girlfriend, he had spotted Luo Yuan having dinner with Sabrina and Misty.

He'd previously seen Luo Yuan with Sabrina in Fuchsia City and thought maybe Luo Yuan and Misty had broken up.

Now it seemed Luo Yuan was juggling two Gym Leaders at once.

In Gary's eyes, Luo Yuan's skills in romance were on par with his skills as a trainer—completely unattainable.

Of course, Gary wasn't about to share that observation with Ash.

---

Contrary to Gary's assumptions, Luo Yuan's urgent summons had nothing to do with Sabrina or Misty.

"What's going on, Matori?" Luo Yuan asked as he dialed her number back at the hotel.

She had sent him an urgent message but hadn't explained the details.

"There's a problem," Matori replied, her expression unusually serious. "Do you remember Team Flare's executive Aliana?"

"Of course I do."

Aliana had been the first real enemy Luo Yuan encountered after returning to Kanto. Her intel had led him to acquire a full set of Mega Evolution stones.

If Matori was bringing her up now, it had to be important.

"What happened?" Luo Yuan asked.

"After we captured Aliana, I followed Giovanni's orders to monitor Team Flare's movements in Kalos.

"Three days ago, our contacts in Kalos reported that Team Flare had dispatched a significant number of personnel to Kanto."

Luo Yuan raised an eyebrow.

"Are they seriously coming into Rocket territory to break her out?"

If Team Flare had the audacity to try, Luo Yuan almost felt like he owed them an apology for underestimating Lysandre.

"We're not certain yet. Giovanni instructed that we avoid contacting him during his stay at Indigo Plateau unless it's absolutely necessary. That's why I'm reaching out to you for instructions."

Luo Yuan nodded.

Giovanni's presence at the Indigo League Headquarters surrounded him with League officials. While Luo Yuan could contact him without issue—since Luo Yuan was publicly a regular trainer—Matori couldn't risk exposing Giovanni's identity.

Giovanni's precautions were understandable, and the fact that he had left such decisions to Luo Yuan only underscored Luo Yuan's growing authority within Team Rocket.

"Keep monitoring the situation," Luo Yuan instructed. "Increase surveillance on all Kanto border crossings."

There wasn't much else they could do for now.

Team Rocket had deep roots in Kanto and Johto, but Team Flare was equally entrenched in Kalos. Launching a preemptive strike based solely on suspicion wasn't feasible.

"Also, have our operatives in Kalos find out what Team Flare's objective is," Luo Yuan added.

He couldn't believe that Team Flare would waltz into Kanto just to provoke them.

"Understood," Matori said, adjusting her glasses.

"One more thing," she added. "James, Jessie, and Meowth have been using your name to requisition resources from headquarters…"

"I know," Luo Yuan interrupted.

"Giovanni wanted me to give them something to do, and it seems their business is doing quite well," he said, holding up a copy of the Indigo Tournament Guide.

Judging by the guide's popularity, the trio had likely already made a fortune. Luo Yuan estimated their earnings to be in the billions.

Hearing this, Matori's surprise was evident, but she didn't comment further.

Her previous disdain for the trio stemmed from their tendency to rack up expenses without producing results, which often left her exasperated as the one managing Team Rocket's finances.

But now that they were turning a profit, she had no complaints.

After discussing a few other matters, Luo Yuan ended the call.

He turned to Eevee, who was sprawled on the couch, engrossed in an animated show featuring an Eevee protagonist.

He patted its head, earning a series of disgruntled "Vui! Vui!" noises when he switched the channel to the news.

Ignoring Eevee's protests, Luo Yuan handed some Pokéblocks to Gible, who had just emerged from its Pokéball.

The news anchor's voice filled the room.

"Here are today's top stories:

"The first round of the Indigo League preliminaries has concluded, with the second round set to begin tomorrow.

"Silph Co. is nearing completion of its second Pokéball factory, which will create 500 jobs in Dark City.

"The Pokémon League has announced detailed plans for the division of Kanto and Johto, citing vacant Champion and Elite Four positions. Officials are now recruiting capable and responsible trainers from the public.

"Finally, Kalos Elite Four member Malva will arrive in Kanto in five days to attend the Indigo League tournament, aiming to strengthen trade relations between Kalos and Kanto."

Hearing Malva's name, Luo Yuan paused.

He knew all too well about her ties to Team Flare.

The timing couldn't be a coincidence.

Team Flare had just sent operatives to Kanto, and now Malva was planning a visit?

There was no way this was innocent.

"What are you up to?" Luo Yuan muttered.

Was Lysandre really trying to challenge Team Rocket on its home turf?

If so, Kanto wasn't Kalos.

No matter how many operatives Team Flare sent, Luo Yuan was confident he could ensure their total annihilation.

Perhaps it was time to make an example of Team Flare, solidifying Team Rocket's reputation and paving the way for their expansion into Hoenn.