"So, you're not going to resist. Good. Saves me the trouble."
Ariana chuckled lightly as she looked at the young man who had already resigned himself to his fate.
In truth, Giovanni had long known there were spies from the Pokémon League embedded within Team Rocket HQ. This whole high-profile operation of his was designed specifically to draw out those little rats.
And sure enough, just as he'd hoped, it worked. The traitor had transmitted a signal, and that was all it took to pinpoint and apprehend the mole.
When Ariana reported this to Giovanni, the man couldn't help but laugh heartily—after all, it felt satisfying to finally clear out a thorn in his side.
Though Giovanni had no qualms about planting spies of his own within the League, he found it thoroughly unpleasant when the tables were turned.
A few infiltrators might not be enough to disrupt an organization as massive as Team Rocket, but the very idea of them made Giovanni feel like he had something stuck in his throat—deeply irritating and impossible to ignore.
Now that the obstruction had been removed, his mood improved considerably. He stroked Persian's fur with an even gentler touch.
"Meow~"
Purring contentedly in Giovanni's lap, Persian basked in the attention, certain it was the most favored Pokémon of all.
Their massive airborne vessel had now crossed the ocean. Below, there was nothing but endless water, the occasional island, and the leaping figures of Water-type Pokémon breaking the waves.
"Boss, we'll reach the Hoenn mainland in a few more hours. Should we head straight to Rex Farm?"
Matori asked from nearby.
"Go straight there. Though we captured the traitor, the message still got out. I need to finish this before the League can react."
Confident in his strength though he was, Giovanni knew better than to underestimate the League's capabilities. If they had time to prepare, not even he could guarantee a clean escape.
Most of the world's top-tier trainers were affiliated with regional Pokémon Leagues. They were the true ruling force of the world.
"Understood, Boss!"
Matori acknowledged the order without hesitation.
Back in the League, news from the undercover agent quickly triggered alarms. The League scrambled to trace Giovanni's movements using every tool at their disposal.
Unfortunately, the vessel Giovanni was using had been built with Rocket's most cutting-edge technology. As long as they didn't broadcast their location, not even orbiting satellites could detect them.
But based on the recent events—Sabrina's arrest in Hoenn, followed by her mid-flight rescue en route to Kanto—the Kanto League promptly informed the Hoenn League of Giovanni's departure.
And when Chiba Rex got the news from Officer Jenny, he could only sigh in resignation.
The odds of Giovanni personally targeting him were slim—but even that slim chance couldn't be ignored.
"Yuli, I need you to stay at the orphanage for a while."
Rex found Yuli, who was working with Diancie to prepare energy cubes, and spoke in a rare, serious tone.
"Did something happen?"
Yuli looked up, concern on her face.
She knew Rex wouldn't ask her to leave the farm for no reason. For him to make such a decision, something truly dangerous must be on the horizon—something even he might not be able to stop.
"Yes… it's a small problem. But don't worry, I'll handle it."
Even Rex wasn't sure if he was overthinking things, but he shared his concerns with her anyway.
Though she was still worried, Yuli knew she wouldn't be of much help in a crisis—she might even become a distraction. So she quickly mounted a Swellow and flew to the orphanage in Chunhua Town.
Once she was gone, Rex began assessing his own combat strength.
Diancie and Shaymin were unquestionably his strongest Pokémon. After them came Totem Swellow and Machamp.
That wasn't a weak lineup by any means—but against Giovanni, who might be bringing elite operatives like Sabrina along? Rex couldn't afford to be overconfident.
Thankfully, he also had the Swellow flock and the Politoed tribe. These groups had grown massive over time. Though he hadn't thought much of it before, when they all gathered together, the result was a formidable force.
Quantity breeds quality. Even the weakest Pokémon—like Wishiwashi—could reach legendary strength when united in large enough numbers.
He had also called back Milotic and Gyarados from the sea. With their own followers in tow, they brought even more firepower to his side.
Now, all of Rex's available strength had gathered. They stood united, waiting for a threat that might strike at any moment.
"I'm okay. Don't worry."
Rex gently patted Ralts, who was perched on his shoulder trying to comfort him.
Ralts could sense his emotions and knew Rex was under immense pressure, even a bit afraid. It leaned its head against his cheek in a gentle, calming gesture.
Yes—Rex was afraid.
He might have to face the leader of the world's most dangerous criminal organization.
If he lost… everything he'd built at Rex Farm would be destroyed. The Pokémon who lived here would die or be captured. Those who survived might be sold or experimented on.
The more he thought about it, the heavier the burden felt.
But when he looked around and saw all his Pokémon staring at him with unwavering trust in their eyes, something within him hardened.
As long as they stood with him, they were unbeatable.
Once he made peace with the fear, Rex's mind settled. This farm—Rex Farm—was his home. In this world, it was his anchor. Anyone who tried to take it from him would be his mortal enemy.
He was resolved.
If Giovanni really came to settle a score, then Rex wouldn't hold back. Even if he couldn't win, he'd make sure Giovanni paid dearly.
It reminded him of his earliest days after arriving in this world—how he'd walked on eggshells, unsure of his place.
Time ticked by.
At last, a black dot appeared in the distance, emerging from the clouds.
As it drew closer, Rex saw a colossal flying vessel, futuristic and imposing, descending toward the land.
And emblazoned on its hull… was the massive red "R" insignia of Team Rocket.
Rex's eyes narrowed.
A battle was inevitable.
(End of Chapter)