When Giovanni and his companions were brought to the Hoenn League by Drake, the shock among the League's upper ranks was beyond words.
Though Giovanni had primarily battled the Kanto and Johto Leagues, that didn't mean the Hoenn officials took him lightly.
Anyone who could survive the pressure from two regional leagues—and still allow Team Rocket to grow stronger—had to be a terrifying individual.
And yet, this terrifying man had been defeated by Rex. That fact alone exceeded everyone's expectations.
After discussions with the Kanto and Johto Leagues, and to avoid another incident like Sabrina's escape during transfer, a high-level emergency meeting was called.
It was decided: the trial would be held in Hoenn. The Kanto and Johto Leagues would each dispatch an Elite Four member to conduct a joint tribunal.
Such a powerful lineup made a rescue attempt practically impossible, even for the most desperate Rocket remnants.
By the time Rex next heard of Giovanni, several months had passed.
During that time, news reports across the internet were filled with exposés on Team Rocket's crimes, League raids on their bases, and the rescue of imprisoned trainers and Pokémon.
Clearly, Giovanni and his allies had broken. With Darkrai's nightmare abilities and various secret techniques, it wasn't hard to extract the truth.
As a result, most Rocket bases had been destroyed, and a majority of their members captured. What remained was little more than a third-rate gang.
Those who survived scattered and hid, far too afraid to ever again show their faces in Hoenn.
After all, most of their comrades had been captured due to Giovanni's own testimony. If they didn't hate him, that was mercy enough—seeking revenge was out of the question.
Back at Rex Farm, things gradually returned to peace.
With help from Uncle Henry and the Pokémon, not only were the damaged buildings and land restored, but new facilities were also built—training grounds and play areas specially designed for Pokémon.
Rex poured all his savings into the project, barely completing it even with a generous compensation grant from the Hoenn League.
In truth, it wasn't compensation—it was a reward for defeating and capturing the infamous Giovanni.
After being completely drained of intelligence, Giovanni was sentenced to life in prison. The League had no death penalty—but if they had, he wouldn't have survived.
As for Sabrina and Matori, both received long sentences. Barring some miracle, they'd leave prison with gray hair.
Of course, where there is light, there is shadow. Team Rocket wasn't entirely gone.
A few scattered members still clung to the name, but without Giovanni's leadership, they were reduced to nothing more than back-alley thugs, widely despised and hunted.
After the attack, Rex Farm fell back into peaceful routine.
But any group in Hoenn who understood what had happened dared not look down on Rex. Even knowing he had mythical Pokémon by his side, none dared act—Giovanni's fate was still fresh in their minds.
Time passed like a fleeting steed.
"Congratulations to Ash Ketchum, winner of the World Championship!"
Rex and Yuli exchanged a quiet smile as the jubilant voice echoed from the television, showing Ash raising his trophy in triumph.
Years had passed since the Team Rocket raid on the farm.
In that time, Rex rarely left Hoenn, and never for long. He devoted himself entirely to raising Pokémon and managing the farm.
Thanks to his and Yuli's tireless work, Rex Farm had become famous across the region.
Not only did they offer top-tier Taillow and Poliwag eggs, but also the finest quality Pokéblocks—some made personally by Diancie.
Several trainers from Fallarbor Town, who used Swellow and Politoed from Rex Farm, had made impressive showings in League tournaments, sending demand for their Pokémon soaring.
Diancie had become proficient at producing high-grade Pokéblocks, even beyond Yuli's ability to match.
After a year-long journey, Karen and Yui returned to the farm, choosing to settle down.
Their travels had brought growth and maturity, but ultimately, the peace and security of Rex Farm—where Rex stood as their shelter—was where they chose to stay.
"Salamence, Dragon Dive!"
"Infernape, Burn Up!"
Former Shelgon and Monferno had long since evolved, but their rivalry continued. Every few days, they clashed in fiery battles.
Thanks to their relentless competition, Salamence and Infernape had caught up quickly, now second only to Totem Swellow and Machamp in strength.
"Rex, here—let me wipe your sweat."
The summer heat bore down hard. After the heated match between his Pokémon, Rex was drenched in sweat. Yuli was already waiting with a cool towel, gently wiping his brow.
She'd done it countless times before—and never tired of it. To her, doing small things for Rex brought happiness and fulfillment.
Yes, by now, Rex and Yuli were very naturally together. It all happened quietly, organically. Their life was simple—but it was deeply intertwined, grounded in a mutual, unspoken bond.
This was also the main reason Rex rarely left. Once a heart finds its home, little else holds allure.
At last, Rex had grown used to—and even begun to enjoy—this peaceful life.
Once, he'd carried a deep-rooted fear and unease, a foreign soul wandering in a strange world.
That fear had driven him to capture many Pokémon, to make them stronger—only then could he feel safe.
Rex never dreamed of glory. He had no desire to become Champion or an Elite Four—such paths required immense effort, time, and ambition he simply didn't have.
Maybe someday, as years passed, he would grow restless, leave again to explore this wondrous world.
But not now.
Now, he was happy.
(The End)