"Boss, I don't know any Pokémon working in those kinds of special industries, okay?" Zoroark looked at Edward with a wary expression. Edward's mouth twitched slightly.
What the hell was going on in this mutt's head?
Did he look like the kind of guy who would go seek out Pokémon like that? Sure, he knew that, in this world with Psychic-type Pokémon, there were indeed certain Pokémon who could provide people with dream-related services—but Edward had never gone looking for that.
"What are you thinking? I meant, do you know any Pokémon who are fiercely opposed to evil and obsessed with fairness and justice?" Edward rolled his eyes. If Zoroark wasn't such a handy and capable assistant, Edward would have long since fired him on the spot.
"Fiercely opposed to evil? Fairness and justice? Are you talking about Lucario?" Zoroark blinked and then casually said a name. Edward's interest was instantly piqued.
If he really wanted to model something after a certain company from his previous life, then having a qualified helmsman—a righteous one—was absolutely essential.
"You know one?" Edward asked with genuine curiosity. If Zoroark already had such a connection, then this whole thing would be a lot easier—he wouldn't have to find one himself or trouble the old butler to look.
"Nope," Zoroark shrugged without shame. "Come on, it's me, Zoroark. How would I possibly know some goody-two-shoes Lucario?" Edward rubbed his face. Damn mutt. "But I do know someone else. Might just fit the bill for what you're looking for." Zoroark remembered an old friend of his and casually mentioned it. Edward perked up again, intrigued.
Seeing this, Zoroark brought Edward to a certain place in Rustboro City.
"You're sure the one who fits what I'm looking for is in there?" Edward's expression was… somewhat complicated. He looked up at the stage, where a girl idol group was energetically singing and dancing. Then he glanced at the crowd of overly excited fans waving glow sticks with fervor in their eyes, and felt even more conflicted.
Wasn't this just an underground idol group?
These were the kind of girls who wanted to be idols but didn't have the popularity or backing to even reach D-list status—underground idols. Even in the world of Pokémon, such things existed.
But being an idol wasn't easy. Many spent years of their youth struggling in the scene only to end up gaining nothing. In the end, they were forced to leave the stage and return to ordinary life in quiet disappointment.
That said, they were still idols. So, some underground girl groups still had fans. And this group… well, judging by the number of fans, they weren't doing too hot.
Edward did a quick count. Only about thirty-something people were in the audience.
But the girls on stage still performed like they were standing on the grandest stage imaginable, as if thousands of fans were cheering them on. Edward couldn't help but be impressed. These girls really were fighting tooth and nail for their dream.
"There, that's the one," Zoroark nudged his chin toward a specific spot in the crowd. Edward followed his gaze—and was instantly stunned.
A Alakazam was holding six glow sticks, passionately cheering and shouting chants with all its might.
Edward rubbed his eyes. Yup, definitely a Alakazam.
And… looked familiar?
"Kode, you old weirdo, here to cheer again?" Zoroark walked up and threw an arm around Alakazam's neck. The Alakazam glared at him irritably before finally turning toward Edward and greeting him with a polite nod.
Edward nodded back out of habit. The Alakazam before him was indeed the same one he had encountered earlier in the job market.
He just hadn't expected… this kind of lifestyle.
The Alakazam, Kode, was decked out in fan gear, makeup on its face, looking every bit like a hardcore otaku. Its hands were full of different types of glow sticks. Edward scratched his head awkwardly. Well, he supposed Code did live a rather unique life.
"Zoroark, Mr. Edward, what brings you to me today?" Kode asked, turning toward Edward.
He already understood that if Edward was here with Zoroark, then he must be the one who truly wanted something from him. And knowing Zoroark's personality well—he never visited unless he needed money—it was clear this time wasn't about his own business.
"It's like this, Mr. Kode. I…" Edward began explaining his idea.
He would indeed be establishing a charitable foundation, but he wouldn't be dedicating his full attention to running it. He still had movies to shoot, money to earn—he needed those income streams to sustain the operations of the foundation in the long term.
While it was true that the Devon Corporation brought in impressive profits every year, Edward hadn't forgotten that his father had only managed to beat their rivals at Violet Industries through endless innovation and investment in infinite energy technology.
So, Devon's profits had to remain focused on R&D. Edward couldn't just rely on the company's money forever.
"This is…" Kode hesitated for a moment.
He could understand Edward's intentions clearly. He knew why Edward wanted to do this, and honestly, it could help a lot of people. Even a giant like Devon couldn't carry the burden of all those in need alone. Only by gathering countless small grains of sand could one build a strong foundation to help those suffering.
However… Kode also knew how complicated things could get once interests were involved. If he agreed, he might not have much time left to chase idols anymore.
And this idol group… was one he really believed in.
Edward didn't rush him. He just had Zoroark leave a contact number for Kode. Whenever he made his decision, he could reach out.
Seeing this, Kode let out a breath of relief. He promised that no matter what he decided—whether he accepted or refused—he would let Zoroark know.
"I'm Soyo from MyGO!" Just as Edward was about to leave, a voice rang out from the stage.
Edward froze.
He turned his head—and saw a girl with a warm smile carrying a bass guitar, energetically greeting the audience from the stage.
Edward chuckled involuntarily. Now that was amusing.
It had to be a coincidence in names, right?
Surely, they weren't actually MyGO Band, the same group from his previous life? That would just be too much.
Meanwhile, Kode was waving his glow sticks with intense excitement, shouting louder than ever.
Edward glanced at the thrilled Kode, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Seeing how happy Mr. Kode was, Edward thought that if Kode really did agree to help run the foundation, he'd consider offering a higher salary. That way, Kode could still have time to support his beloved idol group.
After all, employees work to make money—but they also need time to enjoy life with the money they earn, right?
(End of Chapter)
(TN: I'm not sure if I research it right I'm Soushi from Gravity Band -> I'm Soyo from MyGO. Not familiar with this anime too.)