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So, even though he had his own dreams, was Giovanni also a factor in his decision to join Team Rockets?
Charles Goodshow sighed inwardly. In reality, he now held a slight belief in some of the content from Mr. Mammon's interview.
However, after personally questioning Mammon, it was clear that Giovanni's lack of care for Mammon back then was indeed one of the fuses.
At this point, everything became inevitable.
"Then I'll head back to Indigo Plateau first. Team Rockets' legal status is still a serious matter, and the reconstruction of Saffron City needs to start as soon as possible."
Speaking of this, Charles Goodshow looked at Mammon with a rather resentful gaze.
"Mammon, I can probably understand that you want a grand'stage' for the decisive battle, but Saffron City... is the economic center of our Kanto."
"And it's almost New Year's. Now that Saffron City is in ruins, where do you expect the former residents of Saffron City to live?"
"I still have to come up with a good excuse to deal with the dissatisfied public."
Charles Goodshow was incredibly headache-ridden, unconsciously pulling at his beard with force, wishing he had two heads instead of one.
Hearing Charles Goodshow's complaints, Leon and Geeta, who were standing nearby, couldn't help but show strange expressions.
"Ha~ Chairman, you've misunderstood me. As Kanto's premier metropolis, I've always felt that Saffron City's cityscape didn't quite live up to its reputation as Kanto's largest city."
"This time, taking advantage of the situation to rebuild is a timely coincidence, isn't it? Don't worry, we, Team Rockets, are willing to contribute ten billion! To invest in the League's reconstruction efforts!"
Mammon replied righteously.
And these words made Charles Goodshow laugh and cry at the same time.
This was truly a masterful sophistry.
But since things had come to this, what could be done? And Mammon's words did have a point. As the most developed metropolis in the Kanto region, Saffron City's cityscape indeed didn't quite match its reputation.
Look at Castelia City in Unova, Lumiose City in Kalos, and Hammerlocke in the Galar region. The cityscapes of those international top-tier cities truly embodied the title of 'metropolis.'
This time, the ruins of Saffron City were an opportunity to rebuild a modern, top-tier metropolis.
"Ahem~ Mr. Mammon is right, I also think Saffron City indeed needs reconstruction. Chairman Charles Goodshow, you don't need to be angry. Our Silph Co. is also willing to contribute ten billion, just to do our part for Saffron City's reconstruction."
The Silph President, who had finished his massage and was feeling refreshed, cleared his throat twice, expressing his sincerity.
After all, no matter what, even though he was just a tool to start the war, the official story was that the League went to war with Team Rockets to save him.
The Silph President was also very innocent, inexplicably getting caught up in the vortex of two major powers.
But how should one put it? This experience wasn't bad.
And taking this opportunity, he also got to know Mammon. In the future, they could interact more, which could be considered finding a backer for Silph Co., couldn't it?
Thinking this, the Silph President felt it was completely worth it.
As for investing ten billion in rebuilding Saffron City, first of all, money was just a number to a president of his net worth. Being able to spend money to rebuild Saffron City was a good thing that couldn't be asked for, right?
To put it plainly, whether Charles Goodshow was willing to accept his gesture depended on Charles Goodshow's mood.
Because this was completely spending money to buy reputation, and it was an absolutely invincible reputation.
"Alright, alright, I'm just complaining a bit, old man that I am." Charles Goodshow shook his head helplessly.
"I appreciate your intentions. As for the funds... I thank you in advance. In short, there will be a lot of things to do in the coming period, so I'll be leaving first."
Charles Goodshow had a bit of a headache. He felt that he probably wouldn't be sleeping well for a while.
Alas, at his age, to encounter such things at the end of his tenure as Chairman, truly!
Perhaps... after some time, he could truly retire.
Charles Goodshow suddenly thought of this. In fact, he had had this idea for a long time, but he had never found a suitable successor for his position.
But now, there actually was one.
"Perhaps it's indeed time to consider it."
Charles Goodshow subtly glanced at Giovanni beside him. Giovanni was truly perfect.
Firstly, Giovanni was steady, mature in handling affairs, and rigorous and serious in his work. This was something Charles Goodshow had personally observed and confirmed.
Compared to Lance, Giovanni was truly a more excellent Champion.
Moreover, Giovanni had a gentle temperament and got along well with all his colleagues. His prestige in Kanto went without saying.
Ever since Giovanni defeated Lance and took office, Giovanni's reputation in the Kanto region had even surpassed Lance's.
For Charles Goodshow, the Kanto region truly didn't lack powerful Champions; what it lacked was a Chairman who was responsible, politically capable, and could command respect!
Otherwise, would Charles Goodshow still need to work until this old age? If there was a suitable successor, he would have retired long ago.
"By the way, Mammon, the World Championship plan was proposed by you, right?"
Charles Goodshow was about to turn and leave, but seemed to remember something and asked Mammon.
"Chairman Rose told you?" Mammon raised an eyebrow.
"He never hid it. This plan is very good. I plan to implement it next year, but the specific procedures still need detailed discussion, and... the initial ranking, I think it's also very necessary to discuss with you."
Charles Goodshow pondered as he spoke to Mammon.
The World Championship, a world-class event encompassing all Trainers worldwide, Charles Goodshow was very serious about it.
Most importantly, this was a ranking-based event, so how should the initial ranking be determined? This was very important.
After all, the initial ranking might be controversial, but at least it had to be somewhat reasonable to convince people, right?
If it were just the League's side, that would be one thing, but Team Rockets' top Champions were also an issue.
Hadn't the Saffron City battle already proven this point?
Team Rockets' Top Executives were no less powerful than the League's Champions. Considering the current co-governance relationship between the League and Team Rockets, Charles Goodshow still had to respect Team Rockets' intentions.
Otherwise, he would actually find it easier to rank; he would just put all the League's regional Champions on the list and be done with it.
As for subsequent ranking battles, they would be irrelevant to the initial ranking.
"Okay, I'll make a trip to Indigo Plateau when I have time."
"Then I, the old man, will await you."
Charles Goodshow smiled and nodded, leading Giovanni and others away from World Tree Castle, and most of the League-aligned Trainers also left.
However, some remained.
For example...
"Boss, I, your brother, want to join Team Rockets!"
Blue dramatically flicked his hair and said to Mammon.
He had already made his decision, but he was still a little afraid of being nagged by Professor Oak when he went back.
But what was there to hesitate about now?
Team Rockets was even preparing to co-govern with the League; Team Rockets had truly changed the world order.
Such an amazing organization, even if he couldn't offer help in times of need, he could at least add icing to the cake.
Blue deeply regretted it. Ash, that scoundrel, such an excellent organization and treatment in Team Rockets, and he didn't call him to enjoy the benefits together?
Damn it!
But it was good, even if it was a bit late now, it was still in time!
"Blue, if you want to join Team Rockets, have you asked Professor Oak?" Mammon looked at Blue with interest.
"I walk my own path, that old man can't control me." Blue snorted twice.
"Besides, even if I join Team Rockets, the organization won't stop me from challenging the Kanto League, right?"
Blue's rhetorical question was quite confident. Hadn't Rosa, Serena, and Selene, these three regional Champions, set such prominent examples?
"Of course, but after joining the organization, you will have to fulfill the organization's duties, and you cannot withdraw from the organization at will, otherwise..."
Mammon's smile was a little meaningful, but everyone nearby understood Mammon's meaning.
Team Rockets was not a humanitarian-first organization like the League.
"Don't worry, I've already understood. I'm very interested in the organization's philosophy!"
Blue's expression became much more formal this time, and he said seriously to Mammon.
"Good, then welcome to the team, Blue."
Mammon smiled and took out a golden Top Executive badge, personally handing it to Blue.
"This is the Top Executive's badge. Top Executives who join the organization can get one Ultra Beast provided by the organization for free. You can choose it yourself."
"If you don't like Ultra Beasts, pseudo-legendary Pokémon juveniles from various regions are also an option."
"Of course, it's limited to one. If you want to apply for more Pokémon later, you'll need to exchange them with Merits (merit points)."
Mammon said to Blue.
"OK~ I know." Blue was quite excited. Ultra Beasts, he really liked them.
And hearing Mammon's words, Iris, who was nearby, suddenly widened her eyes, then stared intently at Drayton, Kieran, and Hilda.
Damn it!
So, you get an Ultra Beast just for joining Team Rockets?? You guys really tricked and deceived me!
Drayton whistled, his gaze wandering, not daring to face Iris's gaze, which was sharper than a knife's edge.
And subsequently, Mammon's smile couldn't be stopped for a while.
Iris and Ethan also joined Team Rockets, adding two more great generals.
But the biggest surprise belonged to another person.
"Elite Lance, are you serious?"
Mammon raised an eyebrow, looking at the stern-faced young man with blood-red hair.
"Yes, I want to join Team Rockets."
Lance said indifferently.
"Why? With your status and position..."
"Team Rockets' attitude towards 'evil' aligns more with my justice." Lance replied calmly.
That's right, the reason was simply that simple.
Mammon couldn't help but smile. He had actually wondered if Team Rockets' current philosophy would attract Lance and Lorelei to come knocking.
He didn't expect it to actually happen.
Indeed, people like Lance, who abhor evil, could not be amicable with the League's gentle philosophy.
Tsk~ Kanto Champion Giovanni, Team Rockets Executive Lance!
This world~ is truly wonderful!
"If you are concerned about my status, I can resign from my League position."
Seeing Mammon not speak, Lance's tone remained indifferent and calm.
"No, even a Champion is fine, let alone an Elite." Mammon stood up, smiled, and extended his hand to Lance.
"I am merely joyful. Our Team Rockets always welcomes any like-minded partners."
"Lance, welcome to Team Rockets. Let's work together for a clean and blue tomorrow."
"Let's clear away all evil and sin!"
Hearing Mammon's words, the dragon master's indifferent eyes rippled. He took Mammon's hand and accepted the badge that symbolized a Top Executive.
"For a clear blue sky!"
Team Rockets Top Executive Lance! Reporting for duty!