Everyone present was taken aback, their expressions filled with shock. Even Serena and Grace displayed a hint of a blush.
After all, they were discussing the legendary creature, the guardian of the World Tree!
Carl, casually cracking peanuts, remarked, "You didn't really think Mew didn't know its genes were being stolen, did you?"
"To tell you the truth, there's an even more powerful existence behind Mewtwo."
"Even if Giovanni manages to defeat Mewtwo, he won't escape Mew's wrath."
The revelation dawned on everyone.
It turned out Carl had seen through everything from the start. While Mewtwo was indeed powerful, Team Rocket might have ways to counter it. But if Mew intervened, Team Rocket was doomed to fail.
No wonder Carl remained so composed.
Just as Serena was about to ask further, she suddenly paused.
Carl continued nonchalantly, "With Mew's playful nature, it's bound to show up once it knows someone's cloning it. Mewtwo is like a rebellious child, conflicted about whether it's human or Pokémon. If it encounters Mew, it'll definitely freak out."
"Mew will surely appear, and Mewtwo will definitely confront it. As for Mew's demeanor..." Carl paused to pop another peanut into his mouth, "Let's just say it's not the most agreeable."
Everyone fell silent.
"When Mew appears, it'll probably toy with Mewtwo a bit, letting it think its rival isn't all that. But if they really start fighting, and you get involved, you'll regret it. Mew doesn't care about your lives."
After all, even that foolish creature only revived due to Ho-Oh's backup plan and the bond with other Pokémon.
Seeing everyone remain silent, Carl raised an eyebrow, "What, you don't believe me?"
Everyone shook their heads in unison.
"What about a little wager?" Carl's eyes gleamed with mischief.
He had seen a future where that foolish creature was toyed to death, after all.
Another synchronized head shake followed.
Carl smirked, "No fun."
"In light of Damaris gifting me a Gible egg, I'll give you one last piece of advice," he said seriously. "Mew is dangerous; it's best if you don't get involved."
Silence enveloped the group again. Sensing the odd atmosphere, Carl looked around, confused, "Why do you all look like that?"
He noticed Damaris, Ethan Cross, and others looking strangely tense, their throats visibly moving. Just as he was about to inquire further, he felt a chill down his spine.
"Oh, shoot!" He turned abruptly, almost jumping out of his skin. "Mew, what are you doing here?"
Everyone remained silent, admiration written all over their faces.
Carl's pupils constricted, heart racing. He finally understood why everyone was speechless.
Anyone would be terrified to suddenly find the legendary Mew behind them—especially after calling it a pesky troublemaker earlier.
He quickly reached out with his mind to the two Cosmog hidden in his pocket: get ready to make a quick getaway. Though he couldn't win in a fight, as long as they escaped home, they'd be safe. Receiving their affirmative response, he relaxed a bit, regaining his smile.
"Care for some barbecue?" he offered a skewer of beef, trying to appear casual.
Mew tilted its head, looking puzzled. The others were equally dumbfounded.
Seeing no reaction, Carl produced a cherished pastry, "These are special treats from my little chef at home, just for you."
This time, Mew showed interest. It floated over to the treat, sniffed it, then took a bite. In the next instant, it closed its eyes contentedly, letting out a pleased sound, "Mew!"
Mew moved so fast that it was hard to see. With a flick of its tiny hand, the pastry in front of Carl vanished without a trace.
"Mew~"
Licking its fingers, it fixed an unblinking gaze on Carl.
"Want more?"
"Mew! (Of course!)"
"That's all of them!"
"Mew! (If you don't, I'll make you play with Mewtwo.)"
"Hey, that's picking a fight!"
"Mew! (Not just you, no one here will escape.)"
"Are you threatening me?!"
"Mew~ (Exactly.)"
Carl sighed, rubbing his forehead.
Mew covered its face, giggling with glee.
That adorable action melted the hearts of everyone present, from the stern Ethan Cross and the composed Professor Oak to the aloof Serena and the assertive Grace—even the usually stoic Serena and Grace couldn't help but be charmed.
Carl glanced at them and sighed, "It said if it doesn't get satisfied, it'll make you all its playthings."
Everyone was stunned.
They had witnessed Mewtwo's power; this was a clear path to destruction.
Wait, what does this have to do with us? Professor Oak tried to distance himself.
Mew squinted at him.
In that moment, Professor Oak froze, realizing the gravity of the situation.
Forcing a smile, he turned to Carl, "Carl, think of something..."
He finally accepted the reality—in front of Mew, he was insignificant.
"Quickly notify all the dessert shops in town to bring all their sweets here," Carl suggested, rubbing his temples to Damaris.
It wasn't that he couldn't leave, but Mew's unpredictable nature might cause it to vent its frustration on everyone present, which would be disastrous.
After all, everyone here was a high-ranking member or elite of the League; any mishap could have serious consequences.
"Right, right! I'll arrange it now!" Damaris snapped back to reality and quickly issued the order.
Soon, an unusual scene unfolded on the streets.
Meanwhile, outside by the storm-battered port, Team Rocket had gathered, with Giovanni personally leading an expedition. On the nearby rooftops, dessert shops continuously delivered a variety of sweets.
Mew showed little interest in most of the offerings, merely sniffing them before pushing them towards Carl, seemingly insisting he indulge.
What a puzzling personality, Carl thought with an inward chuckle, forcing down another piece of cake. He realized that Mew wasn't just being greedy—it was deliberately teasing him.
Luckily, Carl was prepared. Each time he seemed to swallow a treat, Cosmog discreetly teleported it to the nearby sea.
Suddenly, a dollop of cream fell from the sky, caught by the storm's winds, splattering right onto Giovanni, who was riding a Pidgeot. The suddenness left even Giovanni unable to dodge, the cream landing squarely on his face.
His subordinates turned their heads, pretending not to see. This was definitely not something they should witness.
"Mewtwo!" Giovanni's eyes blazed with anger. To him, only Mewtwo could pull off such a stealthy prank.
"Is this your way of welcoming me? You're too..." Before he could finish, a chocolate cake appeared out of nowhere, flying straight into his open mouth.
The taste was indeed good, but Giovanni's face turned even darker. "Full speed ahead!" he barked, concluding the League wouldn't intervene. "Carl, hmpf!" He donned a raincoat he carried with him.
At that moment, in the New Island castle, Mewtwo sensed Giovanni's approach, feeling quite displeased. According to its plan, New Island's construction would take three to six months, after which it would send invitations.
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