"Good child, then you must work hard. If you fail to meet my expectations in the end, I'll be very upset."
Seeing that Gu Yuan agreed, Elite Four Agatha finally smiled in satisfaction.
At the same time, Agatha was already thinking about showing off once she took Gu Yuan as her disciple.
She wanted those people to see just what kind of outstanding student she could produce if she truly decided to teach someone.
Compared to her confidence, Gu Yuan was feeling a little regretful.
Judging from Agatha's attitude, Gu Yuan didn't think she was joking.
"Right, you plan to evolve Mankey into Annihilape, correct?"
As if she had just remembered something, Agatha asked Gu Yuan.
"Yes. I learned by chance that Mankey can evolve into Annihilape, so I want to give it a try."
Facing Agatha's question, Gu Yuan answered honestly.
"That makes sense. With your unique ability, you should have no problem helping it evolve into Annihilape."
"These are some of my notes on training Ghost-type Pokémon. They should help you avoid many detours, and consider them my little gift to you."
Taking the notebook from Agatha, Gu Yuan immediately understood that she had long prepared to take him as her apprentice. He was also glad he hadn't refused earlier.
In truth, Gu Yuan had no reason to refuse.
Even if he wasn't formally Agatha's student yet, it was only a matter of time.
Until then, he already counted as someone with powerful backing.
Especially since his methods suited Agatha's perfectly; after all, some of her tactics weren't exactly honorable either.
"All right, read this later. For now, let's talk about the Mizutani family."
"From what I know, the Mizutani family plans to target you again, but not in the way you might expect."
"You must understand, even though Pokémon are powerful, there are times when killing someone doesn't require using a Pokémon."
Leaning back in her chair, Agatha spoke slowly.
"You mean they might use poison, traps, or some other method against me?"
Gu Yuan quickly caught on to Agatha's meaning.
As for why Agatha wanted to act against the Mizutani family, Gu Yuan didn't need to ask.
After all, the Mizutani family was far from clean. Their deeds had long violated League laws, but the League was already rotten to the core.
Families and corporations like the Mizutani family often fought among themselves in secret.
But when the League tried to move against them, they united to resist.
If the League were united, that would be one thing, but many of these families and companies had people inside the League itself. The only ones capable of cleansing it were the Elite Four and their subordinates.
Even so, Agatha's power was limited.
Now that Gu Yuan wanted to retaliate against the Mizutani family, Agatha was naturally willing to help. This way, Gu Yuan could act openly, ensuring other families wouldn't band together.
"Exactly. So, be careful from now on. I can't stay by your side, but if anything happens, contact me immediately and I'll come at once."
"There are things I can't personally handle, but from now on, make sure everything you eat and drink is checked thoroughly. This is an antidote I prepared, effective against many poisons."
"And this is an alarm device. Once you press it, I'll be able to locate you and arrive as fast as possible."
"Lastly, this incense. Wear it around your neck. If you encounter any sleeping gas or similar substances, it'll help you stay conscious for a bit longer."
Nodding, Agatha handed Gu Yuan several protective items and explained each one's use carefully.
"One more thing: if this assassination attempt fails, they'll likely send an Ace Rank Trainer after you. It won't be someone directly tied to the Mizutani family."
"But don't worry. You just need to lure them out. I'll handle the rest and make sure the Mizutani family can't talk their way out of it."
After Gu Yuan packed everything away, Agatha reminded him once again.
"I understand. I'll make sure to protect myself."
If Gu Yuan had only formed a rough plan before, with Agatha's help, he no longer needed to think too much. All he had to do was follow her arrangements.
As an experienced member of the Elite Four, Gu Yuan didn't believe the Mizutani family could escape unscathed from Agatha's schemes.
"Good. Get ready to depart. Based on my calculations, they'll most likely act in Lavender Town."
"If the assassination fails, they'll want you to lower your guard, thinking the Mizutani family isn't much. Then, they'll have an Ace Rank Trainer ambush you to finish the job. You must stay cautious."
"Yes, I understand."
"Good. I'll leave the rest to you. This is your first test as my disciple, so make sure you handle it beautifully."
"Understood!"
After recalling Charizard and the others into their Poké Balls, Gu Yuan didn't linger.
As he packed his things, Agatha left first.
Later, Officer Jenny would deliver the official reward to Gu Yuan.
He knew Agatha did this to conceal her movements.
Leaving the town behind, Gu Yuan returned to his usual state, seeking out wild Pokémon battles.
The main ones fighting were his Kadabra, who had just mastered Ally Switch to an Expert level, and his Mankey, which still needed more training.
At the same time, the Mizutani family's forces were also on the move.
"How's Reima?"
"The young master is settled. He has nothing to do with this."
"I see. Then begin the operation. From today on, the Mizutani family will be completely under my control."
"Yes."
Leaving the study, Peel, Takashi Mizutani's most trusted subordinate, immediately began executing the plan.
Sitting dazed in his chair, Takashi Mizutani couldn't even describe his feelings.
But every time he thought about how his attempt to send an Ace Rank Trainer had been easily discovered and stopped by Junichiro Mizutani, anger surged within him.
No one knew that although Takashi had been the family head for over a decade, the Mizutani family's strongest forces didn't obey his orders.
Even the family's monthly finances had to be reported to Junichiro Mizutani!
If he had never tasted power, maybe he could endure it.
But he had been head for years, savoring that power, and now its allure was impossible to resist.
He couldn't wait any longer. It was time to make the old man step down for real.
With that thought, Takashi's eyes hardened with resolve.
Leaving the study, Takashi Mizutani had made up his mind; he was ready to risk everything.