After leaving Giovanni's office.
Following Giovanni's instructions, Cain needed to go find Umbra and Tenebris.
However, when he had met with Giovanni, it was strange that neither Umbra nor Tenebris had been present.
It seemed that this mission, even for those two, required very careful preparation.
After hesitating for a moment, Cain decided to go look for them. He wanted to know the specific details of the mission before making any concrete plans.
That final meaningful look from Giovanni made Cain feel like there was something he needed to pay close attention to.
But since Giovanni hadn't explained it directly, Cain would have to figure it out himself.
He pulled out his communicator and dialed Umbra's number.
After getting their location, Cain headed straight there.
They were in the same Team Rocket headquarters—only both of them were discussing the specific details of this mission, which was why they hadn't attended the meeting with Giovanni.
For Umbra, Cain's promotion to Team Rocket Elite Officer was already expected.
Although it happened faster than he thought, it didn't catch him off guard.
In just one year, the young man who had once fought to survive on Trial Island had risen to become a high-ranking Team Rocket officer. To say he wasn't surprised would be a lie.
Even so, that casual investment he had made in Cain was now beginning to bear fruit, which brought him a sense of pride.
Although Cain had only just entered the Elite level and perhaps didn't yet represent a major direct asset...
From a basic standpoint, they were already in the same league. And besides, Cain was no longer someone who could be easily manipulated.
How the three of them treated each other from now on would be key.
If they didn't handle the transition of roles and status well, they might even end up as enemies.
It wasn't a far-fetched possibility.
Cain arrived at the office where Umbra and Tenebris were.
Both were sitting on a sofa with a map spread out in front of them, clearly marking and planning the strategy to capture the three legendary birds.
Upon seeing him arrive, the two paused their work.
Umbra smiled at the sight of Cain.
"Mr. Umbra, Mr. Tenebris," Cain greeted respectfully.
Though it no longer sounded quite as reverent as before, that tone made Umbra's smile even more genuine, and Tenebris nodded silently.
Cain was now a Team Rocket Elite Officer. Hierarchically, he was on the same level as them.
Even if he didn't use the title "Mr.," they couldn't hold it against him.
However, it did make them feel a bit uncomfortable.
They wouldn't say it out loud, but they would think it.
Cain, by showing humility, made both of them see him in a new light.
That immediately shortened the distance between the three of them.
Even more so than before. At least on the surface, the three were now on equal footing.
Umbra waved a hand and said, "From now on, no need to call us 'Mr.' We're all Elite Officers in Team Rocket now. You can call us by our names."
Tenebris also nodded in agreement.
Cain had already shown his attitude. They couldn't act as if they were superior.
If Cain kept growing at this pace, he'd soon catch up or surpass them, and at that point, they might be the ones who'd have to adjust.
It was better to establish a direct relationship from now on.
Cain sat on the couch, thought for a moment, and nodded without argument.
"Did Leader Giovanni tell you a bit about this mission?" they returned to the main topic.
Cain nodded.
"He only gave me a summary. He told me to ask you two if I had any questions, but I don't know the details yet."
Umbra and Tenebris exchanged looks.
"So, you still don't know anything about the Nishikawa family?" asked Umbra.
"Nishikawa family?" Cain frowned.
He had heard that name. It was a respectable family from the Kanto region, but he had never had any contact with them.
"I've heard of them, but I have no connection," Cain replied.
Umbra shook his head with a mysterious smile.
"No, you actually have."
Cain was puzzled for a moment.
He had?
He searched his mind for any information related to that family.
He didn't remember any direct contact...
Suddenly, a face came to mind.
With some doubt, he murmured, "Regi?"
Upon hearing the name, Umbra burst out laughing.
"I see you're starting to remember. That's right, Regi's full name is Regi Nishikawa, the direct heir of the Nishikawa family. What you did last time... even though no one mentioned it, that doesn't mean no one knew."
Cain raised an eyebrow. He was beginning to understand the reason behind that look Giovanni had given him.
"Are the elders of the Nishikawa family also involved in this?" Cain asked, not entirely sure.
This time, Tenebris answered directly: "That's right. The one involved this time is Rox Nishikawa, Regi's uncle and the younger brother of the current head of the Nishikawa family. He's the third strongest member of the Nishikawa family."
"The mission is simple: each of us will capture one of the three legendary birds."
With that explanation, Cain fully understood his role in this mission.
He didn't know what exactly the Nishikawa family had done to displease Giovanni so much that he would send someone directly against them...
And he was that sharp weapon.
That final look from Giovanni was probably a warning.
"So... Regi as well...?" Cain asked with some hesitation.
"He'll probably take part, although they don't know that you'll be involved. Giovanni only told us," replied Umbra, also giving him a look full of meaning.
There was a moment of silence.
Finally, Cain asked, "What exactly is the Nishikawa family's relationship with Team Rocket?"
If he didn't get that answer, he wouldn't know how far he was expected to go in this mission.
However, if Regi was participating, Cain wouldn't hesitate to settle unfinished business. That guy had a lot of potential. If left to grow, he could one day become a direct threat.
"The Nishikawa family... Tenebris, you know more about that," said Umbra.
Tenebris looked at him with slight annoyance, but after a brief pause, he began to explain:
"The Nishikawa family is the family of Leader Giovanni's father. Although... Leader Giovanni cut all ties with them a long time ago. However, due to Team Rocket's rapid growth, they approached again."
"And they contributed quite a bit of talent to the team. In some ways, they made contributions. Leader Giovanni eventually accepted their presence. But... human desire knows no limits."
Tenebris stopped there. He said no more, but those who understood, understood.
Some things don't need to be explained beyond a certain point.
(End of chapter)