Pokemon: I'll Exchange Everything

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As soon as the black vortex mask was placed over his face, a cool and clear voice automatically came through his earpiece. (Note: I changed the Black Hole Mask to the Black Vortex Mask. Sounds Better)

"Hello? Can you hear me?"

The voice sounded young, giving the impression that its owner was probably a good-looking guy.

"Yes, I can hear you clearly. Are you the new recruit that Giovanni mentioned, sent here to investigate?"

Liam lowered his voice slightly, making it sound a little hoarse.

"You dare you call the Boss by name? As expected of our Team Rocket's Vortex Leader. Vortex Leader, sir! My name is Ryu. I'm a new recruit in Team Rocket, and Ryu is my codename. I've already rendezvoused with another operative tracking the poacher gang on the island. That's why we contacted you—to request your instructions. When should we begin our operation?"

The operative, who introduced himself as Ryu, sounded somewhat excited. His words carried a clear tone of respect.

Liam was instantly petrified. His mind was consumed by just two words: Vortex Leader. His face flushed with embarrassment, and he desperately wished for a hole to crawl into.

"What kind of god awful name is this?! It's so chunni that it hurts! Which idiot came up with this? It has to be Giovanni!" Liam mentally screamed in despair.

"Uh… Vortex Leader? Did something happen on your end? Why are you silent?"

Noticing Liam's Ryu silence, Ryu asked with a hint of confusion.

"Ahem, no… nothing. Just feeling a bit exhausted," Liam muttered, clutching his chest as if hearing Vortex Leader one more time might make him pass out. 

"Since you've already regrouped, find a place to wait. We'll begin our operation after dark. By the way, what's your objective this time? Is it just reconnaissance?"

"I understand. We're currently hiding in a small warehouse on the southern side of Cinnabar Island. It's in a remote area, so no one else will come by. As for our mission… ideally, we'd eliminate the poachers entirely! These people are beyond redemption. No punishment would be too much for them!"

Ryu's voice carried a distinct anger when he spoke about the poachers. It was clear he had some history with them.

"So, it's just the two of you? Even if we count me, that's only three. Don't you think that's a bit too few? These poachers aren't exactly reasonable people. If they get desperate, there's no telling what they'll do. So, for now, I'll go scout things out first. Once we have a better grasp of their strength, we'll plan our next move."

Liam voiced his concern.

"Heh, Vortex Leader, do you think we'll drag you down? Don't worry about that—we have some confidence in our own abilities. We won't be a burden to you."

Ryu chuckled lightly, his tone carrying a hint of self-assurance.

"…Alright then. If that's the case, I won't say anything more. Tonight, we'll first investigate Cinnabar Gym. The Gym Leader, an old man named Blaine—if possible, make sure to keep him safe."

Liam sighed, slightly helpless.

"Understood. Looks like you've already investigated Cinnabar Gym, Vortex Leader. We just discovered some strange things about it ourselves, but I see you were already ahead of us. As expected of our leader."

Ryu's voice carried admiration.

"…Mhm. That's all for now. I'll meet you at the southern warehouse at 10 PM. We'll head to Cinnabar Gym together then."

"Yes, sir!"

"Alright. See you tonight."

"Yes, sir! Vortex Leader Sir!"

"..."

Liam removed the Black Vortex Mask and let out a long sigh before stashing it away. Then, after dressing properly and washing his face to wake up, he gathered his equipment in preparation for the night's operation.

.....

"Knock, knock, knock! Liam, let's go have dinner together!"

Just as he finished packing up, Lorelei's voice came from outside his door.

Liam rubbed his slightly hungry stomach, then headed to the rescue center's cafeteria with Lorelei to grab a meal.

Night fell. 

Liam glanced at the still-empty bed where Bruno usually slept. After making sure he was alone, he donned his gear—a loose black cloak with a red inner lining, a black vortex design half-mask, and a white vortex emblem pinned to his chest. 

Of course, he also carried several PokeBalls.

Once fully prepared, Liam opened the window and released Arbok. Using his usual methods, he climbed onto Arbok's body, then propelled himself smoothly out of the window, landing silently on the ground below. 

After recalling Arbok, he adjusted his cloak and quickly disappeared into the darkness.

[Ding!]

[Mission Issued: Rescue Blaine.]

[Mission Details: Cinnabar Gym Leader Blaine is being held captive in his own gym. Defeat those restraining him and rescue him.]

[Mission Reward: 500 Exchange Points, 1 Fire Stone.]

Hearing the mission prompt, Liam smirked slightly. Even though this mission sounds like a typical 'rescue the princess' scenario, I don't mind side quests like this. They make things more interesting.

However, just as he swiftly vanished into the darkness, a shadow quietly slipped out of the rescue center, quickly following in the direction Liam had gone.

...…

Liam encountered no obstacles as he arrived at a cluster of small warehouses in southern Cinnabar Island. 

As he stepped into the area, he immediately heard two steady sets of footsteps approaching. Looking up, he saw two figures clad in standard Team Rocket attire—black uniforms with red 'R' emblems on their chests, black masks covering their faces, and caps atop their heads.

Liam observed the two: one tall, one short. Their outfits were standard Team Rocket gear, meaning they must be the contacts he was supposed to meet.

"Vortex Leader? Good evening, sir. I'm Ryu, and this is Iron Fist. We are at your command for this operation."

The shorter operative introduced himself and the tall figure beside him.

"Good evening, Leader. I'm Iron Fist."

The taller operative only spoke that one sentence before falling silent.

Liam turned to stare at the tall operative. That voice—it sounded oddly familiar. Looking closer at the man's physique and stance, Liam suddenly sighed in exasperation.

"I was wondering why you've been acting all secretive lately. So, this is what you've been up to? I have to say, I didn't expect this at all, Bruno."

Liam's words caused the taller operative to freeze. He scrutinized Liam for a moment before grinning and removing his mask.

"If I'd known it was you, I wouldn't have bothered wearing this outfit. It's way too small—it doesn't fit at all. Liam, I didn't realize you were so high-ranking in Team Rocket. Think you could put in a request for me? Ask them to make me a properly fitted uniform."

Liam was speechless. He removed his Black Vortex Mask and gave Bruno a look of pure disdain.

"Seriously? You finally meet one of Team Rocket's highest-ranking members, and the first thing you ask for is a better uniform? Could you be any more pathetic?"

Bruno laughed. "Hahaha! So? Will you get me a new uniform or not?"

"Nope! I haven't taken a single thing from Team Rocket myself. If you want something, ask Giovanni. Don't bother me with it."

"Aw, come on! The Boss looks terrifying! If I go to him, I'll probably end up losing something instead of gaining anything! My salary isn't much, you know!"

Liam snorted. "Pfft! Hahaha! You're screwed. I'm definitely telling Giovanni exactly what you just said. Let's see if he deducts your entire salary!"

"Wha—No! Please don't! I need that salary to survive!"

"Hm… Oh, by the way, I just changed into a fresh set of clothes today, and I haven't washed the old ones yet…"

"Don't even think about it! I'll do it! Laundry's my specialty!"

Bruno pounded his chest proudly.

Liam burst into laughter. The tension before the mission evaporated, and he felt much more at ease.

"…Uh, excuse me, but… what exactly is happening right now?"

The shorter operative, Ryu, stood to the side, utterly dumbfounded as he watched the bizarre exchange.