Pokemon: With Title System

Chapter 94: Giovanni? Giovanni!

Recognize him?

Oh, they recognized him all right.

Staring at Giovanni, Asahi couldn't help but feel like he was cursed when it came to Mt. Moon.

Last time, he had unwittingly been dragged into a Team Rocket mess.

Now, on his return, he had run into their leader himself.

Despite his inner wariness, Asahi only let a hint of surprise show on his face.

"Giovanni, the Gym Leader of Viridian City? Of course, I recognize you. I never expected to meet you here."

Green also nodded. "Aren't you supposed to be at Viridian Gym?"

Since she was accompanying Asahi on the gym trainer assessments, she had studied Kanto's Gym Leaders.

This man, known as 'The Earth's Giovanni,' was one of the strongest among them.

Clearly, Green had no idea about Giovanni's true identity as Team Rocket's boss—otherwise, she wouldn't have casually asked such a question.

Hearing their responses, Giovanni looked as if he had just remembered something. He then smiled warmly.

"I just got bored staying at the gym, so I decided to go out for a walk and train my Pokémon a bit."

He casually shook the Ultra Ball in his hand.

Watching him fiddle with the Poké Ball, Asahi had to fight the urge to have Gardevoir Teleport them away immediately.

But he forced himself to stay put.

[Just keep acting. Keep pretending.]

Internally, he was screaming, but he had to admit—Giovanni's acting was top-notch.

If he didn't already know the truth, he wouldn't have suspected a thing.

But Giovanni wasn't here for a simple stroll. That much was obvious.

And sure enough, a moment later, Giovanni spoke again.

"You're trainers, right? I heard from a passing hiker that he encountered some strong ones. That must have been you two."

His gaze briefly shifted to Marshtomp.

Asahi wasn't sure what Giovanni was planning. But since Giovanni hadn't made a move yet and was instead making small talk, it likely meant they weren't in immediate danger.

So, Asahi played along.

"We're not exactly rookies."

"Forgot to introduce myself—I'm Asahi, and this is my companion, Green."

"Oh?" Giovanni seemed to think for a moment. "Asahi… I feel like I've heard that name before."

"Right… I recall my friends in the League mentioning that the official in charge of this gym assessment is also named Asahi. Must be a coincidence, right?"

Asahi: "….."

Your 'friend' in the League? Mind telling me their name?

Hearing Asahi's words, Giovanni displayed a perfectly timed look of surprise. "You're quite accomplished for your age, Asahi. When I was your age, I was still wandering around Viridian Forest."

He spoke with a nostalgic expression.

This guy could be an Oscar-winning actor, Asahi thought, but on the surface, he responded with equal finesse, "You're too kind, Mr. Giovanni."

One was subtly flattering, the other modestly deflecting—creating an oddly harmonious yet slightly eerie atmosphere.

Green watched their interaction, feeling puzzled.

Asahi's behavior seemed… off.

Could it be… was Asahi actually a fan of Giovanni?

She had heard that Giovanni had authored Secrets of the Earth, a book detailing his deep understanding of Ground-type Pokémon. The work was highly regarded among Ground-type specialists.

But Asahi's team was mostly Flying-types. As for Ground-types…

Green glanced at Marshtomp, which seemed lost in thought.

But it just evolved!

She couldn't figure it out, but she decided to keep her questions to herself and ask Asahi later.

Meanwhile, the meaningless exchange of compliments between Giovanni and Asahi came to an end.

Asahi took the initiative. "Where are you headed, Mr. Giovanni? I'm on my way to Pewter Gym for an assessment—"

In other words: I'm leaving now, let's go our separate ways.

But either Giovanni didn't catch Asahi's hint, or he pretended not to.

"Pewter Gym? What a coincidence. I was just planning to return to Viridian City to prepare for my own assessment. We're headed in the same direction—why not travel together?"

"…Of course, no problem," Asahi replied enthusiastically.

Just as they were about to set off together, a loud rumbling sound echoed from a nearby mine tunnel.

It was followed by cries for help.

"Run!"

"The Pokémon are going wild!"

"Somebody, help!"

Asahi turned to look.

A group of trainers and their Pokémon were fleeing in a panic.

Chasing behind them was a horde of Graveler, led by a Golem, rampaging down the tunnel—heading straight toward Asahi and Giovanni.

Coincidence? Or a test?

If Giovanni wasn't here, Asahi might have considered this just an unfortunate accident. But with Giovanni present, he had to consider other possibilities.

Regardless, whether it was a coincidence or a test…

His official strength was more than enough to handle it.

Stopping Green before she could grab her Poké Ball, he said, "Leave this to me."

Then, he tossed his own Poké Ball.

Whoosh!

With a flash of white light, Gardevoir appeared in the tunnel.

From the corner of his eye, Asahi noticed Giovanni also reaching for his Poké Ball—only to momentarily pause when he saw the Shiny Gardevoir.