"Do I need to step out for a moment?"
Out of courtesy, Silas asked.
Genjiro smiled.
"No, no. It's just a very ordinary matter. We'll just need you to wait here for a bit."
"Alright."
Hearing this, Silas sat down in a chair, sipping tea as he rested.
"Elder Genjiro, I'll be troubling you again this year~"
Her voice arrived before she did.
A capable yet soft female voice sounded from outside the door.
The door was slowly pushed open, and a woman wearing traditional Johto-style attire stepped inside.
"Oh, I didn't realize you had a guest, Elder Genjiro. I sincerely apologize for the interruption."
Seeing someone else present, the woman immediately offered an apology.
"This is Trainer Silas. He has some business to take care of at the Pidgey Courier Shop.
Owner Ailian, you shouldn't mind having someone else present during our discussion, right?"
Genjiro spoke in a very formal manner.
"Of course not. Actually, Olivine Ranch has quite a close relationship with Trainer Silas."
Ailian, the current owner of Olivine Ranch, smiled.
Naturally, she knew who Silas was.
Aside from his achievements and abilities as a Trainer, the Olivine Gym behind her had a fairly close relationship with him as well.
"Oh? If that's the case, then that's even better."
Genjiro expressed his surprise at the right moment and shifted the topic to business.
Silas, listening from the side, perked up his ears. Before long, he understood the focus of their discussion.
As an important institution affiliated with the Olivine Gym, Olivine Ranch was famous for raising Mareep.
Whether it was Mareep Wool or Mareep Milk, the products produced by Olivine Ranch were always among the highest quality on the market.
Their reputation was in no way inferior to the Moomoo Milk produced by Goldenrod Ranch in Goldenrod City.
Because of this, transportation had always been a major issue.
Unlike Miltank, which produces large quantities of milk every day and would even feel uncomfortable if not milked daily—Mareep shed their wool only once a year.
Every summer, the Mareep would shed all the wool that had grown over the past year, revealing their bare bodies.
Of course, thanks to the miraculous nature of Pokémon, these woolless Mareep would return to normal within a week.
Before this period arrived, Olivine Gym would always need to seek help from the main Pidgey Courier Shop nearby.
Because only this place could transport such massive quantities of wool across the world at the lowest cost.
Other transportation methods were not impossible, but when speed, efficiency, and cost were all considered together, the Pidgey Courier Shop was the best option.
For any business, this should have been good news.
The income from such a massive order was extremely considerable.
However, judging from Genjiro's tone, if not for Walker requesting that Gyms look after one another, he personally would not have been very willing to take on this job.
"This year's volume is another ten percent higher than last year."
Listening to Ailian's explanation, Genjiro let out a slight sigh.
"It's really not that much more…"
Ailian's voice unconsciously weakened.
The main reason for all this lay in Mareep's Electric typing and the nature of its wool.
On this point, Silas had firsthand experience.
Back when Ampharos was still a Mareep, the static electricity in its wool had caused him plenty of trouble.
The Mareep wool shed in summer was not only twice the usual volume, but the electric power contained within it was also far from negligible.
For Flying-type courier Pokémon like Pidgey and Pidgeotto, this was extremely unpleasant.
Even with protective packaging, close contact with Electric-type energy could easily cause problems during flight.
For example, sudden paralysis, or losing one's sense of direction.
No wonder Genjiro was reluctant.
From the earlier discussion, it was clear that every fully trained courier Pidgey or Pidgeotto required a tremendous investment of time, money, and manpower.
Any accident would simply not be worth it.
"Your ranch's Mareep are shedding a bit earlier this year. Our current batch of courier Pokémon hasn't completed training yet, so the price will increase somewhat compared to last year."
That said, at the end of the day, both of them were merely managers.
Since the Gyms backing them had already decided to proceed, there wasn't much they could actually change.
All Genjiro could do was strive for maximum protection and profit.
Moreover, the Pidgey Courier Shop wasn't without additional benefits in this process.
As Genjiro had mentioned earlier, letting newly raised couriers participate in transport every year also served as excellent on-the-job training.
After such high-difficulty missions, future work would undoubtedly become much easier for them.
Naturally, Ailian argued her case as well.
Though she was somewhat at a disadvantage, she couldn't just let money be taken for nothing.
With transportation on such a massive scale, even shaving off a small amount per unit would add up to a significant sum.
Silas sipped his tea, listening with great interest to their back-and-forth negotiation.
Despite having lived two lives, he had never personally experienced a situation that could truly be called a business negotiation before.
More than half an hour later, the two managers—red-faced from arguing, finally reached an agreement and stopped.
"Honestly… it's the same every time."
Genjiro sighed.
"It can't be helped."
Having successfully concluded a major deal, Ailian looked quite pleased.
For her, this was unavoidable—spending less meant earning more.
"Oh, Trainer Silas."
She suddenly turned her head and somewhat awkwardly addressed Silas, who had been watching quietly the whole time.
"Hm?" Silas was momentarily startled. "Is there something you need?"
"Well, Gym Leader Jasmine has also been at Olivine Ranch these past few days because of the Mareep situation.
I mentioned that you were here, and she said that if you have time, she hopes you could visit the ranch. There are some matters she'd like to discuss with you."
Ailian explained.
"Of course. It would be my honor."
Hearing that it was Jasmine of the Olivine Gym, Silas immediately agreed.
"Though it may have to wait until the afternoon. I still need to wait here at the Pidgey Courier Shop for Gym Leader Walker's Pidgeot."
He briefly explained his situation.
"That's perfectly fine. Jasmine will be at the ranch all day. On behalf of Olivine Ranch, I welcome your visit."
After saying this, Ailian politely bid farewell to both Genjiro and Silas and left.
"Truly worthy of being one of Johto's 'high-society' Gyms…"
Watching Ailian's departing figure, Silas couldn't help but sigh softly.
Johto's Olivine Gym was often compared to Kanto's Celadon Gym.
Aside from the difference in Pokémon specialization, the two shared many similarities.
For example, regulations such as only accepting female Trainer apprentices.
However, compared to the Grass-type–specialized Celadon Gym, the Olivine Gym whose focus leaned more toward cultivating larger-bodied Pokémon was not quite as popular among female Trainers.
Even Gym Leader Jasmine's high popularity couldn't fully change this reality.
"Gym Leader Jasmine doesn't like Olivine Gym being referred to that way."
Genjiro offered a kind reminder.
"Hm?"
Silas looked at him in confusion.
Everyone said it that way, there shouldn't have been a problem, right?
"Gym Leader Jasmine and Gym Leader Erika are friends. She often consults Erika about clothing because she feels her own attire is too plain. She doesn't see herself as the so-called 'high-society lady' type.
Moreover, the Mineral Badge represents an unyielding heart and perseverance forged through countless trials. That description doesn't really match such a label either."
Having dealt with Olivine Gym and Olivine Ranch for decades, Genjiro spoke with considerable authority on the matter.
It was no exaggeration to say that Walker and Jasmine had both grown step by step into Gym Leaders under his watchful eye.
Silas nodded in sudden realization.
Indeed, unlike Erika of Celadon Gym, who was famous for her elegance, Jasmine left a stronger impression of purity and sincerity.
Along with an inner core as firm as a "steel fortress."
It was precisely this contrast between her outward gentleness and inner resilience that made her so admired.
Time passed quickly as the old man and the young man chatted.
Before they realized it, the clock hand on the wall pointed to three o'clock.
"Pii—!"
A sharp, piercing bird cry rang faintly from outside the window.
Genjiro, who had been talking with Silas, smiled.
"The Gym Leader's Pidgeot has returned."
Silas's expression shifted.
A sudden gust of wind erupted, sending the curtains flapping wildly and dust scattering through the room.
Both of them instinctively closed their eyes.
"Pii~"
This bird cry was very close—carrying a distinct hint of schadenfreude.
"I've told you so many times, don't make such a grand entrance every time you come back. I can't even drink tea with guests like this."
With his eyes still shut, Genjiro scolded helplessly.
Clearly, if it were effective, Pidgeot wouldn't have kept doing it.
Seeing a stranger with a familiar scent suddenly appear in its resting area, the massive Pidgeot curiously leaned in to inspect him.
As Silas opened his eyes, a gigantic avian head filled his vision, causing him to instinctively lean back.
"This guest was introduced by Gym Leader Walker. He's here specifically to see you."
Genjiro hurriedly explained, worried the big fellow might do something rash.
After all, this Pidgeot had grown accustomed to the wild.
Hearing that it was summoned by its own Trainer, the Pidgeot didn't look pleased—instead, it turned its head away.
"It's probably sulking. Gym Leader Walker doesn't come to visit it very often.
It can't be helped, the Gym Leader is usually quite busy."
Genjiro sighed as he explained to Silas.
"Pii!"
Upon hearing that, Walker's Pidgeot was clearly unhappy, letting out several sharp cries in protest.
The rough meaning was obvious:
I've worked hard here for so long—if not for merit, then at least for effort! And he doesn't even come see me!
Silas's expression grew slightly strange.
This Pidgeot's personality felt… a bit different than expected.
"Pidgeot—"
After venting for a moment, Walker's Pidgeot shifted its gaze back to Silas.
Despite its annoyance toward its Trainer, it still understood priorities.
"Well, it's like this—"
Silas quickly explained his purpose.
Before the Pidgeot could respond, Genjiro's mouth had already fallen open in a perfect "O."
He had considered many possibilities but never imagined this young man was here to seek guidance on helping his Pokémon break through to Elite-tier.
If he remembered correctly, this kid wasn't even twenty yet.
In an instant, Genjiro felt his entire life had been lived in vain.
Walker's Pidgeot tilted its head with interest.
"Piidge."
It let out a cry, signaling Silas to release his own Pidgeot for inspection.
"Come out, Pidgeot."
Silas didn't hesitate, tossing out a Luxury Ball.
Thankfully, the Pidgey Courier Shop's room was spacious enough—otherwise, two people and two large Pokémon would have been completely cramped.
Especially when both Pokémon were raptor-like in stature.
Falkner's Pidgeot blinked as it looked at Silas's Pidgeot.
It glanced down at itself, then back at the other.
Wait… you're only at Peak Pesudo-Elite level. Why are you bigger than me?
Though it said nothing, Silas clearly read the thought in its eyes.
All he could say was—natural talent in training.
What about Zero?
Well, wasn't that also part of his talent?
Although annoyed that it was physically smaller, Walker's stronger Pidgeot clearly didn't think it mattered.
"Pidgeot."
With a single cry, it flew up through the special overhead opening in the room.
Silas's Pidgeot looked back at its Trainer.
"Go on. Learn what you can."
Silas encouraged it.
Walker's Pidgeot might have a strange personality, but its strength was undeniable—Zero's data was proof enough.
There was no doubt Silas's Pidgeot could learn a great deal from it.
Silas's Pidgeot nodded and shot into the sky.
"Piidgeot—!"
A piercing cry echoed across the entire rest area, no one could tell which Pidgeot it belonged to.
Those accustomed to such scenes merely remarked that the Pidgey Courier Shop had produced yet another Pidgeot, then paid no further attention.
Everyone knew Walker's Pidgeot was here.
It was not only an instructor but also a guardian.
No one dared cause trouble.
"Your speed isn't fast enough. And you're not free enough."
Walker's Pidgeot spoke as it watched Silas's Pidgeot follow behind.
"Not… free enough?"
Silas's Pidgeot didn't quite understand.
"Keep up with me."
Without explaining further, Walker's Pidgeot spread its wings and accelerated.
Silas's Pidgeot followed closely.
Two silver-white streaks pierced through the clouds, leaving parallel trails across the sky.
"Where are they heading?"
Silas stepped outside the Pidgey Courier Shop, squinting upward as he asked Genjiro.
"I'm not sure," Genjiro replied.
"But something like breaking through to Elite-tier probably can't be taught in just a short while."
It was his first time witnessing something like this as well.
"I think you should go meet Gym Leader Jasmine first. It wouldn't be good to keep her waiting too long. I'll take good care of things here until they return."
He added considerately.
...
Hi For access to additional chapters of
Director in Hollywood (40 chpaters)
Made In Hollywood (60 Chapters)
Pokemon:Bounty Hunter(30 Chapters)
Hollywood:From Razzie to Legend(40 Chapters)
The Great Ruler(30 Chapters)
Btth: Ascend to Pinnacle (30 Chapters)
Douluo Dalu: My Martial is Tyranitar (30 Chapters)
Join pateron.com/Translaterappu