"How about this— to show our sincerity, we'll tell you the location of a Legendary Pokémon."
Proton's tone was especially earnest, polite phrases flowing one after another, his manners impeccable.
If it weren't for that "Team Rocket Executive" badge metaphorically pinned to his shoulder, Grey might actually have believed they could work together.
Unfortunately, Proton was with Team Rocket.
And not just some grunt—an Executive…
Once Team Rocket, always Team Rocket.
It was like having a label slapped on your forehead; once it stuck, it was almost impossible to peel off.
Proton was a classic smiling tiger, too. Expecting Grey to truly trust him was… difficult, to put it mildly.
What's more, Grey was a trainer with Aura.
The emotions bleeding off Proton told him clearly that this was a trap.
But right now, he couldn't afford to act rashly.
All he could do was follow along for now, play the game, and see what information he could shake loose.
"Sure. I'd like to hear what sort of 'Legendary' you have in mind."
Grey rubbed the back of his head and pulled out another Poké Ball. "But before that, I'd like to capture a Pokémon."
"By all means. Consider it our apology for last time."
Proton nodded.
It was just one Pokémon.
If he could use this chance to bump up Grey's impression of him, that was a trade worth making.
Seeing this, Grey tapped the Poké Ball lightly against Heracross's arm and pulled it in.
Heracross turned into red light, and the Poké Ball stopped shaking almost immediately.
Capture successful!
Grey took the opportunity to pull up its stats with his system.
[Pokémon: Heracross]
[Type: Bug / Fighting]
[Level: 30]
[Ability: Guts]
[Moves: Take Down, Seismic Toss, Harden, Thrash, Feint, Night Slash… others omitted.]
"Huh?"
Seeing the long line of moves in front, Grey rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't imagining things.
A second look confirmed it—he wasn't.
This Heracross had actually learned all of its hereditary moves?
"Mii-ou～" (Hehehe~ I've got myself a little bro now～)
The little Riolu trotted over and poked Heracross's Poké Ball with a paw, nodding in deep satisfaction.
Yep. Very good.
"Gym Leader Grey, are there any other Pokémon that have caught your eye? If not, please come with us. To show our sincerity, we've prepared some Kama-Flame senbei and hot cocoa tea in the conference room—your favorites. We hope you'll honor us."
Proton stepped aside, making room with a courteous gesture, while Petrel stood nearby, frowning.
They were laying the sincerity on thick.
If Grey kept pushing his luck after this, they'd feel no guilt about dropping the act.
"Alright, I can feel your sincerity, Mr. Proton. Compared to Petrel, I really do prefer talking with smart people like you."
Grey very much appreciated Proton's behavior and attitude; at least in terms of emotional feedback, Proton really was maxing out the bar.
Petrel, on the other hand, was the undisputed King of Empty Promises.
He loved selling dreams. Even if he handed over a Dratini, he'd still be sketching an even bigger fantasy on top.
By comparison, Proton was someone who actually got things done.
There wasn't much "pie in the sky" coming from him.
Grey liked that kind of person.
It was just… the guy happened to be in Team Rocket, which meant he definitely wouldn't be telling the whole truth.
"Grey, what the hell is that supposed to mean?!"
Petrel jabbed a finger at Grey, gritting his teeth so hard it looked like he might jump him at any second.
"Idiot. I spelled it out and you still don't get it? You want me to repeat it a few more times? Or maybe say it in a language you understand? You're a giant dumbass."
Grey raised a very international gesture of "friendship."
A vein throbbed dangerously at Petrel's temple as his whole face turned a dark, purplish red.
He yanked his tie loose, popping two buttons off his suit jacket.
Proton quickly stepped in to stop him.
"I *@#%— Proton, let me go! I can't take this anymore!"
Pinned in place, Petrel looked like a mob-boss tomcat whose tail had just been stomped. Even his carefully slicked-back hair had popped up into a ridiculous little cowlick.
He kicked over a nearby trash can, plastic bottles clattering and rolling all the way to Grey's feet.
"Hey! Would you guys hurry up and haul Petrel out of here?"
Seeing Petrel about to actually throw down, Proton turned and shouted to the Rocket grunts in the distance.
"R-right away!"
A bunch of grunts scrambled over, some literally tripping over themselves—one rookie was so panicked he was running with both left limbs together.
They wrestled the raging Petrel into a hold, like they were trying to subdue a berserk Tauros.
Of course, Petrel didn't actually have Tauros-level strength.
He just had a temper on par with one that had the Anger Point Ability.
"Let go! I'm killing him today, I swear!!!"
His roar cut off the instant the elevator doors closed. Only the dull thump thump of furious kicks echoed down the metal corridor.
"Gym Leader Grey, looks like it's just the two of us now. Come with me—we'll head somewhere nice and quiet and have a proper conversation."
Proton gave an elegant "after you" gesture, clever light glinting beneath the brim of his naval cap.
"Sure. It's down to just us anyway."
Grey rolled his shoulders. Refusing again would start to feel rude.
One ahead, one following behind, their footsteps rang out together, forming a two-part rhythm in the metal passageway.
Grey's gaze roamed around them, taking in the dense rows of security cameras along the way. He couldn't help but shake his head.
Before long, Proton led him into a neatly furnished room.
"Gym Leader Grey, help yourself to the food and drinks. If you'll excuse me, I need to step out for a moment. I'll be back shortly."
After seeing Grey into the room, Proton turned and walked off down another hallway.
"Mii-ou!" (Food! I want some!)
The little Riolu didn't care in the slightest whether anything might be poisoned. It just grabbed a Kama-Flame senbei from the plate and tossed it into its mouth, crunching noisily before swallowing the whole thing in one go.
Hic~
It let out a full-bellied burp, then sprawled back on the sofa in a perfect slouch and waved at Grey.
"Mii-ou～" (Those were a bit hard on the teeth… hey bro, could you grab me a toothpick? I wanna get this stuff out.)
"You really are good at bossing people around, huh."
Grey sighed, but still picked up a toothpick from the table and passed it over.
"Mii-ou～" (You're so nice, Grey. Thank you～)
The little Riolu smiled as it took the toothpick, casually handing him a "good-guy card" in the process.
"Mii-ou…" (They're here…)
Just as it was picking between its teeth, the little Riolu's expression turned serious. It looked forward at the same time Grey did.
"Gym Leader Grey, I'm back. I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
Proton pushed the door open and stepped inside, hands still damp. Seeing that the Kama-Flame senbei on the table had vanished without a trace, he chuckled.
"I knew you'd like them. I'll have someone bring another plate up right away."
"No need. Let's just get to the point."
//Check out my P@tre0n for 20 extra chapters on all my fanfics //[email protected]/Razeil0810.