JK uniforms, lolita outfits, black, white, and fishnet stockings and all that————
…Did Damian have a thing for that kinda kink?
Caitlin fell into deep thought. She'd seen online that every man's "preferences" were different. Maybe Damian really was into that stuff.
Then should she… you know, prep a bit in private?
Caitlin thought it over. With her style, white stockings probably suited her best, right? Plus her legs were basically perfect—wearing them shouldn't make them look thick at all.
"Quit overthinking it. They're for our guest."
"Guest?"
"You'll find out soon enough. It's gonna be fun."
Caitlin nodded. Since Damian said so, then it was fine.
"May, I've got something to take care of. See you around if fate wants it."
Damian smiled and waved goodbye to May in the distance.
"O‑oh～ okay, bye then～"
May blinked and called back in a crisp voice, though she still felt a little bummed.
Her instincts as a Trainer were telling her that this handsome guy and that pretty miss were both insanely strong Trainers.
She'd actually been thinking about challenging them, but oh well.
It was fine, though. The whole point of a journey was all sorts of adventures and encounters. If fate said so, they'd definitely meet again.
Jagged Pass.
Boom!
With a deafening blast, Milotic's Hydro Pump smashed straight through the crisscrossing electric energy around Silvally's body, hammering it away and slamming it into the ground.
"Silvally!"
Gladion's face tightened as he called out worriedly.
Silvally forced itself up through the pain and gave Gladion a low growl, telling him not to worry.
But anyone could see it—Silvally was already in bad shape.
"Damn it!"
Gladion ground his teeth, staring at the elegant young man across from him and the gorgeous Milotic in front of him.
Silvally's Ability was RKS System. By slotting in different Memory drives, it could change its own typing. Gladion had specifically used an Electric Memory to switch Silvally to Electric‑type.
But even with a type advantage, Silvally still wasn't that Milotic's opponent.
"As an opponent, you of Team Rocket are already quite strong. But unfortunately for you, your opponent happens to be someone as dazzling as me."
Wallace brushed the bangs from his forehead in an elegant gesture, smiling faintly.
Every move he made dripped elegance and flair—that was Wallace.
Gladion stayed stone‑faced, silently watching this flamboyant man put on his act.
"It's a real pity. For such an excellent young man like you to step onto the wrong path… but at the same time, it's my good fortune to meet you here."
Wallace was genuinely moved. He hadn't expected this cold boy, who looked barely older than last year's kids, to be this strong.
In his view, the kid was already no weaker than Hoenn League's own Elite Four.
If they let him keep growing, he'd absolutely become a future threat to the Pokémon League.
Luckily, Wallace had run into him today. That was the League's blessing—and the blond boy's blessing.
Wallace didn't know why someone this talented would join an evil organization like Team Rocket, but it didn't matter!
"As Hoenn's Champion, let me, in the most elegant way possible, guide you back onto the right path, boy."
Wallace raised his arm and spoke in a soft, almost poetic tone. With his personal charm, leading one boy back should be no problem at all!
"…"
Gladion's eye twitched. Why were all the strong people he met this damn weird?
Had he, Gladion, violated some cosmic law or something?
Last time it'd been Kanto Elite Four's muscle freak Bruno—that guy had already felt off.
And this time was even worse: Hoenn's Champion turned out to be a self‑absorbed, self‑narrating pretty‑boy diva.
Was there seriously no one normal in the whole Pokémon League?
Gladion was about to lose it.
Alola didn't have a League, so he'd originally been really curious about the Pokémon League.
Now he honestly felt Team Rocket was starting to look more normal by comparison.
The worst part? He still couldn't beat this "so elegant, so dazzling" diva in front of him!
Gladion practically wanted to cough up blood.
"Lord Gladion, Lord Damian just replied—he's on his way!"
Courtney hurried to Gladion's side and reported.
Gladion let out a long breath of relief. In that case, all he had to do was hold out until Lord Damian got here.
Truth be told, after getting cuffed and shoved into a patrol car last time, Gladion had felt insanely guilty. If he got caught by Wallace this time and had to wear cuffs again…
Gladion really didn't think he could take it.
He knew Damian would definitely come save him—but what kind of decent subordinate kept making their leader come bail them out?
Gladion's pride simply couldn't accept that. He'd always been a cold, proud person.
"Oh? So you called for backup."
Wallace's lips curved in a lovely arc, utterly unbothered.
He had three goals for coming here today.
Crush Team Rocket! Crush Team Rocket! And, again—crush Team Rocket!
"No matter who your backup is, it's pointless—because your opponent is me, Wallace!"
Wallace lowered his head, closed his eyes with a faint smile. His tone was calm, but his confidence was absolute.
Did they even know who he was?
A water‑loving artist, top‑tier Coordinator, citizen of Sootopolis, former Sootopolis Gym Leader, Hoenn League's current Elite Four Champion—Wallace!
His many fans even called him the "Prince of Water," though the ever‑modest Wallace felt that was a bit too flashy.
Even if, looks‑ and temperament‑wise, he did think it fit him pretty well.
But still—Wallace didn't like being that high‑profile.
Gladion: "…"
This guy was really just… unbelievably full of himself, wasn't he?
Gladion was actually stunned.
"Oh? Sounds like Champion Wallace's confidence is through the roof."
Out of nowhere, a teasing voice drifted over.
Everyone present looked toward the source of the sound.
A boy in a white shirt and black pants came slowly into view.
Following behind him was a black, armor‑clad Pokémon.
"Lord Damian!"
Courtney was overjoyed. Thank goodness—Lord Damian was here!
She didn't know exactly how strong Lord Damian was, but there was no way he was any weaker than Wallace, right?
At least, that was how Courtney saw it.
Behind Gladion and Courtney, the Team Rocket members all let out quiet sighs of relief as well.
"Hm?"
Wallace was a bit surprised—in one particular way.
"So you're Team Rocket too? And you came alone?"
Wallace spoke in open astonishment.
He'd assumed Team Rocket's backup would at least be a full squad.
He hadn't expected just a single boy who looked so young.
"Ah～ that's right. First time meeting you, Champion Wallace. My name's Damian."
Damian greeted Wallace politely, more like a noble's son than any kind of villain.
"Another young man who's lost his way. Team Rocket, truly sinful～"
Wallace carefully studied Damian.
If he'd come as backup and judging from Gladion and Courtney's reactions, Wallace could guess that this boy called Damian was very strong—
At the very least, stronger than Gladion.
"Boy, hand over your Poké Balls and turn yourself in. With your abilities, I'm sure as long as you repent, you could still have a wonderful future."
Wallace folded his arms and started giving Damian advice in the tone of an older, wiser senior.
"That really doesn't need to concern you, Champion Wallace. We've got our own resolve. More importantly…"
Damian tilted his head slightly, giving Wallace a once‑over.
Yeah, Wallace really did have ridiculous base stats. His skin was fair and smooth, better than most girls', his face was beautiful, his vibe elegantly noble, and his figure tall and slender.
Tsk tsk～
"I've prepared a few gifts for you. I hope you'll like them later."
"? So you were one of my fans after all?"
Wallace was briefly taken aback, then immediately relaxed. Totally normal.
After all, he was Wallace.
"But even if you're a fan of mine, as members of Team Rocket, you're still unforgivable. I'm sorry—but I'll be capturing you myself."
Wallace sounded genuinely regretful.
"No need to be sorry, because you're not capturing us today, Champion Wallace. In fact, I'm going to make you blow up across the whole Hoenn Region."
The smile on Damian's lips slowly took on a thick streak of malice. It was chilling.
"Maybe you'll even go viral in other regions too."
"???"
Wallace stared at Damian, whose entire vibe had just shifted. His fine brows knitted lightly.
Why did this guy's smile give him full‑body goosebumps? It really felt like something bad was about to happen.
Something was off. This guy was very off.
"I see. In that case, I'll have to take this seriously too."
Wallace's expression grew a little more solemn.
"Honestly, it's pointless. No matter how hard you resist, Champion Wallace, it won't change anything."
Two Ultra Balls spun into full size at Damian's fingertips and popped open. Two flashes of white light landed in front of him.
"Pheromosa～"
"Suicune～"
A stunning shiny Pheromosa stood with one hand on its hip, staring haughtily at the opposing Milotic.
Beside the shiny Pheromosa was Suicune, its cool, aloof gaze locked on its foe.
"Too gorgeous～"
Wallace's old habit kicked in. He couldn't help but sigh in open admiration at the sight of shiny Pheromosa and Suicune. As a top‑tier Coordinator, he could tell at a glance they'd both been raised incredibly well.
And also…
"The Kanto Legendary Suicune, huh? You actually caught it… just who are you?"
Wallace finally snapped back to normal, studied Suicune for a long moment, then looked at Damian and asked in a low voice.
"Damian. Damian of Team Rocket." Damian split his face into a big grin.
"I actually respect you a lot, Champion Wallace. I didn't even bring out Mewtwo, just so I could properly experience your strength."
Damian lazily flexed his fingers, smiling as he spoke.
"Really hope you don't let me down too badly."
"Who do you think you're talking to?"
Wallace returned to his usual calm composure. With an elegant wave, he opened a Poké Ball and a bouncing Ludicolo landed beside Milotic.
Just a mere Team Rocket executive. So what if he had Suicune? Wallace was still the strongest Water‑type Trainer around!
"I'm the strongest Trainer on Hoenn soil—Champion Wallace!"
Wallace lifted his chin slightly, making that declaration with absolute pride and confidence.
"Boy, don't get it twisted. In front of me, you're the challenger!!!"
Just like he'd told Commander Jenny:
Facing Team Rocket? It was a guaranteed win, sis!
~~~
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