Inside the base where Leon and the others were stationed, screams echoed continuously from the interrogation room, sounding especially chilling in the dim, enclosed space.
"Mm—mm—mm!"
A young-looking man was tied to a pillar, his hands and feet bound tight. He writhed desperately, muffled cries escaping his throat—but a rag stuffed into his mouth reduced everything to meaningless sounds.
"So? Are you going to talk or not?" Ryan barked."Still not talking? Huh? Fine—don't talk!"
Snap! Snap! Snap!
The whip cracked through the air, striking flesh with a dull thud.
When Leon stepped inside, this was the scene that greeted him: Ryan swinging the whip with enthusiasm, cursing as he went.
"Good. Very good. Got backbone, I see," Ryan said, finally stopping and giving a thumbs-up."As expected of a League official—your ideological awareness is really high."
"Mmm—mm—mm!"
The captive struggled harder, eyes wide, trying desperately to say something.
"Oh? You're glaring at me now? Even better. I like guys with backbone," Ryan said with a crooked grin, switching to an even thicker rope."Honestly, if you didn't have guts, you wouldn't have jumped out to fight us that day."
The man's eyes were filled with despair and rage.
Leon rubbed his temple. "So… did you get anything out of him?"
"Heh, not yet," Ryan replied proudly, lifting the whip again.
Leon sighed. "Enough. Take the gag out of his mouth first. Otherwise, no matter how much you beat him, he literally can't answer."
Ryan froze.
"…Oh. Right."
He hurried over and pulled the rag free. "Ah—sorry about that. Looks like I misunderstood you."
The young man sucked in air greedily, eyes red."What do you want me to say?! You didn't even let me speak! You just came in and started beating me!"
"Relax, relax," Leon said calmly. "We'll ask properly now."
Ryan scratched his head awkwardly. "Boss… does this mean I actually succeeded?"
Leon gave him a sideways look. "In a way. You scared him into submission."
"Huh. Guess I've got talent after all," Ryan muttered, half-embarrassed, half-proud.
Leon waved his hand. "You handle the questioning. I'll step out."
Back in the interrogation room, Ryan leaned forward.
"Name."
"…Jayce," the man replied through gritted teeth."From Vermilion City. League Commerce Department—Level Three Clerk."
"And this operation—start from the beginning," Ryan said, tone suddenly serious.
Leon stepped outside and found Aoyan waiting, a rare smile on his face.
"Brother Aoyan, looks like things went well?" Leon asked.
"Very well," Aoyan laughed. "We caught a few important ones."
They walked together into an office and sat down.
"These people are mostly from Vermilion City—League Commerce Department," Aoyan explained, pouring tea."But behind them are families. Big ones. Wealthy, deeply connected."
Leon's eyes narrowed. "Other regions too?"
Aoyan nodded. "Naturally. Team Rocket's vision isn't limited to Kanto or Johto."
He continued calmly, laying everything out—how these captives could be exploited, how stripping them of their carefully cultivated Pokémon would cripple them even if they were released, how their family networks could be shaken and turned against the League itself.
Leon listened closely. This wasn't just a briefing—it was mentorship.
"This mission is considered complete," Aoyan concluded."You'll receive a bonus shortly, plus three thousand contribution points. Given your performance, I also applied for you to receive a starter quota. Half price."
Leon was slightly surprised. "Thanks, Brother Aoyan."
"Half price is still one million Poké-dollars and five thousand contribution points," Aoyan added casually."If you're short, I can lend you some."
"No need for now," Leon replied. "If I need it, I'll come to you."
Aoyan laughed. "Fair. You could also apply for rookie support—interest-free funding. With your potential, you'd qualify easily."
Then he paused, glancing at Leon with meaning."Still not going back to headquarters? With your abilities, you'd get top-tier training."
Leon shook his head. "Not yet. I want real experience first. I'll go back someday—just not now."
"…You're an interesting one," Aoyan said warmly. "Who knows—maybe I'll be relying on you one day."
Leon smiled. "I'll do my best."
When Leon left, his phone vibrated.
500,000 Poké-dollars credited.
The mission bonus.
As for the starter quota, Leon decided to hold onto it. Even unused, it could be traded later for serious value. Starters were coveted everywhere—inside and outside the League.
He headed back to the training room.
The moment he opened the door, he saw Torchic running laps with weights strapped on, tiny legs pumping furiously.
Exactly as instructed.
Nearby, Vigoroth sat cross-legged in meditation, several books scattered at its feet. Gyarados trained in a separate room, driven by one clear goal:
Defeat Vigoroth in the one-month duel and reclaim the title of big brother.
Leon stopped beside Vigoroth and felt it immediately—the subtle turbulence in its aura.
It was on the verge of breaking through.
"Keep going," Leon said softly."Once you cross that line… you'll truly step into the advanced tier."
Vigoroth's breathing remained steady.
The breakthrough was close.
Very close.