Join the International Police?
Natsume was taken aback, his expression growing increasingly peculiar.
First Team Rocket, and now even the International Police wanted to recruit him?
Come on, Officer.
This is truly an undercover saga!
Fortunately, Natsume-sensei had undergone professional training and quickly composed himself.
Natsume coughed lightly. "Officer Handsome... I'm not very familiar with the duties of the International Police. Besides, I'm still just a student."
Still just a student?
Handsome pondered for a moment, then let out an "Oh."
Many accomplished sports stars, singers, and actors chose to continue their studies.
Natsume-sensei must be in a similar situation, focusing on his research and studies.
"The duties are quite simple," Handsome explained with a smile. "According to the higher-ups, your role wouldn't fall under police or criminal prevention departments. Instead, you'd be assigned as a Strategy Supervisor at the police academy."
"Strategy Supervisor?"
Based on Handsome's explanation, Natsume roughly understood the nature of the position.
There wouldn't be any real authority—it was more of an honorary title.
But being a mentor at the police academy... that in itself was a significant responsibility.
If any of his students rose to become police chiefs, the mentor would share in the glory.
In terms of rank, it would be equivalent to a police sergeant, a newcomer who had just passed the evaluation.
But that was already two ranks higher than Officer Handsome, who had been stuck as a patrol officer for over a decade without promotion.
To be honest, the higher-ups' high regard for Natsume made Handsome a little envious.
But knowledge was power.
Handsome had always held great respect for mentors.
"Natsume-sensei, please consider it carefully," Handsome said, folding his hands on the table and speaking earnestly. "Joining the International Police wouldn't restrict your freedom... Given the nature of the role, remote work would be more likely."
"Remote work?" Natsume was puzzled.
"It means online classes!" Handsome laughed heartily. "You already release those strategy videos, right? I think continuing to do so would count as fulfilling your duties!"
Natsume's expression turned odd.
Why did the International Police's plan sound so similar to Boss Giovanni's?
Was this what they called "great minds think alike"?
"Even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have continued releasing them," Natsume sighed. "After all, it's my old profession."
"However, I have no intention of joining the International Police... I value my freedom too much."
Handsome nodded in understanding.
A powerful Trainer wouldn't be swayed by money or power.
The free-spirited nature of this young man... it was truly something to admire.
"Then, I'll report this to my superiors," the middle-aged uncle said, extending his hand with a smile. "No hard feelings. Even if you don't join, you're still a friend of the International Police!"
Natsume shook his hand, feeling a mix of emotions.
So, what does that make me now... an informant for the International Police, or a spy for Team Rocket?
Natsume-sensei looked up at the sky.
Just thinking about it...
This really is the most challenging path!
...
After the invitation from the International Police, Handsome had to continue his mission and bid farewell to Natsume.
Natsume watched the determined figure of the middle-aged uncle in the brown trench coat and couldn't help but sigh. "He's really a stubborn man."
Obsessive, or perhaps pure-hearted—such people were often extreme yet powerful.
Lance, with his strong sense of justice, or Red, constantly battling... everyone had their own set goals.
And Natsume-sensei's goal...
Was simply to live a quiet, lazy life!
"If only my next Pokémon could be a real slacker," Natsume muttered to himself.
Checking the time, it was still early, but he wouldn't make it back to Tokyo in time for his flight.
Natsume called Gold to ask if he could stay over at his place.
Gold immediately agreed, laughing heartily. "No problem! My place is in New Bark Town. It's just a two-hour bus ride, and you can make it to the airport tomorrow morning!"
"By the way, have you seen Silver?" Natsume asked.
After being questioned about his father, Silver had seemed off.
Natsume knew he needed some time alone to cool off, which was why he hadn't stopped him.
In such a situation, Gold's place was likely Silver's only option.
"Huh? How did you know?" Gold was surprised, then complained, "He's at my place hogging the TV, insisting on watching robot shows. I can't even get the remote from him!"
Natsume couldn't help but laugh.
Silver had missed out on a proper childhood, so shows like robot series were right up his alley.
"I'll be staying over tonight. Thanks for having me," Natsume said.
"No problem! I've got the game console ready. Let's play all night!"
...
Kanto, Sevii Islands Base.
A bespectacled secretary reported meticulously, "We've spotted Young Master Silver in Johto. Here are the images we captured. I'll transmit them to you."
The picture showed a red-haired young man with cold eyes, his features bearing a striking resemblance to Giovanni.
A holographic projection appeared.
A middle-aged man in a suit, with sharp, piercing eyes, sat on a sofa, stroking the Persian in his lap.
"Nothing clearer?" Giovanni asked, sounding slightly disappointed.
"My apologies! To avoid disturbing Young Master Silver, this was the closest we could get," Matori said, bowing.
"Never mind," Giovanni said, his usually domineering gaze softening unexpectedly.
"As long as he's safe, that's enough."
"We also spotted 'Mentor' near Young Master Silver," Matori reported. "It seems Young Master Silver trusts this Executive quite a bit."
Giovanni fell silent for a long moment, then suddenly smiled.
The smile was both that of a cold-blooded godfather and a proud father.
Unlike a king who feared his own child, Giovanni hoped Silver would defeat him himself.
A coup.
And then, Silver would inherit Team Rocket, carrying its legacy forward.
This was Giovanni's deepest wish for his child.
So, seeing Silver actively building his own connections and influence...
Giovanni was deeply pleased.
"Should we hold 'Mentor' accountable?" Matori asked.
"Accountable? Why would we?"
Giovanni stood up, turning his back and suddenly bursting into laughter.
"If he can truly bring Silver back to his senses, recruiting him would be the best decision I, Giovanni, have ever made!"
Matori lowered her head, remaining silent.
Though his spirit remained strong, age and health were Giovanni's greatest constraints.
If... if Natsume-sensei could truly bring Silver back...
Lord Giovanni might have already prepared to entrust his legacy...
Thinking of this, Matori's mood sank.
"Matori, can you contact him?" Giovanni asked.
"Contact 'Mentor'?" Matori was startled.
Lord Giovanni... wanted to speak directly with Natsume-sensei?!
After two years of silence, Giovanni rarely issued direct commands.
And now, he was willing to risk detection just to speak with Natsume-sensei?
Matori began to understand the weight Natsume-sensei held in Giovanni's heart.
"I will elevate 'Mentor's' authority within Team Rocket," Matori said respectfully.
"Please wait a moment. I will make the connection and transfer it to you."
Giovanni nodded slightly.
Being able to anticipate the boss's intentions—that was the mark of a competent secretary.
And now, Giovanni found himself feeling a rare sense of anticipation.
That young man... the one worthy of Giovanni's favor.
The man in the suit stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his gaze piercing through the layers of clouds.
Failure is unacceptable... unless it makes you stronger...
For a stronger organization, I need more time, more elite members, and...
My only family.
"I hope you won't disappoint me... Natsume-sensei," Giovanni murmured.
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