[Drawing… Please wait…]
[Congratulations! Host has acquired Ghost-Type Affinity.]
A familiar perk appeared.
[Ghost-Type Affinity: The host gains increased closeness with Ghost-type Pokémon. While stationary in shadows, the host enters a 'stealth' state. Commands given to Ghost-type Pokémon are enhanced, improving their performance.]
"Finally, Ghost-Type Affinity."
As a trainer whose strongest Pokémon were predominantly Ghost-types, Luo Yuan had been hoping for this perk for a long time.
Now that it was finally his, Luo Yuan felt that he was getting closer to collecting all affinities. When that happened, he'd truly dominate all types.
However…
"This stealth effect…"
Getting up from Sabrina's lap, Luo Yuan stood and walked toward a shadowy corner of the room, his movement drawing a curious look from Sabrina.
In the next second, Sabrina's eyes widened as Luo Yuan's presence seemed to fade to a barely perceptible level.
"This…"
Sabrina was astonished.
She had watched Luo Yuan walk step by step into the shadows, yet even so, she almost lost track of him.
If Luo Yuan had started out in the shadows, she realized, she might not have noticed him at all.
"How did you do that?" Sabrina asked.
Luo Yuan smiled. There was no need to keep secrets from Sabrina. "You could think of it as a type of psychic power," he explained.
Technically, the stealth effect granted by Ghost-Type Affinity could indeed be considered a supernatural ability.
Sabrina nodded thoughtfully and didn't probe further.
As a psychic herself, she understood that many powers defied explanation.
"Well, it's getting late. I've booked a restaurant. Let's go have dinner," Luo Yuan said, taking her hand and leading her out of the gym.
---
Luo Yuan spent two more days at the Saffron Gym with Sabrina before leaving for Viridian City upon Matori's return to Kanto.
"Matori."
It had been some time since they last met, and there was a hint of fatigue on her face, evidence of her intensive efforts in Kalos.
"The situation in Kalos has been mostly resolved, and the new branch is now up and running," Matori reported. Then, with a note of curiosity, she asked, "But haven't you gone to Johto yet?"
"I couldn't possibly leave before welcoming you back," Luo Yuan said with a sincere smile.
Hearing this, Matori blushed slightly and looked momentarily flustered.
"Of course," Luo Yuan continued, "I also wanted to discuss something with you."
"What is it?" Matori asked, intrigued by what could be more pressing than his appointment as Elite Four in Johto.
"You're familiar with Hunter J in Hoenn, right?" Luo Yuan said. "She contacted me recently. The conflict between Team Aqua and Team Magma is heating up, and she's short on skilled spies. She's asked to borrow a few of your Matori Matrix agents for training."
It was a chaotic time. With issues in Kanto still unresolved and tensions escalating in Hoenn, Luo Yuan couldn't help but feel stretched thin.
If it weren't for the League's urgent demands in Johto, he'd have liked to personally check out the action in Hoenn.
Matori nodded. It was a minor issue—just a few agents. She could make the decision herself without involving Giovanni, which was why Luo Yuan hadn't bothered to consult him.
Giovanni was preoccupied not only with Team Rocket's operations but also with his own responsibilities as an Elite Four member and candidate for Champion. There was no need to burden him with trivial matters.
Still, Luo Yuan had to admit he had underestimated Hunter J's capabilities.
---
Goldenrod City
As Johto's largest metropolis, comparable in scale to Saffron City in Kanto, Goldenrod City boasted remarkable prosperity.
Its landmarks included the Goldenrod Department Store, Goldenrod Radio Tower, Goldenrod Game Corner, and Goldenrod Gym.
But recently, something new was taking shape in the city.
Across from the Goldenrod Game Corner, a building was under renovation.
"Move it, people! We need this done in five days!"
"Make sure the work is top-notch! If I catch anyone cutting corners, you won't get paid, meow!"
Under the blazing sun, Meowth, wearing a hard hat and supervisor's vest, barked orders at the workers.
James oversaw the construction crew, while Meowth managed the Machoke and Machamp carrying heavy materials.
The two worked seamlessly together.
Meanwhile, Jessie stood nearby, wearing glasses and holding a clipboard, diligently making notes.
After some time, Jessie looked up. "At this rate, we can achieve the same results as our original plan while spending only 70% of the budget."
She smiled with satisfaction.
This efficiency was the least they could do to live up to Giovanni's trust.
After proving their worth by building a successful publishing business in Kanto, they had been promoted to executives. Now, they were in charge of constructing Goldenrod's new game corner—a task they took very seriously.
They had also heard that Officer K would visit Hoenn soon, so they were determined to make a good impression.
"James! Meowth! Get to work and help out. The sooner we finish, the better. We can't afford any mistakes!" Jessie said firmly.
Without complaint, James and Meowth immediately joined the labor efforts.
---
Luo Yuan, unaware of the trio's endeavors, had just landed and was greeted by Koga.
"Koga!" Luo Yuan waved as he approached.
Koga noticed Sabrina by Luo Yuan's side.
The three of them exchanged a look. Their unspoken Team Rocket camaraderie needed no words.
Since they were in public, none of them revealed their true identities.
"Welcome to Johto," Koga said. "I take it this is your first time here, Luo Yuan?"
Luo Yuan nodded. Johto was unfamiliar territory for him, as he had spent most of his time in Kanto and Hoenn.
"Well then, let me show you around. Lance is waiting for us at the League's Goldenrod office," Koga said. "He has something urgent to discuss with you."
As they walked, Koga added in a quieter voice, "It's about your Elite Four appointment and the upcoming challenger battles."