Chapter 13: The First Candidate for Member
"Sir, I've submitted the check for ten million. It should be deposited into your designated account within an hour."
After carrying Liu Shuyun back to her room and making sure she was comfortable, Renjiro left the apartment without disturbing her rest. He hailed a taxi and headed straight to a nearby bank. That check—the one he obtained through twists, turns, and sheer determination—represented more than just a large sum of money. It was the key to his rapid ascent, the cornerstone of everything he planned to build.
Renjiro was cautious. He didn't want to delay the deposit, worried that some unexpected event might jeopardize the funds. In his mind, the ten million was not just capital—it was hope, power, and the beginning of an empire.
"Alright. Thanks," Renjiro said, hanging up the phone after confirming the deposit process.
As he stepped out of the bank, the warm afternoon sun bathed the city streets. Renjiro squinted against the light, his mind already racing ahead. Now that I have the money, the next step is clear: recruit people.
The first step in building his own version of Team Rocket was complete—capital secured. The next step was assembling the team. Members of Rocket would help him fulfill the missions assigned by the mysterious system that bound itself to him the day he arrived in this strange, Pokémon-filled world. Completing those missions would unlock powerful upgrades—like Beedrill's Mega Evolution, which would be a trump card few could match.
But Renjiro's vision went beyond simply gathering strength. He had a larger plan, a dual-structured organization that would ensure his survival and dominance. His company would be the public face—clean, reputable, a shining beacon of innovation and commerce. The Rocket team, on the other hand, would operate in the shadows, undertaking the tasks no one else dared to attempt. Hunting rare Pokémon. Seeking out the legendary and the forgotten. Conducting research that others would label unethical.
Renjiro had learned from history. Giovanni had made one critical error—he hadn't kept his operations distinct. His Rocket grunts and his legitimate businesses had mingled too closely, leading to exposure and downfall. Renjiro would not repeat that mistake.
Time to start recruiting, Renjiro thought, pulling out his phone.
"Hello, this is the 95 Headhunting Agency. How may I assist you today?" The voice on the line was warm, professional.
"I'm seeking a manager—someone with both management and R&D experience. Someone capable of running operations efficiently." Renjiro's tone was direct, confident.
"Of course, sir. Could you provide a few more details so that we can find the perfect fit for your needs?"
Renjiro spent the next half-hour explaining the type of candidate he wanted, the values he sought, and the ambitious goals his company would pursue. When the call ended, he felt a small weight lift from his shoulders. Now I just need to wait.
With that task handled, Renjiro turned his thoughts to recruiting the first Rocket member. He already had someone in mind—someone he trusted, someone who deserved a chance.
The streets buzzed with life around him as he walked back toward his neighborhood. People chatted on sidewalks, Dodrios and Arcanines trotted beside their trainers, and shopkeepers called out their wares. But Renjiro moved with purpose, his mind focused on the next phase.
Of course, part of him was tempted to go out, find a challenger, and test his strength. After all, the video of Beedrill's battle against that fearsome Salamence had gone viral online that morning. Headlines blared:
> [Shocked: This Is Beedrill's True Strength!]
[A Quasi-God? Beedrill's Battle Against Salamence Leaves Trainers Speechless]
[Level 30 Beedrill Fights Salamence to a Draw—What's Its Secret?]
Across forums and newsfeeds, trainers speculated and theorized. Some rushed to catch Weedles, hoping they too could raise a Beedrill of that caliber. If Renjiro had chosen to stream a battle today, he could've raked in views and built a massive online following.
But no. The attention was too dangerous right now. He needed to stay low until the storm passed. So, Renjiro decided: half a day of rest. Time to focus on what mattered most.
When he returned home, Liu Shuyun was still asleep. Her breathing was soft, her face peaceful. Renjiro smiled faintly. She deserves a moment's peace, after all she's endured.
Renjiro sat down and began drafting the invitation for his first recruit. The Rocket team's work would be dangerous and morally ambiguous. He couldn't afford for people to know his true identity. The members would need to believe in the mission, not the man behind it.
He remembered Giovanni's brilliance in the original world—the way he maintained his secret while serving as a respected Gym Leader. If not for Red's unstoppable drive, Giovanni's mask might have stayed intact until the end. Renjiro resolved to be even more careful.
For his alias, he chose the name Giovanni—a tribute to the man who'd inspired him. If he was going to build Rocket in this world, it would not fall to disgrace.
And for his first recruit? The decision had been made long ago.
Zhang Xuewei.
A few years older than Renjiro, Zhang had grown up in the same slums. A delivery man who supported his elderly mother and younger sister, Zhang rode his Dodrio through the city rain or shine, delivering meals to keep his family afloat.
But beneath that ordinary life burned an extraordinary dream: to become a professional trainer. Zhang spoke of it often, eyes bright with longing. One day, he'd say, when my sister finishes college, I'll chase that dream.
Renjiro saw the hunger in Zhang, the kind of determination that Rocket would need. Here was a man who would fight, not for glory or greed, but for a future he'd almost given up on.
Renjiro wrote the invitation carefully, his handwriting crisp and clear:
> You have been selected for an opportunity. Please choose carefully.
He sealed it in an envelope and, as evening fell, made his way to Zhang's modest home. The streets glowed with the warm light of lanterns and neon signs. A gentle breeze carried the scent of roasted chestnuts and street food.
Reaching the small house, Renjiro quietly slid the envelope into the crack of the door. He stared at it for a moment, reflecting on how humble the beginning of his grand vision truly was.
He chuckled softly. "I can't believe I'm delivering recruitment letters myself. But… every great journey starts with small steps."
Satisfied, he turned and walked away, his thoughts already on the future.
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