The dim room was illuminated only by a single overhead light, casting its glow on the forehead of a man gently stroking his Persian.
The man wore no ruby ring, only a black trench coat, its cold-weather hood resting atop Persian's head.
An unusual caller ID flashed on the screen.
Giovanni calmly poured himself a glass of gin, waiting to discuss matters with his mentor:
"State your business."
"Boss Giovanni."
His voice sounded serious, Giovanni thought, raising his whiskey glass.
"Have you ever considered... debuting as an idol?"
"Pfft—!!"
Giovanni set down his glass, coughing violently.
The room echoed with the Godfather's hacking for a long moment before he could respond.
Natsume was puzzled.
Was Boss Giovanni... this excited?
Then again, it made sense. Becoming an idol could not only fund Team Rocket but also help reconcile with Silver.
At middle age, it was good to explore new horizons.
Giovanni steadied his breathing, suppressing the tightness in his chest, before replying hoarsely:
"Do you... have a death wish?"
Natsume remained unfazed.
This special edition Giovanni was different from his game and anime counterparts.
The game version was a villain who formed Team Rainbow Rocket.
The anime's yellow-suited Giovanni, aside from his Storm Plan highlight, acted more like the childish principal from Crayon Shin-chan.
This Giovanni's main goal?
Mending things with his son.
Having interacted with him, Natsume had figured out the key to handling this tsundere middle-aged man.
"Here's the thing."
Natsume explained: "I'm working on a new project—a game based on Red's story, covering his life's major events..."
Giovanni had once led Silph Co. Headquarters and wasn't opposed to business ventures.
After listening, he didn't reject the idea—in fact, he saw potential in it.
After all... star power was terrifying.
Two legendary Trainers, the Elite Four, eight Gym Leaders, and Professor Oak.
With that kind of promotional lineup, even a trash game would rake in profits.
The real question...
Giovanni narrowed his eyes.
How did he earn their trust?
Even he hadn't managed that back in the day...
Giovanni's expression shifted. Instead of agreeing outright, he hesitated, then asked awkwardly:
"So... what exactly do you mean by 'idol'?"
Natsume sidestepped the question:
"Since it's based on Red, Team Rocket will naturally be involved..."
"Including its downfall?" Giovanni's tone remained steady.
"Wasn't the old Team Rocket dismantled by you?"
Natsume flattered: "That was just a tactical retreat. Besides, criticizing outdated ideals fits the current Rainbow Initiative."
"Hmph." Giovanni stroked Persian's head. "Don't think I can't tell you're buttering me up!"
"Anyway."
Natsume coughed lightly. "The story portrays ideological differences, not good vs. evil..."
"Then—" Giovanni cut in, hesitating before finally asking:
"What's this 'idol' nonsense about?"
"I firmly believe every character has unique charm."
Natsume said solemnly: "After the game launches, you might gain a swarm of fans..."
"Hold autograph sessions, meet-and-greets, post a few videos."
"Or become a cat-content creator, slide into Silver's DMs occasionally..."
Natsume slapped his thigh. "Boom! Problem solved!"
Giovanni: "..."
The stern Godfather pressed a hand to his forehead, sighing deeply in the dim room:
"Give me... a moment."
The pitch was too smooth—it left Giovanni wavering.
But this idol business... something felt off.
"You mean... stepping into the spotlight?"
Giovanni clarified.
"Not necessarily! You could be a VTuber—call yourself 'Giovanni-ko'—"
"Enough!" Giovanni's eye twitched. "I'll agree to the licensing! Just stop talking!"
(I barely understand social media as it is...)
Natsume added: "By the way, Red already agreed."
Giovanni paused, eyes narrowing.
Evil, justice, battles, pursuit—Giovanni never fell behind.
But in peacetime... maybe it was time to enjoy life.
"So even he agreed."
Giovanni smirked. "Does he think I'd fear backlash for going public?"
"Handle the licensing. Funding can be arranged through Matori. Just make sure Silver sees our changed ideals!"
A faint smile crept onto Natsume's face.
See?
Persuasion successful.
"Boss, you're the best!"
Sure, he could have made up a generic villain... but as Natsume-sensei said:
Every character had their own charm.
Through this game, new bonds could form—lives intertwined.
"One more thing." Giovanni's voice turned grave.
"Hm?"
"Raise my level."
Giovanni's tone was icy. "Let those 'Reds' taste the fear of being dominated."
Natsume froze for a moment, then felt his eyes grow moist.
Good guy… Finally, someone who cares about strength over character art!
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it!"
…
Giovanni's Idol Debut Plan
But Giovanni did start seriously considering cat-content creation.
On the expensive rug, Persian stretched elegantly—then froze under Giovanni's gaze.
"Meow...?"
"It's nothing."
Giovanni said flatly: "I know when I'm being hustled."
"Mrrow?"
"Still..."
Giovanni mused aloud: "Might be nice to pick up a hobby..."
...
After hanging up, Natsume reflected on the call under the night sky.
Both father and son are tsunderes...
When will they ever reconcile?
Even after Silver saved Giovanni in Ilex Forest, neither would address it directly.
This was family business—Natsume-sensei could only nudge. The rest was up to them.
"Giovanni's licensing is secured..."
Natsume muttered:
"Just a little more persuasion... Finalize the plan before departure!"
After washing up, Natsume prepared for bed—only to find Sylveon had already cocooned itself in the blankets.
Luckily, he'd asked Gengar to dry an extra set that morning.
"Heh, I'll just steal yours!"
"Sylveon! (>ω<)"*
Thanks to the Rainbow Wing, the room was comfortably warm.
Natsume decided to cast Aura of Ripple on it again tomorrow morning, then called out:
"Rotom, lights out!"
"Roger, Rotom!"
"Gengar! Σ(°△°|||)︴" Gengar gasped in horror, spewing gloom before sulking in the corner, drawing circles.
You've changed… You used to ask me to turn off the lights… ε(┬┬﹏┬┬)3
Natsume blinked, then chuckled helplessly.
"Gengar, turn the lights on and off again. Do me a favor?"
Gengar perked up instantly: "Gengar! (`▽´)"
…
February 18th, Thursday
A gentle breeze rustled through Pallet Town's greenery.
Ash had gathered his original team for another shot at Brandon.
"Don't let its size fool you."
Professor Oak handed Ash Bulbasaur's Poké Ball with a smile. "He's a professional dispute mediator!"
"Thanks, Professor Oak!" Ash scanned his companions with determination.
Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charizard, Pikachu...
"Everyone!" Ash raised a fist. "Let's take on the Frontier!"
"Charizard!" Charizard blasted Ash with flames, while Pikachu's Thunderbolt flickered—then unleashed.
"Pika... CHUU!!"
Professor Oak paled. "Ash, are you okay?!"
The soot-covered boy spat out a black puff, shaking off the ash:
"All good!"
Professor Oak: "!??"
Nearby, a purple-clad youth approached with documents, stopping beside the professor.
"Heard Natsume-sensei's visiting today," Blue Oak remarked.
"Oh? What for?"
"Red's coming home, right?"
Blue shrugged. "Maybe a battle. Who knows?"
"Battle?!"
Ash's eyes sparkled. "Can I watch?!"
"You're too weak to follow," Blue said bluntly.
"I've gotten stronger! ヾ(｀Д´)ﾉ彡"
As they chatted, a fiery mane appeared in the distance—Arcanine approaching with Natsume.
Blue studied the Pokémon, frowning slightly.
Could I breed one better than Natsume-sensei's?
No immediate answer came.
"Yo!" The handsome black-haired young man waved. "Ash, you're here too."
"Natsume-sensei!" Ash grinned.
Charizard—"Old Flame"—growled respectfully at the Trainer.
Natsume patted its head, then smiled:
"Professor Oak, Senior Blue... I've got a favor to ask!"
...
In terms of titles, Blue Oak did deserve "Senior"—one of only two Legendary Trainers.
Among the group's chaos, he was a rare voice of reason.
Yet both he and Red still called Natsume "sensei."
Eh, titles are flexible.
In Professor Oak's lab lounge, the ordinary-looking Red asked curiously:
"A game... about me?"
"Yes." Natsume smiled. "It might inspire more kids to love Pokémon."
"I fell in love with Pokémon through games too."
Games, anime, manga—they were gateways to passion.
Even if Natsume-sensei wasn't keen on being a Trainer...
Just living peaceful days with Pokémon was enough.
"So I just... make a cameo?"
Professor Oak chuckled. "I endorsed your cards before—one more won't hurt."
Red nodded, then hesitated. "What about Giovanni and Team Rocket?"
Natsume evaded: "Maybe Sabrina and Lt. Surge have ideas."
Red's eyes flickered, then he smiled. "No objections, but..."
Blue Oak crossed his arms, conflicted.
Shortest-reigning Champion...
That history would resurface.
Finally, Blue gave a firm nod.
Red looked surprised.
"What?"
Blue smirked. "I'm the strongest Trainer—aside from losing to you. I own that, got it?"
Red smiled faintly.
Blue: "...That smirk is punchable."
(Short reign or not, he still beat Lance...) Natsume thought.
"Now... about Grandma Agatha."
Blue changed the subject. "Who's asking her?"
The gray-templed Professor Oak suddenly coughed, avoiding eye contact.
"I'll... go make coffee!"
All eyes locked onto him.
Under collective scrutiny, the Professor Oak admitted weakly:
"You know we... don't get along."
"I really can't do this one..."
--------------------------------------
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