Team Rocket's Second-in-Command!-Chapter 378: Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! []

"Dangerous?"

Luo Yuan considered Kukui's words, recalling Nihilego's trembling form when he captured it.

"Well, I did capture an Ultra Beast," Luo Yuan said, displaying the Beast Ball in his hand. "I plan to lend it to Professor Oak for research when I return to Kanto. If you're interested, Professor Kukui, you can coordinate with him."

Having spent over a week in Alola, Luo Yuan had already prepared gifts for Ash and Gary. The only person he hadn't decided on was Professor Oak.

Letting Oak study Nihilego seemed like the perfect solution—not only as a gesture of goodwill but also to better understand the Pokémon himself through Oak's research.

With that, the Aether Foundation ordeal officially came to an end. Team Rocket had successfully annexed the foundation, securing a foothold in Alola. Kukui and Hala resolved the foundation's issues and even secured sponsorship funds from Lusamine to aid the Alola League's development. Lusamine, now a Rocket executive, also managed to resolve her daughter's psychological trauma.

In summary, everyone walked away with something beneficial.

Meanwhile, Gladion, somewhere in Alola, remained conspicuously absent from the narrative.

---

After completing Team Rocket's annexation of the Aether Foundation, Luo Yuan's mission in Alola was essentially done.

Lillie, having been away from home for several days, was taken back by Lusamine for some much-needed "education."

Now that Lillie had overcome her fear of Pokémon, Lusamine planned to prepare a starter Pokémon for her.

With Lillie gone, Luo Yuan could finally enjoy some quiet time with Sabrina.

On the beach, a Slowbro sprawled lazily in the sand, ready to soak in the vacation vibes.

Unbeknownst to it, a Mareanie emerged from the water, creeping onto the shore. Taking advantage of Slowbro's inattention, the Mareanie leaped onto its head.

"Slow—brooo!"

With a Shellder already clamped to its tail and now a Mareanie perched on its head, Slowbro stumbled about unsteadily.

Its vision obscured and Mareanie's toxins interfering with its psychic abilities, Slowbro clumsily tried to swat the intruder off its head.

Unfortunately, its stubby arms couldn't reach.

Out of options, Slowbro turned to a nearby Garchomp for help.

Eager to assist, Garchomp responded with a swift chop aimed at Mareanie.

The startled Mareanie hopped off Slowbro's head and fled into the sea.

Just as Slowbro regained its sight, it looked up—only to see Garchomp plummeting straight toward it.

Thud!

Garchomp's Dragon Claw landed squarely on Slowbro's head.

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Slowbro collapsed onto its back, dazed.

Garchomp glanced at its claw, then at the felled Slowbro, before casually looking away and whistling innocently.

To "help," Garchomp used its claws to scatter sand over Slowbro, covering it with a makeshift blanket.

---

On the lounge chairs nearby:

"Cele—bi!"

Celebi let out a satisfied cry after finishing an entire glass of fruit juice.

Having always dreamed of traveling to Alola, Celebi was finally living its dream.

Mewtwo, sitting nearby, glanced briefly at Celebi before returning to its book.

Meanwhile, Gengar, spotting an opportunity for mischief, snuck up behind Celebi and suddenly leaped out, pulling a terrifying face.

Startled, Celebi shot into the air, crashing into the two Dreepy perched atop Dragapult's head.

The collision triggered a chaotic chain reaction.

Amid the ensuing commotion, Luo Yuan had no intention of intervening.

It was all harmless fun, and with him overseeing the area, nothing serious would happen.

At the moment, he was lazily chatting with Matori through his Bluetooth earpiece.

"Yesterday, our first investment was finalized. Team Rocket has successfully acquired two high-end resorts in Alola," Matori reported.

"We've started promoting Alola as a travel destination in Kanto and Johto, with advertisements rolling out across shopping districts and a lottery campaign underway."

"The integration of Team Skull is nearly complete. Guzma, despite his personality flaws, has proven capable enough. From my observations, he's suitable for a temporary role as a Team Rocket executive overseeing Alola operations."

"Luo Yuan, are you even listening?" Matori asked, her tone tinged with suspicion after his prolonged silence.

She had every reason to believe he might've dozed off.

"Of course, I'm listening," Luo Yuan replied, reclining with his head resting on Sabrina's soft lap as she gently massaged his temples.

Matori: "..."

Had it been anyone else, Matori would have flown her airship over and slammed the documents in their face.

But with Luo Yuan, she was powerless.

Just as Matori prepared to continue her report, Luo Yuan interrupted.

"Let's put work aside for now. Since we're in Alola, wouldn't it be a shame not to enjoy the vacation?"

"This..." Matori hesitated.

On one hand, her work ethic didn't allow her to abandon tasks for leisure.

On the other hand, there was something suspicious about Luo Yuan's calm tone. Memories of certain incidents on the airship resurfaced, causing her cheeks to flush slightly.

"You're not trying to lure me there to do something, are you?" Matori asked warily.

"If it were just me, it'd be fine. But with Sabrina there..."

Her face turned even redder at the thought.

"What are you thinking? Do I seem like that kind of person?" Luo Yuan countered indignantly.

Sabrina rolled her eyes from beside him.

Perhaps Luo Yuan's denial would've been more convincing if his head wasn't still resting on her lap.

Unaware of the scene on Luo Yuan's side, Matori sighed. After working nonstop for days, she had to admit she was feeling exhausted.

After a brief internal struggle, she finally gave in to her desire for rest.

"All right, I'll come over," she said, mentally resolving to stay on guard against Luo Yuan.

Luo Yuan's smile widened.

"No need to trouble yourself. My Dragonite is already waiting at the Aether Paradise to pick you up."

"..."

Matori froze, realizing she'd been set up. Luo Yuan had planned this from the start.

But a promise was a promise, and she wasn't one to back out.

Besides, it's just Sabrina...

Her determination flared, Matori decided to assert herself and show Luo Yuan she wasn't someone to be trifled with.

---

...

Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.

Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.

WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it... or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.

If you had fun, you know what to do:

👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]

Heads up—Patreon's 50% off for all tiers during May. So if you were on the fence? Now's the time.

And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.

👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]

Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.

—Leaf