Chapter 17: The Skull Gang Disbanded, Alola is at Peace!

The Skull Gang has disbanded; under Guzma and Plumeria's "leadership defection," most members chose to join, while only a few opted to leave.

Guzma and Plumeria chose to understand this, after all, joining Team Rocket is a new choice and a fresh start; no one can say for certain what the future holds.

But what is certain is that they are leaving this Poni Town.

Perhaps one day they will return, but by then, Poni Town will certainly not be the Poni Town of today.

In the coming period, Team Rocket in Alola began rapid, enthusiastic development.

Following the plan laid out by Mamen, Domino gathered and collected intelligence, while Caitlin led a team to begin cleansing and expelling the Hunter Organization from Melemele Island.

Under Caitlin's suppression of power, the Hunter Organization could not resist at all; one stronghold after another was cleared and fully taken over by Team Rocket.

Plumeria purchased several garment factories, while Lance continued to oversee coordination, handling various reports daily and rushing about to purchase more land.

If it were not for their recent arrival and the need to avoid being too conspicuous, which might alert the Island Kahunas and Kukui, Lance would have long since started bringing people to coerce and entice.

Precisely because of this, the matter of purchasing land has remained unresolved; just as he was finally able to rest for a moment, Caitlin's phone call came again, seeking a spar.

Lance felt he truly missed the Kanto region and silently called Apollo and the others at night to pour out his grievances.

And Guzma...

"Breaking news, breaking news!! Super sensational breaking news!"

Newspaper boys began frantically distributing papers on every street and alley across Alola's islands, and a vast number of Alolan citizens learned of the matter.

"The Skull Gang has disbanded! Alola is at peace!"

"Guzma's long-ago past: it turns out Guzma once had a failed tragic romance!"

"Did you hear? Guzma is opening an entertainment city!"

"Huh? Won't we get robbed if we go in to play?"

"It is said that the parents of Guzma's deceased first love found Guzma, encouraging him to pull himself together and reform; this is so inspiring!"

Undoubtedly, the news of the Skull Gang's disbandment and Guzma's reformation to open an entertainment city began to spread throughout the Alola region.

And a certain professor conducting research also learned of this matter.

"What did you say?"

Kukui was stunned, even disbelieving, thinking he had misheard.

Kukui is the most famous professor in the Alola region; it was he who developed the Rotom Dex, and he is also the only Champion-level Trainer currently in Alola.

"Guzma is going to open an entertainment city and become a boss?"

"That's right, it's true; reportedly, his entertainment city will open in one week."

In a voice that was quite aged yet full of vigor, filled with surprise, spoke Island Kahuna Hala.

"This..."

Kukui's mouth twitched; he still tried his best to imagine it, but he could not picture Guzma becoming a business boss.

He and Guzma were once friends, but because neither succeeded in the initial "Captain" assessment, Guzma became dissatisfied and sought to overthrow the Island Challenge and the old system, establishing the Skull Gang to destroy everything.

Consequently, Guzma and Kukui drifted further apart; to this day, Guzma deeply dislikes Kukui.

"This is for the best, if he has truly reformed," Hala sighed with emotion.

Guzma was once his disciple, but unfortunately, Guzma ultimately walked the path opposite to his.

"Something feels off," Kukui frowned, puzzled.

He knew Guzma's temper well: short-tempered and stubborn; otherwise, he would not have failed to change his mind for so many years.

But why suddenly disband the Skull Gang and become an entertainment city boss? This is far too sudden.

And... where did Guzma get so much money? Opening an entertainment city is no small sum.

Kukui felt perhaps he needed to go find Guzma and talk.

On a private beach.

Caitlin and Guzma were battling, and on the field, a Scizor and a Gallade were fighting.

But clearly, the Gallade fell into a disadvantage and was finally defeated by Scizor's Wing Attack.

"Failed again."

Although defeated, Caitlin's emotions this time were very stable; using psychic power to control the Poké Ball, she recalled the Gallade and sighed lightly.

"Hey~ Caitlin, your progress is truly immense; honestly, with talent like yours, this old man is envious."

Guzma stood with one hand in his pocket, clicking his tongue.

You see, this Gallade had only evolved a few days ago; two days prior during battle, the Gallade was defeated by Scizor quite easily.

But today, facing off again, it could actually exchange blows with his ace Scizor for a while; the progress is too fast.

Yes, this Gallade is the evolution of Caitlin's previous Kirlia.

Originally, Caitlin was quite hesitant, choosing between Gardevoir or Gallade; these two directions are completely different, one specializing in special attacks and the other in physical attacks.

But when Mamen learned this Kirlia was male, he decisively recommended evolving it into a Gallade.

Leaving aside how strong a Gallade with the Sharpness ability is, a male Gardevoir is simply too heretical!

And Caitlin trusted Mamen greatly, so she decisively used a Dawn Stone, and the Gallade evolved successfully.

"Mr. Guzma, you flatter me; thank you very much for accompanying me in special training."

Caitlin bowed elegantly; she liked this atmosphere very much, as both Guzma and Lance were excellent sparring partners.

Caitlin also enjoyed such all-out battles; although she had not yet won against them using Gallade, she could clearly feel her own progress!

Mamen was right; battling is indeed the best special training!

"Hahaha~ No need to be polite; this old man just happens to be free today. Continue, Caitlin, come spar with me at full strength again!"

Guzma grinned, revealing his signature ferocious smile; to an outsider, his tone actually sounded quite fierce.

However, after working together for a few days, Caitlin understood that this was simply Guzma's temper, and he held no ill will.

"Then please give me your guidance."

Cadelia's smile grew even more beautiful as she used her psychic power to make a Poké Ball fly out and open.

The two continued their battle.

"Sunshine, beach, waves—just missing a beauty."

Not far from the two, Mamon lay comfortably on a beach chair holding a coconut, watching their duel.

This is what life is all about.

Hmm, the only regret is that the beauty has eyes only for the battle right now.

As for Domino, she is still catching up on sleep.

Mamon and Domino fought until late last night; because the battle was too intense, Domino rolled her eyes in the end, so today she must rest well.

Beep-beep-beep~

"Beautiful Bool, what's wrong?" Mamon answered the phone in a languid tone.

"Young Master, I feel there is something I must report to you; someone wants to join our Team Rocket."

"Is it because this person is special?"

"Yes, he said his name is Gladion."

Mamon raised an eyebrow; has the brother-in-law arrived?

(End of this chapter)