Chapter 101: Join Team Rocket, Name Your Terms

With the Hoenn region being so vast, is having Team Rocket alone not enough??

Silence!

After Mamen finished speaking, the entire Team Magma base fell quiet.

"What did you say?"

Finally reacting, Courtney's deep purple pupils trembled slightly as she asked back in disbelief.

"Was I not clear enough?"

Mamen raised an eyebrow, observing the purple-haired Team Magma admin with great interest.

"Let me simplify it: we, Team Rocket, are taking this territory in the Hoenn region. What kind of trash are you Team Magma and Team Aqua? Ridiculous organizations, ridiculous ideals, ridiculous people."

Mamen sneered, mocking them without reservation; he truly looked down on Team Magma and Team Aqua.

To put it nicely, they are evil organizations; to put it bluntly, aren't they just extremist environmental groups?

And their ideals aren't even pure; they claim to want to expand the land and sea to create a better world.

Yet, what they actually do is steal other people's Pokémon, steal submarines, and invade research institutes.

It's hilarious, really.

An incompetent organization led by an incompetent leader—what is the point of keeping it around?

"What level are you people on? Do you even deserve to be called a dark organization like Team Rocket?"

Arrogant! Extremely arrogant!

The members of Team Magma were about to explode with rage; this was no different from having someone ride on their heads and defecate in front of them!

Lady Courtney! Please, say something!

"Such a big mouth!!"

Courtney was also incredibly furious at this moment. Although her face remained expressionless, one could clearly see her full chest heaving up and down.

Clearly, her emotions were becoming a bit uncontrollable.

"Calling our Team Magma trash—I'd like to see what kind of skills you Team Rocket people have!"

It was hard for Courtney to accept her organization being looked down upon like this; she was usually a very calm person with a clear head.

Before joining Team Magma, Courtney was a scientist who only had passion for things that interested her.

And precisely because of this, Maxie's dream of creating more land attracted her, so she followed Maxie, also wanting to create a world with more land, loyal to the end.

But now, the ideals of her own organization were being insulted like this; Courtney was enraged!

"Tsk~" Mamen clicked his tongue in wonder.

Seeing Mamen still maintaining that flippant and relaxed posture, Courtney threw out her Poké Balls with a cold face.

A Swellow and a Ninetales appeared before her.

There was no help for it; back on Mt. Chimney, her Camerupt and Mightyena had both been defeated by May.

However, the moment the two Pokémon appeared, a faint blue light enveloped them.

Swellow and Ninetales struggled continuously, but it was to no avail.

This is control-type Psychic! Since when?

Courtney looked toward the opposite side with an ugly expression; it was that armored Pokémon behind the boy!

As the armored Mewtwo flicked its finger backward, Ninetales and Swellow flew out at high speed, slamming heavily into the wall, unable to even fall down.

"Is that it?" Mamen raised an eyebrow and asked back.

"..."

Watching Swellow and the others lose their ability to battle, Courtney was stunned.

How could they be this strong?!!

Seeing even their own admin being easily defeated in seconds, these Team Magma members were all dumbfounded.

"With only this level of skill, how do you have the nerve to be out here?"

Mamen continued his output.

Courtney pursed her lips tightly; she wanted to retort, but the ruthless reality forced her into silence.

"Logically speaking, I should have you all go to the mines to dig for ore, but I am a kind-hearted person."

Caitlin used her psychic powers to float a chair over; Mamen took it and sat down, crossing his legs and watching these people with composure.

"Following Team Magma, you are all on a dead-end path sooner or later; there is no future. The path and opportunities of life are right here—it depends on whether you can grasp this chance."

Mamen's gaze swept over the dozens of Team Magma members in front of him, finally stopping on a girl with short black hair.

Mamen raised an eyebrow, glanced at her uniform which differed from the regular Team Magma members, and couldn't help but curl the corner of his mouth.

"The opportunity is right in front of you now. Those willing to join Team Rocket, stand on the left; those who are not, stand on the right."

Mamen spoke indifferently.

Everyone in Team Magma looked at each other, falling into hesitation and uncertainty; not a single person dared to move.

"Did you not hear Lord Mamen's words? Or do you need me to invite you?"

Gladion spoke coldly, his icy gaze instantly bringing these Team Magma members to their senses.

"My lord! I want to join Team Rocket!"

"I've long since found this Team Magma an eyesore; I want to join Team Rocket to grow big and strong!"

"I was born to join Team Rocket!"

"It's clear which one has more of a future; Team Rocket is the true chosen one!"

Without too many surprises, most of the Team Magma members stood on the left in unison.

After all, they were just ordinary Team Magma members, and their loyalty to Team Magma wasn't high. Although it was awkward to surrender directly while their former superior, Courtney, was still standing nearby.

But compared to their own safety and being assigned to dig in mines, they preferred to protect themselves.

Besides, isn't it all the same wherever you work? This Team Rocket looks pretty badass.

"..."

Watching over ninety percent of her subordinates defect, with the remaining ones still struggling or cautiously observing her, Courtney couldn't help but tilt her head, her eyes dazed.

Did she suddenly become a lone wolf???

Time passed quickly, and in just a few minutes, under the intimidation of Silvally and Umbreon, almost all Team Magma members were standing on the left.

And beside Courtney, there was only one cloaked girl left, wearing a black tight-fitting top and hot pants.

"Lady Courtney, the situation isn't right now. Why don't we just fake a surrender? Don't worry, I will always support you!"

Even facing this situation, the black-haired cloaked girl still wore a cheerful and fearless smile, whispering to Courtney.

A ripple stirred in Courtney's heart; she had an impression of this girl—it seemed her name was Zinnia, and she hadn't joined the organization long ago.

She didn't expect that in such a situation, this Zinnia could still remain calm.

Courtney thought carefully, and then she also raised her hand with an expressionless face.

"I surrender."

If she didn't compromise in this situation, there was no doubt she wouldn't be able to walk out of this Team Magma base in one piece.

Moreover, Courtney had developed some interest in the three people in front of her; these three were truly too strong.

Are there many such experts in Team Rocket?

"Very good. Welcome, new colleagues. You have all made a wise choice; I don't think you will regret it."

Mamen applauded with satisfaction.

"Compared to Team Magma, believe me, you will definitely gain more after joining Team Rocket."

"Our organization doesn't have any empty, high-sounding ideals. We take more territory, make more money, live better lives, and grasp more power!"

Mamen stood up; this was the difference between Team Rocket and other organizations.

Starting from Giovanni, Team Rocket's goals had always been very practical: use Pokémon to make money by any means necessary, and then control the world!

Of course, Mamen's goal hadn't changed, but he had cut off some of the inhumane plans.

Playing dirty was fine, but one couldn't be without a bottom line—though Mamen's bottom line wasn't very high either.

But at least he wouldn't become a pure animal.

Courtney was expressionless. Empty and high-sounding? Was their Team Magma empty and high-sounding?

Courtney thought carefully in her heart.

"Gladion, you take them to do a headcount, and you and you—you two come with me."

Mamen handed this team over to Gladion to handle, then named Courtney and Zinnia.

After speaking, Mamen took Caitlin and prepared to leave this base. Damn, it was really too hot in here; not only hot but also stuffy, stuffy enough to make one feel uncomfortable all over.

Courtney and Zinnia naturally followed, as Mamen was clearly the leader of the three.

"Phew~ It's still more comfortable outside; much more relaxing."

Arriving outside, Mamen let out a long breath. Although the air here couldn't be considered very fresh, it was much more comfortable than inside the Team Magma base.

"I really don't know what you Team Magma people are thinking. Can a base like this, located underground near a volcano, actually be used? Aren't you afraid of getting sick from the stuffiness inside?"

Mamen complained.

Courtney: "..."

As for Zinnia, she nodded in subtle agreement. She couldn't figure it out either, but in the end, she could only attribute it to the people in Team Magma having something wrong with their brains.

"Mamen... my lord, is there something you need by calling us out?"

Courtney skipped over the topic and asked Mamen in a delicate and cute voice.

She was truly professional, even calling Mamen "my lord," which showed that her change in stance was very clear.

"I want to discuss some things with you. Let's find a place to eat first and talk while we eat. Also, change this outfit of yours."

Mamen glanced at Courtney; Zinnia was one thing, but with that Team Magma-style uniform, Courtney could not enter the town.

Courtney fell silent again, but she still nodded in agreement; she actually wanted to know what Mamen was planning to do.

After Courtney changed into a different coat, the four of them headed toward Lavaridge Town.

Because the skirmish between Team Magma and Team Aqua had ended, the security in Lavaridge Town was not as tight.

Mamen did not even see Flannery or that lead Officer Jenny.

After entering Lavaridge Town, the four found a restaurant and booked a private room; Mamen prepared to eat something first, as he was feeling a bit hungry.

"Team Rocket has just arrived in the Hoenn region, and everything is just getting started, so this is exactly the time when we need people."

After eating his fill, Mamen looked at the two women across from him.

Courtney clearly had no appetite and had barely touched the large table of dishes, whereas Zinnia had not been polite at all, eating happily with grease all over her mouth.

Courtney could not understand how Zinnia could be so carefree; Mamen and Caitlin were sitting right across from her!

Was she not worried about her safety at all?

"I won't beat around the bush. You are both talented, and I can put you to good use and let you shine."

Mamen tapped his fingers rhythmically on the tabletop, his gaze falling on Courtney.

"I look down on Team Magma and Team Aqua, not just because of your ridiculous organizational philosophy, but also because of your organization's strength. With Maxie's level, he isn't even considered strong among Elite-level Trainers; what can he possibly accomplish?"

"Lord Maxie, he..."

Hearing Mamen mock Maxie, Courtney's cold expression shifted slightly.

But Mamen had no interest in listening to her, waving his hand to interrupt her directly.

"Do you know how many people we have in Team Rocket? We have over ten high-ranking officers alone, and the minimum standard for a high-ranking officer is Elite-level or quasi-Elite-level."

Mamen said indifferently.

Upon hearing this, Courtney's purple pupils constricted, and even Zinnia, who had been eating and drinking in a relaxed and comfortable manner, paused her movements.

Over two dozen high-ranking officers, and their strength was basically all Elite-level??

Holy crap! Is this the kind of setup an evil organization is supposed to have?

Zinnia was stunned.

By comparison, what kind of trash were Team Magma and Team Aqua? No wonder the other party looked down on Team Magma so much.

If it were Zinnia herself, she felt she could be even more arrogant than Mamen!

"Following that loser Maxie, you have no future. Think about it carefully yourself. Of course, I won't let you leave."

Mamen said to Courtney. Mamen did not think much of Courtney's strength, but she did have ability; Team Rocket was short on people, so he would use her if he could.

Courtney fell into deep thought.

"And now, it's your turn."

Mamen turned his gaze to Zinnia. Zinnia flashed a big, fearless smile at Mamen, her white teeth forming a sharp contrast with her wheat-colored skin.

This person... does she really not fear anything at all?

Caitlin sipped her tea, looking at Zinnia with quite a bit of surprise. She had been observing the two; unlike Courtney's heavy mood, Zinnia seemed completely relaxed the whole time.

Did she not seem worried about danger at all? This was very abnormal.

"Does Lord Mamen have any instructions?" Zinnia even took the initiative to ask.

"I won't play games with you either, Zinnia. Join Team Rocket, and you can name your own terms."

Mamen took a gold badge from his pocket, tossed it to Zinnia, and spoke.

Zinnia caught the badge and examined it curiously. The badge was exquisite, with delicate patterns on the edges and a capital 'R' in the center.

Caitlin's expression changed instantly, and she looked at the badge and Zinnia in astonishment.

This was the proof of identity for the highest-ranking officers in Team Rocket!

And currently, only Mamen and Giovanni possessed one, which indicated one thing.

This Zinnia is a Champion-level Trainer?!

Small Theater

One day.

Courtney: Lord Maxie is no good, but are you any good, Lord Mamen?

Mamen: I am more than good! Come, let's battle!

The two fought until the sky turned dark, and their shoes even flew out the window.

The next day, Caitlin looked at Courtney, who had fainted on Mamen's bed, and fell into deep thought.

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(End of chapter)