Pokémon: Raising Abandoned Pokémon into Legends

Chapter 290: A Deal with Giovanni

Rio raised an eyebrow, quite surprised.

He really did have a fateful connection with Team Rocket all along this journey. And they had truly been a helping hand throughout his life.

First, there was his arrival in this world—without Lance’s help, he wouldn’t have made it here at all.

Then, it was thanks to that bald-headed Team Rocket middle manager that Charmander unlocked its first level of friendship.

After that, in Pewter City, their actions led the chubby Snorlax to find Lugia’s treasure map, and also allowed him to find the ancient Poké Ball that held Haunter.

Then, because of Sabrina’s reminder at Saffron Gym, he went and caught Red Gyarados.

Later, because of their connection to Team Rocket, he obtained a Master Ball.

And after that, again because of Team Rocket, he caught Articuno.

In short, his entire journey had relied on Team Rocket’s help!

"I wonder what surprise my dear Team Rocket has in store for me this time." Rio opened the paper and read its contents.

A moment later, Rio smiled.

The content of the letter could be summed up simply: Giovanni wanted to make a trade with him. He wanted to obtain Beedrill’s Mega Stone from Rio.

And what Giovanni was offering in exchange was a meteorite.

The letter described it as a meteorite from space containing a powerful lifeform within. In Team Rocket’s assessment, the value of this meteorite was no less than that of a legendary Pokémon.

If Rio agreed, they were to meet deep within Viridian Forest in five days.

"Deoxys." The first thing that came to Rio’s mind after reading it was Deoxys.

Team Rocket wanted to exchange the meteorite housing Deoxys for Beedrill’s Mega Stone.

"This trade doesn’t seem like a loss for me at all." Rio smiled.

If he hadn’t caught Mewtwo, and if he hadn’t obtained Gengar’s level-three friendship reward, he might have been a little nervous about handing Beedrill’s Mega Stone over to Giovanni. But now things were different.

Even if he gave Beedrill’s Mega Stone to Giovanni, so what? Could Giovanni possibly beat Mewtwo and Gengar, along with his many legendary Pokémon and those that knew divine skills?

The answer was obvious—impossible!

In that case...

Five days later.

Late at night, Rio rode Charizard and left his Champion estate. Half an hour later, he flew over Indigo Plateau and arrived at the vast Viridian Forest—just like Ilex Forest in the Johto region, the trees here grew lush and tall.

"So this is Viridian Forest, birthplace of a chosen one every ten years."

"The older generation’s chosen one is Giovanni, the middle generation’s is Lance... and who’s the younger one? Ah, right—Yellow."

"Come to think of it, I still haven’t met Yellow, the holder of Viridian Force, yet."

Flying above Viridian Forest, Rio muttered to himself.

After flying for another ten or so minutes, Rio arrived at the entrance of Viridian Forest. As soon as he landed, he noticed a sign posted at the entrance. It read:

"This is a paradise for Bug-type and Flying-type Pokémon. Therefore, trainers wishing to capture Pokémon here are advised to bring plenty of Antidotes and Paralyze Heals."

"How thoughtful." Rio muttered, then strolled right in.

He wasn’t the least bit worried that Giovanni might be lying in ambush deep within the forest with a large group of Team Rocket members.

First, he trusted Giovanni’s character. Aside from everything else, the man had real integrity and vision. He definitely wouldn’t resort to underhanded tricks. If such tricks were ever used, it would be his subordinates acting behind his back.

Second, with his current strength, he had no reason to fear being surrounded by Team Rocket members. And if he were surrounded... were they sure it would be Team Rocket surrounding Rio, and not Rio surrounding Team Rocket?

As he walked deeper into Viridian Forest, Rio soon spotted some Pokémon—Caterpie, Metapod, and Pidgey. They were all asleep, barely aware of his presence.

Then he saw a second sign:

"Before capturing a Pokémon, remember to weaken it first—otherwise, it may easily escape, and you’ll have nothing to show for your efforts."

Not far ahead, a third sign appeared:

"If you don’t want to battle, stay away from tall grass—it’s easy to encounter wild Pokémon there."

Then came a fourth sign:

"You cannot capture another trainer’s Pokémon. Only wild Pokémon may be caught with Poké Balls."

"Truly the beginner’s paradise for Bug Catchers—unusually thoughtful." Rio couldn’t help but praise the signs as he read them.

He continued forward. After walking for about ten minutes, Rio felt he might have gotten lost. He wasn’t sure which way to go, so he just followed his instincts.

Eventually, he seemed to have wandered into the territory of a certain group—Beedrill.

His arrival disturbed their slumber. First, one Beedrill appeared before him. Then, within two seconds, nearly a hundred Beedrill buzzed into his line of sight.

Rio simply said calmly: "Charizard."

"Roooar~" Charizard roared, and immediately released the overwhelming pressure of its strength.

The Beedrill, which had been so aggressive and ready to sting Rio, instantly became docile. They looked at him with almost adorable expressions, all their stingers retracted.

"Charizard, ask them how to get to the heart of Viridian Forest. If they can lead the way, good—otherwise, wipe them out." Rio said.

"Roooar~" Charizard roared again in response. A moment later, the now-docile Beedrill lined up in an orderly fashion to lead the way.

With them guiding him, Rio’s journey became much smoother. Riding on Charizard’s back, about ten minutes later, he arrived at the heart of Viridian Forest.

There, he saw a figure waiting for him—Giovanni.

Giovanni also saw him, but his gaze lingered more on the group of Beedrill. He clearly hadn’t expected Rio to arrive at the meeting place by having Beedrill escort him.

Finally, Giovanni praised him:

"As expected of you, Rio. Your method of arrival is quite unexpected. I originally thought you’d send out Mewtwo and have it use psychic power to locate me."