In the end, Cain became the first deputy leader in the entire history of Team Rocket.
Although he was called the deputy leader, in reality the actual authority he possessed within Team Rocket was not much greater than that of an ordinary Executive; it was simply that, in terms of position and status, he stood one level above those Executives.
But Cain did not care much about that. He did not value empty reputation; receiving tangible benefits was far more reliable.
However, Giovanni did not say it lightly. Through his own special methods, he sent a brief message to all high-ranking members of Team Rocket, informing them of the change in Cain's identity.
This left many people stunned. After all, since the founding of Team Rocket, even when it had been under the control of Giovanni's mother, the position of deputy leader had never existed.
But now Giovanni had created this position specifically for Cain, which showed just how highly he valued him.
After receiving Giovanni's message, Cain's exclusive Team Rocket communicator did not stop vibrating. Most of them were congratulatory messages, sent both by people he knew and by others he did not.
Among them were several old acquaintances, such as Umbra, who had once taken Cain out of Trial Island; Tenebris, Umbra's companion; and Koga, who had now become one of Johto's Elite Four.
Even Sabrina, who was stationed in Saffron City, sent Cain a message.
During this period, the encounters between Team Rocket and the Sacred Church had not been few, and friction between them was frequent, so everyone more or less understood how strong the members of the Sacred Church were.
Without even mentioning other matters, those strange abilities and special methods alone were enough to cause considerable trouble for many members of Team Rocket.
But only a few days earlier, Cain had dealt with three high-ranking members of the Sacred Church in an overwhelming manner, and together with Drake had even forced the bishop of the Sacred Church to appear. Everyone had seen that video.
Although very few people currently knew that Cain, the First Elite Four of Hoenn who was being talked about everywhere, was the same Cain from Team Rocket, those who knew him well were aware.
Everyone felt deep apprehension toward the increase in his strength. Although Umbra and Tenebris had also improved somewhat, the gap between them and Cain was growing wider and wider. Even Koga, who could also be considered one of the chosen of heaven, expressed his admiration for him.
In short, with Giovanni's authority and Cain's intimidating strength, no one dared to say a single word against his becoming the deputy leader of Team Rocket.
And in reality, Cain himself did not feel much about becoming Team Rocket's deputy leader.
Because, in name, his position as deputy leader still placed him in charge of the Hoenn region. And what was in Hoenn?
Wasn't it simply Team Heaven?
Team Heaven had always been in Cain's hands. Especially now that Brad and Catherine had stepped in, its only weakness in terms of high-level combat power had also been compensated, and it was developing rapidly, without needing to rely on Team Rocket.
Therefore, Cain believed that the title of deputy leader was less reliable than actual benefits.
But Giovanni's ability to win people over was still quite good. At the very least, even Cain felt somewhat pleased after becoming Team Rocket's deputy leader.
And as long as there was even a little bit of satisfaction, that was enough. In any case, Giovanni lost nothing.
"Are you curious why security inside the Team Rocket base is now so strict? I'll test you and see if you can guess."
The fact that Cain had become Team Rocket's deputy leader, transforming into another major pillar supporting Giovanni, made him somewhat happy. After all, Cain was now someone capable of assuming the position of Champion of a region.
The Champion of a region serving as Team Rocket's deputy leader?
Just thinking about it, wasn't it somewhat exciting?
Upon hearing Giovanni's question, Cain thought for a moment and spoke two words:
"Mew."
Hearing the answer, Giovanni's eyes lit up slightly, and the smile on his face grew even wider. He raised his thumb toward Cain.
"As expected of someone in whom I have placed my hopes. But now we can no longer say 'Mew', because what we have created is... Mewtwo!"
When he spoke the word "Mewtwo," Giovanni's face was filled with almost fanatical fervor, mixed with a hint of dominance, as if he were experiencing the most glorious and triumphant moment of his life.
Mewtwo?
Cain's heart trembled. So Mewtwo was truly about to be born!
Regarding Team Rocket, Cain did not have any special thoughts. On one hand, there was the existence of Giovanni and the intimidation of his strength; on the other hand, there was Mewtwo.
Giovanni suddenly stood up and said to Cain:
"Come. I'll take you to see the masterpiece of our Team Rocket."
As he spoke, he directly activated a hidden mechanism in the office and led Cain through a secret passage toward the laboratory deep within the Viridian City base.
Cain followed Giovanni, while his thoughts spun rapidly.
They arrived directly at the laboratory he had already visited several times before. Most of the facilities had not changed much, although there were also quite a few differences; they had probably been modified to adapt to the different stages and forms of Mewtwo's development.
"Boss!"
Upon seeing Giovanni enter, the researchers inside greeted him respectfully.
Finally, the true creator of this Pokémon appeared before them both:
Blaine!
He first greeted Giovanni respectfully, then looked at Cain with a surprised expression. After hesitating for a moment, he still said:
"Deputy Leader!"
(End of Chapter)