Is this how Tom Rokicki collaborates with the Rocket Team?
Natsuhiko couldn't help but reflect silently: Am I being too timid?
The thought just arose and he extinguished it himself.
No, it's just that they don't know Giovanni's power.
Once Sato Kenta and the others left, Giovanni's expression finally changed again.
Adjusting his collar, a hint of coldness appeared at the corner of his mouth, "They're asking for Thundurus, what do you think?"
Thundurus?
Natsuhiko narrowed his eyes.
Sure enough, they're setting their sights on the Electric-type Divine Beast in the Unova Region?
Using Giovanni's "Storm Plan" to benefit himself, the key leverage he holds seems to be Meloetta.
Because without Meloetta, none of the plans can be implemented.
But Natsuhiko doesn't think Giovanni is someone who can be easily led by the nose.
And looking at Giovanni's expression...
Natsuhiko asked tentatively, "They want it, so you give it to them?"
Giovanni's smile grew more pronounced.
...
...
Clatter—
The azure sea surface cracked open.
An ancient building suddenly rose from the water.
Even after unknown ages of baptism, soaked in the sea for so long, it still appears completely undamaged.
Indeed.
Without Meloetta, this "Divine Hall of the Sea Floor" cannot be breached by conventional violent means.
And at this moment.
This ancient temple.
Appeared in the sight of everyone.
The middle-aged man dressed in gray-white beside Sato Kenta had eyes full of fanaticism.
This was the secret guarded by their clan for generations.
A great secret, but also a secret that shackled their entire clan.
Now, not only is this secret about to appear before him, but also the responsibility that bound their clan will vanish into thin air.
On the shore.
Natsuhiko watched Meloetta confined on the special stone slab atop the temple, face full of sorrow and helplessness, and silently clenched his fists.
The pure and kind-hearted Meloetta, its greatest sorrow is probably not being captured.
But being betrayed by those it trusted.
The hurt caused by such betrayal far exceeds its current fear.
"Just a little longer," Natsuhiko whispered.
Reshiram and Genesect, they are on the way.
As long as Natsuhiko pays attention to switching identities, utilizing Reshiram's power, even with Giovanni here, he is confident he can take Meloetta away.
However.
The Rocket Team's plan and execution this time are quite meticulous; with the top of the "Divine Hall of the Sea Floor" opening.
A peculiar mirror made of carved stone slowly ascended, suspended atop the "Pyramid".
"Melo—!!!"
Without the tempered glass restriction.
But Meloetta, confined on the stone slab, has already lost control over its own body.
But with the appearance of the "Revealing Mirror", Meloetta's eyes turned red, painful, and its sharp, piercing cries echoed across the sea.
"Is this the Revealing Mirror?"
Standing by the shore with Natsuhiko, Giovanni was the only presence making him hesitant to act rashly now.
Despite Meloetta's suffering, Natsuhiko felt very distressed.
But he knew, especially at such moments, one mustn't act recklessly.
Otherwise, not only might Meloetta not be saved, his hidden identity as a Hunter might be exposed, and he might even find himself in jeopardy.
Yet.
What Natsuhiko didn't quite understand is.
Clearly, the "Divine Hall of the Sea Floor" has appeared, the "Revealing Mirror" has been summoned, the sky's color has completely changed, and the appearance of the Kami Trio could be just moments away.
Why does Giovanni remain calm and composed, standing here with him on the shore?
Giovanni seemed to sense Natsuhiko's confusion and slightly turned his head.
"Wondering why I'm still here?"
Natsuhiko suppressed his discomfort and nodded quietly.
"Legend has it that the 'Revealing Mirror' not only reveals Landorus, Thundurus, and Tornadus in their true forms but also grants control over them. And indeed, it's the original intent of the 'Storm Plan'," Giovanni explained slowly.
"Then..." Natsuhiko opened his mouth.
Giovanni's mouth curved with confidence flooding in.
"But legends also note that controlling the 'Revealing Mirror' is extremely dangerous; any mistake might lead to backlash from the Kami Trio. I am confident I can fully control the 'Revealing Mirror', can they?"
As if to verify Giovanni's words.
Sato Kenta and the others above the "Divine Hall of the Sea Floor" suddenly acted.
They overpowered the surrounding Rocket Team members along with Dr. Seg.
Immediately taking control of the temple's altar, Meloetta, and the "Revealing Mirror".
Despite the sudden change, Giovanni showed no reaction or movement; his hands remained silently in his pockets.
It seemed he had long anticipated things would unfold this way.
Rumble——
With the "Revealing Mirror" in hand, Sato Kenta's face twisted with a frenzied laughter.
The collaboration between the Rocket Team and Tom Rokicki was always tenuous, especially since Tom Rokicki had once betrayed the Rocket Team. Their relationship was already delicate.
Now, it was completely torn apart.
Thousands of bolts of lightning and storm clouds rose behind him, churning within the oppressive dark clouds.
Three apertures silently opened.
Accompanied by three descending beams of light, the Kami Trio, with muscles coiled and arms crossed, slowly descended from the sky.
It should have been a scene full of bravado and intimidation.
However.
All of it was shattered by Thundurus flying backwards, utterly ruined.
Indeed.
Thundurus was flying backward, with the clouds above and its head below.
Its arms crossed.
It seemed to think it looked quite cool.
This caused Landorus and Tornadus beside it to almost break their serious expressions.
What on earth?
Thundurus: You wouldn't understand the trends.
Thankfully.
Except for Landorus, Tornadus, and Natsuhiko, no one else knew Thundurus was "acting up."
"Do you think my target is the 'Revealing Mirror' to control the Kami Trio?"
Natsuhiko noticed Giovanni making a move.
He was...
Slowly rolling up his sleeves.
Facing the Kami Trio, the embodiment of Divine Beasts, with a calm and composed demeanor.
"Hmm?" Natsuhiko hesitated for a moment.
Wasn't it so?
Yet Giovanni let out a dismissive chuckle.
His gaze briefly intersected with Natsuhiko's.
"That's the most vulgar and useless way of control. Who says villains can't bond with Divine Beasts, hmm?"
Natsuhiko slowly opened his mouth.
He started to understand Giovanni's intent.
"What is the most common and practical way for a Trainer to capture Pokémon and bond with them?" Giovanni asked.
"...Battling." Natsuhiko's voice was slightly dry.
His heart churned like a turbulent sea.
He never imagined Giovanni came with such plans and preparation.
He plans to... confront the Kami Trio directly!
This is the special chapter's Giovanni!
This is definitely the special Giovanni of a special chapter!
Only someone from a special chapter could talk about "forming bonds," without a doubt.
It is because of the existence of such "bonds" that Giovanni's Beedrill could unleash such strong and formidable power.
Giovanni stepped forward.
"[Storm Plan] Target Three. I'll capture Landorus, you annihilate those conceited fools, dominate the leadership of the Hunter Guild in the Unova Region, and establish support with the Rocket Team there. How about it, Rocket Team Executive Natsuka?"
This is it!
This is Giovanni's true purpose in coming to the Unova Region!
Even though the Plasma Team has indeed suffered greatly in Unova, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse, and their remaining strength is not to be underestimated.
Furthermore.
A mighty dragon doesn't overpower its native serpent, the Rocket Team's base in Kanto and Johto is too distant from Unova. Leveraging the power of the Hunter Guild is the fastest way to establish a foothold in Unova.
And Natsuhiko, personally selected by him, could serve both as a Rocket Team executive and the top candidate for a Hunter Guild Hunter in residence.
As for the concern that Natsuhiko might become uncontrollable as he grows?
Giovanni never worried about betrayal by his subordinates, nor did he fear betrayal.
Moreover...
With Landorus in hand, he would hold significant sway in Unova.
No time to ponder.
As the beams of the "Revealing Mirror" swept over the Kami Trio, transforming them into their Spirit Beast forms and being controlled, they immediately charged towards their direction.
Natsuhiko lowered his head.
Various thoughts flashed through his mind one by one.
Finally.
Staring at Giovanni's broad back, he slowly grinned.
"Understood, Boss Giovanni."
Upon hearing this.
The smile on Giovanni's face broadened.
He gently pressed his wrist, slid his hand across his waist, and took out two Pokeballs, "It's been a long time since I fought, let's make it quick."
"Alright."
Natsuhiko threw a Pokeball, summoning Hydreigon.
With a flip.
It sped towards the top of the "Divine Hall of the Sea Floor"!