Power, Wealth, Conquest of the World

"Thank you very much for your kindness, curator."

Jiang Chuan's voice echoed throughout the venue, not loud, but clear enough.

"But I've never been one to sit still."

"I don't really like training according to the rules of the dojo. I prefer a more free training style, running around wild in the wild."

As Jiang Chuan said this, a slight smile even appeared on his lips.

It sounded like they were really talking about something very relaxing.

"So I appreciate the gym leader's kindness, but I think I'll pass on joining the Viridian Dojo."

"I still want to explore the wild and see more wild Pokémon around the world in the future."

After he finished speaking, he calmly met Sakaki's gaze on the high platform.

There was no tension, no provocation.

It's like simply telling a friend, "The weather's nice today, I want to go see what's on the other side of the mountain."

The real bird on the referee's seat was stunned.

She blinked first, then her eyes slowly widened, and her lips involuntarily parted into a slit.

The whistle was still hanging on her fingertip; it wobbled, and she almost dropped it.

What did she hear?

You refused?

This kid actually refused?

It felt like a dozen or so Bobos had suddenly exploded in the bird's head, chirping and chattering in a chaotic mess.

She subconsciously glanced at Sakaki on the platform, then quickly turned her gaze back to Jiang Chuan, scanning him back and forth several times.

Did this kid not hear me clearly?

Or was he stunned by some move during the battle?

The boss personally extended the invitation, and he declined?

The bird unconsciously clenched the whistle, its knuckles turning slightly white.

In her memory, there were very few people whom Sakaki had personally expressed his appreciation for and invited.

Each and every one of those people was personally reviewed and named by Sakaki.

Those who agreed to join in the past, upon entering the organization, achieved financial freedom at the very least.

Luxury homes, luxury cars, top-tier resources—you can have whatever you want.

They were all entrusted with important responsibilities, made groundbreaking achievements in their respective fields, and gained pivotal positions within the Rockets.

If those people were to walk out now, wouldn't each of them be someone to be wary of?

And now.

This arrogant young man.

They actually refused.

Looking at Jiang Chuan's still somewhat boyish face, Zhen Niao bit her lower lip in exasperation.

"That kid!"

She shouted in her heart.

"What a precious gift it is to receive a personal invitation from the boss!"

"Not only was he not moved to tears, he refused!"

The bird got angrier the more it thought about it.

She had just been thinking to herself that if Jiang Chuan agreed, she would put in more effort to support him.

With this kid's talent, plus her support, we can definitely push him to the top.

She even started planning, and what happened?

They simply dismissed it all with a casual "Let's forget about it."

"Ugh."

Zhenniao sighed inwardly.

"Another mediocre kid."

"I guess they're treating our dojo like any other dojo."

She looked at Jiang Chuan with undisguised regret in her eyes.

"And I was just admiring him!"

"Three wins out of three, calm command, and such excellent training of Charizard and Venusaur..."

"He also said that if he agrees, I will put in more effort to support him."

The bird gently pressed its tongue against the roof of its mouth, suppressing those random thoughts.

"We're helping him become one of the Rockets' strongest and best pillars of strength."

"What a pity!"

Sakaki, who was sitting on the high platform, tapped his fingers lightly twice on the armrest after hearing Jiang Chuan's answer.

Tap, tap.

Then it stopped.

He turned his head slightly to look at the young man standing straight below.

regret.

There was definitely regret in that look.

Sakaki hasn't seen such a promising newcomer in a long time.

Giovanni noticed it the moment Jiangchuan released the first Pikachu.

That control over the rhythm of the battle, that accurate judgment of the Pokémon's status, and the composure and calmness revealed in those three consecutive victories.

These are things that ordinary rookie trainers don't have.

Especially the final battle between Charizard and Machamp.

He personally nurtured the monster with superhuman strength, and he knows best how powerful it is.

The fact that this kid's Charizard could force it to the bottom of the pit and make it unable to get up shows that it's quite formidable.

That's why Giovanni considered trying to win him over.

But it seems that it still won't work.

Sakaki sat on the edge of the platform, leaning back slightly, his gaze lingering on Jiang Chuan for a few seconds.

In fact, Jiang Chuan's personality and the attitude he just expressed do not align with Sakaki's ideals.

Sakaki wanted to conquer the world.

He needs subordinates with even more arrogant and proud ambitions.

He's the kind of person who dares to pierce the sky.

Jiang Chuan's overly relaxed and casual attitude is actually not suitable for the Rockets' philosophy.

Even so, Sakaki still spoke up.

It was simply because Jiang Chuan's performance in these three battles was so dazzling that he was willing to make an exception for him.

Even if Jiang Chuan might not fit the Rockets' philosophy, he still wants to win him over.

But now Jiang Chuan has refused again with a nonchalant attitude.

Sakaki couldn't force the issue.

Twisted melons are not sweet.

People who are forced into joining the organization are not truly committed and are of no use.

If he only indulges in nature and studies wild Pokémon, he won't be of much use to Team Rocket.

Instead, it wastes resources.

Sakaki was silent for a few seconds, then sighed softly.

The sigh fell from the high platform, echoing for a moment in the empty stadium.

"That's a pity, young man."

There was a hint of genuine regret in his voice.

You may have missed a great opportunity.

Jiang Chuan remained silent.

Sakaki paused for a moment, then continued, "Alright then. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors."

After saying that, he turned his head to look at the referee's position.

"A real bird."

The bird sprang to its feet and immediately stood up straight: "Here."

"Give him the badge."

Sakaki's tone was flat, without any extra emotion.

After finishing his speech, Sakaki didn't linger and stood up nimbly from the seat on the high platform.

The hem of his suit jacket swung gently with his movement.

He glanced at Jiang Chuan one last time, his gaze now regaining its usual calm and collected demeanor.

Then he turned around and walked towards the passage behind the platform.

His steps were steady and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

Sakaki did not make things difficult for Jiangchuan.

Firstly, they might be wary of Hanako's potential high-ranking position in the alliance. Secondly, Jiang Chuan's nonchalant attitude suggests he may be moving towards neutrality in the future.

But Jiang Chuan's strength is beyond doubt.

Giovanni doesn't need to make things too difficult for this new trainer, lest he create a powerful enemy for himself in neutral arenas later on.

Moreover, although Jiang Chuan is dazzling, he is ultimately just a trainer with some potential.

It's hard to say whether it will be a flash in the pan.

Mewtwo is the most important thing for him here.

So, having failed to win him over, Sakaki didn't waste any time and quickly left.

The sound of footsteps gradually faded into the distance in the corridor.

The oppressive atmosphere in the stadium gradually subsided.