Chapter 0645: Giovanni's Storm Plan(Two-in-One)

Less than a day since meeting N, and the melancholic youth had already left a profound impression on Natsume.

Gentle, kind-hearted, yearning for companionship - striving to change the world yet trapped within it.

Ghetsis called N "a heartless monster," yet N understood humans and Pokémon better than anyone.

After glimpsing the world's harsh truths, he still chose to love it. That was heroism in its purest form.

"N will likely awaken the Dragon of Ideals, Zekrom," Natsume murmured, watching the green-haired young man's retreating figure.

"The Hero of Black... filled with ideals yet fighting alone."

In contrast, Natsume wasn't certain who this world's Hero of Truth might be.

Perhaps it was Black, the male lead from Black & White: Special Edition, who'd previously collaborated with BW Entertainment.

But currently, he wasn't sealed in any Light Stone—instead co-managing an entertainment company with Whitley, chasing showbiz dreams.

Or maybe Ash, currently traveling through Unova.

The Hero of White who kept failing League tournaments yet persevered endlessly with his partners.

Regardless, by unifying truth and ideals, one could always find a shining path forward.

Natsume looked forward to reuniting with N someday.

"As long as he doesn't feed Zekrom to Kyurem..."

Natsume's expression turned delicate.

Returning to his sleek, futuristic room in Opelucid City's Pokémon Center—surrounded by towering high-tech buildings—Natsume spoke:

"Little Rotom, connect to Cabbage Ice Cream."

"Beep... Connecting, Rotom!"

The screen soon displayed Cynthia in a sleeveless blue shirt, standing at the docks with azure seas and white ferries behind her, Wingulls soaring.

"You finally remembered to call me," she said with a smile, one hand on her hip, golden hair cascading over half her face.

The murderous intent behind that smile helped Natsume understand why Ice-type Leader Wulfric was so henpecked.

"Ahaha, just met some Unovan friends," Natsume scratched his cheek. "Everything's settled now!"

"What an unoriginal excuse..." Cynthia sighed.

"Actually, I was plotting to save Unova by unifying truth and ideals as a hero," Natsume improvised.

Recalling recent articles about Opelucid's legends, Cynthia smiled.

"That excuse barely passes."

"Where are you? I want to see you," Natsume said.

Simple everyday words, yet they stirred something in Cynthia as she tucked golden strands behind her ear. "Virbank City."

Known for industrialization and poor environmental conditions, Virbank boasted Unova's second-largest port and biggest film studio, led by Poison-type expert Roxie.

"Virbank City?" Natsume asked curiously.

"Shauntal wanted to see a concert here," Cynthia explained. "Caitlin returned to her castle. Plus..."

"Virbank's Beartic Ice Cream is a famous specialty!" Her eyes sparkled.

"My recreations weren't good enough?" Natsume sighed.

"When in Unova, one should try the authentic flavor," she smiled. "I'll wait for you here."

Natsume nodded. "Decide your flavor beforehand."

"Hmm..." Cynthia tapped her chin. "Now I'm conflicted."

"Let's just buy the ice cream stand."

"That disrespects the owner's hard work," she pondered. "Besides, which stand would we buy?"

Natsume chuckled. "I'll be there soon."

Cynthia nodded slightly, waving at Gengar behind Natsume, her porcelain face breaking into a smile.

"See you later, Gengar~"

"Gengar! (￣▽￣)／" Gengar waved back.

Natsume's eyebrow twitched.

Damn it, I'm actually jealous!

"See you later, Moe-Moe," Natsume said seriously.

Cynthia rolled her eyes. "The opening ceremony's next week in Lacunosa Town. Don't forget."

"Understood."

Only after ending the call did Natsume remember—Lacunosa Town bordered the Giant Chasm where Kyurem resided!

Having just met N, surely this wasn't already triggering a flag?

"Darkrai."

Natsume addressed the shadow at his feet.

"How problematic... do you think this Unova trip will be?"

Darkrai floated up hesitantly.

Please... just stop talking.

Your Poké Balls are practically oozing cursed energy!

Yet Darkrai personally considered legendary Pokémon "fusion" complete nonsense.

"Shouldn't be problematic... probably. Maybe," it said.

Exchanging glances, they reached silent understanding and shook hands.

What was that about Trainers resembling their Pokémon?

This was the proof of their bond. Their true bond!

……

Before leaving Opelucid City, Natsume instructed 'Handsome' to strengthen security around Opelucid Gym.

Natsume: "Pay special attention to guarding the DNA Splicers."

In the original timeline, the DNA Splicers kept by Opelucid City's mayor and Dragon-type Leader Drayden were stolen during the city's freezing.

Colress had used these very DNA Splicers to fuse Kyurem with Zekrom.

As long as the DNA Splicers remained secure, Colress couldn't possibly create a fusion device from nothing.

Though admittedly, in Sun and Moon, Colress managed to scientifically develop the [N-Solarizer] without any artifacts - a true scientific prodigy capable of fusing Necrozma and Solgaleo.

Fellow inventor Clemont, meanwhile, had invested all his skill points into the Explosives domain... which was certainly one way to get promoted.

Detective 'Handsome' didn't question the intel source, simply nodding:

"Understood. I'll deploy additional security."

The brown trench-coated veteran had cracked major cases involving Team Galactic and Team Plasma - his competence was undeniable.

With undercurrents stirring within the International Police, Natsume ordered the trio to remain in Opelucid City to assist 'Handsome' when needed.

"Leave it to us, meow~" Meowth swiped at the air. "We'll take care of those masked grunts one by one, meow!"

"Aren't we technically grunts too...?" James whispered.

"Idiot! We're Team Rocket's elite operatives destined to become Three Executives!" Jessie clenched her fist.

Suddenly remembering their audience, the trio cautiously glanced at Natsume.

"If you can achieve that... I won't object."

Natsume shrugged. "You're already more competent than a certain retired Unova major."

Probably referring to Major Lt. Surge there, meow.

Meowth shook its head, presenting a confiscated device: "This control gadget is what they used on Pokémon, meow."

Natsume blinked as system text appeared:

[Colress Machine (Damaged): Special device that forcibly awakens a Pokémon's latent power. (Features Colress' signature to showcase his genius.)]

The system really pops up at the weirdest times.

Examining the signature, Natsume considered Colress - Team Plasma's amoral scientist whose Kyurem control proved his brilliance. After his Black & White 2 failure, he'd create the N-Solarizer in Sun and Moon to assist the protagonist.

Like Professors specializing in domains (Rowan in Evolution, Elm in Egg Groups), Colress' expertise was Legendary Pokémon - an unorthodox genius whose illegal actions would land him in prison.

Natsume shook the device. "Can you repair this?"

Meowth shook its head: "We can jam its signals, but repairs are tough, meow."

Just interfering with Colress' tech is impressive!

Natsume stared blankly.

You three master everything except catching Pikachu.

Team Rocket's tech mastery is no exaggeration!

With the trio assisting International Police, the DNA Splicers should be safe. But the city-freezing blizzard remained problematic.

Seeing an opportunity for Team Rocket's Unova expansion, Natsume called Giovanni:

"Boss, how's your 'Storm Plan' progressing?"

The suited man stroked his Persian: "I was just about to discuss that. What would you say are... my chances of earning Landorus' recognition?"

Natsume froze: "Landorus?!"

Giovanni spoke deliberately: "According to Unovan legend, Landorus can calm storms and thunder, bringing fertility to the land."

"With Landorus as an ally," Giovanni narrowed his eyes, "even the worst weather wouldn't hinder us!"

Natsume: "..."

Still fixated on Landorus?

Anime Giovanni nearly got wrecked by that "Storm Plan"!

"I understand your concerns."

Giovanni scoffed: "How curious. When Trainers catch Legendaries, it's called 'forming bonds.' When villains do it, it's 'exploitation'... You think I'd force Landorus?"

Natsume had to admit the Boss made a fair point:

"My concern is that capturing Landorus might worsen Unova's weather patterns. The cost could outweigh the benefits."

"I've considered that."

Giovanni nodded. "Like Rayquaza mediating between Groudon and Kyogre, I propose cooperation. When Tornadus and Thundurus create storms, Team Rocket would provide Landorus with intelligence to intervene."

"This way, even in extreme weather, Rocket Delivery guarantees mission completion."

Giovanni smirked, stroking Persian with villainous flair:

"This... is the Storm Plan!"

Natsume: "..."

Ever since becoming a content creator, Boss Giovanni's whole vibe has shifted toward comedy.

"Boss Giovanni, how exactly would this cooperation work?" Natsume asked cautiously.

If this involves Meloetta, I'll need to intervene immediately.

Besides, knowing Silver's temperament, Giovanni wouldn't act recklessly.

After a thoughtful pause, Giovanni answered: "Reports indicate Landorus has appeared at the Shrine of Abundant Shrine."

He steepled his fingers:

"Tell me, Natsume... how does a Trainer earn a Legendary Pokémon's recognition?"

"Through battle."

Natsume replied without hesitation. "Battling to understand each other's ideals. That's the purpose of Pokémon battles."

Giovanni's stern expression softened into a smile, his gaze sharpening:

"Exactly. I intend to travel to Milos Island and challenge Landorus properly."

"The Ground-type Legendary, Landorus?" Giovanni smirked. "I look forward to..."

"Landorus is clearly Bug-type," Natsume deadpanned.

Giovanni: "?"

Now that he thought about it, Landorus' typing did suit the Boss perfectly.

True to his word, Giovanni planned to approach this as a Trainer - issuing a formal challenge rather than forcing control.

Not even Red could object to this honorable approach.

Through his tumultuous career, Giovanni had learned one truth: rather than controlling Legendaries with technology, true power came from proving oneself in battle.

Maxie and Archie had fallen to their Orbs' backlash. Cyrus failed to earn the Space-Time Orbs' recognition. Team Plasma would soon follow suit...

Giovanni now understood - accepting failure and pursuing personal growth surpassed relying on external power.

The "Storm Plan" would be his path of solitary refinement.

Changing topics, Natsume explained Opelucid City's impending blizzard crisis.

"So we take control of Unova during the chaos..."

Giovanni slowly narrowed his eyes:

"Then we should accelerate our next phase..."

……

Unova Region, Milos Island

According to legend, this island housed the Shrine of Abundance dedicated to Landorus. The smaller islands flanking it held shrines for Tornadus and Thundurus.

Thundurus and Tornadus brought volatile thunderstorms and hurricanes to Unova.

Landorus mediated their conflicts, blessing the land with fertility.

Several meters above sea level, a suited man with close-cropped hair stood on a small aerial platform, goggles shielding his eyes.

From the central Shrine of Abundance, Giovanni sensed the pulse of the earth.

As he disembarked onto the island, the ground trembled faintly, resisting the intruder.

'What would Red or Natsume do here?'

Giovanni closed his eyes in thought, then opened them with razor-sharp focus, retrieving a Poké Ball from his inner pocket.

The wind howled as Giovanni stood with one hand in his pocket, his suit jacket flapping behind him while he stared toward the shrine.

"I am Giovanni."

Beside him, Nidoqueen roared and thumped her chest, glaring at the cloud deity emerging from the shrine.

"I've come to challenge you."

Sand and stones swirled as the orange-hued Landorus hovered midair, crossing its muscular arms to scrutinize the suited man below.

To its surprise, Landorus detected no fear in the human's presence.

Instead... an odd sense of kinship.

Closing its eyes to sense the man's convictions, Landorus finally smirked and crossed its arms.

"Very well. I accept your challenge."

The island quaked as shrill bug-like cries echoed alongside the clang of spears. Jagged stone pillars erupted toward Landorus while massive rockslides crumbled explosively.

This was a battle worthy of Mt. Silver's trials.

By the time Boss Giovanni—suit discarded, having lost and rematched—earned Landorus' recognition...

It was already the next day, when Natsume-sensei arrived in Virbank City.