The Kanto Region.
Viridian City, Viridian Gym.
"I lost..."
A young Trainer lowered his head helplessly, looking toward Gym Leader Giovanni, who stood opposite him in a black suit with a calm expression, and conceded defeat.
"You fought well, but you're still a little short on strength."
With the battle over, Giovanni quickly smiled and comforted the defeated challenger in a gentle tone.
"You're a good Trainer. If you work a little harder to strengthen your Pokémon, you might just qualify for the Green Badge in my hand."
"Yes, I'll keep working hard!"
The rookie seemed rather overwhelmed by Giovanni's praise. As he nodded repeatedly, he thought-
He's just like the other Trainers said. Gym Leader Giovanni might look a little stern, but he's actually a good person!
If he weren't keeping them in check, Team Rocket might have overrun Viridian City long ago!
After seeing off another challenger, Giovanni's smile instantly turned cold.
"Just as I thought. It's only been twenty years, and rookies have already fallen to the level of small fry like this?"
"Still, I suppose that's good news for Team Rocket."
"Outside of Kanto's Elite Four, none of them amount to anything. There's no need to pay them much attention."
Soon, Giovanni turned his gaze to the unusual Pokémon still standing on the Battle Court.
Its body looked remarkably human, covered in thick armor that gleamed silver-white and concealed its true appearance.
(Who could it be? Such a tough one to guess~)
Since its "Trainer," Giovanni, had yet to give another command, it made no unnecessary movements, even though the battle had been over for some time.
In that respect alone, it seemed somewhat different from Pokémon capable of thinking for themselves.
Rather than a companion, Giovanni treated it more like...
A tool.
At a glance