Ye Li compiled his preliminary infiltration plan, using a "Volcanic Scientific Survey" as cover, into a report and submitted it to Giovanni.
He had thought the plan was cautious and sound enough to earn Giovanni's approval.
Yet after reading the report, Giovanni merely set it aside, his face betraying no expression.
"Too slow."
Those were the only words Giovanni said.
Ye Li's heart lurched.
Slow? This was still too slow?
He began ranting inwardly.
Boss, that's an active volcano! And there's a crafty old fox living down there who knows us inside out! We're going there to steal something, not to sightsee! If we're not careful and the volcano erupts, or Blaine discovers us, we'll all die there!
Don't tell me you want to do what we did last time, disguise ourselves as repairmen and stroll right in? The same trick won't work on someone as shrewd as Blaine!
Giovanni quietly listened to Ye Li's terrified, ranting thoughts.
This was exactly what he wanted.
He wanted to force Ye Li to abandon those overly conservative, conventional approaches.
He wanted to force Ye Li to devise a true "strategy," one that was more imaginative and more dangerous.
"Blaine."
Giovanni slowly uttered the name, fixing Ye Li with a piercing gaze.
"You seem very wary of this man."
His stare made Ye Li uneasy, and he could only steel himself and nod.
"According to the records, he was once a senior member of the organization and knows our methods very well. We must..."
"Understanding also means he can be exploited."
Giovanni interrupted him, a dangerous smile curling his lips.
He placed the Zapdos Beacon, its golden patterns flickering, on the desk and pushed it toward Ye Li.
"What I need isn't a plan to sneak inside."
Giovanni's voice carried an unquestionable weight.