Rex didn't even bother summoning his Pokémon.
With precise, practiced chops—moves honed through his mastery of Brick Break—he effortlessly took down a small pack of Golbat and Poochyena. These poorly trained Pokémon, clearly raised by amateurs, stood no chance.
"H-how the hell can you beat our Pokémon that easily?! That's cheating!" the blond-haired punk who seemed to be their leader shouted in panic, watching Rex dismantle their assault like it was nothing.
Their group had been terrorizing Slateport City for days, robbing passersby under the protection of a well-organized ring. Their disguises and tactics made them hard to catch, and even Trainers weren't safe—several had lost their Pokémon along with their wallets, all "donated" up the chain to their higher-ups.
They preyed on lone pedestrians, banking on the victims having no Pokémon released. If they could knock someone out fast enough, the theft was almost effortless.
Rex knocked the lot of them flat in a matter of seconds. As they groaned on the ground, he stood over them, voice cold:
"Who are you people?"
"We're Team Rocket, you idiot!" Blondie snapped, trying to bluff his way out. "Let us go now, and maybe I'll forget this happened. Otherwise, our commanders will come looking for you."
"Team Rocket? Aren't you supposed to be operating in Kanto and Johto?" Rex raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing all the way out here in Hoenn?"
"Tch, like I'd tell you anything! Just let us go already!"
Rex responded with a sharp twist of the arm and a glare.
"Aaagh! Okay, okay! I'll talk!"
Under Rex's "persuasion," the blond thug cracked. He revealed they were local thugs from Slateport who'd recently been recruited by Team Rocket. Their recent crime spree had been fueled by a new sense of impunity, feeling like they finally had a powerful backing.
His name was Mead, a small-time delinquent emboldened by his new affiliation. Even knowing the local police were actively hunting them, he and his crew had still been out trying to rob people.
Soon, Officer Jenny arrived—summoned by Rex earlier—riding her faithful Arcanine.
"Perfect timing, Officer. They're all yours," Rex said.
"I'll make sure these punks get what they deserve," she said, completely ignoring the whimpering men on the ground.
"You'll pay for this! Our boss'll make you regret it!" Mead yelled as he was loaded into the patrol van.
Rex just waved lazily. "Tell him I'm looking forward to it. And enjoy your time in prison!"
As he turned away toward the Pokémon Plaza, he didn't spare them another glance. Their threats didn't faze him—Team Rocket was too big to chase down every grunt who got caught. No way some low-tier thug would bring down the wrath of a commander.
Unbeknownst to him, someone was watching.
On a rooftop nearby, a girl with sleek black hair and cold eyes had silently observed the entire encounter. Her expression darkened.
"How annoying. So smug, too… Looks like you need to be taught a lesson."
She released a Xatu, giving it silent instructions. The psychic bird soared after Rex as she vanished from the rooftop.
Oblivious to the new tail, Rex reached the Pokémon Plaza and released his Totem Swellow, mounting up and taking off toward Rex Farm.
By the time he arrived, the sun was low, casting golden rays over the peaceful farm. In front of the staff house, a little girl was playing with a Marill.
Or rather, Marill was teasing the girl—dashing just out of reach every time she lunged, squeaking with glee as the girl shouted in frustration.
"Akiko! Long time no see!"
Rex smiled as he approached, recognizing the girl instantly.
It was Akiko. Since the orphanage had improved, she and the other children had started attending school more regularly, so she hadn't been around much. With Rex away on his journey, they hadn't seen each other in quite a while.
"Rex! You're back! Help me catch this annoying Marill!"
She ran up and hugged him before pointing at her cheeky blue opponent.
Marill, sensing danger, tried to retreat toward the house—its trainer, Yuli, might offer protection. But before it could flee, Rex locked eyes with it.
"Rill...?" Marill whimpered, trying to look cute.
Rex chuckled and ruffled Akiko's hair. "You two have fun. I'll leave you to it."
As he walked into the house, laughter and shouting resumed behind him.
"You're back, Rex!"
Yuli greeted him warmly.
Rex released Diancie next—it had played a huge role during their last adventure.
"Thanks for everything, Yuli. I brought you some local Unovan specialties as thanks for holding down the fort."
He gestured to the gifts he'd placed on the table.
"You're spoiling me again. Stop buying so much stuff!" she scolded gently, though her smile said otherwise.
"Haha, Diancie's in your hands now. I'm going to get cleaned up."
Relieved she wasn't upset, Rex headed for his room to wash off the travel grime.
As soon as he stepped inside the breeding house, he was mobbed by Pokémon.
Monferno and Shelgon especially lit up with excitement—they'd been fine on their own, but they clearly missed their trainer.
Over the next few days, Rex led a major cleanup effort across Rex Farm. With his Pokémon helping out, the place soon gleamed like new.
(End of Chapter)