"Wei Ge, what's the matter? Why did you call me out here?"
Zhu Liangxiu wiped the sweat off his forehead with his already damp sleeve as he spoke to Zhang Xuewei. The humid June evening offered no relief after an exhausting day of delivering takeout across the city. The young man's clothes were drenched with sweat, clinging to his back uncomfortably. His face was flushed from the heat, but curiosity shone in his eyes as he tried to read his friend's expression.
"Come on, let's go sit somewhere cooler first."
Zhang Xuewei motioned toward a nearby Yijian cold drink shop. The two of them walked in, each ordering a tall iced drink. The shop's air conditioning was a welcome change from the sticky heat outside. They found a quiet corner table and settled in.
"Alright, Wei Ge. What's so important?" Zhu Liangxiu asked between sips of his cold tea, his curiosity growing.
"Take a look at this first," Zhang Xuewei said, handing over a slightly yellowed letter. The paper looked old and cheap, but Zhang's serious expression suggested it was anything but ordinary.
Zhu Liangxiu took it, carefully unfolding it. His eyes scanned the contents, his brow furrowing as he read. When he finished, he looked up at Zhang Xuewei in disbelief.
"Wei Ge… you don't really believe this, do you? This can't be real!"
Zhang Xuewei didn't answer right away. Instead, he leaned forward, locking eyes with his friend.
"Just tell me this—if what's written in that letter is real… would you join Team Rocket?"
Zhu Liangxiu hesitated for only a moment before answering.
"Of course I would! If they really offer what this letter says, I'd be a fool not to."
The letter promised everything: funding his sister's education, supporting him to become a proper trainer, and a future he could never afford on his own. The only catch? He had to follow orders as a Rocket recruit.
Zhu Liangxiu thought about his daily struggles—the harsh bosses, the meager pay, the endless cycle of deliveries that barely kept them afloat. Working under Team Rocket didn't seem much different—except they actually offered something in return.
Seeing Zhang Xuewei's small, knowing smile, Zhu Liangxiu's suspicion returned. He lowered his voice and glanced around before whispering, "Wait… is this real? Tell me the truth, Wei Ge."
Without a word, Zhang Xuewei pulled out his phone and showed Zhu Liangxiu his bank app. On the screen glowed a balance that made Zhu Liangxiu's eyes widen in shock: 1,000,000 Alliance coins.
He counted the digits, then counted again. His hands trembled as he stared at the screen.
"One… one million?! Wei Ge, this is real?"
"It's real," Zhang Xuewei said, voice steady. "Giovanni—the boss of Team Rocket—gave me this as my start-up fund to recruit new members."
He clapped Zhu Liangxiu's shoulder, his tone turning earnest. "You're my brother, Liangxiu. I don't want to do this alone. Let's do it together. I promise, as long as I eat, you'll never starve."
For a moment, Zhu Liangxiu sat in stunned silence. Then, he clenched his fists and nodded, his mind made up.
"Let's do it, Wei Ge. Why should we waste our lives getting exploited by those fat-cat bosses? If we're going to work hard, it might as well be for someone who pays us what we're worth."
---
Meanwhile, across town at the towering Battle Tower, Renjiro had just wrapped up his fierce match against Ba Xiaoqin. The crowd's cheers still echoed through the stadium as Renjiro made his way back down to the main hall. His Beedrill hovered by his side, its twin needles still glowing faintly from the battle's final Aerial Ace.
In the VIP viewing area above, Gan Fengyu, an esteemed Elite and leader of the prestigious Liuyun Gym, remained seated for a few moments longer, reflecting on the match he had just witnessed. The young trainer's skill and the raw talent of his Beedrill had impressed him deeply. Not only did Renjiro show keen strategy, but his adaptability during the fight had been remarkable.
"That boy… Renjiro, was it?" Gan Fengyu spoke quietly to his aide. "Prepare an invitation for him. Let's see if he has what it takes to challenge the Liuyun Gym."
"Yes, Master Gan," the aide replied, bowing and quickly heading off to fulfill the request.
---
Downstairs, Renjiro tried to slip away, hoping for a quiet exit. But the crowd had other plans.
"Bro, come back tomorrow! Let's battle!"
"And me! I want to see that Beedrill again!"
"Hey, add me on the Trainer app—I need advice on raising a Beedrill like yours!"
"Yo! Sell me your Milotic—I'll pay double market price!"
Renjiro laughed awkwardly as he tried to wave them off. "Tomorrow, maybe. I need rest tonight."
"No way, stay and chat!"
"No, no, I have to go."
He gently pushed through the throng, trying not to step on anyone's toes. Just as he reached the exit, a familiar voice called after him.
"Mr. Renjiro, please wait!"
He turned to see Nurse Joy hurrying toward him, her pink hair swaying with the effort.
"Nurse Joy? What's the matter?" he asked, puzzled.
She caught her breath and handed him a crisp envelope, sealed with the Liuyun Gym's emblem. "This is from Master Gan Fengyu. He asked me to deliver it personally."
Renjiro took the envelope, his fingers brushing over the embossed seal. Joy continued, "Master Gan said you may come challenge the Liuyun Gym once you've obtained three Pokémon and earned the title of junior qualified trainer. Congratulations."
A hush fell over the hall, followed by gasps of surprise as the words sank in.
"No way! The Elite's here tonight?!"
"Renjiro's been recognized by Gan Fengyu himself! That's insane!"
"This is beyond just a challenge invite—that's an Elite giving his approval! I'm so jealous right now!"
"Handsome, talented… some guys have all the luck."
Renjiro felt the weight of dozens of envious stares. He bowed his head slightly in thanks, trying not to let the attention overwhelm him.
Gan Fengyu's invitation wasn't just some formality. The Liuyun Gym was famous for its strict entrance requirements. Only advanced trainers were normally eligible to apply, and even then, slots were limited. Most had to wait months or even years for their turn. And if they failed? No retry for a full year.
Yet here he was, holding a personal invitation.
As the crowd's murmurs filled the space, Renjiro's mind briefly wandered. A soft chime echoed in his thoughts—the familiar voice of the system that had guided him since the start of his journey.
Ding! Mission progress: Create Team Rocket. Recruit ten members. Current progress: 2/10.
Renjiro blinked in surprise. "Zhang Xuewei must've started recruiting already," he thought, a grin tugging at his lips. Only eight more members to go.
"Mr. Renjiro, is everything alright?" Nurse Joy asked, noticing his sudden quiet.
He quickly refocused, tucking the envelope safely into his jacket.
"Thank you, Nurse Joy. Please tell Master Gan that I'm honored. I'll work hard and come to challenge him soon."
Joy nodded, relieved that he wasn't overwhelmed by the news. The crowd around them continued to buzz with excitement, but Renjiro kept his cool, politely making his way out at last.
Outside, the city's lights glittered against the night sky. The warm breeze carried the sounds of traffic and distant laughter. Renjiro exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of his day's victory and the promise of greater challenges ahead.
---
Author's Note:
In this chapter, we see the beginning of Renjiro's growing reputation and the loyalty he inspires in his allies. The Rocket seed is planted deeper, and his path as a trainer is brightened by the recognition of an Elite. But as opportunities grow, so too will the dangers waiting in the shadows...
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