"2,300 battle value!"
"Cool!"
Another day of intense battles had ended. Renjiro, standing at the edge of the Battle Tower's field, wiped the sweat off his brow and checked his Pokédex with satisfaction. His combat value had soared to 2,330 points, an achievement that spoke volumes of his progress in such a short time.
His Beedrill had grown stronger, now at level 27, its stingers sharper and faster than ever. The speed of its improvement surpassed even Renjiro's expectations. Milotic, too, had not lagged behind, gracefully reaching level 20. Its elegant movements and powerful water-type attacks had earned admiration from onlookers at the tower. Indeed, the Battle Tower had proven to be the perfect training ground for them both.
Renjiro looked up at the bright Shanghai sky and couldn't help but smile. This trip to the Magic City had been incredibly fruitful. He had come seeking experience and growth, and he was returning with both in abundance.
Just then, Liu Shuyun appeared, walking briskly toward him with two heavy-looking metal boxes in hand.
"Renjiro, your Houndour and Zubat are ready."
Her voice carried a sense of accomplishment, knowing that she had fulfilled her promise.
Renjiro's eyes lit up. Liu Shuyun set the boxes down and opened them carefully. Inside were ten Poké Balls in each box, containing the Houndour and Zubat Renjiro had commissioned her to purchase.
"You've worked hard. Thank you." Renjiro said sincerely, taking a moment to appreciate her effort.
Liu Shuyun rolled her eyes playfully. "Why so polite? Besides, you bought them with your own money." She handed him a bank card. "It cost 80 million in total for these Pokémon. The remaining 910 million is in this card. You're practically rich now."
Renjiro took the card with a nod of gratitude. He felt a sense of relief that all preparations were finally complete. With this, the foundation for his team—the future Rocket organization—was set.
"After the college entrance exam, will you return to the Magic City?" Liu Shuyun asked, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Renjiro shook his head gently. "The person in charge of the company has been found. I won't need to come here again anytime soon. There's too much to focus on—the company, the Rockets team, Beedrill and Milotic's training... it's going to be a busy holiday."
Liu Shuyun's gaze softened. Though a bit disappointed, she understood the weight on his shoulders. Starting a business was no small feat, and Renjiro's ambitions stretched far beyond ordinary trainers.
---
That night passed quietly. The next morning, Renjiro carefully packed the two boxes of Pokémon and sent them off via express delivery to Shuangyang City, ensuring everything would be ready for his return. Soon after, he boarded a flight back.
The flight was peaceful, and the exhaustion of recent battles weighed on him. He nearly fell asleep mid-air, his mind replaying strategies and battle sequences.
When the plane finally landed in Shuangyang City, Renjiro stepped out, stretching his sore muscles with a yawn.
"Ah! Finally home..." he murmured, relieved.
But before he could take another step, a sharp, familiar voice called out.
"Renjiro!"
He froze for a moment. That voice... oh no.
Turning around slowly, he spotted an investigator in uniform striding toward him. It was none other than Zhong Ling, the persistent officer who had taken an interest in him after the Salamence incident.
"Why is she here?" Renjiro thought, sighing inwardly. "Don't tell me she's been waiting for me!"
Zhong Ling's eyes were sharp, filled with determination. "Officer Zhong, what a coincidence," Renjiro greeted with a sheepish grin, scratching his head.
"Coincidence? Ha! Hardly!" Zhong Ling said through gritted teeth, her smile tight. "I came here specifically to wait for you."
Without waiting for Renjiro's reply, she motioned toward a nearby café. "Let's talk over there."
Realizing he had no escape, Renjiro shrugged. "Alright, let's talk."
---
At the café, they barely sat down before Zhong Ling launched into her interrogation.
"Why didn't you cooperate with me earlier?"
Renjiro met her gaze and replied honestly. "I was afraid."
"Afraid? Of what? Our Investigation Bureau isn't that scary, is it?" she asked, frowning deeply.
Renjiro nodded. "Honestly? Yes, it is. The kind of people who set Pokémon hunters on us... they could bribe anyone. I couldn't take the chance, not even with your Bureau."
Zhong Ling was taken aback, anger and reflection mingling on her face. "I swear on my position as Deputy Captain, no one in our Bureau would ever accept a bribe!"
Renjiro simply shrugged. "Money changes people. Even good ones."
Her fiery retort faded as she thought about his words. She had seen the truth of that in her own career.
Finally, she asked in a quieter voice, "Who sent those Pokémon hunters after you?"
Renjiro didn't hesitate. "Liu Shuyun's brother. But there's no solid proof."
Zhong Ling's eyes widened slightly. "A family feud among the rich... figures." Her tone shifted, laced with curiosity as she mentally pieced together the gossip.
Renjiro took the opportunity to stand. "If there's nothing else, I need to go review. Tomorrow's the college entrance exam."
But Zhong Ling wasn't finished. "Wait! One last question."
Renjiro sighed and sat back down. "Alright, what is it?"
Zhong Ling's expression turned serious again. "How did you command my Arcanine that day?"
Renjiro froze for a split second, then forced a casual grin. "Arcanine? I don't know what you're talking about. I should get going. Goodbye!"
He didn't wait for a reply. With surprising speed, Renjiro grabbed his things and slipped out of the café.
"You little...!" Zhong Ling fumed, stomping her foot in frustration. She could only watch as Renjiro disappeared into the crowd.
---
As Renjiro made his way home, he let out a long breath. That was close. Too close. He knew the secret behind his connection to Pokémon—especially that Arcanine—had to remain hidden, at any cost. Revealing it would only bring more trouble.
That night, he laid out his notes and reviewed everything he had studied, but his mind kept drifting back to the battles, the company, the Rockets, and the path that lay ahead. The college entrance exam was just one more step on his journey—a journey that had only just begun.
---