Team Skull disbanded. With Guzma and Plumeria "leading the defection," most of the Team Skull members chose to join, and only a few opted out.
Guzma and Plumeria accepted that. After all, joining Team Rocket was a new choice and a new start. No one could say how the future would turn out.
What was certain was that they were leaving Po Town.
Maybe they'd come back someday—but by then, Po Town definitely wouldn't be the Po Town it was now.
Over the following stretch, Alola's Team Rocket kicked into eager, rapid expansion.
Per Damian's plan, Domino handled intel gathering, and Caitlin led a team to sweep and drive out the hunter organizations on Melemele Island.
Under Caitlin's crushing strength, the hunter outfits couldn't resist at all. One stronghold after another was cleared and handed over fully to Team Rocket.
Plumeria bought up several clothing factories, while Proton continued running coordination—processing reports daily and running everywhere trying to buy more land.
If they weren't new in town and trying not to tip off the Island Kahunas and Kukui, Proton would've already started strong-arming with pressure and incentives.
Because of that, the land deals still weren't getting settled properly. And the moment he finally got a breather, Caitlin's number popped up again, asking him to spar.
Proton really missed the Kanto Region. At night he quietly called Archer and the others to vent.
And Guzma…
"Extra! Extra! Huge breaking news!"
Paperboys were shouting through streets and alleys across Alola's islands, and crowds all over Alola heard the news.
"Team Skull disbanded! Peace in Alola!"
"Guzma's old backstory—turns out he had a tragic love that ended too soon!"
"Heard about it? Guzma's opening an entertainment complex!"
"Word is, the parents of Guzma's late first love found him and got him back on track—he turned over a new leaf. That's seriously inspirational!"
No doubt about it—news of Team Skull's disbanding and Guzma turning a new leaf to open an entertainment complex spread across the Alola Region.
A certain professor at work also heard about it.
"What did you say?"
Kukui was stunned—he honestly thought he'd misheard.
Kukui was Alola's most famous professor, the one who developed the Rotom Pokédex—and he was also Alola's only Champion-tier Trainer.
"Guzma's going to be the boss of an entertainment complex?"
"That's right, it's real. Word is it opens in a week."
The voice was old yet booming with vigor—it was Island Kahuna Hala.
"This…"
Kukui's mouth twitched. He tried to picture it, but he still couldn't imagine Guzma as a business owner.
He and Guzma had once been friends. But when they both failed the "Captain" trial, Guzma got resentful, wanted to overturn the Island Challenge and the old system, formed Team Skull, and set out to wreck everything.
Guzma and Kukui drifted apart, and by now, Guzma downright hated Kukui.
"This might be for the best—if he's truly mended his ways," Hala sighed.
Guzma had once been his student. Sadly, Guzma later chose the opposite path.
"Something feels off," Kukui frowned.
He knew Guzma's temper—hot-blooded and stubborn. Otherwise he wouldn't have refused to turn back for so many years.
So how did he suddenly disband Team Skull and become an entertainment complex boss? That was… way too abrupt.
Also… where did Guzma get that kind of money? Opening an entertainment complex wasn't cheap.
Kukui figured he ought to go talk to Guzma.
...
A private beach.
Caitlin and Guzma were in a battle—Scizor versus Gallade.
But clearly, Gallade fell behind and went down to Scizor's Aerial Ace.
"Another loss."
Even losing, Caitlin's emotions stayed steady this time. She retrieved Gallade with Psychic and let out a soft sigh.
"Hey—Caitlin, you've made huge progress. Seriously, talent like yours makes big bad me jealous."
Guzma clicked his tongue, one hand in his pocket.
This Gallade had only just evolved a few days ago. In their battles a couple days back, Gallade got beaten by Scizor without much fuss.
But today, in a rematch, it actually traded blows with his main-roster Scizor for a while. That was fast progress.
Yep—this Gallade had evolved from Caitlin's Kirlia.
At first Caitlin hesitated—Gardevoir or Gallade? Two different paths entirely: one special attacker, one physical attacker.
But when Damian learned the Kirlia was male, he decisively pushed for Gallade.
Never mind that Sharpness Gallade is a beast—male Gardevoir is just too offbeat!
And Caitlin trusted Damian. She slapped a Dawn Stone on it, and Gallade evolved.
"Sir Guzma, you flatter me. Thank you so much for doing special training with me."
Caitlin bowed with elegant grace. She loved this vibe. Whether it was Guzma or Proton, they were great sparring partners.
She also loved going all-out in battle like this. Even though Gallade hadn't beaten them yet, Caitlin could clearly feel her growth!
Damian was right—battle really is the best special training!
"Hahaha—don't mention it. I happened to be free today. Keep it up, Caitlin—come at big bad me with everything you've got!"
Guzma flashed his signature feral grin. To outsiders, he did sound pretty fierce.
But after a few days working together, Caitlin understood—this was just his way. He meant no harm.
"Then please take care of me."
Caitlin's smile grew brighter. A Poké Ball floated out under her Psychic and popped open.
Their battle continued.
"Sunshine, beach, waves… just missing a beauty."
Not far off, Damian lounged on a beach chair with a coconut in hand, watching them battle.
Now this was the life.
Yeah, the only pity was—the beauty only had eyes for battle right now.
As for Domino, she was still catching up on sleep.
Last night Damian and Domino had "battled" until late. It got so intense Domino rolled her eyes back. She needed a solid day of rest.
Beep—beep—beep—
"Plumeria? What's up?" Damian answered, lazy as ever.
"Young master, there's something I should report. Someone wants to join Team Rocket."
"Someone special?"
"Yes. He says his name is Gladion."
Damian raised a brow.