Team Skull had disbanded. With Guzma and Plumeria leading the "defection," most of Team Skull chose to join Team Rocket as well, while only a small portion chose to leave.
Guzma and Plumeria understood those who left. Joining Team Rocket was a new choice and a new beginning, and no one could say for sure what the future would hold. But one thing was certain: they were leaving Po Town.
They might return one day—but the Po Town of the future would not be the Po Town of the present.
Over the following period, Alola's Team Rocket entered a phase of intense, rapid development. Following the plan Damian had laid out, Domino gathered and organized intelligence, while Caitlin led personnel to begin clearing out and driving away the Hunter organizations on Melemele Island.
Under the crushing weight of Caitlin's strength, the Hunter organizations couldn't resist. One base after another was wiped out, and Team Rocket took full control of their operations.
Plumeria bought several clothing factories, while Proton continued handling coordination—processing reports daily and traveling everywhere to try and purchase more land.
If they hadn't been newcomers who didn't want to be too high-profile and alert the Island Kahunas or Kukui, Proton would have already started using threats and payoffs to get the land. Because of this, buying land remained difficult to settle. And just as he finally found a moment to rest, Caitlin's call would come through—asking him to spar.
Proton felt like he missed the Kanto Region far too much. At night, he would quietly call Archer and the others just to vent.
As for Guzma…
"Extra! Extra!! Breaking news!"
Newspaper delivery boys began frantically distributing papers through the streets and alleys of every island in the Alola Region. A massive number of Alolan citizens learned of the event.
"Team Skull has disbanded! Alola is at peace!"
"Guzma's long-kept secrets: Guzma had a tragic, failed romance in his past!"
"Have you heard? Guzma is opening a Game Corner!"
"Huh? We won't get robbed if we go in there to play, will we?"
"They say the parents of Guzma's deceased first love found him and convinced him to turn over a new leaf and start fresh. That's so inspiring!"
Without a doubt, the news of Team Skull's dissolution—and Guzma's "reformed" opening of a Game Corner—began to spread throughout the Alola Region.
A certain professor currently conducting research also learned of the matter.
"What did you say?"
Kukui was stunned, almost believing he had misheard. Kukui was the most famous professor in the Alola Region; he was the one who developed the Rotom Dex, and he was also currently the only Champion-level trainer in Alola.
"Guzma is going to be the boss of a Game Corner?"
"That's right. It's true. It's said his Game Corner will open in a week."
A voice that sounded elderly yet full of energy spoke with surprise. This was the Island Kahuna, Hala.
"This…"
Kukui's lip twitched. He tried his best to imagine it, but he still couldn't picture Guzma as a business owner.
He and Guzma had once been friends, but because of the "Captain" trial, neither had been successfully chosen. Guzma had become resentful—wanting to overthrow the Island Challenge and the old system—and he established Team Skull to destroy everything. Guzma and Kukui had drifted apart because of this, and by now, Guzma thoroughly loathed Kukui.
"Well, it's for the best, if he really has changed his ways," Hala sighed with emotion. Guzma had once been his disciple, but unfortunately, he had ended up on the opposite path.
"It feels like something is wrong," Kukui said, frowning. He knew Guzma's temper well—stubborn and aggressive. Otherwise, he wouldn't have refused to change his mind for all these years.
But why would he suddenly disband Team Skull and become a Game Corner boss? It was far too sudden. And… where did Guzma get that much money? Opening a Game Corner was no small expense.
Kukui felt he might need to go have a talk with Guzma.
…
On a private beach.
Caitlin and Guzma were battling. The Pokémon on the field were Scizor and Gallade. It was clear Gallade was at a disadvantage, and it finally fell to Scizor's Aerial Ace.
"Another failure, then."
Even though she lost, Caitlin's emotions were steady this time. She used her psychic power to control the Poké Ball and retrieve Gallade, letting out a light sigh.
"Heh—Caitlin, you're improving fast. Real fast," Guzma said, one hand in his pocket, clicking his tongue in approval. "Honestly, talent like that makes me jealous."
One had to admit: this Gallade had only evolved a few days ago. During their battles two days prior, Gallade had been beaten by Scizor quite easily. But in today's rematch, it could actually trade blows with Scizor—his ace—for a significant amount of time.
The progress was too fast.
That was right—this Gallade was the evolution of Caitlin's previous Kirlia. Originally, Caitlin had been hesitant about whether to choose Gardevoir or Gallade. The two paths were completely different: one specialized in Special Attack, while the other specialized in physical combat.
But once Damian learned the Kirlia was male, he decisively suggested evolving it into Gallade.
Leaving aside the fact that a Gallade with the Sharpness Ability was extremely strong, a male Gardevoir was just too much of a heresy. And since Caitlin trusted Damian, she decisively used a Dawn Stone. The evolution into Gallade was successful.
"You flatter me, Guzma. Thank you very much for accompanying me in my special training."
Caitlin gave an elegant bow. She truly liked this atmosphere. Both Guzma and Proton were excellent sparring partners, and Caitlin enjoyed these all-out battles. Although she still hadn't won using Gallade against them, she could clearly feel her own improvement.
Damian was right. Battling really was the best form of special training.
"Hahaha—don't mention it," Guzma said, baring his teeth in his signature fierce smile. "I'm free today anyway. Let's keep going, Caitlin. Come at me again—everything you've got."
To outsiders, his tone sounded aggressive, but after working with him for a few days, Caitlin understood: that was simply Guzma's personality. He meant no harm.
"Then I look forward to your guidance."
Caitlin's smile became even more beautiful. She used her psychic power to send out a Poké Ball, and it popped open. The battle continued.
"Sunlight, beach, waves… all that's missing is a beauty."
Not far from them, Damian lounged comfortably on a beach chair, holding a coconut and watching their battle. This was what life was all about. The only pity was that the beauty in front of him only had eyes for the battle.
As for Domino, she was still catching up on sleep.
Damian and Domino had sex late into the night yesterday. It had been intense enough that Domino was completely spent afterward—she'd barely made it to bed, and she needed a real rest today.
Beep, beep, beep~
"Plumeria? What's up?" Damian answered the phone in a lazy tone.
"Master Damian, I think there is something I should report to you. Someone wants to join Team Rocket."
"Is it because this person is special?"
"Yes. He says his name is Gladion."
Damian raised an eyebrow.
So, the "brother-in-law" had arrived?