“You—what the hell are you?! How can you be this strong?!”

The Trainers were all floored. The veteran Trainer who had shouted earlier trembled violently, kneeling on one leg. His Ferrothorn was slumped on its side, eyes spinning, clearly knocked out.

Aegislash’s Sacred Sword had swept the battlefield. With its newly mastered Steel Sacred Sword technique and the enhancements Hikaru had granted it, the Trainers here stood no chance—they were thoroughly crushed.

“Huff… Huff… You’ve enforced your justice. Yeah… you won. I lost. Weakness is a sin… and power is law.”

“W-Wait, what are you—?!”

As Hikaru reached out, the veteran Trainer grew alert—but in the next moment, his eyes glazed over and his mind went blank.

He had entered a state of Personality Reboot.

Hikaru shook his hand gently and scanned the surroundings.

A wide ring of defeated Trainers sprawled across the ground—each one subjected to Mind Shatter.

Cackling in the air like a mischievous clown, Rotom sparked and twitched, moving the cages around while disabling the surveillance cameras.

No prank is complete without destroying the evidence!

“W-Who the hell… are you?”

A Psychic was hoisted by Hikaru, struggling in vain. His Pokémon had been wiped out instantly. The surreal sensation made him feel like he was still dreaming.

That huge, slab-like sword—what was that thing? That brilliant silver beam had felled an entire wave of Pokémon at once. That move couldn’t possibly be Flash Cannon!

And how come his Pokémon always went second? It was just too weird. Far too weird!

Including that strange young man’s terrifying psychic power—

His whole body was trembling.

The Psychic had entered a state of Danger Sense.

Certain Pokémon abilities let them detect deadly moves or opponents with massive advantage. When such threats appear, they grow fearful and issue warnings.

Even humans with psychic abilities can sometimes sense strength levels and steer away from danger.

That means this guy—

“I never should’ve challenged you… I was trembling and still thought I could win and climb to the next floor…”

“I can’t win. You’re a… monster!”

And then he collapsed under the force of Mind Shatter. His eyes dimmed—his desires and darkness erased.

CRACK! —the sound of a shattering psyche echoed.

“Thanks.” Hikaru’s hand emitted psychic waves. The blue and yellow crystals on his chest glowed faintly as he wore an odd expression.

When did I become a “monster,” anyway?

So what if my psychic powers are a little stronger than yours? Can’t take the loss so you lash out?

“Is it over?”

“Guess I’ll fight again next time.”

Hikaru looked around and confirmed it—Priority Action from the Tree of Connection was insanely effective.

Combined with Solar Spirit and Psychic Power, he could totally control the battlefield. He always got the first move, while opponents grew sluggish and couldn’t even attack.

His side, meanwhile, just grew stronger with every round.

The broker, however, had disappeared somewhere.

Countless eyes were now fixed on Hikaru. Some were greedy, some curious—many focused on the rare and powerful Pokémon by his side.

There was no doubt: these Pokémon had become hot targets. But everyone also realized they couldn’t get them through underhanded means—greed had to give way to regret.

Now that so many Trainers had been defeated, no one dared challenge him further.

“A psychic, huh? Damn impressive.”

“He’s gotta be someone above Zone 5 in the Skyscraper. No wonder these guys lost.”

Whispers spread through the crowd. They envied Hikaru—not only was he a powerful Psychic, but his Pokémon were just as formidable.

So, no one stopped him anymore. Even some gentlemen in the mall took off their hats and gestured with respectful “please” motions.

“No need to worry. You’ve demonstrated your strength.”

An elderly gentleman chuckled softly, “I’m the proprietor of this place. But in this city, power is law. It’s because of strong individuals like you that people like me fade into the background.”

“Since the Black Skyscraper appeared, strong Trainers have been flocking here. Our desires are endless—that’s the whole point of this city!”

“Though… the Skyscraper itself has little to do with us.”

“Still! With people like you around, someone will uncover its secrets! Go on—keep battling those energetic Trainers!”

Aegislash slashed open the cages. The Pokémon, sensing Hikaru’s heart and emotions, gathered under its calm influence and followed him out. The repentant Hunters expressed their gratitude—a rather surreal sight.

But some people weren’t ready to give up.

“Damn it! What kind of ‘Black City Owner’ is that? Just a powerless gentleman!”

“Hey, brat! You dared to ruin my business—I won’t let you leave so easily!”

The broker had returned, stunned to see Hikaru walking out of the mall unharmed. But he quickly regained confidence.

He had brought reinforcements—a full van of hired goons. Even if the kid was a Psychic—so what?

Tech beats psychic powers! They even brought tasers!

Plus, they had their own Psychics too!

“Hey! Breaking the rules, huh?”

“Organizations exist because of rules!”

A low voice rang out. A man in a long black coat and hat approached.

It was the classic attire of a veteran Trainer.

But unlike the others, this man radiated intense pressure just by walking in.

Then, he looked at Hikaru, smiled faintly, and spoke:

“Hmph. So you took down everyone in there… You really are qualified to challenge the Black Skyscraper.”

His voice deepened.

“But honestly, I’m disappointed. So this is the extent of Black City? Crushed by a single young man… and not even with much effort.”

“What did you say?! Who are you?!”

The broker and his Trainers grew tense. The pressure from this man was different.

The Psychic among them began trembling.

“No… No way… That energy! He’s been inside the Black Skyscraper! He carries its strange energy—and his own power is immense! Battle strength—unquantifiable! He’s at least a Zone 6 combatant!”

“Zone 6?!”

They were stunned.

The man chuckled quietly.

“Combine enough power and you get something stronger—that’s the strength of organization. Black City is no different!”

“Alone, you’re nothing. Only in numbers do you have power.”

The broker exploded in rage. “What did you just say?!”

The man didn’t respond—he simply pulled out a Poké Ball.

With a flash of light, a massive beastly Pokémon appeared in the mall’s battle arena!

A rock-solid body, orange armor, vicious glare—and as it landed, the whole city seemed to shake!

The man pressed down on his hat.

“I like power—because it doesn’t distinguish between good and evil.”

“The strong will win. That’s the truth of this world. And in this city, the strong make the rules. And I… am one of those rule-makers!”

He looked up, the smile fading into seriousness. He spoke to Hikaru:

“But let me say this—no matter how strong you are, defeat is always a possibility. If you can’t accept that, you’ll never move forward. Only those who understand this are true champions. Remember that.”

“Those you defeated—these lost souls—they never tapped their full potential. Their Pokémon, too, were lost to desire.”

“They’re weaklings. You shouldn’t worry about them. The strong don’t fear the weak—the weak fear the strong!”

These familiar words rang out—and the man’s face, now clear beneath his hat, struck a chord of recognition.

That face—stern and menacing, with a latent master’s aura…

There was no mistaking it.

Trainer Class: Boss of Team Rocket!

Battle was inevitable!

Giovanni scoffed:

“Rhyperior, use Earthquake! Wipe out the trash!”

The ground roared violently. The entire street trembled from the attack!

In the HeartGold and SoulSilver timeline, Giovanni had disappeared after multiple humiliating defeats in Kanto and Johto. He vanished, choosing to train alone. He was unheard of throughout Sinnoh. He didn’t appear in Hoenn, and not even the Rangers had seen him.

There was only one region left he could have gone to—

Unova. Black City. The perfect place for Giovanni to refine his edge and reclaim his purpose!

The battle ended in mere moments.

Not only did Pokémon fall—Trainers were affected too. Earthquake doesn’t discriminate.

Giovanni acted decisively. The tremors shook the entire street.

The watching nobles and merchants were terrified—but also deeply enthralled.

Such a powerful Pokémon! The stronger the Pokémon, the more it piqued their interest. Some even wondered if they could buy Rhyperior from Giovanni.

Not that this escaped his notice.

Giovanni narrowed his eyes at the hungry stares—and smirked darkly.

In the past, he’d stolen Pokémon and sold them for profit. But he valued his own Pokémon—important tools shouldn’t be lost or broken.

The defeated Trainers littered the ground. The broker was hoisted by Rhyperior and smashed to the pavement.

The man was flung down the street, his condition unknown.

“Those who break the rules have no place here. This is a battlefield for the strong.”

Giovanni’s cold gaze swept across the terrified crowd. The Psychic among them stammered:

“W-What Zone are you? I’m already Zone 5! You can’t be that much stronger!”

“Zone 5?”

Giovanni looked down with disdain.

“I’m a Zone 8 Gatekeeper Trainer. Your pathetic level doesn’t even qualify to stand before me.”

The Psychic beat the ground in frustration. Giovanni ignored him and turned his attention to Hikaru.

This impressive young man was using his powers to “clean up,” so to speak?

“I’ve been watching you. What exactly are you doing?”

Hikaru replied calmly, “Just using my powers to leave an impression.”

“Oh? Hiding the truth from me? Do you think I’m dangerous?”

Giovanni chuckled. He wasn’t angry.

“Deception is a key to survival. I’ve seen plenty of inept Psychics. Let me guess—your power is tied to the mind?”

“A rare skill… but not unheard of.”

“I figured it out during your earlier fight. Hmm… Quite fascinating. Care to try it on me?”

He offered a strange invitation.

Hikaru, of course, declined.

This man was Giovanni!

That overwhelming pressure and energy… Hikaru could see it with his powers. It wasn’t fake.

Just like powerful Trainers could awaken their Pokémon’s strength with sheer will—Giovanni could do it too!

If this were the anime version, he wouldn’t be much of a threat.

But the Special or game version? That was dangerous.

Especially after three years of training.

A true Master-Class Trainer.

It wasn’t an official title—but it meant someone stronger than even the Elite Four.

Hikaru’s expression turned cautious.

He had plenty of tools for wild Pokémon—but fighting a Master-Class Trainer was something else.

Still, if it came to brute force… he wouldn’t necessarily lose!

He considered challenging him to a real fight—but only if he could restrain all of Giovanni’s Pokémon first.

“…Let’s not. You look too wary. Doesn’t feel like the right time to go all out.”

Giovanni smiled suddenly.

“Save it for later. I have a feeling someone like you will definitely reach the Black Skyscraper. Many have been drawn here by that tower… myself included.”

“Take those Pokémon and go. Head east from Black City, and you’ll reach White Forest.”

The Pokémon once sold as commodities gathered around Hikaru and Aegislash.

“Hoh… How interesting.”

Giovanni’s eyes stayed fixed on Aegislash. A Pokémon that could command and calm others… truly rare.

If Team Rocket were still in full swing, Giovanni would’ve gone after it himself.

But now… he was still training.

Ordinary Pokémon no longer stirred his interest. Only the powerful ones did.

And even more valuable than special Pokémon… was the Trainer such Pokémon willingly followed.

No doubt about it: while Pokémon kings were fascinating, the humans they chose to obey were even more so.

If he wanted to revive Team Rocket, he’d need leaders like this.

But strong individuals had their own beliefs. They’d never bow easily. Gathering them was extremely difficult.

Learning how to guide such people—how to unlock their potential—was now Giovanni’s training.

Before coming to the Black Skyscraper, Giovanni had even visited White Forest. Something about it reminded him of the forests of his childhood.

Now, as the rescued Pokémon followed Hikaru, Giovanni didn’t linger.

He looked forward to meeting the boy again. And that meeting would be somewhere completely unexpected.

“Hmph. A rare talent, indeed… I’m watching you. How far can you climb?”

“If I can wield such power, great. If not… then you’ll make a worthy opponent.”

“Money means nothing to me now. I just want to fight stronger Trainers. The strong are drawn to one another—and you have that gift.”

“Use it well, interesting young man. I’ll be waiting at the summit of Unova. We will meet again.”

Giovanni turned and waved once, walking toward the towering Skyscraper.

His eyes shimmered faintly—with the hues of blue and yellow.

(End of Chapter)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep