By the time Sam arrived at Professor Oak's Laboratory, Gary, Ash, Misty, and Brock were already there.
Ash was enthusiastically waving his Earth Badge in front of Gary.
"Hahaha! The Viridian Gym wasn't that hard at all! Look—I got the Earth Badge easily!"
Gary only gave him a cold glance and let out a faint sneer.
He had already heard from Misty and Brock that Ash hadn't faced Giovanni, the true Viridian Gym Leader—nor the terrifying Pokémon known as Mewtwo. Ash's victory had been pure coincidence.
Gary's indifference only irritated Ash further.
"Don't act so proud, Gary! I'm not the same person I was before! Let's battle right now—I'll show you how strong I am!"
Being crushed by Mewtwo was a painful scar in Gary's heart. Ash's boasting felt like rubbing salt into that wound.
Gary's eyes darkened.
"Who's afraid of you? Fine. Let's battle."
The tension escalated quickly, but before it could spiral further, Professor Oak stepped in.
"That's enough. The Indigo Plateau Conference is about to begin. If you want to compete, settle it there."
"Humph!"
"Humph!"
Watching the two boys glare at each other, Professor Oak sighed helplessly.
At that moment, Sam entered.
"Long time no see, Sam."
Professor Oak's expression softened noticeably.
"Long time no see, Professor."
"Grandpa, I'm heading out for special training."
Gary suddenly spoke up. Seeing Sam had only intensified his sense of urgency.
He knew Sam had earned the Earth Badge by defeating Giovanni through strength—not luck like Ash.
The more Gary learned about Sam, the more he realized how formidable he was.
"I won't fall behind."
With that, Gary left without waiting for a response.
"Special training! Pikachu, let's go! I can't let Gary surpass me!"
"Pika!"
Ash rushed out as well.
Misty and Brock exchanged helpless looks and followed.
Soon, the laboratory fell quiet.
Professor Oak visibly relaxed.
"Sit down."
Sam took a seat across from him.
"Professor, what did you want to see me about?"
Professor Oak did not answer immediately. He stared into his teacup for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Sam… do you think you can defeat Giovanni?"
Sam was slightly startled.
Defeat Giovanni?
If this question had been asked months ago, he would have shaken his head without hesitation.
But now—
After facing Champions like Steven Stone and Cynthia, and after Bangira's trial in Viridian Forest—
His confidence had changed.
Still, he did not answer lightly.
Giovanni's strength had never been fully shown in the main series, but in special episodes, he was portrayed as one of the strongest Trainers alive. His Beedrill had defeated Lance's Dragonite—a feat that spoke volumes.
Sam exhaled quietly.
Bangira was powerful.
Mega Gengar was formidable.
But Giovanni would never rely on just one or two Pokémon.
After careful consideration, Sam shook his head.
"There's still a gap between me and someone like Giovanni. I need more time."
"Time…" Professor Oak repeated softly, then smiled.
He could hear it clearly.
Sam didn't think he was inferior—
Only that his journey had been shorter.
Given time, he believed he would surpass Giovanni.
"Professor," Sam asked seriously, "what happened at Viridian Gym?"
Professor Oak wouldn't bring up Giovanni without reason.
There had to be something more.
After a brief pause, Professor Oak spoke plainly.
"Giovanni is the true leader behind Team Rocket."
Even though Sam had expected this, he still rubbed his temples, pretending to process the revelation.
Professor Oak continued.
"I was shocked when I learned the truth. I've known Giovanni for years. He compiled his lifelong research on Ground-type Pokémon into a Breeder's manual and distributed it freely to Trainers. I once believed he would become a pillar of the Alliance."
Professor Oak's expression darkened.
"But instead…"
Sam listened carefully.
Professor Oak had not summoned him here simply to share secrets.
There was a deeper reason.
And Sam was waiting to hear it.
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