When Icarus went to the Pokémon Center to look for potential teammates, he stumbled upon something that actually reassured him.
There were no missions related to investigating Team Rocket on the League's task board.
That meant one thing—Akizawa had lied.
And indirectly, it confirmed something even more important:
Team Rocket hadn't been in this area for long.
"At most… two or three members, including me."
Based on his judgment, Team Rocket was still in the infiltration phase—lying low, gathering influence, and avoiding major actions.
Which meant, for now, his identity was safe.
---
With that worry temporarily set aside, Icarus began searching for teammates.
"Hey, are you still looking for people?"
"I've got a Weepinbell, can it fill a tank role?"
"I also have a Pidgeotto for scouting—can I join?"
He moved through the mission area, approaching anyone who looked like they were forming a team.
But even when someone showed interest, he didn't agree immediately. He always found an excuse to delay.
Because his goal was clear:
Find someone weak… and preferably with a bad reputation.
---
After a while, he sat down in the lounge, frowning.
"…I was being naïve."
No one with a bad reputation would openly advertise it.
And anyone truly disliked wouldn't even have the confidence to wait here for teammates.
Looking at the notes he had gathered, Icarus felt slightly annoyed.
Every single person had acted polite and friendly.
"Yeah right… all of you are saints?"
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"Fine. If I can't filter by reputation… I'll just pick the weakest target."
---
He flipped through his notes again.
"This one? No—type disadvantage."
"This one's mid-tier… too risky."
After a while, he stopped on one page.
"…You'll do."
---
Name: Takashima Nihara
Strength: Normal Low-tier (?)
Pokémon: Machop, Geodude
---
"Almost 30 years old… and still stuck at low-tier."
"Judging from his Pokémon, they've just been raised normally—no serious training."
Icarus recalled their earlier interaction.
Takashima had approached him first, clearly desperate to find a team.
"Spent all his money on himself… no real investment in his Pokémon."
"The Geodude is smaller than Akizawa's, and its body lacks luster."
"As for Machop… looks strong, but Pidgeotto should handle it easily."
---
After running through the possibilities, Icarus reached a conclusion.
"In a one-on-one fight… he's not a threat."
Of course, he still left some uncertainty in his notes.
If something went wrong in the wild, he could always retreat and treat it as a normal mission.
---
Decision made, Icarus stood up and began searching.
"Where did he go… my perfect teammate?"
After a bit of deliberate searching, he found him—sitting alone in the far corner, looking dejected.
---
"Hey, Takashima."
The man looked up.
"…Icarus?"
"Still looking for teammates?" Icarus asked.
Takashima forced a bitter smile.
"No… that's my fault. When I was younger, I didn't care about training my Pokémon. I wasted money…"
He clenched his fists.
"Now they're about to evolve, but I don't even have the resources to support them."
For years, he had spent everything on himself.
Now, when his Pokémon finally needed him most, he couldn't provide.
"I'm even thinking about selling my house…"
"As long as they can evolve properly… I can earn it back later."
Then suddenly, he froze—hope flickering in his eyes.
"…You came to find me?"
---
Icarus didn't hesitate.
"I'm forming my own team," he said directly.
"I've got two Pokémon—Weepinbell for control and Pidgeotto for scouting."
"I need a tank and a close-range attacker."
"Interested?"
---
Takashima's heart skipped a beat.
He almost agreed instantly—but forced himself to stay calm.
"…I need to know your strength first."
If both of them were weak, teaming up would be pointless.
---
"Fair enough."
Icarus straightened slightly, deliberately showing a hint of pride.
"My Weepinbell is mid-tier Normal level."
"My Pidgeotto is low-tier Normal level."
"That should be enough."
He paused, then added:
"And since you'd be my first teammate… we split everything 50–50."
---
Takashima's eyes widened.
Equal split.
No exploitation.
And solid strength.
Combined with Icarus' youthful confidence, it painted the perfect image—
An inexperienced but capable trainer.
---
"I accept!" Takashima said immediately.
"Captain Icarus—you can just call me Takashima."
---
A faint smile appeared on Icarus' face.
"Lucky… teammate found."
---
(End of Chapter 126)
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