At this moment, the ferocity in the Gyarados's eyes hadn't diminished in the slightest. It stared fixedly at Ariel, looking like a wild beast ready to break free from its cage and devour its master at any moment.
Ariel didn't mind; with Elite Four Level aptitude, having a bit of a temper was normal.
It would be stranger if it simply bowed its head in submission right away.
He had plenty of patience and methods to polish this unrefined jade.
Just then, Yuki walked quickly to Ariel's side. She was wearing the latest model of the phantom combat suit, entirely black and looking incredibly capable.
Yuki's movements were crisp and efficient as she walked straight up to Ariel.
"Lord Ruth."
She bowed slightly and handed over a black metal box with both hands.
"An encrypted communication from Lady Ariana."
The box felt slightly heavy in his hand. Its surface was covered in a cold, matte metal finish with no extra markings, save for a thin seam.
Ariel took it and lightly tapped a specific spot on the box with his fingertip.
*Click.*
With a soft sound, the box slid open silently, revealing a peculiarly shaped communicator inside that looked more like an irregular black crystal.
Having completed her task, Yuki didn't say much; she bowed once more and retreated back into the base on the island.
Ariel picked up the communicator, and a faint sound wave emanated from it.
The next second, a cold yet familiarly majestic female voice rang out directly in his mind.
"Ariel."
It was Ariana.
"Lady Ariana."
Ariel's consciousness responded respectfully, but without appearing subservient.
"I've seen the report on the Team Evil you've assembled."
Ariana's voice didn't have much emotional fluctuation, as if she were simply stating a fact.
"Very good. They are all little ones with potential. Train them well; they will be of great use in the future."
Ariel's heart stirred slightly.
This team, which he had poured a lot of effort into, had finally officially caught that lady's eye.
This wasn't just a simple compliment; it was a form of recognition.
"You performed the mission at Blue Sea Cliff excellently."
Ariana's tone shifted.
"Boss Giovanni is very satisfied with it."
"It is my honor to serve the organization."
Ariel's response was flawless.
After a brief silence, Ariana's voice rang out again, this time with a hint of subtle depth in her tone.
"I heard that you kept ten Gyarados for your team members?"
Here it comes.
Ariel's thoughts raced. He knew he couldn't hide this from Ariana, and he had never intended to.
He just wanted to see where the limit of tolerance for Ariana—or rather, the organization's top brass—lay.
"Yes, Lady Ariana. For Gyarados with decent aptitude, I believe that rather than handing them over to be exchanged for fixed resources, it's better to distribute them directly to subordinates worth cultivating. This can maximize the organization's interests more quickly."
Ariel admitted it frankly and provided his reasoning.
There was another silence on the other end of the communicator, this time lasting a bit longer.
Ariel could feel an invisible pressure being transmitted through this mental link.
"Your reasoning makes sense."
Ariana finally spoke.
"But you must remember, the Team Rockets is a whole. Any decision must prioritize the organization above all else. This time, let it be an exception."
There was no mention of punishment, nor even excessive reproach.
Ariana didn't say she agreed, nor did she say she opposed; the phrase 'let it be an exception' revealed a great deal of information.
This was a warning, but also a tacit approval.
It was a warning not to cross the line, while simultaneously acknowledging the value of his investment.
Ariel understood clearly. This nominal superior, who was actually his guide, was using her own way to teach him how to navigate the edges of the rules.
"I understand, Lady Ariana."
"Mm."
Ariana seemed satisfied with his perceptiveness.
"One last thing. Headquarters will be assigning an important mission soon; the specific details are currently top secret. Make your preparations during this time and stay on standby."
An important mission from headquarters? Top secret?
Ariel's nerves instantly tightened. Anything that would make Ariana use such words was definitely no small matter.
What could it be? Could it be related to legendary pokémon?
Just as he was about to ask further, Ariana cut off the communication.
"Stay in touch."
Those four cold words dissipated in his mind, and the communicator dimmed, reverting back to an ordinary black stone.
Ariel held the communicator and stood by the sea, his thoughts churning.
This call from Ariana contained a massive amount of information.
It included both an affirmation of his personal strength and a warning about his overstepping, and finally, it dropped a bombshell mission from headquarters.
Winning over and balancing, suppressing and promoting...
The methods of this Team Rockets Executive were truly extraordinary.
He put away the communicator and turned his gaze back to the Gyarados that still refused to submit, a corner of his mouth curling up unconsciously.
This game of chess was getting more and more interesting.
However, at that very moment—
"Roar—!!!"
A dragon's roar that could pierce clouds and shatter stone suddenly exploded from the horizon where the sea met the sky!
That roar was filled with unparalleled majesty and fury!
The air of the entire deserted island vibrated violently under this dragon's roar!
Above the sea's surface, massive waves surged!