Sam's thoughts raced.
If he had guessed correctly, Professor Oak had called him here because the Alliance wanted his help capturing Giovanni.
Capture Giovanni?
To be honest, Sam didn't have much hope.
The Alliance had been kept in the dark for years. If Giovanni hadn't had internal support within the Alliance, Sam would never believe he could have concealed his identity as Team Rocket's leader for so long.
Team Rocket must have infiltrated deeply into the Alliance's upper ranks.
And besides—
Capturing someone like Giovanni was no simple task.
Even if Sam were stronger than him, that didn't mean he could catch him. A Trainer at Giovanni's level could retreat at will. Stopping him would be nearly impossible.
"The Alliance hopes you'll assist in capturing Giovanni," Professor Oak said calmly, taking a sip of tea. "I suggest you agree. It will look good on your record."
Sam asked carefully, "What happens if the mission fails?"
After all, this was practically an impossible task. If failure carried serious consequences, he had no intention of stepping into this mess.
Professor Oak gave a faint, knowing smile.
"Don't worry. There won't be any consequences. Does anyone truly believe Giovanni can be captured?"
His tone carried a trace of coldness.
It was obvious that this operation was more political theater than genuine pursuit. Otherwise, the Alliance would have dispatched Elite Four-level experts—not a young Trainer like Sam.
Sam felt relieved.
He didn't trust most of the Alliance—but he trusted Professor Oak.
"I understand. When does the operation begin?"
"Not until after the Indigo Plateau Conference."
Sam was speechless.
That was more than two months away.
By then, Giovanni would be long gone.
No wonder Professor Oak wasn't optimistic. It was all for show.
Still, for Sam, this was good news. No risk—and potential merit.
"Thank you, Professor."
Professor Oak looked at him seriously.
"Do your best, Sam. The future of the Alliance belongs to your generation."
The older generation was losing momentum. Only young Trainers with a sense of justice could truly change Kanto.
---
Later that day, as Sam walked through the streets, he overheard an excited conversation.
"Have you heard? Elite Four Bruno is training at Mount Miacha!"
"No way! Really? I'm going to see him!"
Bruno?
Sam's interest was immediately piqued.
Among the Kanto Elite Four, Bruno was the only one widely regarded as a true civilian Trainer—someone who rose through sheer effort.
Sam wanted to test himself against him.
Decision made.
Mount Miacha it was.
---
Mount Miacha stood at 1,845 meters, the tallest mountain near Pallet Town. The cliffs were steep and dangerous. Few people ever reached the summit.
Most Trainers who came hoping to see Bruno turned back after one glance at the towering peak.
Sam frowned at the sight of it.
The rumors hadn't exaggerated.
Only a battle fanatic like Bruno would casually train at the top of such a mountain.
But since he was already here, retreat wasn't an option.
Taking a deep breath, Sam began to climb.
The steep rock faces made progress painfully slow. Without the help of his Pokémon, reaching the summit would have been impossible.
After tremendous effort, Sam finally reached the top.
He had barely rested when he heard a booming voice.
"Hey! Hey! Hey!"
"Hitmonchan! Your punches are too slow! Too slow! That won't do!"
In an open clearing, a shirtless, muscular man wearing only shorts was sparring directly with his Hitmonchan.
Hitmonchan's fists were so fast they were nearly invisible.
Yet the man looked dissatisfied.
He caught one of Hitmonchan's punches barehanded.
With a roar, he lifted Hitmonchan and executed a shoulder throw, slamming it into the ground and creating a deep crater.
Sam stared in disbelief.
Fighting a Pokémon with his bare body—and gaining the upper hand?
Was this really human?
"Oh? Someone's here."
Bruno had already noticed him.
He pulled Hitmonchan out of the crater and walked toward Sam.
The oppressive aura emanating from Bruno was overwhelming. Sam instinctively wanted to step back—but forced himself to stand firm.
Bruno raised an eyebrow slightly.
He hadn't expected this young Trainer to withstand his presence.
Sam steadied himself and spoke firmly:
"Bruno, battle me."
For a brief moment, there was silence.
Then Bruno smiled.
It had been a long time since he had seen such an interesting young Trainer.
---------------Author---------------
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