"However, not all Pokémon are capable of Mega Evolution," Giovanni continued calmly.
"And even among those that can, different Pokémon require different Mega Stones. A Mega Stone must perfectly match the Pokémon in order for Mega Evolution to occur."
"Additionally, Mega Evolution has a time limit. You can think of it as a temporary combat form—once the battle ends, the Pokémon will revert to its original state."
"More importantly, the Trainer and Pokémon must share an extremely deep emotional bond. Only then can they properly control the explosive power gained through Mega Evolution, instead of being overwhelmed by it and losing control."
"After sending this Mega Stone to a professional research institute in Kalos for verification, we confirmed that it happens to be a Pidgeot Mega Stone."
"And by sheer coincidence, you just happen to have a Pidgeotto under your command."
"So I decided to gift you this Pidgeot Mega Stone, along with its paired item—the Key Stone. I hope you'll like it."
Seeing Ash staring blankly at the two crystals inside the brocade box, Giovanni assumed Ash didn't fully understand their function, and patiently explained.
What Giovanni didn't know was—
Ash understood exactly what these items were.
As a transmigrator, he knew perfectly well what Mega Stones and Key Stones represented.
What truly shocked him wasn't their function—but the timing.
He never expected to obtain Mega Evolution equipment here, at this point in time.
And according to Giovanni, this Mega Stone was specifically for Pidgeot, which Ash could immediately make use of.
That alone made the surprise all the greater.
"Thank you, Gym Leader Giovanni. I really like this gift," Ash said sincerely.
He closed the box and casually flipped his hand, storing the brocade case directly into his system inventory.
Seeing Ash perform this instantaneous storage trick for the second time, Giovanni and Matori were no longer as shocked as before—but in their eyes, Ash only grew more mysterious and unfathomable.
"I'm glad you like it," Giovanni smiled.
"Originally, I intended to gift you a rare Pokémon instead—but I guessed you probably wouldn't accept a Pokémon from my side."
"That's not necessarily true," Ash replied with a smile.
"I've heard that Gym Leader Giovanni owns an exceptionally powerful Beedrill. If you'd be willing to let me raise one of its offspring, I'd be more than honored."
"Haha—"
Giovanni laughed on the surface, his expression warm and composed—but his pupils contracted slightly.
He was known as Giovanni of the Earth, the man said to be unshakable so long as he stood upon the ground.
Most people believed this was because he specialized in Ground-type Pokémon.
Yet very few knew—
His true trump card was a Beedrill.
Beedrill was his first Pokémon, and also the strongest Pokémon in his possession.
Now Ash had casually revealed this closely guarded secret.
Giovanni's wariness toward Ash surged yet again.
Is this boy's psychic ability really limited to reading surface thoughts and overhearing inner voices?
And why does his Viridian Power possess so many abilities… when mine only manifests as Source Cleansing and Will Empowerment?
Even so, as the Boss of Team Rocket, Giovanni didn't let these thoughts show on his face. He simply smiled.
"It seems you know far more than I expected," Giovanni said lightly.
"Very few people know I possess a Beedrill."
"As for obtaining one of its offspring—that's not impossible."
"Since ancient times, Trainers have passed down the offspring of their Pokémon to direct blood relatives, successors, or disciples."
"You and I don't share any blood ties."
"But if you're willing to acknowledge me as your teacher and become my disciple, then I wouldn't mind entrusting you with Beedrill's offspring."
"That is—if you're willing."
Giovanni smiled as he spoke, his gaze playful yet profound, making it impossible to tell whether he was joking or serious.
Hearing this, Ash raised a hand to his chin with a thoughtful, mature expression and replied earnestly,
"Gym Leader Giovanni is the strongest Gym Leader in Kanto, and the master of Viridian Gym. Your strength is unquestionable."
"If you're truly willing to take me as your disciple, I'd be delighted—why would I refuse?"
Ash then laughed lightly, as if joking.
"Is it possible that, besides being Viridian Gym's Leader, you possess some other identity that might make people hesitate?"
He deliberately emphasized the words 'Viridian Gym Leader' every time he spoke.
The implication was clear.
He was acknowledging Giovanni, Leader of Viridian Gym as his teacher—
Not Giovanni, Boss of Team Rocket.
Even if he became a disciple, it would be in name only.
And this arrangement had nothing but advantages.
He could gain a Beedrill with extraordinary potential.
He could further deepen this ambiguous relationship with Team Rocket, buying himself precious time to grow safely.
And if Team Rocket were ever to collapse in the future…
Who knew?
He might even inherit Viridian Gym.
When Giovanni half-jokingly proposed taking him as a disciple, Ash responded just as casually—after all, free benefits were benefits, and there was no reason not to take them.
Giovanni clearly understood the subtext in Ash's words.
Yet instead of darkening his expression, his smile only grew brighter.
"Of course," Giovanni said smoothly.
"The one you acknowledge as your teacher is Giovanni, Leader of Viridian Gym."
"And the one accepting you as a disciple… is also Giovanni, Leader of Viridian Gym."
"Then—does that mean you've agreed to take me as your disciple?" Ash asked, his expression filled with barely concealed surprise.
"Haha. Ash," Giovanni laughed heartily.
"You should change how you address me now."
"Yes… M-Master."
Ash responded obediently, his tone respectful.
A new bond—
one of teacher and disciple—
had just been forged.
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T/N:
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