Because of last night's excessive midnight snack—prompted by Gengar's insistence—Johan found himself in an unusual situation: no breakfast left.
Today, breakfast for him and his Pokémon consisted of tart-sweet berries and MooMoo Milk.
Johan bit into a juicy Oran Berry and remarked, "A change of pace isn't bad at all."
His Pokémon exchanged worried glances, expressions crestfallen.
Are we really this poor now?
Didn't Johan used to steal bites of our PokéBlocks?
Maybe we're costing him too much...
Vulpix tugged on Johan's sleeve and held out her half-eaten PokéBlock.
Tinkatuff pushed her entire food dish toward him.
Dratini thought about the Tropius they'd encountered near the Tree of Beginning.
If I were like Tropius, I could produce bananas to help...
With that thought, she curled her tail around a fragment of a Giant Dragonite Scale and offered it to him.
Want some? It's crunchy.
Gengar glanced at his empty bowl, eyes narrowing.
One hand pried his mouth open, the other reaching inside.
Don't worry—I'll dig something up for you!
"Stop, stop!" Johan's eye twitched.
"It's not that serious. I'm fine. We just ate today's breakfast last night. Don't act like I'm starving!"
After breakfast, Johan prepared to head to the academy with his Pokémon.
Though his teaching duties were complete, the term wasn't officially over. The counseling center still needed to be staffed.
More importantly, the academy's free training facilities were too good to pass up.
But just as he was about to leave, his phone buzzed.
The caller ID made him pause—it was Giovanni!
Giovanni's warm voice came through the line.
"Gym Leader Giovanni, what a surprise!" Johan stepped onto the balcony, smiling.
Since their last encounter, Johan had grown less wary of Giovanni.
After their candid conversation, Johan felt reasonably confident that Giovanni wouldn't out him as a Rocket consultant.
Blame the League for appointing a Rocket boss as a Gym Leader in the first place.
For some reason, he found conversations with Johan relaxing—like chatting with an old friend.
Perhaps it was Johan's deep bond with his Pokémon.
Or perhaps it was their shared ideals.
"I'm thinking of starting a company," Giovanni said. "As my advisor, do you have any suggestions for a name?"
Johan immediately guessed Giovanni was moving to legitimize Team Rocket.
For the League and the world at large, this would be a positive development.
While Rocket had committed unforgivable crimes, a sincere effort to reform could bring light where there was once shadow.
After a thoughtful pause, Johan replied:
"I can't imagine anyone disliking a vibrant rainbow."
Giovanni fell silent, mulling over the idea.
A symbol of brilliance, visible to all.
"Thank you. I'll consider it."
After hanging up, Johan pocketed his phone, feeling unexpectedly uplifted.
"No matter what, it's a good thing. If Rocket can reform, it will be better for everyone—trainers, civilians, even Pokémon."
He paused, considering one critical obstacle:
The ghosts of Rocket's past.
"Could Giovanni really go for a 'break it to rebuild it' approach?"
It would sever Rocket from its history, but the process might be brutal for him personally.
In the academy's Pokémon Psychology Counseling Center, Steven dropped by.
On one hand, he wanted Johan to check on his Lileep.
On the other, he had news about the TV show.
"The bidding is complete, and production is underway."
"That fast?" Johan asked. "Who's the partner?"
Steven's expression turned slightly awkward.
He handed Johan a dossier.
The first thing Johan saw left him stunned.
The partner company's name?
Rainbow Rocket Food & Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Giovanni works fast. He asked me about the name two days ago. How is everything already registered?
Not only was the company up and running, but they'd secured a partnership with Devon Corp.
And the credentials listed...
Were these real or forged?
The document boasted partnerships with Silph Co., Mauville TV, and Goldenrod Radio Tower.
Did Rocket fake these? Or are they real?
What truly floored Johan, however, was the personnel list.
Under "Chief Consultant"?
"You started a company?" Steven asked, amused.
Before receiving the bid, he'd been impressed by the offer's generosity. But when he saw Johan's name, everything clicked.
No wonder Rainbow Rocket had shown such sincerity—they were Johan's associates.
"Steven... would you believe me if I said I had no idea?"
"Doesn't matter. If you ever start another company, count me in."
Johan forced a laugh, deciding not to dwell on the matter.
After Steven left, he dialed the contact number in the dossier.
Matori's voice answered.
As expected, she was listed as the company's executive secretary, acting on behalf of the chairman.
From the moment Johan recognized her involvement, he'd resolved to play a passive role.
He'd write scripts and collect royalties—Matori could handle the rest.
Matori launched into an update, detailing production plans and schedules.
Her professionalism was evident.
No wonder she's Giovanni's secretary.
If anyone could rival her, it might be Macro Cosmos's secretary, Oleana.
Though Matori lacked Oleana's imposing presence and refined wardrobe...
Matori's thoroughness reassured Johan.
With someone like her in charge, I can relax.
His original goal had been to delegate everything beyond scriptwriting, and that plan remained unchanged.
"Johan, there's just one last thing," Matori said.
The success of The Adventures of Meowth and Pichu hinged entirely on its two leads.
If it were to surpass Bubble Cyndaquil's Adventures, the casting had to be perfect.
"For Meowth, we're scouting in Galar. But we already have a candidate for Pichu. Would you like to see it?"
Johan raised an eyebrow.
"That's Rocket efficiency," Matori replied, beaming through the phone.
"I'll arrange a flight for you to meet the candidate!"
"Wait—where am I flying to?"
"Vermilion City. We've... cultivated some connections there."
Lt. Surge's Electric Army, no doubt.
A sense of foreboding crept over Johan.
At home, Johan gathered his Pokémon and the Rocket trio.
He announced his upcoming trip to Kanto, where he'd be gone for a few days.
His Pokémon were thrilled.
Maybe they'd even challenge some gyms for fun.
The Rocket trio, on the other hand, looked anxious.
The question on their minds:
Who would be the next "Acting Manager"?
Johan's answer dashed their hopes.
"Wobbuffet, the café is safest in your hands."
Tears streamed down Wobbuffet's face. He saluted solemnly, vowing to defend the café with his life.
The trio slumped in defeat.
He couldn't trust any of them to lead without bickering. Wobbuffet's neutrality avoided unnecessary conflict.
Still, watching them sulk, a new idea struck him.
Maybe they should join the production team.
James's meticulousness would suit managing cast and crew.
Meowth could choreograph actions, even take Meowth's role if needed.
She'd always dreamed of stardom. The role of "Mrs. Two-Shoes" was practically made for her.
Come to think of it, didn't they produce a film in the anime?
The only remaining problem:
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