Team Rocket's Second-in-Command!-Chapter 361: Team Rocket’s Second-in-Command! []

Lillie, unaware of Luo Yuan's real reason, assumed he needed time to consult with Professor Kukui. Although she was anxious to return home, she forced herself to nod in understanding.

Standing nearby, Sabrina silently turned her head, unwilling to watch Luo Yuan so effortlessly deceive a girl.

At that moment, Nebby, who had been napping nearby, blinked awake, its starry eyes wide with confusion.

---

The Next Day – Pokémon School

"Lillie, have you really gotten over your fear of Pokémon?" Lana asked in disbelief.

Though Lillie always denied her phobia, everyone in class knew about it.

Now, after just one night, she seemed completely cured.

"What on earth happened?"

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Under her classmates' curious stares, Lillie smiled.

"It's all thanks to Teacher Luo Yuan," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

What she didn't realize was how her eyes sparkled whenever she mentioned his name.

This wasn't entirely a coincidence. When Luo Yuan used his psychic powers to resolve her trauma, he had left an indelible impression of himself in her mind.

The admiration glowing on Lillie's face didn't seem unusual to her classmates.

After all, if Luo Yuan had helped them overcome a lifelong struggle, they would probably look at him the same way.

Still...

"Teacher Luo Yuan really is amazing," Lana exclaimed, counting on her fingers.

"He knows so much about Pokémon, is strong enough to defeat Team Skull's boss, and even helped Lillie overcome her fear. What can't Teacher Luo Yuan do?"

The others nodded in agreement.

Exactly! What can't he do?

As they marveled, Luo Yuan entered the classroom with Sabrina.

"Good morning," he greeted. "Did everyone review yesterday's material? Great. Let's start the day with a pop quiz."

The once-admiring students collectively groaned.

---

While the Pokémon School students struggled over their quiz, a very different scene was unfolding at Aether Paradise.

Faba cautiously glanced around to ensure no one was watching before slipping into a storage room.

He activated a holographic communicator, and Matori's image appeared before him.

"Lady Matori," Faba greeted, his face lighting up with excitement.

Ordinarily, someone as arrogant as Faba wouldn't act so deferential.

But after two years of being secretly aligned with Team Rocket, he couldn't contain his emotions.

It had been a long and frustrating wait.

In the first year of his cooperation with Team Rocket, Faba had frequently exchanged information with them, sending classified data from the Aether Foundation.

Giovanni himself had even spoken to him, promising that Rocket's arrival in Alola would elevate Faba to new heights within their ranks.

But then, for reasons unknown, all communication from Team Rocket had abruptly ceased a year ago.

If not for the occasional replies he received when transmitting intel, Faba might have thought they had abandoned him.

"You have no idea how hard this past year has been," Faba lamented, trembling slightly.

During the Hoenn incident, he had feared Team Rocket had shifted their focus there, leaving Alola behind.

But now, with Matori initiating contact, all his doubts were swept away.

His faith in Team Rocket had been justified.

"What's wrong with this guy?" Matori thought, watching Faba quiver with emotion.

The intelligence report didn't mention any mental health issues...

This man was their highest-ranking mole within the Aether Foundation. He couldn't just drop dead, could he?

Fortunately, Faba eventually regained his composure.

"Lady Matori, does this mean Team Rocket is finally launching its plan?" he asked, emphasizing "our plan" to highlight his allegiance.

Matori nodded.

"Operation Alola has resumed. Team Rocket is advancing into the region, and the Aether Foundation, as an obstacle to our dominance, must be brought under control."

"I'm ready," Faba declared, adjusting his oversized green glasses.

"I've gathered detailed information on the Foundation's defenses and personnel. I'll transmit the data shortly.

"If necessary, I can also create a distraction within Aether Paradise to buy us some time... though Wicke is watching me closely, so I can't hold her off for long."

He paused before continuing, "Our best approach is to attack from the air. I designed the aerial defense system myself, and I can disable it whenever needed.

"However, I strongly advise against a seaborne assault. The open water offers no cover and could alert Lusamine, who still holds supreme authority over the Foundation's defenses."

---

...

Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.

Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.

WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it... or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.

If you had fun, you know what to do:

👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]

And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.

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Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.

—Leaf