You're not allowed to play Pokémon!

Chapter 369 As expected of Teacher Yu, even the Phoenix King's feathers have turned black...

"Boss Sakaki, you don't want Gin to..."

When Qingyu spoke, Sakaki immediately narrowed his eyes.

In anyone's eyes, Sakaki is an ambitious man whose thoughts are hard to fathom and whose motives are ulterior, and who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

By acting as a key member of the alliance and secretly conducting genetic cloning experiments that are considered taboo in any region, Giovanni alone is enough to prove that he is an utterly wicked person.

However, when this name was mentioned, Sakaki seemed a little flustered.

Because apart from his own ambitions, no one knew that Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, actually harbored another simple wish.

A steady and reliable father.

That's right, even someone as strong as Sakaki becomes incredibly gentle when it comes to family.

however……

For reasons unknown to others, Giovanni had not seen his son Gin for many years.

"Teacher Yu, let's make a deal."

Just as the atmosphere was gradually falling into an eerie silence, and Qingyu thought she had said something wrong and killed the conversation, Sakaki suddenly spoke in a calm tone.

“You’re right. My actions must not affect Xiao Yin. He should have had his own path.”

"And I have never been a good father... neither to Mewtwo nor Silver."

"So, can I entrust Xiaoyin to you, Teacher Yu?"

Sakaki's sudden words made Aoba instinctively turn her head to meet his gaze.

"This was not a request from Giovanni of the Rockets, but a request from a disappointing father."

From the incredibly earnest look in the middle-aged man's eyes, Qingyu quickly understood that his words were utterly sincere.

only……

"Why me? There are clearly other better options."

Qingyu subconsciously asked a question in return, while secretly sweating bullets in her heart.

As a trainer or "educator," he himself has to admit that he does seem to have quite a talent.

Whether it's Nemo, Mewtwo, or even the students from Orange Academy and the live stream, they all made rapid progress under his guidance. That alone was enough for Giovanni to entrust Silver to him.

But at what cost?

High emotional intelligence: The students taught by Teacher Yu all have very distinct characteristics.

Low emotional intelligence: The soldiers led by Qingyu are all of poor quality, completely unlike those of a prestigious sect!
Even though he never intended to teach Mewtwo any tactics or strategies, the kid has already gone astray thanks to the subtle hints from the other students.

Xiao Yin herself is a newcomer with a strong sense of purpose.

What if one day in the future, Little Silver goes to participate in the World Championship, wielding a Murloc Tidehunter in his left hand and a Sableye in his right, using all sorts of outrageous moves to kill his opponents, and happens to be seen by Giovanni...

Regardless of whether he is pleased or upset, I, as his "master," am also to blame!
"Don't be so quick to refuse, Teacher Yu."

Sakaki's expression clearly showed interest, and he spoke up decisively when Aoba looked hesitant.

"As a bad father, I owe Xiaoyin too much. If this is the last thing I can do for him, I hope to find the most suitable teacher for him and guide him to grow into an outstanding person."

"Among the new generation, at least in my opinion, there is no one more suitable than you."

"Besides, before finalizing the outcome, shouldn't we hear what price I can offer first?"

After saying that, Sakaki smiled mysteriously and then reached inside his suit jacket.

???

Qingyu was stunned, so much so that her brain stopped thinking for two or three seconds.

Fortunately, Giovanni simply put his hand into the inside pocket of his clothes and then generously showed Aoba what he was carrying.

It was a huge feather that was slightly whitish and pale red overall, almost as long as his forearm.

Just by gazing at this clearly unusual feather, Qingyu could vaguely see flames, filled with a sense of holiness, leaping and cheering before her eyes.

"This is……"

Qingyu murmured subconsciously.

"Iridescent Feather?"

Just by looking at its appearance, you can tell that these feathers are definitely not something that ordinary Pokémon can have.

In the city, the only options that meet the requirements are Moltres or Ho-Oh.

Considering that this was a tool that Sakaki always carried with him, Aoba made a decisive judgment.

As Sakaki smiled and nodded, confirming his guess, Aoba couldn't help but think:

Mr. Adu, what are you international police doing? How come you didn't even know that Giovanni was carrying something of the mythical beast level?

They probably didn't even do a body search.

It seems like Giovanni has a million ways to escape if he wants to...

But how did Giovanni manage to get his hands on such a rare item?

In the anime, Ho-Oh is indeed a legendary Pokémon that always seems to seek attention and is relatively friendly towards humans, but it doesn't just give out rainbow feathers to people casually.

According to legend, only those who are recognized by Ho-Oh and possess the qualifications to become "Rainbow Warriors" will receive the Rainbow Feather as a token of a legendary Pokémon, and at the same time begin the series of trials to become a warrior.

But no matter how you look at it, Giovanni doesn't seem like the kind of person who could become a hero...

Seeing the confusion on Qingyu's face, Sakaki quickly put on a calm smile again and spoke.

"Teacher Yu, haven't you thought about this carefully?"

"Without the 'power of God,' how did Team Rocket break taboos, accomplish the feat of creating life from nothing, and create Mewtwo, whose potential rivals that of the legendary being?"

"You can't be naive, can you? Surely no one really thinks that with the technological power of mere humans, we can be so powerful as to approach the realm of gods?"

As he spoke, Sakaki reached out and fiddled with the rainbow feather in his hand.

When he spoke again, his tone was already somewhat mocking.

"As a legendary Pokémon directly created by Arceus, Ho-Oh's power is directly related to life."

"Without its help, the limit that the Rockets can control is probably only Porygon, an extra-extra ...

"Fortunately, Ho-Oh has poor eyesight and actually chose me as the reserve for the Rainbow Hero, otherwise Mewtwo might never have appeared in this world."

"..."

Qingyu fell silent.

For a moment, he even thought he might have heard some incredible anecdote, and an absurd one at that.

But if even Sakaki admits it himself, it seems I have no choice but to believe it...

Perhaps having completely let down his guard, Sakaki recounted everything he had experienced to Aoba in the time that followed.

Before he took over the Rockets, the team was just a research organization dedicated to studying the Dream.

It was precisely because Giovanni was truly talented that he gained Ho-Oh's favor and had his potential as a trainer recognized.

After obtaining Ho-Oh's feather, the young Giovanni did not hesitate at all and immediately began to study this life-giving feather, and used its power to begin gene cloning experiments.

However, just as Qingyu had told Xiaoyin back then.

Every gift of fate comes with a price tag attached in secret.

His transformation from a promising young trainer to a villainous leader was not understood by his wife, so one day she left home with young Silver and never heard from him again.

Knowing he owed them something, Sakaki never bothered them again, and he never saw them again after his wife passed away.

Until last month, when Lance and Aoba suddenly stormed into the Viridian Gym, completely disrupting Team Rocket's plans, and even Lance, as their leader, was defeated by Aoba, the incident finally came to an end.

"..."

After finally hearing all the gossip about Sakaki, Aoba, who was already sitting on the floor with a solemn expression, slowly nodded.

Perhaps in Sakaki's view, even if his plan fails, at least he can protect Gin?

It wasn't that he couldn't understand; after all, judging from Sakaki's personality, he was definitely the kind of macho man who didn't want to communicate with his family.

But little Silver certainly wouldn't think that way!

Perhaps it was precisely because Giovanni had completely disappeared over the years, even missing his mother's funeral, that Gin eventually developed hatred for him and saw him as someone he had to defeat...

However, Qingyu really had no interest in this kind of family drama.

So after pondering for a moment, Qingyu scratched his head and decisively spoke:
"If it's just about teaching Xiao Yin, then it's not a bad idea."

"However, since you know you're not a good father, why don't you try to make amends, Boss Sakaki?"

After Qingyu finished speaking, she sighed.

"Although you, as a father, are somewhat rebellious and have a bit of a delusional personality, and have done your share of bad things in the past, at least... there's still room for redemption, right?"

"Now, let's do a simple analysis!"

"There are two main reasons why Xiao Yin will become paranoid and make beating you her life goal."

"First, as the leader of the Rockets, you've done a lot of bad things, even crossing moral boundaries with genetic experiments. For anyone with normal values, such a horrific thing would be unacceptable, right?"

"Secondly, because of your stubbornness as the head of the family, Xiaoyin harbored resentment towards you because of her mother's situation, and this cannot be whitewashed at all."

"That's why I said, you're a terrible father!"

"Cough-cough-"

As Qingyu held up two fingers and began to explain, a hint of guilt suddenly appeared on Sakaki's face, who had been completely composed.

Was my work really that bad?
But Qingyu was right; as an observer, he immediately saw through his own problem.

Even if he is unwilling to admit it, the truth has already been laid bare.

Sakaki's expression quickly became strange, but after a long while, he gradually became more determined, and his expression when he looked at Aoba was full of resolve.

“Tell me your answer, Teacher Yu.”

"I will do anything to make Xiaoyin forgive me as her father."

His eyes were incredibly serious as he spoke.

Perhaps in his youth, Giovanni was an ambitious man with lofty aspirations, but now that he has entered middle age and fulfilled his obsessions, there is only one thing left in his heart—to bring Gin home.

That's it.

If he could do it, he would not hesitate to sacrifice everything he had.

Qingyu had anticipated this, so after cheerfully snapping his fingers, he immediately spoke again.

"It's actually quite simple to get Xiaoyin to forgive you."

"Rather than openly admitting guilt, abandoning one's responsibilities, and letting the remaining Rockets continue to plot in secret, taking responsibility for one's past actions is what a real man should do."

"Am I right, Mr. Sakaki?"

Qingyu suddenly smiled.

Use your persuasive skills!

"Just like you said, because there are too many forces involved, Team Rocket cannot fall yet. Even if you, as the source of all evil, are arrested, it will only be an early retirement for you."

"So, what if we change our perspective and let the Rockets achieve a magnificent transformation after they have paid for their past mistakes?"

"Transforming from a dark force entrenched beneath Kanto into a completely new Team Rocket that uses this technological power to change the world shouldn't be too difficult for Boss Giovanni, right?"

“I can’t guarantee that doing this will make Xiaoyin forgive you, but at least when the day comes that you and your son meet again…”

"I think even if you were defeated by Gin, you wouldn't have any regrets, Mr. Sakaki."

"After all, by then, what will be left for Silver is a new, energetic Team Rocket that will make your child proud."

"..."

Sakaki's eyes suddenly became somewhat dazed.

To be honest, he was really tempted.

As a father, he not only failed to give Xiaoyin a happy childhood, but his actions may also implicate his only son.

If possible, he would certainly want to do everything he could to salvage the situation.

but……

"Teacher Yu, the Rockets are not as simple as you think."

Sakaki shook his head.

"The Rocket Team is a community formed by shared interests. Apart from the pure scientists, each member of the team has their own ideas. Only sufficiently tempting benefits can make them obedient dogs, and only I can keep them in check."

"Therefore, from the moment I was defeated, it was only a matter of time before the Rockets fell apart."

"Perhaps with the presence of the real bird, Apollo, and Athena, the situation can be stabilized for the time being, but Lance and Lambda... they will make their move sooner or later."

"These are just minor obstacles."

Aoba suddenly spoke, interrupting Sakaki.

"As the leader of Team Rocket, Mr. Giovanni, you're not afraid of your subordinates, are you?"

"There may be many difficulties in the process, but... I think this is the best result, and I believe the other Rockets members will accept it."

"After all, compared to bottomless darkness, a rainbow after the rain is definitely more appealing, right?"

After Aoba smiled and spoke, Sakaki quickly fell silent.

As a qualified leader, he never denied the crimes he had committed and knew that he would face judgment sooner or later.

For a competent villain, being able to exit the stage in time is perhaps the best ending for him.

But now, Qingyu has actually come up with a solution that sounds quite interesting.

A rainbow after the rain...

If it could really be done, that would be pretty good.

For someone who has already failed, it's clearly a better choice to get him to openly admit that he is Sakaki's son than to sever ties with Gin.

Sakaki suddenly smiled, and his eyes gradually regained their usual shrewdness.

"I understand."

"I will seriously consider it."

"Also... I'll be leaving Xiaoyin in your care during this time, Teacher Yu."

Sakaki spoke sincerely and lowered his head in a gesture of respect.

"If that day ever comes, I hope the newly formed Rockets team can also receive support from Coach Yu."

"After I've exhausted my remaining strength and been defeated by my own son... as Silver's teacher, I entrust the future of him and the Rockets entirely to you."

After saying that, Sakaki reached out and, over the iron fence, handed the red tail feather in his hand to Aoba.

"Please, Teacher Yu!"

……

When Aoba came out of Sakaki's room, Wataru, who had been secretly observing the situation inside, cast a somewhat incredulous glance at him.

Although he didn't go in with Qingyu, he clearly heard everything that happened inside.

Therefore, Awa was very surprised that Aoba was able to persuade Sakaki.

That's Giovanni! The leader of the evil Team Rocket, a human scum who is completely contrary to justice. The probability of him turning over a new leaf is as low as the probability of you suddenly getting hit in the face by a meteor when you go out!

However, after all, he is Qingyu, so it doesn't feel surprising no matter what earth-shattering things he does...

"I never thought that Giovanni would have a change of heart."

"No, it should be said that his sense of responsibility as a father suppressed his inner ambition."

All the words in the world ultimately boil down to a sigh from Adu.

"Is this the power of family love?"

He couldn't understand this at all, since as the Dragon Messenger, he had received the strictest education since childhood and had no time to enjoy family affection.

More memorable than his father's words were the days he spent diligently cultivating in the dragon's lair.

That's right, a real man doesn't need those vague and unrealistic constraints; having a dragon by his side is enough!
This is precisely the biggest difference between my vision and Sakaki's!
Isn't this a good thing?

"I heard that the remnants of Team Rocket have all come to Johto. If Giovanni takes action, I believe he can quickly integrate Team Rocket, which will greatly reduce the workload for your Interpol."

Qingyu smiled and spoke, but his eyes remained fixed on the rainbow feathers that he was tightly clutching in his hands.

A-Du's attention was quickly drawn to this unusual feather.

Compared to the Sacred Ash that their city had previously provided for the champion, the Rainbow Feather undoubtedly had a higher value.

After all, this is Lord Ho-Oh's tail feather!
As is well known, the people of Johto have always worshipped the two deities Ho-Oh and Lugia, and even built the Bell Tower and the Bell Tower for them to live in.

However, about 150 years ago, an accident burned three innocent Pokémon to death, which directly led to the departure of Ho-Oh and Lugia. Since then, they have rarely appeared in front of humans.

However, this incident has led many to believe that humans have disappointed the two deities, which is why they left human society, resulting in an increase in the number of people worshipping them instead of a decrease.

As for the Rainbow Feather, only the Rainbow Warrior is qualified to obtain it, making it more symbolic than a collectible item.

The legend of the Rainbow Warriors has spread throughout the world, and the person who wields the tail feathers of the Phoenix King is naturally respected.

but……

Gazing at the rainbow feather in Qingyu's hand, which was faintly emitting black energy and whose originally firm feathers were drooping slightly, Adu quickly fell silent.

According to ancient records, the Rainbow Feather, as part of Lord Phoenix's body, naturally possesses a very powerful life force.

If given to a Pokémon that is skilled in using the Fire type, it can gradually master the life flame with healing abilities and continuously restore its health in battle.

Even humans with weaker constitutions who cannot utilize its power can continuously receive nourishment and strengthen their bodies.

At the same time, its abundant life energy should also give it strong healing and purifying abilities...

So even though it has been used by Giovanni for so long, its color has only faded a little.

But why did something feel off the moment Qingyu started using it?
As expected of Teacher Yu, even Lord Ho-Oh's feathers have turned evil...

After thinking for a while, A-du gave up.

Anyway, it's better to stay in Teacher Yu's hands than to be hidden away by Sakaki. Although he's a bit ruthless, Teacher Yu's character is impeccable.

Believe first!
"Speaking of which, what would have happened if the Rainbow Feather hadn't been obtained by someone recognized by the Phoenix King himself?"

Qingyu, who was playing with the feathers, also noticed the change and subconsciously asked Adu.

Strictly speaking, I did not obtain the Rainbow Feather through normal channels.

Could it be that its darkening is related to this?
A-Du paused, clearly not having considered this question either.

However, Ho-Oh, as a symbol of life, is a very benevolent legendary creature, which is why it was able to coexist peacefully with humans in ancient times.

Therefore, its feathers should be the same.

"There shouldn't be any problems, right?"

"..."

Qingyu observed for a while longer with a scrutinizing gaze, and only after confirming that there should be no problem with the feathers did she temporarily lower her guard.

Anyway, none of my Pokémon actually use fire, so bringing them home would just mean they'd gather dust as collectibles. I don't think anything will happen to them.

Qingyu quickly stopped caring.

Now that things in Johto have been resolved, he plans to head to the nearest flight attendant station to rent a Dragonite and return to the Sunny Gym as soon as possible.

Just as he said goodbye to A-Du and boarded the Dragonite to take off for Padiya, a sudden twist occurred under the shade of a tree not far away, and a pair of scarlet eyes suddenly appeared.

Fortunately, there was no one nearby, otherwise they might have been startled by this sudden scene.

"Lord Ho-Oh's keepsake was taken by a stranger...?"

"Damn it, is my short period of slacking off over already...?"

"Or perhaps we should just destroy this world..."

The unidentified creature in the shadows suddenly sighed, then quickly disappeared into the shade of the trees, as if it had never been there at all.

(End of this chapter)