Pokémon: I picked up a reborn Eevee at the start of the game

Cynthia paused slightly, then calmly said, "It's alright, as long as we have a clear conscience."

"What if I feel guilty?"

Cynthia looked up at Xia Chen, but her expression was obscured by her sunglasses.

But a certain superhuman keenly sensed that her heart was racing, and even a faint blush appeared on her cheeks behind her sunglasses.

This is rare for Cynthia; her heart didn't beat this fast even when she was in the underground energy plant.

Even so, Xia Chen did not receive the response he wanted.

Isn't the timing right?

Hmm... no rush, take your time.

Composing himself, Xia Chen changed the subject, saying, "Well, I plan to go directly from Galar to Kanto, probably tomorrow or the day after. I won't stay there for too long; I'll take care of one thing and then go home."

Cynthia breathed a sigh of relief without showing any emotion. "Okay... be careful. I'll come see you after this busy period."

Xia Chen smiled and nodded, "You're welcome anytime."

…………

July 25, 2025 of the League Calendar.

Kanto region, Kōjin City.

Compared to the Galar region, which is at a higher latitude and has a colder climate, Kanto, located in the subtropical region, is already showing signs of summer at the end of April.

Xia Chen was still wearing a jacket when he left Galar, but he got so hot after getting off the plane that he changed into a short-sleeved shirt.

Having no interest in exploring this place filled with memories of his past life, Xia Chen rested at his booked hotel, had lunch with the elves, and then strolled to the Silver Building in the heart of the Golden City.

Even in Goldenrod City, which boasts the highest level of prosperity in the entire Kanto region, the Silver Building remains a landmark building in the most central location.

This company has been leading the trend in the world of Pokémon items since its founding more than a hundred years ago.

No one knows how much wealth this business empire has accumulated over the years, and even fewer people know that its actual power now rests with Team Rocket.

Even the Rockets' headquarters are located underground in this building.

Xia Chen arrived as agreed.

He didn't know if Giovanni was at Team Rocket headquarters, but he was sure there was someone there who could contact him.

Today is Silver's Crazy Thursday event, and the building is packed with people. Xia Chen followed the flow of people in and strolled upstairs.

The Silver Building is structured with a commercial area below and office space above.

Without a doubt, Silver's middle and upper management are definitely members of Team Rocket. Xia Chen decided to make an appearance in front of these people. If the process goes smoothly, he will be invited to Team Rocket's underground secret base soon.

As expected, after wandering around the 23rd floor twice, a pretty office lady wearing glasses quickly found Xia Chen.

"Mr. Xia Chen, Boss Sakaki has been waiting for you for a long time."

Xia Chen raised an eyebrow, "A real bird?"

The woman was equally surprised. "You know me? It's my honor."

Xia Chen smiled but did not reply.

Although the real person is definitely different from the anime in the previous life, you can tell from things like hair color, features, and temperament that the woman in front of you is Sakaki's most loyal secretary, Makoto.

"Let's go, take me to your underground base."

Xia Chen revealed two major secrets of the Rockets, which greatly shocked Zhen Niao.

What a dangerous guy...

No wonder Boss Sakaki values ​​him so much.

Concealing her inner shock, Zhenniao led Xia Chen into the elevator from a secluded spot.

Feeling weightless, the elevator rapidly descended.

…………

Team Rocket's underground base is a place of immense scale, comparable to the Marocomont underground energy plant.

Contrary to Xia Chen's expectations, the Team Rocket members here were not wearing uniforms like in the anime, and they did not look sinister.

They would chat with their sprites or go in and out of places like bars and restaurants, and some of them would even greet Zhen Niao and Xia Chen politely.

This isn't a gangster gang!

He's a model citizen in every way!

“Our core members stay here when they are not on missions. The living facilities and entertainment venues here are complete, and the community is still being improved.”

Zhenniao led Xia Chen through the underground base, introducing him to the place.

Xia Chen's expression was strange. Why did his tone sound so much like a tour guide leading tourists on a tour?

Wait a minute, this guy... isn't trying to convince me to join by showcasing the Rockets' good manners and discipline, is he?

Perhaps he was just being presumptuous, because the conversation after the real bird didn't veer towards that topic.

After passing through layers of security doors, Xia Chen finally met Sakaki again in a rather gloomy office.

With his classic slicked-back hair, Sakaki sat in a chair behind his desk, with the obedient cat at his feet, exuding a powerful aura.

In negotiations, the most important thing is momentum, and in this aspect alone, Sakaki had it completely under control.

As for Xia Chen?

He doesn't need such vague and ethereal things.

The Poké Ball of Guleton hanging at his waist and the Deoxys Energy Crystal hanging around his neck are his greatest sources of confidence.

"We meet again, Xia Chen."

Sakaki looked at the young man who had caused him such a great loss for the first time, his cold, triangular eyes filled with complex emotions.

Xia Chen sat down in the chair opposite the desk without ceremony and replied, "I don't think this will be the last time."

Sakagi stared at Xia Chen meaningfully for a moment, then suddenly said, "Aren't you afraid you might not come back alive?"

Xia Chen curled his lip, "If you had that ability, I wouldn't be the one who won in Galar."

"Oh..."

Giovanni shook his head slightly, tapping his fingers on the table. "You underestimate Team Rocket. Sometimes, many things are just a matter of not wanting to do them, not that they can't."

Xia Chen remained silent, but chuckled inwardly. "He's putting on airs here."

What makes you think you can keep me here?

Mewtwo, which hasn't been researched yet?

"Stop talking nonsense and keep your promise. Give me the Deoxys meteorite, and I'll leave Kanto immediately."

Xia Chen had no intention of destroying Team Rocket's base. Not to mention that a place guarded by two of the three legendary birds, or even other legendary Pokémon, would be difficult to break through.

Even if they could wipe them out in one fell swoop, the Silver Building above the underground base would also become a concern for him.

Several legendary Pokémon are engaged in a fierce battle, and heavy casualties are certain to follow.

His purpose in coming here was quite simple: to help Deoxys retrieve its meteorite, nothing more.

Sakaki calmly replied, "That thing is in another base. If you're not in a hurry, stay here for a couple of days, and I'll have someone bring it to you."

Xia Chen nodded indifferently, "Okay, but I'll only give you two days."

Chapter 416 Resurrect, my Deoxys!

Giovanni did not engage in any underhanded tactics regarding the Deoxys meteorite.

After experiencing the daily life of Team Rocket members for a day in this underground base, Xia Chen received the meteorite from Makoto.

The meteorite is not particularly large, estimated to be about two meters in diameter, and is an irregular sphere.

“Mr. Xia Chen, this meteorite is not very convenient to carry. If you would like, you can borrow this laboratory for a period of time.”

The real bird took meticulous care of Xia Chen, treating him as if he were their most honored guest, not the assistant who had damaged their Rockets team.

Xia Chen looked at Zhen Niao with a slightly wary gaze, not understanding the reason behind her inexplicable kindness.

Zhenniao smiled and met Xia Chen's gaze, replying frankly, "Although we have different positions, we must still observe proper etiquette."

She paused for a moment, then added, "This is Boss Sakaki's idea."

Xia Chen's vigilance was not completely dispelled, but with the double protection of Gu Leton and Deochis, he didn't care too much.

Faced with absolute power, conspiracy is like a mouse seeing the sunlight.

Based on this confidence, he nodded and replied, "Alright, then I'll trouble you for a while."

It wasn't that he thought the meteorite was difficult to bring back; for Guleton, that wasn't a problem at all.

The main reason is that Team Rocket's base has more advanced experimental equipment, making it a more convenient place to study Deoxys than Spirit Island.

Upon hearing Xia Chen's agreement, Zhen Niao smiled, bowed slightly, and took two steps back.

"No trouble at all. You can contact me anytime if you need anything."

After saying that, she left the room.

Watching the real bird's departing figure, Xia Chen frowned slightly.

Something's not right, something's really not right.

"Xianbu, what do you think?"

Xia Chen consulted the Sylveon at his feet.

"Buyi..."

Xianbu shook his head in confusion.

She didn't have the chance to come to Team Rocket's underground base in her previous life, so that memory is of no help to her current situation.

Unable to find an answer, Xia Chen had no choice but to give up thinking about it.

"Alright, let's leave as soon as we've finished helping Deoxys recover."

Outside the door, Masato walked straight into Sakaki's office after leaving the laboratory.