Pokémon, Ash's art style is off!

61. Let the Vermilion Gym be great again!

"Rocket logistics?"

He didn't accept the business card.

Maslow merely glanced at the gold-plated "R" logo and then scoffed.

"Heh, you've changed your name pretty quickly. What, does Team Rocket really think so highly of my gym that's almost forgotten?"

"Mr. Ma is joking."

Kuroki calmly put the business card back, maintaining a formulaic smile on his face.

"The Kohado Dojo is an official dojo with a long history and distinctive features in the Kanto region."

"It's just that in recent years... the style has deviated slightly from the expectations of some trainers, which has led to the challenger traffic not reaching the ideal level."

He took half a step forward, lowering his voice.

"As you probably know, our Rockets... cough, our Rockets Logistics Co., Ltd., possess industry-leading resource integration and comprehensive promotion capabilities."

"If you are willing to accept our strategic cooperation, we are confident that we can restore the reputation of the Vermilion Dojo."

"Surpassing Hualan and Jinhuang to become the most popular dojo in Kanto is by no means an empty dream!"

Surpassing Hualan?

Ma Xueshi's expression was quite interesting.

Although they are at the very bottom of the social hierarchy, they rely on water performances and an almost barrier-free way of acquiring them.

Cerulean Gym has received rave reviews and is comparable to Saffron Gym.

As for the positive reviews of the Goldenrod Gym...

Well, all he could say was that those who understood had to, as the matter was too complex, and he couldn't go into detail about those who didn't.

"you say......"

As he ran his fingers along the broom handle, Ma Zhishi suddenly asked.

"...Can you restore my dojo's former glory?"

The two henchmen next to Ma Zhishi quickly exchanged a glance.

Then he immediately and discreetly moved it away.

"of course."

Seeing that there seemed to be a way, Kuroki's tone became even more confident.

He patted the briefcase he was carrying.

"As long as you nod your head, funding, publicity, and even some... special assistance that can 'securely' ensure the dojo's reputation will be provided quickly."

"Oh?"

Ma Xueshi raised his eyebrows and took half a step forward, as if he was very interested.

"So you've already reported this to your mysterious boss?"

"Did he really approve such a large investment for me, a 'washed-up' museum owner?"

"I have given a detailed report to headquarters about the unique potential of the Vermilion Dojo and the long-term strategic value of partnering with you."

Kuroki nodded slightly, feeling that he was in control of the negotiation.

"Headquarters greatly appreciates a powerful club owner like you and has instructed me to show the utmost sincerity."

"The greatest sincerity... Okay."

Ma Xueshi nodded, his face expressionless.

"I really need to see your sincerity. So, before we cooperate, I'd like to borrow something from you..."

Upon hearing this, Kuroki was overjoyed.

At the negotiating table, what we fear most is not the other party making exorbitant demands, but rather their lack of desire or expectation.

Being willing to ask for something is half the battle!

"Please tell us, and we will definitely do our best to fulfill your request!"

Upon hearing this, Ma Zhishi leaned even closer, almost touching Kuroki's ear.

"you."

"?!"

Kuroki's mind went blank with a buzzing sound.

The smile on his face froze instantly.

What, what's going on?

The intelligence report didn't mention that this curator has this kind of... fetish!

No wonder headquarters wants to dress more formally.

For this well-paid job, am I really going to sacrifice my innocence...?

Isn't this price too heavy?!

"what?!"

Almost simultaneously, two distorted exclamations erupted from behind Kuroki.

The two henchmen who had been sneaking over to flank him now stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with shock.

"Boss! You...you actually...like men?!"

"Lei Lei—?!"

Even Raichu, standing at Lt. Surge's feet, covered its cheeks with its paws, looking incredulous and unable to bear the sight.

"A code! It's a code! Can't you all understand it?!"

Ma Zhishi felt a surge of heat rush to his head.

He was almost driven to the point of fainting by his younger brother's comprehension ability.

"I borrowed him to collect the reward!"

"You're to take action! Take him down!"

"Are your brains filled with nothing but gears from a gear monster?!"

Seeing the two men circle around behind him, he assumed that his younger brother had suddenly become enlightened.

I now know what I'm thinking.

I was hoping to coordinate a play, but it turned out like this!

What two idiots who deserve to be in a museum!

Kuroki had also recovered from his shock.

This is no ordinary, albeit seemingly friendly, deal!

Instead, we should take credit for it!

Instinctively, he reached for the Poké Ball at his waist, his fingers barely touching the surface of the ball...

A rough, powerful hand gripped his wrist tightly, like an iron clamp!

It's Ma Xueshi!

That power was astonishing, unlike that of an ordinary trainer; it seemed capable of crushing bones!

"I'm a rocket...?!"

Before he could finish speaking, Raichu moved as well.

A thick, dazzling golden bolt of lightning tore through the air and struck directly at the spot where the two were standing!

He unleashed a 100,000-volt attack in one go!

Kuroki was terrified.

He never expected the other party to be so uncivilized.

Not only did they prevent him from summoning Pokémon, they even attacked the trainer himself!

Even more unexpectedly, the Raichu, without the slightest hesitation, even included its own trainer in its attack range!

Isn't this a suicidal tactic?!

"Ughh ...

The violent electric current instantly engulfed the two of them.

Kuroki felt like every cell in his body was screaming.

A sharp pain and tingling sensation shot straight to the top of my head, and all I could see was a blinding white light; my eyes bulged out.

He managed to squeeze out a disjointed scream from his throat before losing consciousness completely.

The lightning faded, leaving behind a suffocating atmosphere.

Ma Zhishi's imposing figure remained standing in the same spot, only swaying slightly.

His blond hair stood straight up, wisps of white smoke rising from it, and his coat had some charred marks.

He grinned, seemingly enjoying the tangy sensation.

As a senior, well-established gym leader with a long career in the league, Lt. Surge's skills were not acquired by training against rule-bound challengers in the gym.

Those were experiences truly earned through fighting, punch by punch, in the wild, in gray areas, and in many unspeakable situations.

Seriously speaking, in a pure dojo battle, his strength was limited by at least 30%.

He stretched out his hand.

The two henchmen immediately handed him some medicine for his injuries.

After spraying half a can onto himself, Maszewicz finally let out a satisfied sigh.

"Sigh, young people these days are just too rule-abiding."