I am Giovanni

Chapter 27: The Executive

Team Rocket Viridian Base, second sublevel, Petrel's private residence.

Three men were inside.

In the main seat was Petrel himself. He was roughly the same age as Miyamoto, with a handsome face, sharp purple mohawk, and a well-built physique. A sleeping Weavile lay on his lap, its powerful aura subtly filling the entire room with a palpable pressure.

On the chairs below sat the two captains loyal to him: a bald, burly man and a thin, wiry man, both Gym Leader-level trainers. Unlike Petrel's cold demeanor, the two captains were indignant.

"Brother Petrel, weren't you against the Boss's selection plan? Why are you seeing these recruits now?"

"Yeah, this is just caving in to her! I say we should keep putting pressure on the Boss!"

"That's right! Without us, what can she and Miyamoto do?"

"Who knows, maybe the Boss will just announce that you, Brother, will be the next leader."

Petrel's cold gaze swept over them. "Are you suggesting that two Elite Four-level trainers can't function without the help of two Gym Leader-level trainers?"

The two captains exchanged a nervous glance. "Well..."

"You two blockheads," Petrel cursed, his tone chilling. "And you think you're so smart? Did you think I hadn't noticed your little games? Grooming your own candidates? You dream of being the power behind the next leader, but do either of you even qualify?"

Sensing its master's rage, the Weavile's crimson eyes snapped open.

Boom.

A terrifying killing intent, accompanied by a bone-chilling cold, washed over the two captains. They shot to their feet in terror, then immediately dropped to their knees, begging for mercy.

"Brother Petrel, we were wrong! Please forgive us!"

"Yes, we were just confused! Blinded by greed! We're still on your side!"

Despite the freezing temperature in the room, both men were drenched in sweat. Petrel looked at them with annoyance. If he didn't need them to maintain his position, he would have crippled these two good-for-nothings long ago.

Knock, knock.

A sharp rap on the door. Petrel stroked Weavile's head. "Sleep." Its eyes closed, the aura receded, and the temperature in the room began to rise.

"Get up, you disgraceful things," Petrel said coldly.

The two captains scrambled to their feet, relief flashing in their eyes. "Yes, thank you, Brother Petrel!"

"Bring him in," Petrel called out.

The door was pushed open. Mondo entered with a fawning expression and knelt. "Lord Petrel, I have brought the boy."

Behind him, Giovanni walked in, his steps steady and calm. He glanced once at the three men and the Weavile, then looked away, but he did not kneel.

"Are all young people so bold these days?" Petrel asked, his eyes narrowing.

Mondo, still kneeling, turned his head and felt his blood run cold. "What are you doing? Kneel!" he hissed at Giovanni.

Giovanni ignored him, his eyes fixed on the executive. "Do I need to kneel, Lord Petrel?"

Petrel leaned forward slowly. "What if I tell you to?"

"Then I will kneel," Giovanni replied, his expression unchanging.

"Hahaha, you're an interesting one!" Petrel laughed, then waved a hand. "Stand— a young man should have some spirit. Unlike these spineless cowards."

Mondo began to sweat profusely. "Mercy, my lord!"

Petrel turned to the bald captain. "This is your subordinate, correct? Discipline him properly. Don't let him embarrass us."

The bald captain chuckled awkwardly. "Don't worry, Big Brother. Leave it to me." He rose, his face cold, and knocked Mondo unconscious with a single punch. He then dragged the fainted squad leader out, his eyes filled with a chilling anger.

Petrel glanced at the thin captain. "What are you still doing here? Are you waiting for an invitation to leave?"

The thin captain hastily rose. "I wouldn't dare, my lord! I'll leave now!" He also departed, his own eyes burning with a cold fury.

After they had all left, only Giovanni and Petrel remained, with the sleeping Weavile between them.

"It seems your subordinates aren't entirely loyal, my lord," Giovanni observed, having discerned the trickery.

"You are observant," Petrel said, not denying it.

"I just happened to notice," Giovanni replied, neither humbly nor arrogantly. Then, out of curiosity, he asked, "Aren't you afraid of being betrayed by subordinates like that?"

Petrel snorted. "They don't have what it takes. They're just tools. And remember this: in Team Rocket, no one is anyone's subordinate. We are all subordinates of the Boss."

Giovanni was surprised. This Petrel was different from the man Archer had described.

Petrel's insight was sharp. "What, you think I'm different from the rumors?"

Giovanni nodded. "The rumors say you are at odds with the Boss, that you strongly opposed this selection."

"That is correct," Petrel said, propping his chin on his hand. "I believe the next leader should be chosen from among Miyamoto and myself, not from a group of children. However, the Boss's word is law. Since she wants to do this, I can only agree."

He changed his tone, his voice becoming sharp. "But I will be the final judge. If the new leader who emerges from this trial is not capable, I will not hesitate to kill him myself."

"And if someone is capable?" Giovanni pressed.

Petrel's eyebrow raised slightly. "Then let them prove it by killing me. Only then will they gain the respect of the entire organization and sit firmly on the throne."

"Understood," Giovanni nodded.

Petrel looked deeply at him. "You are very confident, boy."

"No," Giovanni answered honestly. "But I will do whatever it takes to win, because I don't want to die. Besides, I must have potential, don't I? Otherwise, you wouldn't have called me here. How does my performance compare to the others?"

Petrel burst into laughter. "You are far more interesting than the other two. No wonder Miyamoto thinks highly of you. Arina and Arui lack your fortitude, your confidence."

"Thank you for the compliment." Giovanni said with a slight nod.

Petrel slowly stood up, his own powerful aura surging towards Giovanni, pressing down on him. "Do you really think you can lead Team Rocket?"

Giovanni's face turned pale under the terrifying pressure. He stumbled back a few steps, but he straightened his spine and met the executive's gaze without flinching.

"Does conquering the world count as the peak?" he asked. "If so, then yes."