I am Giovanni

Chapter 56: Initiatives and Shortcomings

"Boss, you wanted to see me?" Archer pushed open the door Giovanni had left ajar for him, entered, and locked it again.

Giovanni sat on the sofa and pointed to the box on the table. "Yes. That is for you."

Archer walked over, his heart beating rapidly. He opened the box. Inside was the poison sac from a senior-level Pokémon. "This is...?"

"It's for you," Giovanni said casually. "Your Arbok's potential isn't very high. Without resources, its growth is too slow."

Archer quickly closed the box. "No, I absolutely cannot accept this. You need resources to improve your own strength right now. How can I hold you back?"

Giovanni lightly clapped his hands, and his Beedrill flew out from the bedroom. "Do you think I need to be afraid of those other two?" he asked, a hint of a smirk on his face. He then continued, his tone becoming serious. "I don't want my subordinates to fall too far behind me. A weak follower is of little use. You understand what the consequences of that are, don't you?"

Archer was silent for a moment, then nodded vigorously. "I understand, Boss. I don't want that."

Giovanni got up and patted his shoulder. "Good. Then take it. And strive to keep up with my pace. After all, you are my first confidant."

"Yes, Boss!" Archer replied, his eyes filled with a new determination. "I definitely won't let you down!"

"Go," Giovanni said with a wave of his hand. "I'll be waiting for your good news."

— — —

A month passed in a flash.

During this time, besides his daily training, Giovanni was also assigned one-on-one classes, with dedicated sparring partners to help him hone his skills. The intensity of his training had increased significantly. He was quite busy.

In an empty training ground, Giovanni commanded his Pokémon. In the past month, thanks to the high-quality food, which contained enormous energy, his team had grown much stronger.

Beedrill had jumped three levels to 23 and learned the move Venoshock.

Machop had also increased by three levels, reaching level 20 and breaking through to the intermediate stage, learning Scary Face in the process.

And Nidorino, still flush with energy from the powerful item it had absorbed, had jumped four levels, catching up to Machop. It had also learned Toxic Spikes. Its newfound power had made it arrogant for a while, but a quick and decisive beating from Beedrill had put it back in its place.

In the training ground, the three Pokémon were engaged in a fierce battle.

Clang, clang!

Beedrill swung its stingers in a blur of afterimages, using Fury Attack to completely deflect the Poison Sting moves used by Nidorino. Its powerful aura spread out, suppressing both Nidorino and Machop. Giovanni did not participate in their practice battle; everything depended on them.

Because Beedrill's strength was superior, it was usually a one-on-two match. While Nidorino attracted its attention, Machop suddenly leaped high, appearing behind Beedrill. It clapped its hands forcefully, striking its opponent with a powerful Knock Off.

Beedrill winced in pain as it was knocked from the air. As soon as it stabilized itself, the Nidorino charged forward, using its large horn to launch a furious Horn Attack. Beedrill crossed its stingers, blocking the assault, while at the same time using Focus Energy to boost its own power.

Nidorino panicked, knowing something bad was about to happen. Sure enough, Beedrill suddenly exerted its strength, flipping the Nidorino away. It followed up with a series of devastating Fury Cutter moves. The Nidorino was pushed back, and after a final, heavy blow, it collapsed to the ground, its ability to battle gone.

Just then, Machop rushed over and used Payback— but Beedrill was too fast. Its wings vibrated slightly, and it flew up, instantly dodging the attack. From mid-air, it launched a series of Poison Stings at the Machop below. Thanks to Giovanni's focus on its agility, the Machop was fast enough to dodge them all.

But Giovanni just shook his head with a smile. Beedrill's attack was not random. When the Machop was forced into a specific position, Beedrill immediately used String Shot. Extremely tough white silk instantly wrapped around its body, binding it firmly.

The Machop struggled wildly, its immense strength managing to break the silk bit by bit, but by then, it was too late. Beedrill was already prepared, a powerful Venoshock charged and ready to descend.

"Alright, stop," Giovanni said, waving his hand. "Beedrill still wins."

Beedrill immediately ceased its attack. The Machop, having just broken free, and the Nidorino, having just recovered, looked at their teammate with a mixture of frustration and respect. They had lost to Beedrill countless times, but their desire to become stronger never diminished.

"Come on," Giovanni waved to them. "Let me help you relax. It's a new technique I just learned."

The three Pokémon exchanged glances. The clever Beedrill and Nidorino immediately took a step back, leaving the slower-reacting Machop to accept its fate. As Giovanni approached it, after a few moments, a piercing scream echoed through the training ground. "Chiya!"

The scream was so tragic that Beedrill and Nidorino shrank into a corner, terrified.

After Giovanni finished "helping" the Machop relax, he showed a kind smile to the other two. "Come on, it's your turn."

They both decisively shook their heads.

Giovanni looked at the Machop lying on the ground with tears in its eyes and rubbed his head helplessly. "It seems I'm really not suited to be a breeder."

The three Pokémon nodded vigorously.

"I'll have to find a dedicated breeder in the future," Giovanni sighed. "What a hassle. I thought my skill level would be very high with the power of Viridian's bonus." He waved to the other two. "Come over here. I won't massage you. I'll just use my power to help you recover your stamina, alright?"

Only then did the two dare to approach. Meanwhile, the Machop, still lying on the ground, had tears soaking the floor.

So, I just suffered for nothing?