Pokémon: Starting with a Bound Entry System

Chapter 240: The Deal with Team Rocket

"Relax, kid. I know there was a little misunderstanding between you and Team Rocket before, but that was all Athena's personal actions."

"That had nothing to do with Team Rocket as a whole. In fact, the organization has already given her a severe punishment."

Randa spoke with a fake smile.

Hikaru remained on guard.

A Team Rocket Elite Trainer wouldn't seek him out without a reason.

As for Randa's words—

Hikaru dismissed them as complete nonsense.

A high-ranking Rocket officer like Athena wouldn't have acted without orders from above.

Lies meant to fool a child at best.

Besides, from what Hikaru knew—

Randa wasn't even one of Team Rocket's Four Heavenly Kings.

So, why was he here?

Was he after his Pokémon again?

The thought flashed through Hikaru's mind, but he quickly forced himself to stay composed.

Showing weakness was not an option.

He let out a cold laugh.

"Heh… How unfortunate. A massive organization like Team Rocket, and yet you can't even control your own dogs?"

"Or… are all of Team Rocket's dogs just this disobedient?"

Randa's eye twitched.

He hadn't expected such a sharp response.

Though angered, he kept his composure.

"Come now, no need for hostility."

"Then cut the nonsense. What do you want?"

Seeing that his deception wasn't working, Randa sighed and got straight to the point.

"You misunderstand, Hikaru. Team Rocket has always been at the forefront of Pokémon research. Particularly in areas like evolutionary theory and genetic modification."

"I'll be direct—"

"I'm very interested in your Charizard."

"Would you be willing to trade a vial of its blood?"

Hikaru narrowed his eyes.

He could see it—

The burning desire in Randa's gaze.

So, he's a researcher after all…

"I can offer money, power, even inside information. Anything you desire, as long as it's within Team Rocket's reach."

"Even Athena—"

"I can personally deliver her to you."

"Don't underestimate Team Rocket's resources."

The more Randa spoke, the more excited he became.

Ever since Athena's failure, Team Rocket had been obsessed with Hikaru's Charizard.

The white flames were one thing, but the incredible regeneration ability was what they truly wanted.

Their ultimate goal—

To replicate those abilities and fuse them into Mewtwo's genetic structure.

With Mew's DNA, the project was already progressing rapidly.

Now, all they needed was another energy source to take Mewtwo to the next level.

And Charizard's unique properties were perfect.

With this, they could create a Pokémon as strong as a Legendary.

However—

Before Randa could continue,

A sharp, high-pitched cry interrupted him.

"Hmm~!"

Latias had returned.

She wasn't alone.

Gardevoir had teleported with her, arriving at Hikaru's side.

The moment they appeared, Latias' golden eyes locked onto Randa.

She let out a low growl, her body language tense and wary.

"Gardevoir!"

The moment she sensed danger, Gardevoir activated Protect.

A barrier of pure white energy enveloped Hikaru.

Even though they didn't know who this man was—

They knew Hikaru was in danger.

Hikaru didn't hesitate.

"Not interested. Get lost."

His tone was cold and unwavering.

Dealing with Team Rocket was like making a deal with the devil.

One wrong move—

And he'd be dragged into the abyss.

The power and wealth Randa promised meant nothing to him.

And from the way Randa smiled, it was clear—

He had already anticipated Hikaru's refusal.

"Well, well… You're really not tempted at all?"

Randa sighed dramatically.

"If you're sure… I won't push it."

Hikaru didn't let his guard down for even a second.

Trying to kidnap him wouldn't work.

Latias and Gardevoir were too fast.

If Randa tried to trap him like Athena had, it would only fail again.

And Team Rocket—

They couldn't afford another major failure in China.

Too much attention.

Too much risk.

Still, Randa made one last attempt.

"This is just a trade, Hikaru. Surely, you don't have to reject it outright."

"Team Rocket has agents all over the world."

"If there's something you want… something you need…"

"We can provide it."

Hikaru's eyebrow twitched.

"Oh?"

That got his attention.

"Of course. All we ask for is a small sample of Charizard's blood."

Randa smiled, sensing an opportunity.

Hikaru pulled out a notepad and a pencil from his backpack.

Without a word, he handed them to Gardevoir.

She instantly understood.

Using Psychic, the pencil floated above the paper and began drawing.

Her movements were precise and fast.

In less than a minute, a detailed sketch appeared—

The Plate of Normalcy.

A stone tablet, one of Arceus' Elemental Plates.

Hikaru tossed the paper to Randa.

"Find me this."

"If you bring me one of these tablets, then we can talk."

This was one of his System's objectives.

And the System never took back the Plates once acquired.

Instead, it rewarded him with long-term bonuses.

Rather than searching alone—

Why not let Team Rocket do the work?

Randa examined the drawing, unable to figure out its significance.

Still—

If it meant getting Charizard's blood,

Then it was worth it.

"…Fine."

He agreed immediately.

Then, cautiously, he asked—

"But before that… Can I at least take a small sample—"

"No."

Hikaru cut him off instantly.

His tone was firm.

Randa's eye twitched again.

No one had ever spoken to him like this.

Even Team Rocket's Boss treated him with respect.

This brat…

If the situation were different—

He would have torn Hikaru apart.

But now was not the time.

"…Alright."

"Then, I look forward to our next meeting."

Randa smirked, his eyes flashing with malice.

With a wave of his hand,

His Murkrow let out a soft caw—

And a cloud of black mist enveloped them.

The next second—

Randa and Murkrow vanished.

Hikaru immediately scanned the area with Aura.

Only after confirming Randa was gone did he relax.

"Phew…"

Facing a Team Rocket Elite wasn't easy.

Unlike Athena, who was brute force,

Randa was insidious.

His Aura Sense had fluctuated the entire time—

From orange to red, then briefly to black, before settling back to orange.

That meant—

He had considered attacking.

But ultimately, he had held back.

"Hmm…" (He was really bad news…)

Latias shuddered beside him.

She still remembered what Team Rocket had done on the ship.

"Don't worry, Gardevoir…"

Hikaru was about to ask for Time Rewind—

But at that moment—

Marshadow emerged from Rochan's shadow.

"Marsha…"

It stared at Hikaru—

Its true intentions still a mystery.

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