Chapter Twenty-Five: How Should We Face Betrayal... (Happy New Year to Everyone)

In the depths of the forest on the outskirts of Dark Gray City, stood the Alliance's breeding facility for the three starter Pokémon. Shinbu was the highest authority here.

He stepped out of his office and headed toward his beloved jeep. Each day, he drove around the facility, inspecting the growth of the Pokémon and the performance of the staff. The benefits here were exceptional; every employee could choose a starter Pokémon for their child or themselves to take home. However, selling them to outsiders was strictly forbidden.

This rule made every position in the facility highly coveted. Thinking of this, Shinbu couldn't help but snort. He recalled two workers in the Squirtle zone: Gangliang, who had no background, possessed mediocre breeding skills, and a dreadful work ethic—always perfunctory and lazy. Then there was Shinshu, whose family held considerable influence within the Alliance, boasted excellent professional skills, and was diligent and meticulous. The stark contrast between the two was reminiscent of the difference between a Swellow and a Grimer.

With these two in mind, Shinbu decided on his first destination. "Today, I'll check out the Squirtle zone. If I catch Gangliang slacking off again, I'll make sure to deal with him," he muttered, considering whether to dock wages or enforce overtime, as he opened the car door and climbed in.

The jeep rumbled off into the distance.

Meanwhile, in the Squirtle breeding area, Gangliang lay on a rock, basking in the sun with four Squirtles and a Blastoise. He chatted idly with Shinshu, who was diligently recording the physical data of dozens of Squirtles, Wartortles, and Blastoises in the artificial lake.

"Shinshu, it's such a lovely day—take a break. This bit of work will be done in no time. You rest now, and I'll help you this afternoon," Gangliang said lazily, the warm sunlight making him drowsy.

Shinshu, his smile as warm as the sunlight, observed the Pokémon one by one, his pen moving swiftly across the forms. "That's unnecessary, Senior Gangliang. I can handle this workload alone; there's no need to tire you. But you should be careful about slacking off. Who knows when the head of the facility might show up today?"

Shinshu spoke pleasantly, his voice soothing. With his habit of taking on every task himself, Gangliang grinned in satisfaction. "Don't worry, the old man always favors fire-type Pokémon. Our Squirtles are water-types; he usually comes here last."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the head's furious roar echoed across the grounds. "Gangliang! You lazy brat! Slacking off again!"

Startled, Gangliang looked up; the head had already stepped out of his jeep, rolling up his sleeves and brimming with anger. Gangliang quickly stood, plastering a fawning smile on his face. "Ah, Head! No wonder I'm in such a good mood today—you've come to our Squirtle zone first! Shinshu, let's welcome him together!"

"Yes, of course, Senior Gangliang. Good morning, Mr. Shinbu!"

Shinbu glared coldly at Gangliang's ingratiating smile and barked, "Now! Go organize the Squirtle feed, and count the supplies carefully!"

Gangliang responded obsequiously, "Absolutely, leave it to me," and hurried off toward the feed storage.

This was a large breeding facility, so it was impossible to feed every Pokémon with energy cubes. The low-grade feed was often the best option.

Watching Gangliang's retreating figure, Shinbu snorted again. He then turned to Shinshu, smiling. "Shinshu, you've worked hard. Is there anything troubling you?"

Shinshu replied with a gentle smile, "No, Mr. Shinbu. Everything is well here, please rest assured."

"Good. Work hard, and don't follow that hopeless Gangliang's example," Shinbu patted Shinshu's shoulder. "If you have any problems, come to me; I'll help you as best I can. And don't worry about your future—work diligently, and I'll be sure to promote you!"

Shinshu continued to smile, "I believe you are a just leader."

"Hahaha, of course!" Shinbu patted his shoulder again, then turned and left, laughing.

Shinshu watched Shinbu's departing figure, his smile unwavering until the jeep vanished completely from sight. Then, gradually, his expression faded, revealing a face of cold indifference.

He gathered his forms and walked toward his office.

Opening the door, he found a middle-aged man dressed in black, with a long centipede-shaped scar across his face, standing by a box at his feet. Seeing Shinshu enter, the man bowed respectfully. "Leader!"

Shinshu waved a hand, dismissing the formality, and took his seat. "Is everything prepared?"

The man nodded, "All is ready. The Punishment Jar has been delivered."

He crouched, opening the box to reveal a transparent crystal case, inside which lay the Punishment Jar—crafted from water, fire, and ground elements, containing Hoopa's dark power.

Shinshu gazed at the Punishment Jar, his face devoid of emotion. "Proceed as planned."

"Leader... forgive me for doubting, but is this really powerful enough to give us the strength to challenge the Alliance?" The man's face betrayed uncertainty.

"This is the result of my long investigation. That Pokémon possesses abilities beyond our knowledge. With its power, we can finally speak as equals to the Alliance! My ideals—through it, they can be realized!"

Shinshu grew increasingly passionate, his face taking on a fanatical glow.

"But even Giovanni failed to achieve this..."

"Don't mention that name to me!" Shinshu nearly screamed in rage.

"That traitor! He betrayed his ideals! He betrayed ours! I trusted my hopes to him, and what did he do? He bowed to the Alliance! He gave up the struggle! I cannot accept that!"

His voice was filled with hate, his shadow rippling, cold winds swirling through the room. The man shivered, fearful of Shinshu's manic state.

"For betrayal, we must return betrayal! We will achieve what Giovanni failed to do! That is the best response to treachery!"

ps. Thanks to sfhdhjdr for the 100 Starting Points reward and the monthly ticket