Chapter 11: Resources
There was something about Giovanni's maturity—the faint, dangerous aura already forming around him, the careful weight of his words—that gave both the grunt and Hera pause. For a moment, they could almost see the shadow of a future leader, a dark giant capable of commanding the world from a high-backed chair.
This child is extraordinary, Hera thought. An orphan who had endured countless hardships and possessed a hidden, powerful talent... it was the perfect template for a legend.
Regaining her composure, Hera praised him. "I'm becoming more and more certain that you'll be the one to win this."
The grunt standing beside them looked at Giovanni's young, thin frame, his gaze flickering. Hera's judgment was respected within Team Rocket. If she felt this way, then Giovanni's chances were indeed high. If he could pledge allegiance to the future leader before he rose to power, becoming a trusted confidant from the very beginning... a promotion to an executive rank would be almost guaranteed.
However, it was still too early. While Giovanni had potential, nothing was certain. The grunt, a competent trainer in his own right, could easily crush the boy as he was now. For now, it was best to observe. Befriending him was a safe bet, but true allegiance would require more proof—a sign of that special quality that would guarantee his victory.
Giovanni had no idea of the complex calculations running through the grunt's mind. He simply thanked Hera for her praise. "Thank you for your trust, my lady. I will do my best."
Hera extended a slender, open hand towards him.
Giovanni, confused for a moment, almost placed his own hand in hers.
"Your ID card," the grunt explained quietly. "You need it to receive your resources."
Somewhat awkwardly, Giovanni handed his ID card to Hera.
Hera smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Little brother, what were you just thinking?"
"Nothing," Giovanni said, shaking his head a little too quickly. "Absolutely nothing."
"Today has been quite interesting," Hera chuckled, covering her mouth as she placed Giovanni's ID on a scanner. A beep sounded, and his information and allotted resources appeared on her computer screen.
"Alright, you are entitled to one month's worth of Pokémon food and two standard berries. By the way, what kind of Pokémon do you have?" As a high-ranking member, she had no reason to covet a recruit's Pokémon.
"A Bug and Poison-type," Giovanni answered honestly. "A Weedle."
The grunt's expression fell slightly. A Weedle? The potential of most Bug-types was notoriously low. The boy's chances might not be as high as he thought.
Hera, however, didn't seem to care. "A Weedle, is it? Evolves into a Beedrill... a fine combatant. I like you, kid. How about I give you some advice? Take it or leave it, it's up to you."
This was Giovanni's first time raising a Pokémon. He knew he was a novice. An offer of advice from a high-ranking member in charge of the very resources he needed was invaluable. "I would be grateful for any advice you could offer," he said.
Hera's smile widened. "Your Weedle is a dual-type. That means it requires both Poison and Bug-type food to reach its full potential. With your current allotment, you'd effectively be halving the resources for each type."
"If that continues," she explained, "it may never master either power."
Giovanni considered her words. It made perfect sense. "You're right. That's a problem. How can it be resolved?"
"As a new recruit, your berry allotment is limited, and their effects are minimal," Hera said patiently. "But if you were to exchange your two berries for the leaves from the berry trees... I could arrange for you to have a full month's supply. Wild Bug-types eat these leaves to enhance their power."
"This way, you would have a full month's supply of Poison-type food and a full month's supply of Bug-type food. The choice is yours."
Giovanni weighed the pros and cons. Hera had no reason to deceive him, and the logic was sound. He didn't answer immediately.
Hera watched him, pleased. If he had agreed instantly, she would have thought him foolish and overly trusting. His careful consideration was a mark of intelligence.
After a moment, Giovanni made up his mind. "I'll follow your advice. But will this cause any trouble for you, my lady?"
"A wise choice." Hera waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. Those leaves are usually just waste. Besides," she added with a wink, "I get to keep the two berries for myself."
It was a small lie. The leaves were occasionally requested by other grunts as treats for their Pokémon. And the two berries were insignificant to someone of her rank. She was simply putting him at ease. Giovanni knew this, but he played along.
"In any case, thank you very much, Lady Hera."
Hera disappeared into the back of the storeroom and returned a moment later with two packages, pushing them across the counter. "This is today's portion. For the remaining days, a delivery will be made to your room, along with your meals."
"Understood," Giovanni nodded.
"One last thing," Hera asked. "What kind of tools do you require for training?"
She was referring to the tools used to discipline unruly Pokémon—whips, muzzles, shock collars. Pokémon turning on their trainers was a common occurrence, especially in Team Rocket.
Giovanni understood immediately. "I trust my Weedle," he said, shaking his head. "I won't need anything like that."
The Poké Ball on his hip vibrated, a sign of his partner's approval.
Seeing his confidence, Hera didn't press the issue. Instead, she took a sharp, wicked-looking dagger from under the counter and placed it on the table. "If you don't need those, then take this instead. For self-defense. Better to be safe than sorry."
Giovanni didn't refuse. This was his by right. He took the dagger and secured it. "Thank you, my lady."
"You have everything," Hera said with a wave. "You may leave."
The grunt and Giovanni both nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
Just as they were turning to leave, Hera's voice stopped them. "I hope we have the chance to meet again, Giovanni. When you come stand before us as the successor of Team Rocket."
Giovanni turned back, a look of absolute certainty on his face.
"I will."