I am Giovanni

Chapter 103: Planting a Seed

The first night of the journey passed uneventfully. The Golden Beauty slowly followed behind the S.S. Anne, sailing smoothly through the waves. To be fair, Matisse was an excellent navigator, and the small boat was quite stable.

Inside his room, Giovanni looked at his four Pokémon, helping them adjust their bodies bit by bit with the power of Viridian. Neither the Nidorino nor the Machoke were ready for their next evolution.

They still need further improvement. Besides, Giovanni didn't have a top-grade Moon Stone, and research on trade or friendship evolutions hadn't even emerged yet. The Persian and the Beedrill, however, had already reached their final stages.

He only needed to prepare resources that provided a large amount of energy for them to allow their already excellent potential to break through again.

"There isn't enough space for training, so all of you need to focus on the energies within your bodies and break through your limits."

The four of them nodded, crawling to the four corners of the cabin, diligently absorbing their own energy. They were also his most loyal guards; only they could be fully trusted.

— — —

The next morning, Surge's voice rang from outside the door. "Giovanni, it's time to eat."

The door slowly opened, and Giovanni emerged— all four Pokémon had returned to their Poké Balls.

"This is today's breakfast," Surge said, holding up a tray. Though the food was simple, it was exquisite and clean, indicating they had put a lot of effort into it.

"Thank you for your hard work," Giovanni said, taking it.

"It's no trouble at all!" Surge waved his hands, somewhat flattered. "Let me know when you're done eating, and I'll come clean up."

Giovanni gently tapped the Poké Ball at his waist, and his Machoke emerged, taking the tray from him.

"It's a Machoke!" Surge said, a little surprised and somewhat envious. "It looks strong!"

Giovanni's eyes fixed on him. "Interested in my Machoke?"

"No, no!" Surge nodded, then vigorously shook his head. "You're a strong trainer. I just aspire to be one."

"Don't be nervous," Giovanni said, gently placing his hand on the boy's shoulder. He then asked, "Do you have any thoughts about becoming a trainer yourself?"

At this, Surge replied with some dejection. "I do, but I don't have enough money for either the registration fee or to buy a Pokémon Egg." Despite his young age, he was prematurely mature.

"They all say that after the Alliance was established, everyone has a chance to become a trainer and change their lives— but the reality..." He thought he might have said something wrong and quickly waved his hands.

"Oh... uh, it's not like that! Actually, the Alliance is quite good. For example... they've brought up someone excellent like you."

"The Alliance?" Giovanni waved his hand, his tone disdainful. "Who said I relied on them? They're blind to the plight and suffering of those beneath them. It's sickening."

Surge had thought his own slip of the tongue was rebellious, but he didn't expect Giovanni to be even more ruthless. "Giovanni, please don't say such things. If these words get out, it will cause big trouble."

Giovanni didn't answer him. He just stared at the boy with a blade-like gaze. "If you want to become a trainer, I can help you." He leaned in slightly. "A world apathetic to the dreams of the proletariat needs the strong to set them."

Under his gaze, Surge felt flustered. He quickly waved his hands. "No, no, how can I trouble you."

"I will leave the opportunity for you," Giovanni said, giving him a deep look. "I hope you cherish it well." He then turned and walked into his room, the door slowly closing, leaving Surge standing outside, his mind filled with thoughts.

On one side was the life he aspired to, someone who could influence others. On the other was a down-and-out sailor boy on an unknown small boat. He tightly clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

Inside, Giovanni sat quietly on a chair, observing the constantly changing energy outside the door with the power of Viridian— a slight smile played on his lips. The Persian raised its head and gently rubbed against his palm; he casually fed it its breakfast.

The seed had been planted. There would certainly be a harvest. It was just a matter of time.

Throughout that day, because of Giovanni's words, Surge was in a daze. Matisse also noticed his abnormality and, connecting it with everything that had happened, had some judgment in his heart.

He was an understanding person; he wouldn't hold the boy back for his own sake. He walked over seriously and patted Surge's shoulder. "No matter what decision you make, I will support you unconditionally."

He glanced at the busy young men. "Don't worry about them. With me here, they will absolutely not starve. I've even decided to quit drinking. You can rest assured."

"I still can't just leave like this..." Surge gritted his teeth.

"Oh, you," Matisse sighed, feeling a bit like he was failing him. "With an opportunity like this, you should seize it! Never let it go! This is reality! If I had such an opportunity, I would grasp it firmly. As for you all, I can abandon you anytime!"

"I don't believe you." Surge said firmly to his captain.