The beginning of an eternal friendship

Giovanni was momentarily surprised before nodding.

"I don't care for good and evil. Benefits are what interest me. I don't do something that has no benefit for me in it. that includes monetary gain, strength or manpower. Anything that can be of benefit to me I will get.

But I also wanted to help those who weren't fortunate enough to live well. Since I know what it's like to live in poverty most of my life until the age of 23 when I got my first job as a janitor at a company.

I slowly learn by overhearing conversations for the next two years before quitting and becoming a trainer. I realised that I had a way with people. They felt comfortable around me. This allowed me to find new ways of training my Pokémon, to make unfair trades where I ended up with a better Pokémon.

But when I got to the league I was destroyed in the finals, prying the golden throne of champion away from me. I tried again and again for another two years before eventually giving up. I knew I just wasn't talented enough to bring out the full power of my Pokémon.

I realised that the one thing I had a talent for, and a lot of it, was for business. So, I focused on creating my own company. But I realised that I needed ideas and even if I had them what would make my product special, how would I make a name for myself? And this all led back to the league and my failure.

So, I opted for the 'dark path'. Since I couldn't do it the legit way, I gathered people who were having a hard time and made them into criminals by pushing them to act out on their unhappiness. We started small, but slowly we grew. I corrupted more and more individuals using my way with people and eventually built the small empire I have today.

I have eyes and ears everywhere. I have people in the league that tell me things. I know information from other regions. I was slowly becoming the underworld king of Kanto.

But I strayed from my initial dream. I always wanted to be famous, to walk into the public and hold a press conference revealing my newest product. To have a big speech at the trainer school motivating the next generation. I wanted to be a household name.

But I ended up becoming a person who blackmails someone to get what he wants. Someone who has to do everything possible to hold the little power they have. I cannot return to being someone with nothing, I would rather die."

Silence fell on the room as both parties stared into each other's eyes. Giovanni had a solemn expression on his face as his eyes flashed with determination. The determination to do anything necessary to stay on top.

"So, what do you want?" Rex asked, breaking the silence.

"I want to merge team rocket with your up and coming business. You would need manpower, and that would take a lot of time to recruit and amass. This way, you get it instantly, and I get to finally live my dream."

Rex caressed his chin while looking at Giovanni, "sure. After all, your words hold some truth, I have already started the hiring process, but I haven't gotten far. I'm sure you have capable people for certain things. They will have a place in my company. But what I wonder, is what you want. What place do you want in my company?" he asked with a smile.

Giovanni smiled, "that's obvious. I am the only person qualified to run the company while you're away. After all, being a champion is incredibly demanding. You cannot be there all the time. So, while you're the owner of the company, I'm more of a CEO of sorts. I think I am more than qualified for the job." He said confidently.

Rex nodded slightly, "I'm inclined to give this a shot. If it doesn't work then don't expect to keep your job. As for your lackeys, if they aren't up for the task they will be fired as well. I want to run a business not a charity." Rex said sternly.

Giovanni smiled widely, "that's enough. I gave them the opportunity for something great; it is on them to grab into it with both hands. But me being fired will never be a possibility."

Rex grinned, "I like your confidence, I wouldn't want a timid CEO making decisions for my company. For now, we will keep things the way they are. My partner will give you the blueprint for the company to be. You are to prepare what they give you. Don't stray off of it."

Giovanni arched his brow slightly, "who are they? If you don't mind me asking," he spoke with curiosity.

Rex smiled and gazed up at the cameras in the corner of the room. This prompted Giovanni to follow his line of sight as Rex's voice sounded out again.

"All you need to know is that they can see everything you do. From when you take a shit to when you sleep. You are as good as naked in their eyes. Their name… Gaia."

Giovanni's eyes widened as he turned to Rex, "the hacker that scared Spade into full-blown paranoia." He responded.

Rex nodded, "that's the one. No one in the world can ever track them down no matter how hard they try. The reason I'm telling you this is so you know your limits. Gaia is always watching and by extension, so am I. Do your job well, and your dream will be given to you on a silver platter. Is that clear?" he asked.

Giovanni didn't hesitate and extended a hand out with a genuine smile on his face, "let's show the world our ability. One champion, one businessman, one colossal company."

Rex grinned and shook his hand, "to a happy co-operation."

"Oh! By the way, what's the name of the company?" Giovanni asked curiously.

Rex smiled slightly at the question, "Symphony" he responded.