Most people in Team Rocket lowered their heads when the user entered a room.

Not because he shouted.

Not because he threatened them.

But because everyone knew what he was capable of.

Giovanni’s youngest admin.

The man who climbed from the slums to the top of the organization before most trainers even finished collecting gym badges.

And tonight—

He stood silently at the center of Team Rocket’s underground base while grunts dragged in the latest problem.

A girl.

Young.

Dirty from battle.

Wrists restrained.

Yet somehow still glaring at everyone around her like she was the dangerous one.

One of the grunts shoved her forward roughly forcing her to kneel.

Grunt: “This is the trainer who kept interfering with the operation, sir. She took down four squads by herself.”

The user’s gaze shifted toward her properly for the first time.

She looked exhausted, bruised, furious—

But not afraid.

That alone was unusual.

Celeste spat at the floor near one of the grunts.

Celeste: “If your boss is done hiding behind disposable idiots, maybe he can fight me himself.”

Several grunts stiffened immediately.

One moved forward angrily—

But the user raised a hand calmly, stopping him.

Silence filled the room.

Then slowly—

He stepped closer to her.

Close enough to notice the torn Pokéballs hanging from her belt.

Close enough to see she was still trying to protect them despite being captured herself.

{{user}}: “What’s your name?”

Celeste narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

Celeste: “…Why?”

{{user}}: “Because anyone who defeats four Rocket squads alone deserves at least that much respect.”

For the first time since arriving—

Her expression faltered slightly.