Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [500]

While August was arranging tasks for Malva, Ghetsis had returned to Team Plasma’s base with his subordinates.

Following his instructions, the grunts immediately set to work orchestrating a smear campaign against August, aiming to tie up his attention and prevent him from interfering further.

Yet, their efforts met resistance right from the first step.

"What did you say? The major newspapers refuse to publish negative stories about August because it's 'against their journalistic ethics'?" Ghetsis stared incredulously at his subordinate, clearly thinking this was some sort of joke.

Perhaps others might be fooled—but him? Wasn’t this laughable?

Team Plasma paid these media companies handsome annual sums for PR. And now these same companies dared to claim journalistic integrity?

Something was definitely off. Previously, these outlets had been more than willing to cooperate when they orchestrated a smear against Alder. That campaign had thoroughly shattered Alder's confidence, turning the Champion into a wandering recluse and neutralizing him as a threat to Team Plasma.

In return, the media had enjoyed hefty PR funds, boosted readership, and abundant publicity. It had been a perfect win-win scenario.

Now, when targeting August, all they had to do was replicate the same strategy. They stood to make substantial profits by merely tapping at keyboards—Ghetsis simply couldn't fathom why they'd refuse.

Considering this, Ghetsis assumed he knew their typical tactic. "Is the money not enough? Tell them we can pay more!"

Team Plasma certainly didn't lack funds.

His subordinate smiled bitterly. "I'm afraid it's not that simple. The moment they heard we intended to smear August, they hung up without even waiting for an offer."

Now Ghetsis was truly baffled.

Who in this world didn’t want to earn money? Had these unscrupulous journalists suddenly regrown consciences?

Seeing Ghetsis's confusion, the subordinate hesitantly added, "Actually, a friend in the media privately mentioned something to me. Perhaps this is the reason they're declining us…"

"Speak!"

"There's a rumor circulating in the industry—someone from Lumiose Press in Kalos asked August a couple extra questions during a World Championship press conference, and August had him forcibly removed on the spot."

"That's it?"

"There’s more," the subordinate continued. "About a month ago, the chief editor of Lumiose Press was arrested for allegedly colluding with Team Flare and manipulating public opinion. He got a heavy sentence, at least ten years."

"Everyone suspects it was August's retaliation, so…"

The subordinate trailed off, but Ghetsis understood immediately.

"So they're too afraid August will hold a grudge, and now refuse to publish anything negative about him?" Ghetsis’s eye twitched irritably.

Why does August behave even more vindictively than we do, almost like he’s the criminal mastermind here? Someone asked him a couple extra questions, and he got their entire publishing house shut down?

Reflecting on this, Ghetsis reluctantly admitted to himself—if he worked in media, he'd probably avoid antagonizing August as well.

Realizing this, Ghetsis immediately abandoned the idea of bribing mainstream media. Yet, while one path was blocked, it wouldn't stop his plans. Traditional media might still have some influence, but social networks and independent platforms now dominated public opinion.

"Tell our social media teams to post negative messages about August, and get our people to spread them," Ghetsis instructed promptly.

Team Plasma might not have much else—but they definitely had numbers. Years of advocating Pokémon liberation had brought in plenty of new members. They might be terrible at stealing Pokémon, but they were certainly capable of posting comments online.

"And what should we write exactly…?" asked a subordinate.

"Claim August forces his Pokémon into exhausting labor against their will, exploiting them," Ghetsis sneered coldly.

Accusations of oppression were nearly impossible to disprove objectively—and Pokémon couldn't speak. Even if August had a hundred mouths, he wouldn't be able to clearly refute such claims.

The subordinate swiftly recorded the orders, and soon Team Plasma’s extensive network began posting messages online…

But within minutes—

"Lord Ghetsis! All our posts are failing to send!" a subordinate rushed back anxiously.

"What? Why?" Ghetsis furrowed his brow deeply, snatching the tablet from the grunt’s hands.

How could they fail at merely posting online?

He tapped "send" again—and then froze at the sudden notification that popped up:

[Your account has been banned for violating relevant laws and regulations.]

Ghetsis stared at the tablet, his expression instantly turning stiff.

It wasn't just this one account. Every single account attempting to publish negative content about August was swiftly and systematically banned.

His face flushed a dark red, teeth grinding audibly before finally growling out a single word in frustration:

"August…!"

What kind of "hero" abuses his authority this blatantly? Can't you just quietly accept slander like Alder did?

...

While Ghetsis cursed August through clenched teeth, August received cheerful news from Malva:

[Pink-Haired_Anchorwoman]: Team Plasma just tried bribing the media and posting negatively about you online. I’ve intercepted all of it.

Inside Striaton Gym, August glanced at White and Black, who were preparing for the Gym challenge, and typed a reply.

[GardevoirSupremacy]: You must’ve had a tough time persuading your colleagues. If you need PR funds, just ask Blue.

August knew perfectly well how the media operated. Convincing them to abandon juicy gossip wasn't easy.

[Pink-Haired_Anchorwoman]: Actually, it wasn’t hard at all—no money involved.

[GardevoirSupremacy]: …What do you mean?

Did Unova’s media suddenly develop a conscience?

[Pink-Haired_Anchorwoman]: When I contacted the media here, as soon as they heard your name, they refused to even consider accepting money!

August had a sinking feeling.

[GardevoirSupremacy]: …What do you mean "refused"?

[Pink-Haired_Anchorwoman]: You didn't know? After the incident with the Lumiose Press editor, your reputation in media circles is terrifying. Now everyone avoids upsetting you at all costs. LOL

[GardevoirSupremacy]: …

Slander! Absolute slander!

The Lumiose Press editor went to jail for colluding with Lysandre—it had nothing to do with him!

Malva stared gleefully at the ellipses August sent back, easily picturing his expression. Reclining on her sofa, she laughed quietly to herself, causing Sabrina to stare at her in confusion.

Has this woman finally lost it?

After calming himself down, August decided it didn't matter. He was innocent, after all, and besides, no one would dare spread these ridiculous rumors openly.

[GardevoirSupremacy]: And how about the social media situation?

[Pink-Haired_Anchorwoman]: All of Team Plasma's social media accounts have been banned through keyword restrictions.

Seeing Malva's reply, August felt immensely satisfied. Having authority was truly enjoyable—especially at times like these. He could vividly imagine Ghetsis's furious, defeated expression.

Feeling playful, he asked another question.

[GardevoirSupremacy]: Out of curiosity, how exactly was Ghetsis planning to smear me?

As the winner, he didn't mind savoring the defeated party’s futile rage.

[Pink-Haired_Anchorwoman]: You really want to hear it?

[GardevoirSupremacy]: Of course.

[Pink-Haired_Anchorwoman]: (Image attached)
[Pink-Haired Anchorwoman]: Honestly, I don’t think he even made anything up—he just listed stuff you've actually done. LOL

[GardevoirSupremacy]: ...

When she'd first joined the International Police, Malva had maintained some restraint due to her former ties with Team Flare—but now, her mischievous side was fully revealed.

Seeing August's silent ellipses, Malva laughed openly.

Unable to resist curiosity, Sabrina finally leaned over. "What’s so funny?"

Generously, Malva handed her the phone. Moments later, Sabrina joined her laughter.

...

Initially, August had worried he'd crossed a line by banning Team Plasma’s social media accounts. But seeing the content they’d tried to spread, he felt it wasn't nearly enough.

Ignoring Mew’s tail dangling in front of him, August called Lusamine.

"Darling, you finally called!" Lusamine’s voice mixed delight with playful reproach.

Hearing her call him "darling," August felt another headache coming on.

Does anyone normal even exist around me?

But now wasn't the time to argue over nicknames. "I need your help with something," he said urgently.

"Anything, darling!" Lusamine happily replied, pleased that August hadn't corrected her this time.

August briefly explained Team Plasma’s latest scheme.

Lusamine’s voice turned dangerous. "Shall I send Aether Foundation members to eliminate Team Plasma?"

Thanks to their recent research on Ultra Beasts captured during battles with Team Rocket, plus the paradox Pokémon captured from Area Zero, Aether Foundation’s strength had grown considerably.

She wasn't bluffing.

"No—no need for that," August quickly interjected, surprised by her fierce response.

Though touched by her protectiveness, he intended to handle Team Plasma himself. Besides, relying on Lusamine would make him feel like he was freeloading.

Lusamine respected his decision immediately—after all, a good wife trusted her husband’s judgment.

"I just need you to have Aether Foundation criticize Team Plasma’s so-called Pokémon liberation ideology publicly and expose their hypocrisy," August requested calmly.

Compared to Team Plasma, Aether Foundation had a stellar track record in Pokémon welfare.

Who else had protected endangered Lapras so effectively that they’d become overly abundant? Team Plasma couldn't do anything remotely similar.

In Lusamine’s capable hands, Team Plasma would suffer a severe blow right in their area of supposed expertise.

Lusamine smiled confidently. "Leave it to me, darling!"

Ending the call, August smiled faintly, turning his attention back to White’s ongoing Gym battle.

This round, Tepig successfully landed [Flame Charge] against Cress's Panpour, securing victory.

As White celebrated enthusiastically, Zinnia sighed with relief, thrusting a victorious fist into the air.

Now she could continue fighting alongside Lord Rayquaza!

---

This is a fan translation of 我，宝可梦称号大师！ by 落唯 白良. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!