Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [440]

Malva never expected her status as a Team Flare member to be casually exposed by an unknown stranger.

Her expression changed drastically, shock mixing with confusion. Her relationship with Team Flare was supposed to be highly confidential—only Lysandre and a few senior executives were aware of it. How had this information leaked?

Meanwhile, on the other end of the call, Looker was silently impressed by the accuracy of August’s intel. Not forgetting his mission, he drew on past experiences interrogating criminals and quickly adopted a convincing villainous persona.

“What do we want? Just a little chat about cooperation, Ms. Malva,” Looker said smoothly.

Malva regained her composure, coldly retorting, “Cooperation...? Who exactly are you?”

Though she sensed no sincerity in their offer, the fact that the other side hadn’t immediately exposed her to the League meant there was still room for negotiation.

“Us? Since you asked so earnestly... We’re Team Rocket!”

Malva was dumbstruck.

“...Team Rocket?”

---

When ‘Giovanni’ teleported into the hotel room holding ‘Meowth,’ Sabrina glanced up from her afternoon tea with Blue.

“How did things go, August?”

‘Giovanni’ raised an eyebrow dramatically. “You’ve mistaken me. I’m Giovanni! Not that handsome, powerful fellow August!”

Sabrina and Blue both stared at him blankly.

“Are you having fun?” Sabrina asked flatly.

“I don’t understand what you mean. I’m here to eliminate traitors from Team Rocket!” ‘Giovanni’ growled theatrically.

Seeing August becoming increasingly absorbed in his role, Blue quietly opened a snack box. Instantly, ‘Meowth’ reverted to its original form, transforming into Mew and leaping straight into Blue’s arms.

“...” ‘Giovanni’ deflated instantly.

August stared at Mew, happily cradling the box of treats, and shook his head in mock despair.

“Mew…you sold me out for a single snack box?”

Mew playfully stuck out its tongue, wearing a blissful expression.

With his partner’s cover blown, August reverted to his original form, changing clothes as he finally answered Sabrina’s earlier question.

“I’ve successfully made contact with Looker.”

Sabrina raised an eyebrow. “You met Looker disguised as Giovanni?”

Sitting comfortably, August accepted a cup of tea from Gardevoir, nodding proudly. “Exactly!”

What exactly was there to be proud of?

Sabrina resisted the urge to roll her eyes, deciding to listen quietly. August might be mischievous, but he never did anything meaningless.

“I had Looker pretend to be a Team Rocket executive and approach Malva, proposing an alliance between Team Rocket and Team Flare.”

“You’re trying to get criminal evidence against Team Flare this way?” Blue quickly grasped August’s plan.

“Precisely!” August nodded approvingly at Blue’s sharpness.

“But what if Malva refuses to cooperate with Team Rocket?” Blue questioned further.

August took a leisurely sip of tea, smiling faintly. “Then we’ll let her experience the thrill of exposure!”

---

At the same time August was chatting with Blue and Sabrina, Malva’s conversation with Looker had reached an impasse.

After Looker revealed himself as Team Rocket, Malva immediately rejected the proposal.

She had no interest whatsoever in allying with Team Rocket. And she was sure Lysandre would feel the same way.

Although both organizations were criminal, she firmly believed Team Flare was fundamentally different from the purely profit-driven Team Rocket. Team Flare had ideals—crime was merely their means.

Looker hadn’t anticipated her outright refusal. “Aren’t you afraid your connection to Team Flare will be exposed?”

Without realizing it, his voice took on an increasingly villainous edge.

After her initial panic, Malva was completely composed.

She replied with mock amusement, “When did I ever admit to being a Team Flare executive?”

“My earlier reaction was merely an act to draw out your intentions.”

As a seasoned news anchor, leaving no openings for others to exploit was second nature to her. Surprisingly, this professional habit had saved her now.

Looker quickly reviewed their conversation, realizing Malva indeed never explicitly admitted her identity. He was momentarily stunned by her cunning.

Unlike the straightforward Galaxy Team members he’d previously encountered, Malva truly exemplified a “high-IQ criminal.”

Yet he couldn’t let August’s carefully laid plans fall apart here. August had specifically instructed him to secure cooperation with Team Flare.

After a brief hesitation, Looker spoke firmly, “Do you know August?”

Malva’s hand froze, about to hang up. “You mean…the International Police officer, August?”

Internally, Looker apologized to August.

Sorry for borrowing your name, but I need to complete this mission!

“Yes, precisely. Surely Team Flare knows by now…August has arrived in Kalos.”

Malva: “…”

Not only did they know—she’d personally welcomed him upon arrival.

“What if I told August about you? Ms. Malva, I’m sure you don’t want Team Flare becoming his next target…”

Malva bit her lip in silence. The longer her silence dragged, the more obvious her unease became.

Finally, after a prolonged pause, she spoke again.

“What exactly do you want?”

“Nothing complicated. Boss Giovanni simply wishes to meet Team Flare’s leader face-to-face,” Looker calmly explained.

The casual implication in his words stunned Malva. “Giovanni is in Kalos?”

Team Flare had extensive surveillance throughout Kalos. How had Giovanni slipped in unnoticed?

Before she could voice her suspicion, an alert appeared on her phone.

[Suspected Team Rocket leader Giovanni sighted in Lumiose City. All Team Flare members, remain vigilant…]

Malva: “…”

...

Caught off guard by Giovanni’s sudden appearance, Malva vaguely indicated she’d need to discuss with Lysandre first.

Not that she was frightened of Giovanni, but with Lysandre’s plan nearing completion, she needed clarity about Giovanni’s purpose in Kalos.

“…That’s the situation, Boss,” Malva explained carefully to Lysandre, recounting the entire conversation.

Lysandre fell silent for a long moment. Not only was August in Kalos—now Giovanni had appeared too, requesting a meeting.

He had never personally interacted with Giovanni, but out of mutual respect as criminal masterminds, Lysandre kept himself well-informed about Giovanni’s recent activities, including his defeat by August in Alola.

Giovanni, previously missing, had suddenly appeared on his turf, arriving just after August.

Lysandre suspected Giovanni’s intentions involved August.

After careful consideration, Lysandre instructed, “Accept the meeting.”

Though wary of complications, he preferred to avoid becoming collateral damage due to Giovanni’s schemes.

“Understood, Boss,” Malva acknowledged.

Neither Lysandre nor Malva entertained the possibility that “Giovanni” could actually be August in disguise.

Ridiculous—this was Giovanni, after all!

At that moment, the real Giovanni—still imprisoned beneath the Kanto Branch—sneezed unexpectedly, interrupting Matori’s and Ariana’s confessions.

Matori, mid-confession, glared angrily at Pryce, who was calmly carving ice sculptures nearby.

Pryce: “…”

---

After Lysandre and Malva’s conversation, Looker promptly informed August of the successful arrangement.

Rather than being bothered by Looker using his name as leverage, August praised him enthusiastically for his quick thinking.

An International Police officer needed exactly this kind of adaptability!

As for the timing of the meeting, August confidently scheduled it for half an hour after his interview ended.

Malva didn’t question how ‘Giovanni’ had known her precise interview schedule with August; instead, she began investigating her own staff for potential Team Rocket spies.

Meanwhile, August was cheerfully playing with Eevee in his hotel room, repeatedly lifting it high into the air to delighted squeals.

Watching August toss Eevee gently upwards, Sabrina remarked dryly, “You must be really bored…”

Didn’t he realize how childish he looked?

“Want a turn?” August placed Eevee before her.

Eevee stared at Sabrina, eyes sparkling hopefully.

A minute later:

“Veeeee~!”

Eevee flew through the air via Sabrina’s telekinesis, landing softly in her waiting hands.

Blue: “…”

Are you two preschoolers?

Mew nodded vigorously in agreement, expressing strong disapproval. Why hadn’t anyone invited her to play?

August, sensing Mew’s jealous gaze, sighed quietly and reluctantly put down his phone.

...

The following morning, August awoke late, nearly noon.

He had played with Mew far too energetically last night; his arms still ached slightly.

“You really need to lose weight!” August scolded Mew playfully. “I can barely lift you anymore!”

“Mew…” Reluctantly, Mew set aside the cookie jar, acting like it was a tragic farewell.

“Gardevoir, please supervise Mew’s diet,” August ordered firmly.

Gardevoir smiled and nodded dutifully.

For Mew, this was devastating news. Sneaking snacks under August’s supervision was easy. But Gardevoir’s watchful eyes were merciless. Just imagining it made Mew’s vision darken dramatically.

“Ready for the interview?” Sabrina asked casually.

“No need for preparation. It’s just a formality,” August said lightly. “Our real goal is Team Flare—the interview’s insignificant.”

Both Sabrina and Blue paused briefly, stunned that August genuinely hadn’t prepared anything.

But perhaps he was right. Their real focus was Team Flare. An interview probably didn’t matter…right?

...

Lumiose TV Station

As August entered the building, Malva greeted him warmly.

Seeing him alone, she was momentarily confused. “Where are Miss Sabrina and Miss Blue?”

“They stayed at the hotel.”

“Oh, I see…” Malva felt disappointed.

She’d hoped to create some sensational news, but August hadn’t even brought Sabrina or Blue.

Noticing Malva’s strange expression, August asked suspiciously, “Isn’t today’s interview with me?”

Had she guessed something?

Malva quickly recovered. “I apologize—it’s nothing. Follow me, please.”

Once in the studio, Malva swiftly began preparations. Noticing how respectfully everyone treated her, August understood her influence here clearly.

“Where’s the script?” August asked calmly.

Malva blinked, then smiled charmingly. “My interviews are always unscripted, Mr. August.”

August raised an eyebrow slightly. No wonder Malva controlled public opinion so effectively—her broadcasts appeared entirely genuine.

Still, he wasn’t worried. His quick wits could handle an unscripted interview easily. Compared to this, the upcoming meeting with Lysandre was far more significant.

“Then, shall we begin?” Malva asked smoothly.

August nodded confidently. “Let’s start.”

“Welcome, everyone, to today’s special interview. I’m your host, Malva. Today, we have the honor of welcoming World Championship winner, Mr. August!”

---

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!