The dim room was illuminated only by a single overhead light, casting its glow on the forehead of a man gently stroking his Persian.
The man wore no ruby ring, only a black trench coat, its cold-weather hood resting atop Persian's head.
An unusual caller ID flashed on the screen.
Giovanni calmly poured himself a glass of gin, waiting to discuss matters with his ntor:
"State your business."
"Boss Giovanni."
His voice sounded serious, Giovanni thought, raising his whiskey glass.
"Have you ever considered... debuting as an idol?"
"Pfft—!!"
Giovanni set down his glass, coughing violently.
The room echoed with the Godfather's hacking for a long mont before he could respond.
Natsu was puzzled.
Was Boss Giovanni... this excited?
Then again, it made sense. Becoming an idol could not only fund Team Rocket but also help reconcile with Silver.
At middle age, it was good to explore new horizons.
Giovanni steadied his breathing, suppressing the tightness in his chest, before replying hoarsely:
"Do you... have a death wish?"
Natsu remained unfazed.
This special edition Giovanni was different from his ga and ani counterparts.
The ga version was a villain who ford Team Rainbow Rocket.
The ani's yellow-suited Giovanni, aside from his Storm Plan highlight, acted more like the childish principal from Crayon Shin-chan.
This Giovanni's main goal?
nding things with his son.
Having interacted with him, Natsu had figured out the key to handling this tsundere middle-aged man.
"Here's the thing."
Natsu explained: "I'm working on a new project—a ga based on Red's story, covering his life's major events..."
Giovanni had once led Silph Co. Headquarters and wasn't opposed to business ventures.
After listening, he didn't reject the idea—in fact, he saw potential in it.
After all... star power was terrifying.
Two legendary Trainers, the Elite Four, eight Gym Leaders, and Professor Oak.
With that kind of promotional lineup, even a trash ga would rake in profits.
The real question...
Giovanni narrowed his eyes.
How did he earn their trust?
Even he hadn't managed that back in the day...
Giovanni's expression shifted. Instead of agreeing outright, he hesitated, then asked awkwardly:
"So... what exactly do you an by 'idol'?"
Natsu sidestepped the question:
"Since it's based on Red, Team Rocket will naturally be involved..."
"Including its downfall?" Giovanni's tone remained steady.
"Wasn't the old Team Rocket dismantled by you?"
Natsu flattered: "That was just a tactical retreat. Besides, criticizing outdated ideals fits the current Rainbow Initiative."
"Hmph." Giovanni stroked Persian's head. "Don't think I can't tell you're buttering up!"
"Anyway."
Natsu coughed lightly. "The story portrays ideological differences, not good vs. evil..."
"Then—" Giovanni cut in, hesitating before finally asking:
"What's this 'idol' nonsense about?"
"I firmly believe every character has unique charm."
Natsu said solemnly: "After the ga launches, you might gain a swarm of fans..."
"Hold autograph sessions, et-and-greets, post a few videos."
"Or beco a cat-content creator, slide into Silver's DMs occasionally..."
Natsu slapped his thigh. "Boom! Problem solved!"
Giovanni: "..."
The stern Godfather pressed a hand to his forehead, sighing deeply in the dim room:
"Give ... a mont."
The pitch was too smooth—it left Giovanni wavering.
But this idol business... sothing felt off.
"You an... stepping into the spotlight?"
Giovanni clarified.
"Not necessarily! You could be a VTuber—call yourself 'Giovanni-ko'—"
"Enough!" Giovanni's eye twitched. "I'll agree to the licensing! Just stop talking!"
(I barely understand social dia as it is...)
Natsu added: "By the way, Red already agreed."
Giovanni paused, eyes narrowing.
Evil, justice, battles, pursuit—Giovanni never fell behind.
But in peaceti... maybe it was ti to enjoy life.
"So even he agreed."
Giovanni smirked. "Does he think I'd fear backlash for going public?"
"Handle the licensing. Funding can be arranged through Matori. Just make sure Silver sees our changed ideals!"
A faint smile crept onto Natsu's face.
See?
Persuasion successful.
"Boss, you're the best!"
Sure, he could have made up a generic villain... but as Natsu-sensei said:
Every character had their own charm.
Through this ga, new bonds could form—lives intertwined.
"One more thing." Giovanni's voice turned grave.
"Hm?"
"Raise my level."
Giovanni's tone was icy. "Let those 'Reds' taste the fear of being dominated."
Natsu froze for a mont, then felt his eyes grow moist.
Good guy… Finally, soone who cares about strength over character art!
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it!"
…
Giovanni's Idol Debut Plan
But Giovanni did start seriously considering cat-content creation.
On the expensive rug, Persian stretched elegantly—then froze under Giovanni's gaze.
"ow...?"
"It's nothing."
Giovanni said flatly: "I know when I'm being hustled."
"Mrrow?"
"Still..."
Giovanni mused aloud: "Might be nice to pick up a hobby..."
...
After hanging up, Natsu reflected on the call under the night sky.
Both father and son are tsunderes...
When will they ever reconcile?
Even after Silver saved Giovanni in Ilex Forest, neither would address it directly.
This was family business—Natsu-sensei could only nudge. The rest was up to them.
"Giovanni's licensing is secured..."
Natsu muttered:
"Just a little more persuasion... Finalize the plan before departure!"
After washing up, Natsu prepared for bed—only to find Sylveon had already cocooned itself in the blankets.
Luckily, he'd asked Gengar to dry an extra set that morning.
"Heh, I'll just steal yours!"
"Sylveon! (>ω
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