Resuming Operations

Dynamax...

Without a doubt, it is a tremendous power, strong enough to topple anything in its path.

This island certainly continues to intrigue me.

Boss! The executives of Team Rocket are all present and accounted for!

It's an honor to be at your service again, sir!

Your wish is our command. Just say the word.

You're looking sharp as ever, boss!

So you all made it here.

I'm sure you're aware of our situation. We're going to launch an operation to take control of the entire island of Pasio.

In order to do that, we need more strength... A new kind of power, in fact.

Get ready. I have much work for you to do.

Yes, sir!

First, I have something I need to finish.

Soon, all of Pasio will be under the control of Team Rocket!

Fwahahaha!

Today's the day I pay you back for all the times you've beaten me. Come on, Ho-Oh! Don't hold back!

Sorry, but that's not going to happen just yet. Dragonite! Counter their attack!

Great battle. You almost had us.

It doesn't matter. A loss is a loss.

Still, that was really close. There were a bunch of moments where even I was worried.

Really? I couldn't tell at all...

Well... If we let it show, we'd just be revealing to you what our weaknesses are.

Exactly. You know, your team did an excellent job working together.

It took Xatu and Umbreon working together just to deal with Feraligatr's strength...

and I could hardly find an opening with that teamwork your two Ho-Oh were showing.

Hear that, Silver? Sounds like we make a pretty decent team.

Hmph. I'll get you back for this eventually. You'd better be ready when I come back for another rematch.

Excuse me.

Oh, it's you. What's up?

I'd like to ask you a question, Silver.

I heard from Ethan that when you two first met, you were the kind of guy who'd do anything to get stronger.

Things like...stealing other people's Pokémon.

Paulo, maybe you shouldn't...

Wait, Lance.

Yeah, I did. What of it?

I was wondering why you changed your mind.

You were doing things that way because you felt it would make you stronger, right?

If you'd kept going down that path, don't you think you might've come out stronger for it?

... ... ...

I'm not sure.

Back then, I thought that I could be the strongest Trainer as long as I had the strongest Pokémon.

But even when I had the strongest Pokémon, there were still people I couldn't beat. That's why I changed.

I still don't completely understand why I lost back then...

But I think I'm starting to get it now.

Does that have to do with relying on others? Or maybe...connections?

At the very least, a strong connection with your Pokémon is a must.

That said, I hate weak Trainers who think they're big and tough as long as they're in a group.

I see... Thanks, Silver. Sorry for asking that out of the blue.

Don't sweat it. It's fine.

(Giovanni also mentioned something about connections...)

(Which means...as long as I have a connection, I can use any means necessary to get stronger?)

Hm? Is that a Togepi?

I don't see a Trainer around... Why's it all alone?

Hold on... It looks like it's in pain.

Whoa!

Is it...Dynamaxing?!