Natsume announced to his little ones that he would be participating in the Regional Tournament and laid out a few key points.
"Fun comes first, competition second," Natsume said. "It's fine if we lose, just don't get hurt."
"Sylveon! (▼へ▼メ)"
Sylveon bared its teeth, looking fierce and ready for battle.
"Squirtle! ヾ(??■_■)"
Squirtle adjusted its sunglasses and carefully inspected its shell.
"Growlithe? (O_o)??"
Growlithe looked confused but still let out a loud bark to join in.
Natsume's expression turned odd.
Is this whole "villain squad" vibe really okay?
Thankfully Growlithe doesn't have 'Justified,' or it wouldn't fit in at all!
Natsume facepalmed. "No need to be so serious... I'm not aiming for the championship..."
Before he could finish, Gengar interrupted, waving its tiny fist. "Gengar! (σ｀д′)σ" (We must win the championship!)
The room immediately erupted into chaos.
"Sylveon!" (Charge!)
"Squirtle!" (You go first, I'll cover you!)
"Growlithe!" (It's time to eat!)
In an instant, all eyes turned to Growlithe.
Growlithe froze, a bead of sweat rolling down its forehead.
"Such enthusiasm!"
Natsume stroked his chin, muttering, "Looks like making it to the top 64 won't be a problem..."
...
In the afternoon, Gengar took the team to the club for training.
Natsume stayed home to prepare for the company's establishment.
Although Pokémon Studio's games were primarily single-player, it was always good to plan ahead for future ventures into other domains.
As for the specific work, Natsume, being the hands-off manager, could leave it to a secretary to handle.
After all, Giovanni also only made decisions, while Matori handled the operations.
Given Natsume's authority in Team Rocket, it wouldn't be a problem to have Matori assist with daily tasks.
Natsume called Matori and explained his requirements.
Matori replied respectfully, "Understood. Give me some time, and I'll provide a satisfactory response."
Half an hour later, Matori presented several suitable commercial office spaces in Tokyo.
The efficiency left Natsume genuinely surprised.
Matori added, "If I may ask... your company is in the gaming industry, correct?"
"Yes, why?"
"If needed, you can temporarily mobilize Team Rocket's internal staff."
"That won't be necessary," Natsume chuckled. "When we open a branch in Kanto, I'll just borrow Meowth and the others!"
"Of course, feel free to ask. Don't hesitate!"
...
Over the next three days, Natsume waited for the company registration review process.
Matori, acting as the temporary HR, handled interviews for suitable secretaries and technical staff.
"By the way, I'll send you a resume. Make sure to interview this person," Natsume said.
"I met her at a research conference. She's a Dynamax researcher... named Oleana."
"Understood."
Matori nodded. "I'll hold her to the strictest standards."
A competent secretary needed to be well-rounded to serve as the boss's right hand.
To become Natsume's secretary, professional skills were essential!
With a hint of competitiveness, Matori initiated a video interview with this Dynamax scholar from the Galar region.
"Can you hear me?"
On the screen was a young woman with brown hair and green eyes. She seemed shy, nervously adjusting her glasses.
Matori nodded solemnly. "Start with an introduction... and explain why you want to join the company."
Oleana nodded gently, her gaze lowering before she looked firmly at Matori. "I previously worked at Macro Cosmos, with three years of Dynamax research experience. I hold an advanced accountant certification and have studied company management..."
Matori nodded, jotting down Oleana's impressive resume while marveling.
Even though I've seen the resume... her abilities are still astonishing.
Where did Natsume find such a talented individual?
Oleana answered all subsequent professional questions flawlessly.
Matori felt a bit embarrassed.
This level of skill... is almost on par with mine.
With such abilities, does she really need to be Natsume's secretary?!
"Ahem!" Matori coughed. "Now, briefly explain why you want to join this company..."
"Also, Team Rocket offers excellent benefits, far better than this company. You might want to consider that," Matori added.
Oleana shook her head, speaking earnestly. "Mr. Natsume... was the first senior to encourage me."
"I think... if I can join his company and work with him..."
Oleana adjusted her glasses, her gaze lowering as she stammered, "It... it would be a truly fortunate thing!"
Matori's expression turned odd.
Natsume might be handsome, but he's really a hands-off manager!
If you join his company... will you even get to see 'Natsume at work'?
Matori was quite skeptical about this.
"One last question."
Matori organized the documents, having already decided on the candidate, but still asked, "Tell me about your hobbies. The company provides year-end benefits."
This kind of human touch was something Natsume-sensei had emphasized to Matori.
While not as direct as giving money, these small details were an important part of company culture.
"H-hobbies?"
Oleana's face turned red, her emotions suddenly becoming intense. "I... I like collecting photos of Natsume. Battles, cooking... I'm still missing photos of him sleeping and bathing..."
Matori coughed loudly.
What kind of strange hobby is this?!
"S-sorry."
Oleana lowered her head, her neck flushed. "I got carried away..."
Is hiring this employee for Natsume really okay...?
Matori's expression was complex, but after glancing at Oleana's outstanding resume, she gritted her teeth. "You're hired!"
...
"Huh? Oleana got hired?"
Natsume received Matori's message and was slightly surprised. "I thought her background as a researcher might not meet your standards."
"You'll see for yourself soon enough."
Matori's expression was odd. "Honestly... she's almost as good as me."
Natsume was stunned.
Matori is a top-tier talent managing all of Team Rocket.
This new secretary... is that impressive?
"So... what's her salary?" Natsume asked nervously. "It must be expensive..."
"Not really."
Matori shook her head. "Her salary request is within the industry norm... Oh, and she also wants your personal photos."
Natsume: "???"
Matori: "Hahaha, just kidding!"
You didn't sound like you were joking at all!
"By the way, the company's location is set. You can go check it out."
Matori added, "If you plan to open a branch in Kanto, you can contact me."
"While I can't directly provide funds... I can still offer some assistance!"
...
Natsume's new company is simply named 'Pokémon.'
The reason the name wasn't already taken is that while "pokemon" has many translations, people are more accustomed to calling it "Pokémon."
The previous studio had the same name, making it easier for players to connect.
Two days later, Oleana officially joined the company.
Including Mina, Kazuya, and the hired special effects artists and programmers, the company now has ten employees.
"For coding... if we could hire a Porygon, profits might increase," Oleana said, now wearing contact lenses, an OL skirt, black stockings, and round-toe high heels.
Carrying a folder, Oleana walked while explaining, "There's a lot of hype for the next game online. We can use that for market research..."
Natsume's feeling was subtle.
Now I know why Oleana's name sounded so familiar...
It wasn't until she changed into this outfit that Natsume recognized her.
Chairman Rose's secretary... a top-tier talent managing all of Macro Cosmos...
Her skills completely overshadow Matori's!
"I'll carefully consider the new project..."
Natsume coughed lightly. "Thanks for your hard work, Oleana."
Oleana blushed for a moment, then nodded seriously, clutching the folder.
"I'll be away for a while. I'm leaving the company in your hands."
Natsume waved. "Feel free to continue your research... do what interests you!"
Watching Natsume's retreating figure, Oleana felt a bit dazed.
Then, she hugged the folder, her gaze firm.
I heard Natsume is participating in the League Tournament...
If winning the championship is his dream, then my dream is the same...
"Dynamax research must continue..."
Oleana murmured. "If it can help Natsume-sensei, that would be the best!"
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