Pokemon : The Master of Dragon-Types

Since leaving Dragon Spiral Tower, Jacob had noticed a change in himself.

The shift had come after he caught three formidable Pokémon — a Shiny Gyarados, a Dragonair, and Zekrom — and after his Iron Valiant broke through to Quasi-Master Level. On top of that, he had walked away with prizes few trainers ever saw: a TM teaching Outrage drawn from Zekrom itself, and a Gold Bottle Cap.

Such a sudden leap in power had made him more confident than he probably should have been. Where he had once been cautious, building his strength quietly in the shadows, he now carried himself with an open arrogance, striking hard and without hesitation.

Jacob's eyes settled on Wynne and Som, a faint smile touching his lips. "From this point on," he said evenly, "I'll be taking eighty percent of everything Paradise Group earns. The two of you can split the remaining ten percent each."

It was a deliberately outrageous opening, and Jacob knew it. He hadn't expected Wynne or Som to accept such terms — this was simply an opening move, meant to set the tone for the negotiation that would follow.

Across the table, Wynne and Som's expressions soured, their chests rising and falling with barely restrained anger. Were it not for Jacob's strength standing between them and action, one of them would surely have already reached for a Poké Ball.

"Giovanni, isn't this a bit much?" Wynne's voice was low and controlled as he stared back at Jacob.

Som followed a beat later. "Ten percent. That's simply out of the question."

"You may not realize this," Wynne continued, "but the Pokémon Association fields hundreds of complaints about Paradise Group every single day. There have even been times the Nation's own Pokémon Association wanted to move against you outright. It's been my doing, keeping that pressure contained."

"And the land, the factories — all of it came through us," Som added. "For you to walk in now and claim eighty percent... that's asking too much."

Jacob only smiled as he listened.

"Here's something worth understanding," he said. "Profit follows strength. Ten percent each is already generous, given the gap between us."

"Metagross. Darkrai."

At his command, Darkrai's shadowy form rose from the darkness pooling beneath him, fixing its gaze on the room. Beside it, Metagross's heavy frame materialized, filling much of the remaining space.

"What is this?!" Som's voice cracked with alarm.

Wynne and Som tensed immediately, hands closing around their own Poké Balls. A moment later, a Champion-level Raichu and a Champion-level Nidoking stood facing the two newly summoned Pokémon. The private room, already cramped, now felt suffocating under the weight of the standoff.

"No need for that," Jacob said, smile unwavering. Darkrai and Metagross were only King level — technically a notch below the Raichu and Nidoking opposing them — yet Jacob showed no concern at all. He still had a Gigantamax Pokémon in reserve, untouched.

"Consider this a reminder. The stronger you are, the more you naturally take home." His smile cooled. "But if you'd rather settle this another way, I won't stop you."

Wynne and Som exchanged a grim look. Both knew exactly what card Jacob was holding back — his Gigantamax Lapras. If that Pokémon entered the field, neither of them stood a real chance.

"Ten percent is too little," Som said at last, eyes locked on Jacob, tone hardening. "You're strong, Giovanni, no one's denying that. But eighty percent for yourself is simple greed."

"Let's meet partway. You take forty. Wynne and I split thirty each."

"Forty percent?" Jacob's smile thinned. "You think forty is what my strength is worth?"

He rose slowly from his seat, his height and the set of his jaw giving him an edge of menace.

"Here's a new proposal. Starting today, Paradise Group absorbs every gray-market operation across southern Siam. I take sixty percent of the total — two-tenths of that going to Edwin. The remaining forty splits evenly between the two of you, twenty each. That's my final offer."

His tone left no room for argument. "Refuse if you like, but understand I have other options. For one — leader of the southern region's Heavenly Kings. If he's interested in becoming Champion of the south, I'd be glad to discuss terms with him instead."

"Think it over carefully. Cooperate, or walk away."

His newfound strength had given Jacob the confidence to pressure a Champion directly. Som, after all, held only two or three Champion-level Pokémon of his own — without a Quasi-Master Level Pokémon backing him, he was simply outmatched.

Som's expression darkened at the open threat. "Are you threatening me?"

"Not at all," Jacob replied easily. "I'm only laying out what happens if you choose to oppose me."

"Friend or enemy — that part's entirely up to you."

"What you're offering still isn't enough." Som drew a slow breath, reining in his temper, and met Jacob's eyes squarely. "We each take twenty-four and a half percent. You keep fifty-one."

Jacob considered the counteroffer, then shook his head. Money, as it happened, was something he genuinely needed right now. Converting his Gigantamax Lapras and Gigantamax Corviknight into a proper aerial stronghold and naval fortress would demand a staggering amount of funding — he couldn't afford to leave anything on the table.

"Champion Som. Mr. Wynne." Jacob's voice softened slightly. "I'd ask you to think beyond today's numbers."

"The real value of working with me isn't the percentage — it's the alliance. Team Rocket's friendship. If trouble ever finds you, I'll be there to help, the way any ally would."

He studied them both. He had no wish to push them past their limit; without two established powers like Wynne and Som backing Paradise Group here in Golden City, Siam, the organization's footing would be far shakier than he needed it to be.

"And if this arrangement goes well, any new venture I take on afterward, you'll be the first I bring in."

"Sixty percent for me, thirty of that to Edwin. Twenty each for you is more than fair."

"Mr. Wynne. Champion Som." Jacob's mouth curved into something almost gentle. "We're all reasonable people here. I've laid my terms out plainly. The decision is yours now."

"Friends, or rivals — give me your answer."

Som and Wynne traded a long glance, unease flickering between them. Given everything on the table, did they really have room left to refuse?

"Fine. I accept."

"As do I."

"A pleasure doing business."