(Bonus Chapter – Celebrating 100 Collections)
The streets of Viridian were quieter than usual. Late afternoon sunlight draped the buildings in golden tones, casting long shadows over cobblestone paths. Giovanni moved without his usual entourage—no black suits, no grunts trailing behind. Just him and the pad of soft paws echoing at his side.
Meowth kept pace with a grumpy twitch of his tail.
"Boss, ya sure this is smart? Walkin' around with your face out like this? Someone might recognize you."
"I hope they do," Giovanni said, casually adjusting the cuffs of his jacket. "A leader shouldn't hide from his people. Besides… there's something to be said for seeing your city with your own eyes. Without filters."
Meowth muttered something under his breath, but stayed close.
The stroll had started without destination—just a sudden urge to breathe fresh air. But now, something had caught his attention. Not a sight. A scent.
Sweet. Warm. Familiar.
He followed it instinctively through a narrow alley branching off from the commercial street—one he hadn't walked in years. And there, tucked between an old bookstore and a flower stall, was a small food cart.
It was modest. A folding table with a canvas shade overhead. Handmade wooden trays lined with sweets—mochi, dango, and a few other rustic confections.
And behind it, a woman.
She was focused, brushing glaze over a tray of dumplings with a careful hand. Her hair caught the sunlight like chestnut silk. Her clothes were simple, but neat. There was something about her—stillness in motion. A groundedness.
Then she looked up. Their eyes met.
She blinked in surprise, the brush pausing mid-swipe.
"Oh! Um… hi there." A quick, nervous laugh. "Didn't expect customers this early evening. Want to try something? They're fresh. Still experimenting a little with the recipe."
Giovanni stepped closer, examining the arrangement of sweets—neatly aligned, but with a touch of homemade imperfection.
"You made these yourself?"
Delia nodded. "Every batch. It's... a work in progress. But people seem to like them. Or at least they're polite enough to say so."
There was that warmth in her voice. Real. Earnest.
Giovanni picked up a dumpling, weighing it with a discerning eye before taking a bite.
Surprisingly soft. Subtle sweetness. A hint of ginger. Not perfect—but comforting. Like something you'd want to come home to.
"It's good," he said simply. "Needs just a bit more chew, but the flavor's balanced."
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh? A food critic?"
He smiled slightly. "Just someone with high standards."
Meowth, who had been hanging back near a lamppost, now narrowed his eyes.
"Wait a sec…" he whispered under his breath. "Ain't that—?"
He didn't finish. Giovanni shot him a glance that said: Not now.
Delia wiped her hands on a cloth. "Name's Delia. Just moved here, actually. Still getting used to the place. Not as quiet as I imagined, but better than Saffron, that's for sure."
"Why Viridian?" Giovanni asked.
"Cheap rent," she said honestly. "And I figured it was far enough from the warzones to feel... normal. I used to think I'd be a nurse, or a trainer even, but... I guess I'm not really cut out for either."
She laughed again, softly. "Besides, I can't exactly tell a Chansey from a Clefairy, and I nearly passed out the first time I saw a full surgery textbook."
Giovanni chuckled. It was rare—almost foreign. "Well, I'd say you made the right call. There's a different kind of strength in building something peaceful."
Delia looked at him more closely now. "You're not from around here, are you? Or maybe you are. You've got that look—like someone who belongs but doesn't quite stay."
Giovanni didn't answer right away. Instead, he reached into his jacket and placed a few coins on the cart.
"For the sweets. And the conversation."
"Oh—thank you," Delia said, taken aback. "I didn't even tell you the price."
"You didn't have to."
Meowth gave him a suspicious side-glance.
What are you doing, Boss? You're never like this...
Delia tilted her head. "Wait. You never told me your name."
Giovanni paused, then extended a hand. His expression softened—not the mask he wore in meetings or gym battles. Just him.
"Giovanni," he said. "I'm the Gym Leader of this city."
Then, after a beat: "And... formerly, Commander of the Kanto Liberation Army."
Delia's eyes widened. Recognition flickered across her face—but not fear. Not awe. Just… understanding.
"Well," she said, taking his hand, "you've got a strong grip. I guess that explains why you looked like you belonged."
Giovanni held her gaze. "And I suppose you belong too. Viridian could use more people like you."
Meowth let out a sigh and muttered, "Oh boy. This is how it starts…"
Comic Strip – "The Boss and the Sweet Lady"
[Panel 1]
Setting: A cozy living room. Delia is sitting on a sofa, gently petting Meowth, who lies curled beside her like a smug housecat.
Delia (smiling): "You've really grown soft, haven't you, little Meowth?"
Meowth (thinking): "Soft?! Hmph…"
[Panel 2]
Flashback panel – younger Meowth hiding behind Giovanni during the cart scene.
Meowth (thinking): "I remember that day… The Boss, walkin' all cool, like usual… then BAM!"
Giovanni is seen pausing, eyes locked on Delia's sweet cart.
Meowth (thinking): "He got hit with a Sweet Scent attack straight to the heart!"
[Panel 3]
Younger Meowth peeking up, wide-eyed, as Giovanni talks to Delia with an uncharacteristic soft smile.
Meowth (thinking): "Next thing I know, the guy's flirtin'! Like he was in some K-drama!"
Giovanni (in flashback): "You've got a talent for drawing people in… or is it just me?"
Meowth (sweating): "What is happening?!"
[Panel 4]
Back in the present, Meowth narrows his eyes suspiciously as Delia continues petting him, oblivious.
Meowth (thinking): "Still don't trust it. She's dangerous… dangerously nice."
Delia (smiling): "You're so dramatic, Meowth."
Meowth (deadpan): "You don't know the half of it, lady."