After quietly walking around Verdanturf Town, Aoki was quite satisfied with its current developnt. The economy of Verdanturf Town was steadily improving, ensuring a steady influx of resources for his future endeavors.
With the small colony of Carbink obtained from Neverland, there was no longer any concern about securing the necessary resources to raise Larvitar.
After his stroll, Aoki headed straight to the Breeder's Guild building. His ntor, Matsuda, now served as the president of the Verdanturf Town Breeder's Guild branch, as well as the head of the Hoenn Breeder's Association. Since the Hoenn region only had one such association, Matsuda held both positions simultaneously.
Upon entering the guild building, Aoki noticed that it wasn't overly crowded. A few breeders from various regions mingled with Trainers seeking Pokeblocks.
Thanks to his Vice President's badge, Aoki bypassed the usual formalities and went directly to the top floor, outside Matsuda's laboratory.
Unfortunately, Matsuda was in the middle of a critical experint and had no ti to entertain Aoki. After a few brief questions, he dismissed Aoki, not wanting his work disrupted.
However, Aoki ntioned that he needed to use Matsuda's computer to search for information. Without suspicion, Matsuda simply waved him off, allowing Aoki to proceed on his own.
And then… the system crashed.
As expected of one of the League's most experienced breeders, the sheer volu of data stored in Matsuda's computer far exceeded Aoki's expectations—far more than the information stolen from the Team Rocket research base at Lake of Rage.
Though much of it was irrelevant, a significant portion proved imdiately useful to Aoki.
After frantically copying and downloading the data, the system entered a self-protection shutdown due to overload. It would likely take days to recover. Even then, the system would need considerable ti to sort through the acquired information, categorizing useful data into its database while relegating the rest to its archives.
Beyond Matsuda's personal research, the materials included many docunts from the League Breeder's Guild—so highly confidential, others more commonplace.
Aoki speculated that, aside from general Pokemon breeding thods, there might be techniques for improving a Pokemon's potential. Once the system recovered, it would cross-reference all of Aoki's collected data to determine if there was a viable thod for enhancing a Pokemon's evolutionary capabilities.
After leaving Matsuda, Aoki visited the Pokemon Center to greet the local Nurse Joy, then stopped by the League Police Station to et Officer Jenny.
With these formalities complete, Aoki's return was officially announced, and Verdanturf Town resud its rapid developnt.
Entering the gym, Aoki observed its current state. All battlefields were properly arranged, with staff diligently performing their duties—so cleaning, others handling reception.
Since no challengers were present at the mont, Aoki found Skye, the acting Gym Leader, inside.
Dressed in the official Gym Leader attire, Skye was training the three Water-type Pokemon Aoki had left in his care within the gym's private pool. He carried himself like a proper League official.
Upon seeing Aoki, Skye's face lit up with joy. He imdiately stopped training and rushed over, nearly kneeling before Aoki stopped him with a raised hand.
"You've done well as acting Leader," Aoki remarked with a smile. "Very good."
This wasn't empty praise—Aoki was genuinely pleased. The gym staff were organized efficiently under Skye's managent, and the three Pokemon entrusted to him were already showing obedience, completing their training tasks effectively.
Skye seed to have developed a deeper understanding of Water-types, as he had initiated training without issue.
Given that Aoki had only been gone for a little over ten days, the gym was already running smoothly.
It appeared Skye truly was an excellent administrator. While his battle skills might not match Miyamoto's or Alec's, his managent abilities far surpassed theirs.
Beyond handling the gym's affairs, Skye also managed the Sky Team's finances, overseeing all expenditures and inco.
"My lord, you've returned!" Skye said, still smiling. "It seems your journey was fruitful."
Aoki nodded. "Indeed. Your managent here is comndable. Have there been many challengers lately?"
"Not many when you first left, but recently, the numbers have increased. Several challengers arrive daily now. As per your instructions, spectator tickets remain free for the ti being," Skye reported respectfully.
"Good. These three Pokemon are being trained well. With proper guidance, they have the potential to reach pseudo-Champion level. You may use so of the Sky Team's resources for your own Pokemon's training, but ensure proper records are kept," Aoki said.
Skye's face brightened further, and he responded enthusiastically, "Understood!"
Aoki wasn't worried about misconduct. With his current strength, he could easily suppress any disobedience. Besides, allowing subordinates so autonomy was necessary.
Had the system been operational, it would have instantly analyzed Skye's records alongside Miyamoto's and Alec's resource usage, detecting any discrepancies in seconds.
But Aoki doubted any of them would dare betray him now.
He was their greatest backer—both in terms of raw power and his standing within Team Rocket. Only a fool would abandon such an advantageous position.
Aoki's list of titles was staggering:
A Team Rocket Captain personally selected by Team Rocket's leader, Sakagi.
One of the Hoenn region's rising stars, endorsed by the Hoenn League.
The Verdanturf Town Gym Leader.
The powerful Vice President of the Verdanturf Town Breeder's Guild branch.
The youngest Interdiate Breeder in history.
Close friend of the Devon Corporation heir.
Leader of the Sky Team.
Head of the Sky Hunters.
With such prestige, even if Aoki had been a diocre Trainer, sheer resources could have propelled him forward.
Both Sakagi and the League wanted Aoki to grow stronger and rise higher.
Skye and the others weren't fools—why seek inferior backers when they already had the best?
As Aoki's direct subordinates, their futures were secure.
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