In a small conference room inside the League Building, there were far fewer people present than before. Only eight individuals remained: Chairman Adams, Joseph of the Stone family, the patriarchs of the Jenny family and the Stone family, the representative of the Battle Frontier, the representative of Pokémon Contests, the chief investigator officer of the Hoenn League, and Matsuda, acting president of the Breeder's Guild. Four screens around the room displayed the Elite Four of the Hoenn region.
"Has Team Rocket truly begun to withdraw? Has this been confird by League headquarters? This isn't so sche of Team Rocket's, is it?" Joseph asked cautiously.
"No," replied the Stone family patriarch. "We have informants within Team Rocket who confirm their withdrawal is genuine. It appears they've acquired sothing significant. Though they're withdrawing, their internal operations have intensified dramatically, with resource consumption more than doubling."
As families with ties across multiple regions and deep connections to the League, both the Stone and Jenny families received internal information imdiately.
"With this developnt," Matsuda interjected, "the Sinnoh Tournant's comncent signals the League's intention to expand into Sinnoh, then Johto and Kalos, correct? I've heard rumors of a newly discovered region... Alola, was it?"
The Hoenn region, discovered relatively early, stood among those most firmly under League control, second only to Kanto and Johto. The Sinnoh Tournant represented the first step in the League's expansion, with Johto and Kalos to follow. The newly discovered Alola region remained largely unexplored by League officials.
"Precisely," Adams confird. "But the Sinnoh Tournant carries greater significance. Regional rankings will heavily influence future resource allocation. Stronger performances indicate greater potential in younger Trainers, warranting greater investnt. Unlike Hoenn, Sinnoh and subsequent regions will undoubtedly give their all in this competition."
The discussion then shifted abruptly. "Now, regarding Aoki's status - does anyone still have objections?" Adams surveyed the room and the Elite Four on screen.
Within the League, questions had persisted about Aoki due to his unusually rapid growth. While understandable for heirs of prominent families like Steven, Aoki's commoner background and sudden access to rare Pokémon training resources had raised suspicions. Even with Matsuda's endorsent, the matter concerned Hoenn's future developnt too seriously to ignore.
"Let's vote," Adams continued. "If there are no objections, Aoki will officially be recognized at the sa potential level as Steven. His psychic abilities warrant this consideration."
"Agreed," stated Drake of the Elite Four first.
"Agreed," said Joseph , trusting his son's judgnt.
"Agreed," added the Frontier representative, Nolan, who along with Brandon had praised Aoki's capabilities.
One by one, approvals ca. Matsuda abstained as Aoki's ntor, while others like Elite Four mber Wattson remained silent but didn't object.
"Then it's settled," Adams concluded. "From today, Steven, Aoki, Phoebe, and Wallace will comprise our first-tier developnt program, with others remaining in their current classifications. eting adjourned."
These four represented Hoenn's brightest prospects: Steven with his wealth and abilities, Aoki with his psychic powers, Phoebe with her unique Ghost-type affinity, and Wallace as the Coordinators' chosen representative, arguably the most advanced of the group. This formalized Aoki's standing within the Hoenn League.
Unaware of these developnts, Aoki was currently en route to Verdanturf Town. Team Sky had amassed considerable resources there, most reinvested into the organization but with so reserves remaining. Though initially hesitant to tap into these, Aoki's financial needs now compelled him. The original purpose of establishing influence had been to secure Pokémon training resources, after all.
The Verdanturf Gym and its adjacent comrcial district, heavily promoted by Devon Corporation, had beco increasingly profitable, drawing more visitors and generating greater inco. Aoki needed to assess exactly what resources he could access.
For quick funds, Aoki knew confrontation yielded the fastest results. His target? The struggling Void gang in Mauville City. With their leader vanished, rival factions had begun challenging Void's dominance. Given existing tensions, preemptive action seed wiser than waiting to be attacked.
Hadn't Mauville's battle arena generated substantial profits? Surely Void could spare so of their earnings?
Aboard his Flygon, Aoki finalized his plans. The old adage about fortune favoring the bold ca to mind.
Two nights later, Aoki arrived in Verdanturf. After reviewing Team Sky's finances with administrator Skye, he appropriated over half their funds without explanation - none was demanded. Before dawn the next morning, he departed for Mauville.
Ti was precious now. Before leaving, Aoki took his Altaria and two Swablu with him, uncertain when he might return and wanting the Altaria ready for the Sinnoh competition.
In Mauville's black market, Aoki began gathering evolution materials for his Marshtomp and Poliwhirl - rarer and more expensive now that both Pokémon had reached their second evolution stages with blue-tier potential. After scouring the market, he'd acquired only a quarter of the necessary components, yet already spent a considerable sum.
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