During the flight, Aoki briefly told the Altaria about the process of his encounter with Regice. After all, theoretically speaking, Altaria should also know Regice, and the two Pokemon could be regarded as fellow inhabitants of their respective regions. Judging from Altaria's reaction, it was obvious the Pokemon hadn't expected such an unexpected developnt in their journey.
Aoki understood Altaria's proud nature - as a companion, the Pokemon had perford admirably. Originally, Aoki hadn't planned to have Altaria escape with him during the confrontation. Through Aoki's patient comfort and persuasion, Altaria's mindset gradually stabilized, though when the Pokemon looked at Aoki again, there was sothing different in its eyes.
Ever since their first eting on Neverland, Altaria had considered itself superior in both strength and talent. Though it had ultimately chosen to follow Aoki off the island, part of it had always maintained that initial impression of Aoki as rely a person of average strength but relatively clever mind. However, after today's events, Altaria completely extinguished that lingering sense of superiority when facing Aoki.
Now the Pokemon realized that in the short ti since leaving Neverland, Aoki's capabilities had grown trendously - he'd even managed to negotiate with one of the Titans. Given more ti, how much further could he progress? For the first ti since departing Neverland, Altaria suddenly felt its own strength might be stagnating while Aoki continued advancing. Having been unable to cross the threshold to champion-level status, perhaps it was ti for more rigorous training?
After calming Altaria, Aoki returned the Pokemon to its Pokeball. Though there hadn't been any large-scale conflict with Furukai, Altaria had still struggled to protect itself during the encounter. Aoki felt deeply grateful to Altaria - after all, it wasn't even his own Pokemon, yet it had fought for him for over an hour, providing invaluable assistance. Had Altaria refused, Aoki wouldn't have forced it, though their partnership would have ended then and there.
Aoki's shadow also contained Mismagius, which could have served a similar role - with even greater control abilities that might have delayed Furukai's movents more effectively. However, Mismagius hadn't participated in regular training for so ti and would likely only perform at half its true capability.
Seated atop Flygon's back, Aoki finally relaxed sowhat. Since his rebirth and confrontation with Furukai's brother, the siblings had lood as daunting obstacles in Aoki's path. Having witnessed firsthand how formidable the two brothers could beco, eliminating them early would significantly reduce future pressures.
Within Team Rocket's current hierarchy, aside from the Regis who might seek personal vengeance against Aoki, most cadres like Renda probably didn't even rember Aoki's existence. As a high-ranking Team Rocket official, it was understandable they'd overlook such a minor figure, especially now that the organization was scaling back operations - the cadres had more pressing concerns.
As for the Regis, they wouldn't trouble Aoki again until they'd recovered from their wounds. With his Pokemon nearly killed from their ti in Neverland, even with their family's resources, rehabilitation would require substantial ti. That they hadn't employed family ans to retaliate suggested personal pride - he wanted to handle Aoki themselves, which bought considerable ti.
Contemplating these matters and his own plans, Aoki rode Flygon directly toward Sootopolis City, hoping to uncover information about the "Soul of the Ocean" there.
...
anwhile, in Viridian City of the Kanto region.
Inside Giovanni's office at Team Rocket's base beneath the Viridian Gym, three individuals stood present - all familiar faces to Aoki: Giovanni, Shadow, and Sabrina.
"He went out again?" Giovanni puffed a cigar while stroking the Persian resting beside him.
"Yes," Shadow replied.
That the leader of such a vast organization would rember such minor details during Team Rocket's critical restructuring period spoke volus about his ticulous nature. Giovanni nodded, continuing, "We'll see if the boy survives this. If he does, he's worth cultivating. While we're downsizing, we can't casually discard talent to the League."
Even the normally mischievous Sabrina dared not act out before Giovanni. Despite pride in her psychic abilities, she remained subdued in his presence - her powers sensing sothing within the leader stronger than her own psychic energy, even if not wielded the sa way.
"I hear he's doing well in Hoenn. Wasn't he going to participate in so Sinnoh competition the League is recently holding?" Giovanni inquired.
"Yes."
"For now, those old fossils at the League are too preoccupied to interfere. Our priority remains researching that Pokemon. Once we obtain it, conquering this world becos simple. Absolute power renders all sches aningless - a truth those antiquated fools fail to grasp." Giovanni exhaled smoke, leaning back into his chair's shadows.
"If the boy survives this ti, provide appropriate assistance. We can't have him thinking the League makes Team Rocket irrelevant. We'll train him thoroughly, let him climb the League's ranks." Giovanni circled back to Aoki.
Shadow's heart skipped a beat as he bowed respectfully. "Understood."
Though Giovanni's words seed supportive, the underlying ssage was clear - Aoki mustn't betray Team Rocket's investnt by fully committing to the League. Without explicit statent, Shadow believed Aoki would grasp the implications. So long as Aoki didn't betray Team Rocket, Giovanni would overlook minor self-interested actions within the League.
Giovanni judged people by their usefulness to him, willing to ignore insignificant losses - a luxury only soone of his power could afford.
"Sabrina," Giovanni continued, "you understand which Pokemon we're researching. As Team Rocket's strongest psychic, and with that Pokemon being psychic-type, I expect you'll assist our scientists properly."
Compared to the w replication project, Aoki was rely a valuable pawn. This research concerned Team Rocket's future plans. Knowing Sabrina's temperant, Giovanni provided advance warning - lest she tornt the scientists beyond reason.
User Comments
0 comments from readers