After entering the Syncamore Institute, Aoki observed several sophisticated instrunts and a handful of busy staff mbers. The researchers were few in number, each absorbed in their own tasks. Upon noticing Aoki's entrance, one of them finished their work and approached.
Aoki remained still, his investigator's uniform earning him a friendly reception.
"Can I assist you with anything, Investigator?" The bespectacled researcher didn't fit the typical "nerd" stereotype.
Aoki gave a slight nod. "Excuse , is Professor Syncamore available?"
The researcher's expression shifted strangely—sowhere between amusent and mild embarrassnt—but he answered, "Yes, he's inside. I'll take you to him."
Aoki noted the odd reaction but didn't press further, following the man to a private reception room. The researcher opened the door and announced, "Professor Syncamore, another investigator is here to see you."
Another one? Aoki thought.
With a gesture inviting Aoki inside, the researcher excused himself to return to his duties.
"Who is it?" Syncamore's voice called out.
Upon seeing Aoki, his face lit up in surprise. "Aoki! What brings you here?"
"Aoki?" Another familiar voice chid in.
Aoki recognized it imdiately. "Lance?"
Seated inside was Lance, his signature red cape draped over his shoulders as usual.
Aoki smiled and took a seat beside him. Lance extended a fist, and after a brief pause, Aoki bumped it with his own.
"Aoki, I heard about your work in Kanto. Impressive," Lance said.
Team Rocket had held an underground trade conference in Kanto. Lance would have been the ideal choice to investigate, but he'd been tied up with a critical mission in Kalos. The League's decision to involve Aoki had been both an investigation and a test.
Though Lance privately disapproved of the Kanto League's thods, as a senior investigator, he lacked the authority to challenge their decisions. Still, news of Aoki's success had spread among the investigators in Kalos, earning him quiet respect.
The Team Rocket base in Asahi City had been confird and raided. While high-ranking mbers escaped, the operation was deed a success—one base destroyed, and valuable intel recovered. The League could handle Team Rocket's sches as long as they knew what they were dealing with.
Aoki's na now carried weight in the League. With Adams of Hoenn backing him, few would dare undermine his reputation.
"It wasn't a big deal," Aoki replied modestly.
Syncamore, standing nearby, looked puzzled. Lance quickly summarized Aoki's accomplishnts, and Syncamore gave an approving thumbs-up.
"I had no idea! I'd heard Aoki was involved in Pokémon research, but this is remarkable. We'll have to collaborate in the future," Syncamore said.
Lance raised an eyebrow. "Research?"
Syncamore eagerly explained Aoki's contributions—Slowking's evolution thod, Politoed's evolution, and more. (The Fairy-type discovery remained undisclosed for now, as it would have catapulted Aoki's fa beyond even Syncamore's.)
As the two continued praising him, Aoki's face grew warm. Enough—if this keeps up, I'll never live it down.
Aoki's reputation in the League was now solid. With Adams' support, no region would openly antagonize him without consequence.
"By the way, Lance, what are you doing here?" Aoki asked, steering the conversation away from himself.
Lance sighed, rubbing his forehead. "My mission here was supposed to be over, but after your findings linked the Fradari Institute to Team Rocket, the League ordered to stay and investigate further." He shot Aoki a wry look. "This is your fault, you know. You'd better help wrap this up."
Having been in Kalos for so long, Lance was hosick.
Aoki scoffed. "I did you a favor taking on Team Rocket. The Fradari Institute should be easy compared to that."
Lance had no rebuttal—Team Rocket operations were far more dangerous.
Syncamore, who had been silent, suddenly looked conflicted.
"Professor?" Aoki prompted.
Syncamore hesitated. "I've known Fradari for years. He's always been kind, brilliant, and generous—especially toward the less fortunate. But lately, he's withdrawn from the public. Stopped his charity work entirely."
Aoki recalled Fradari's past reputation—a man dedicated to improving the Pokémon world, aiding the impoverished. But constant ingratitude had worn him down.
People grew entitled, demanding more, then resenting him when he stopped. Eventually, Fradari concluded the world was too corrupt, that only a "worthy few" deserved to remain.
And thus, the Flash Team was born.
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