Shadow's question caught Aoki off guard. In his impression, Shadow was always efficient and to the point, never wasting ti on small talk.
"Is sothing different today?" Aoki thought silently.
Maintaining a calm expression, he nodded honestly and replied, "Curious, but if the grown-up doesn't ask, the subordinate won't ask."
Aoki always showed enough respect for Shadow—not just because he was a senior cadre in Team Rocket or the deputy leader of the Shadow Team, but because of his strength, which was at the Elite Four level.
The strong naturally command respect. Aoki firmly believed in the principle of the strong ruling over the weak. As a true Elite Four-level trainer, Shadow earned that respect.
Hearing Aoki's response, Shadow seed montarily surprised before breaking into laughter. "Haha, you're really sothing."
Since their first eting, Shadow had dropped hints repeatedly. At first, Aoki didn't understand their aning. When the second clue ca, he thought it over and started to piece things together. By the third hint, he finally understood: things were far more complex than they seed.
After the laughter subsided, Shadow's expression grew serious. "In a battle, soone once saved by protecting from severe injuries. I know of a place on the trial island that can help quickly recover injuries. You're going there—a gathering place of Gastly."
Shadow's eyes narrowed slightly, as if recalling the past. "That's where I first discovered sothing unique about this island. Oh, by the way, I was part of the first batch of Team Rocket trainers to survive this trial island."
Aoki was stunned. The first batch of trainers? Shadow himself ca from this island?
As if reading Aoki's thoughts, Shadow continued, "Yes, it's just as you're thinking. Back then, the trial island had only just been discovered. Of all the first testers, only a handful of us survived. I was one of them. There's soone else from that group you might et in the future."
Although Shadow didn't ntion who the other person was, Aoki guessed it must be Dark, the other deputy leader of the Shadow Team.
"Anyway, back to the gathering place of Gastly," Shadow said, changing the subject. "You've probably seen those stone pillars that constantly emit Ghost energy?"
"The water there runs deep. It's not sothing you should ddle with now. Fortunately, you didn't go too far—otherwise, you might not be here today," Shadow added. "Not many people know about that place. Keep it to yourself. When your strength grows, you'll naturally understand more."
Aoki narrowed his eyes briefly but quickly returned to his neutral expression. "Understood," he replied.
Aoki had no intention of exploring the stone pillar for now. Even a powerhouse like Shadow hadn't destroyed it, choosing instead to preserve such a mysterious site.
Shadow shook his head slightly. Though Aoki's words were respectful and straightforward, Shadow had caught the flicker of curiosity in his eyes.
Without dwelling on the topic, Shadow said, "You've passed my first test and are now qualified to know who I am within Team Rocket."
Aoki's heart stirred, though he maintained a calm exterior. He already knew Shadow's identity but couldn't reveal it.
Even within Team Rocket, only those with sufficient strength were allowed to know of the Shadow Team's existence.
"Take out the dal I gave you last ti," Shadow instructed.
Aoki retrieved a dark cloud-shaped dal from his belt space and handed it over.
Shadow examined the dal, running his fingers over its intricate lines. "This represents the most secretive departnt in Team Rocket—the Shadow Team. The mont you received this dal, my test of you began. The task you helped complete earlier was the first step of that test."
Without pausing, Shadow continued, "My na is Shadow, as you already know. I'm the deputy leader of the Shadow Team. If you can pass a series of tasks I assign, you'll join us. I won't explain the benefits or responsibilities of joining, but I'll tell you this: countless people in Team Rocket dream of joining the Shadow Team. Many don't even know we exist because their strength is too low."
"Now, you have a choice. Continue with the tasks to join us, or give up and focus on the trial island, starting as a Team Rocket grunt or captain and climbing the ranks step by step."
Aoki had already made his decision long ago. Joining the Shadow Team and rising within Team Rocket weren't mutually exclusive. With the Shadow Team's help, climbing the ranks would be much easier.
However, to avoid giving away his thoughts, Aoki lowered his head, pretending to consider the offer.
Shadow wasn't surprised. The Shadow Team was shrouded in secrecy, and Aoki would need ti to process everything.
"I choose to continue the tasks," Aoki said firmly after a brief pause.
Shadow smiled. "You'll be glad for this decision."
Aoki nodded but didn't reply. So things didn't need to be said, but deep down, he was confident in his choice.
Just then, a faint buzzing sound grew louder, echoing in the room.
Hearing the familiar sound, Aoki was surprised.
A Beedrill erged from the shadows and flew to Shadow's side, affectionately rubbing its arm against him.
"This is…" Aoki's expression shifted to surprise, then realization.
Shadow smiled. "That's right. This Beedrill hatched from the Pokemon egg you obtained for last ti."
It was as Aoki had suspected.
Even so, he couldn't hide his confusion.
Though Beedrill had a short growth cycle, hatching and evolving within just a week seed impossibly fast.
Shadow stroked Beedrill's triangular head, noticing Aoki's doubt. "This one has exceptional talent and has been training diligently every day. It just evolved into Beedrill today."
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