Pokemon: Rising From The Dark Chapter 716 - 968 - Zapdos Appears

At this ti, Blaziken's level had reached 47.

After a month of rigorous training and constant exercise, it had achieved this level of strength.

Aoki took Blaziken and Aggron, with whom he had just interacted, and walked toward the fiery terrain of the volcanic island.

After Aggron completed its evolution, the Team Rocket mbers aboard the Sky Fortress also arrived on the island.

The group split into three teams, each exploring in different directions.

Their targets were the three distinct peaks of the island.

"Blaziken, High Jump Kick!"

"Aggron, Stone Edge!"

Blaziken leaped into the air, bending its knees before delivering a powerful kick straight toward a large Mightyena with a ferocious expression.

Aggron remained motionless, but jagged rocks of various shapes materialized from the ground and the air, hurtling toward another Mightyena.

Bang—

Boom!

Blaziken's High Jump Kick struck true, slamming into the first Mightyena, while Aggron's Stone Edge pumled the second.

Both Mightyena collapsed to the ground, defeated with ease.

"Excellent work, Blaziken. Your High Jump Kick has improved significantly. As long as you anticipate your opponent's movent, you can land a devastating blow."

"Aggron, your Stone Edge is formidable, but the speed of execution and the unpredictability of the rocks' trajectory could still be refined."

Aoki analyzed the battle, offering praise and constructive criticism where needed.

When Blaziken had first evolved, it had struggled to master High Jump Kick and Fla Charge. Over the past month, alongside leveling up, it had dedicated itself to perfecting these techniques.

Now, they were battle-ready.

Though Aggron had only recently evolved, it had learned Stone Edge during the last trade fair. After extensive practice, it had grown proficient—though there was always room for improvent.

Their combat abilities were strong, but not yet flawless.

After the battle, Aoki glanced upward at the darkening sky.

"We've distanced ourselves enough. It's ti to begin the mission," Aoki murmured. "Honchkrow, co out."

With a flash of red light, Honchkrow erged, its dark feathers blending seamlessly into the night.

"Scout the skies. See if you can locate any Team Rocket operatives," Aoki commanded.

Honchkrow gave a sharp "Caw!" in acknowledgnt before taking flight, its wings slicing through the air as it ascended.

Now at Champion-level strength and cloaked by the night, it was nearly undetectable—unless it wanted to be seen.

While Honchkrow conducted reconnaissance, Aoki continued his advance with his team.

Before long, Honchkrow returned, relaying its findings.

Team Rocket's forces were indeed present, but they remained clustered together, still scouting the island rather than converging on any specific peak. Aoki would have to wait—either until they located Moltres, allowing him to ambush them from behind, or until they scattered in frustration, making them easier targets.

According to intelligence gathered from Giovanni and Shadow, Aoki's objective was to cripple the Jinchuan faction within Team Rocket. To maximize his reward, he needed to eliminate key figures—Rocks, Regis, and others.

The exact number was unclear, but Aoki intended to leave none standing.

Using Honchkrow's aerial advantage, he trailed them silently, biding his ti.

Three Days Later

Three Isle Island

After three days of relentless searching, Team Rocket had yet to find any sign of the legendary birds.

Neither Moltres—the target of Rocks and his squad—nor Articuno and Zapdos—pursued by Dark and Shadow—had been sighted.

But they refused to give up.

Team Rocket's intelligence confird that the three legendary birds resided on the island.

As they neared the three mountains, they discovered traces—molted feathers, scorched earth, and static-charged air—confirming the legends' presence. All they needed was patience.

The mission was allotted two weeks. Only three days had passed.

Rocks and his n were prepared for a prolonged hunt.

But three days were enough for Aoki to finalize his preparations.

Having mapped out Team Rocket's patrol routes and schedules, he waited for the perfect mont to strike.

His personal mission was secondary—he couldn't jeopardize Team Rocket's primary objective.

"SKREEEEE—"

A piercing cry split the sky, followed by a crackling surge of electricity.

Zapdos.

It descended upon the island in a storm of lightning, its wings crackling with raw power.

Aoki's eyes narrowed.

"After three days of waiting… it finally appears."

Zapdos's arrival didn't guarantee the others would follow—but Aoki's instincts told him they would.

The ti for action had co.

He released two more Poké Balls, summoning Pupitar and Politoed to join Aggron and Blaziken.

Together, they ford a formidable force—ranging from Elite to pseudo-Champion level.

After three days of intense battles, Aggron had reached level 46, Blaziken level 49.

Pupitar stood at level 46, Politoed at 49.

With the exception of Swampert—his sole Champion-level Pokémon—this team could hold its own against most high-tier opponents.

Over the past three days, Aoki hadn't just trained his Pokémon—he'd also ticulously charted the island's volcanic forest, uploading a detailed map into his system.

Now, he moved swiftly through the trees, unseen.

His first targets?

Team Rocket mbers who were, in truth, loyalists of the Jinchuan family.

To them, blood ca before allegiance.

And blood would be spilled tonight.

"Pupitar, Precipice Blades!"

"Blaziken, Blaze Kick!"

"Aggron, Stone Edge!"

"Politoed, Scald!"

Four attacks erupted simultaneously.

Before the two Jinchuan operatives could react, they—and their Pokémon—were obliterated.

Aoki didn't spare them a glance.

The earth shifted, swallowing the bodies whole.

No ti to linger.

More awaited.

The distant roar of battle echoed—Zapdos's thunder clashing against Shadow's forces.

As more Jinchuan mbers vanished, their communicators falling silent, Rocks and Regis finally noticed.

Rocks smirked.

Regis's expression darkened.

"Uncle… it seems we're being hunted," Regis muttered.

Rocks scoffed. "This operation was always about who had the better contingencies. If they're revealing themselves now, how much of a threat can they truly be?"

Years in Team Rocket, yet neither had risen beyond mid-rank. Their potential was limited. Their deaths? Inconsequential.

"I'll investigate," Regis said.

Rocks nodded. "Be cautious. Call for backup if you encounter soone… troubleso."

For a fleeting mont, the image of a black-robed figure flickered in his mind.