Though currently undercover within the League, his presence had not caused any substantial damage to the organization. This wasn't because Aoki couldn't inflict harm—he simply didn't want to. The primary reason was that the benefits weren't sufficient to justify the risk.
Aoki was certain the man standing before him, Gordon, had been swayed by the incentives offered by the Hunter's Guild. Understanding this, Aoki wasn't angry at Gordon's betrayal. What infuriated him was the reckless behavior of the Hunter's Guild members, whose actions could jeopardize his covert operations within the League.
At present, neither the League nor Team Rocket were factions Aoki could afford to provoke. He needed time to grow stronger—time he didn't yet have.
If that's the case, then I'll just have to eliminate these nuisances first.
Aoki's expression darkened. He wouldn't allow them to interfere with his plans.
"Summon your Pokémon. I'll give you one chance to resist," Aoki said coldly, offering no further explanation.
Now, as the League's Chief Investigator and a high-ranking official, he finally had the authority to act freely.
If I declare you guilty, you're guilty—even if you're innocent. If I say you're innocent, you're innocent—even if you're guilty.
The power was intoxicating.
This is what true authority feels like.
With a low growl, Tyranitar stepped forward, looming over Gordon with an air of superiority. The massive Dark-and-Rock-type Pokémon knew a battle was imminent. Though his opponent seemed weak, it didn't matter. This would be his first real fight since evolving, and he had been waiting far too long.
Tyranitar remembered the words of the elder Tyranitar before he left his homeland:
"Tyranitar—one punch is all you need."
An exaggeration, perhaps, but he took the lesson to heart.
No matter the opponent, if you can defeat them in one strike, never waste a second.
Aoki smirked. "Hurry up. If you won't resist, then I'll simply take you down myself."
His tone was almost playful, like a predator toying with its prey.
Gordon's mind raced. His only chance was to catch Aoki off-guard—defeat Tyranitar swiftly and take Aoki hostage. It was a desperate plan, but the only one he had.
"Since Chief Aoki wishes to spar, I have no choice but to oblige," Gordon forced out, his smile strained.
The commotion drew the attention of nearby Trainers, including Steven and Phoebe, who approached with curiosity. They trusted Aoki's judgment, though they found his choice of opponent… underwhelming.
Gordon hesitated, then unclipped a Poké Ball from his belt. With a flick of his wrist, he released his first Pokémon—a Swampert, its blue form landing heavily on the battlefield.
Aoki nodded slightly.
Not bad. A decent warm-up for Tyranitar.
Pokémon: Swampert (Light Cyan)
Gender: Male
Level: 58
Type: Water/Ground
Ability: Torrent
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Ancient Power, Ice Ball, Refresh, Mud Bomb
Basic Moves: Mud-Slap, Hammer Arm, Tackle, Growl, Water Gun, Mud Shot, Foresight, Protect, Mud Bomb, Rock Slide, Take Down, Muddy Water, Dive, Earthquake
Learnt Moves: Water Pulse, Aqua Tail, Earth Power, Stomping Tantrum
TM Moves: Protect, Earthquake, Scald, Rock Tomb, Stone Edge, Surf
Aoki assessed the Swampert's strength. Its level was respectable, and its moveset showed training. It would serve as a decent test for Tyranitar.
"Not bad," Aoki remarked. "Though, given your Swampert's strength, the rank of Intermediate Investigator seems too low for you."
Gordon's expression darkened briefly before he masked it. "Chief Aoki, please go easy on me."
Around them, a crowd had gathered, murmuring in excitement.
"Whoa, that Tyranitar is enormous!"
"Chief Aoki has a Tyranitar? That's incredible!"
"Is Gordon really fighting Chief Aoki? Did he catch his attention?"
The whispers grew louder, but Aoki ignored them.
"Swampert, charge! Use Aqua Tail!" Gordon commanded, wasting no time.
Aoki didn't even flinch. "Take the hit. Let's test your defense."
Tyranitar roared in acknowledgment, standing firm as Swampert's glowing water-coated tail slammed into him.
BAM!
Water exploded outward, spraying across the battlefield. Yet when the mist cleared, Tyranitar remained unmoved, not a scratch on him.
Gordon's eyes widened.
Impossible!
Aoki smirked. "Now, crush him."
Tyranitar's fist clenched, his arm rearing back before driving forward like a piston.
CRACK!
The impact sent Swampert flying, skidding across the ground before collapsing in a heap.
Silence.
Then—
Gasps.
Tyranitar had won.
With a single punch.