After the emergency meeting, Aoki returned to his temporary tent.
Because of his special status, he could have his own tent, and Steven and the others were next to him.
However, this time he did not go to exchange ideas with Steven and the others, but returned to his tent alone.
Steven and the others did not disturb him, but thought that he was a little tired from fighting back and forth during the day.
But in fact, after returning to his tent, Aoki used his psychic powers to create a sound barrier and dialed Rose's communication number, who was currently at the Sky Team base in Violet City.
The communicator was connected.
"Sir." Rose's respectful voice sounded.
"How have you been lately?" Aoki said calmly.
"As you instructed, we did not participate in the so-called 'feast' of the underground forces. We just did our own thing honestly. It seems that after a period of investigation, the Alliance is more at ease with us and has not done anything particularly targeted.
We are preparing to reopen the black market. We have suffered considerable losses during this period." Rose briefly reported the information.
Upon hearing the report, Aoki was quite pleased with Rose and her team's approach and obedient nature.
Secondary matters like underground operations were indeed best handled by others.
"The black market can indeed be opened now. The League won't be focusing on us. However, during this period, double or more the prices of all supplies and Pokémon for sale, and then aggressively buy up any rare materials being sold at low prices.
Keep an eye on the movements of Team Magma and Team Aqua, who are operating covertly. Buy back anything valuable that they're selling off at low prices.
Ideally, use barter to lower their prices and raise ours!" Aoki said.
Hearing Aoki's words, Rose immediately understood.
It seemed Team Magma and Team Aqua were preparing for a war of attrition with the League, while Team Sky could make a fortune during this time.
Essential materials and fully-developed Pokémon were extremely valuable at this point.
A premium was entirely reasonable.
Previously, there were concerns that selling at such a high price to them would incur retaliation from Team Magma and Team Aqua, but now they are clearly struggling to survive themselves and have no time to worry about Team Sky.
"Yes!" Rose agreed excitedly.
"Also, you need to keep an eye on the Alliance's movements. They'll likely target smaller factions first, so be prepared to take them over.
I have only one requirement: quality over quantity!" Aoki emphasized another point.
"Yes! Don't worry!" Rose knew exactly what to do.
Watching Team Sky grow stronger, her current position, similar to a head steward, would rise accordingly.
If Team magma and Team Aqua were severely damaged by the Alliance, Team Sky might actually have a chance to rise again!
"That's all. Report to me immediately if there are any special circumstances." With that, Aoki hung up the phone.
As his main direction was set, Team Sky, which had been dormant, suddenly sprang into action.
Rose issued orders and tasks, and Team Sky, this small but powerful machine, started up.
If it absorbed enough nutrients, it might really have a chance to become a giant monster.
...
After finishing his call with Rose,
Aoki waved away his energy shield and sat on his bed.
This incident was an opportunity for both himself and Steven and the others.
Training alone wasn't enough to raise Pokémon.
After so many battles today, he could clearly feel the Pokémon's combat skills and proficiency improving.
Levels that would normally require thirty days of training could be instantly achieved in a single battle.
Pokémon are magical creatures that grow through battle, and the profession of trainer exists to shorten the growth process and facilitate their development.
Trainers and Pokémon are a complementary pair, mutually reinforcing and growing together.
Therefore, Aoki strongly supported such battles.
However, he also felt conflicted.
He knew exactly what Team Magma and Team Aqua were searching for, and what would happen once they found it.
On one hand, he hoped to witness the legendary Pokémon Groudon and Kyogre and see their strength.
On the other hand, he feared things would spiral out of his control.
In the original timeline, Team Magma and Team Ocean wouldn't have found the Indigo Orb and the Crimson Orb so early.
Now, the chain reaction caused by his little butterfly has already had a significant impact.
What Aoki finds most unpredictable is the emergence of that so-called cult.
This is the first time Aoki feels that the events to come are about to completely spiral out of his knowledge.
But thinking about it is one thing, but the situation is already beyond his control.
He's just a slightly larger fish in the river of time, drifting with the current
...
So, for a while afterward, the League, Team Magma, and Team Aqua began a tug-of-war.
The League was always on the offensive, while Team Magma and Team Aqua were forced into a defensive posture.
Both sides suffered losses in this tug-of-war.
However, on the League's side, Aoki, Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace's reputations began to grow.
Even the smaller teams from Team Magma and Team Aqua had to be cautious when facing them.
Especially Aoki, who was very experienced in this kind of combat, so his growth and fame were much faster than Steven.
When facing Steven and the other two, Team Magma and Team Aqua had to consider the importance of the mission and choose whether to continue or abandon it.
But when facing Aoki, all members could unconditionally choose to abandon the mission, and there were no consequences for failure.
(So Aoki's real name is Namikaze Aoki???)
This is the result of Aoki's efforts during this period. He encountered Daigo and the others, who, while strong, weren't particularly adept at practical combat.
Aoki, however, was different. Fighting him required not only commanding his Pokémon but also constantly protecting his own safety.
This kind of battle truly unleashed Aoki's fighting style. Genji (Genji is drake in japenese) and the others not only didn't object to or question Aoki's current fighting style but even felt that Aoki's rapid growth made him suitable for real combat.
Among the League members, the calls for Aoki to become the new Elite Four were growing louder.
This was because Aoki was not only fierce and sharp in battle but had also saved many people.
Almost everyone in the camp had received help from Aoki, and everyone saluted him in respect.
It could be said that, apart from Genji and Bonney (Idk who she is don't ask maybe glacia??), Aoki's personal reputation had reached its peak.
A strongman who earned his reputation through strength deserves everyone's respect.
Moreover, Aoki is a breeder, and with a supportive figure like Lady Hanagi, he can be on the front lines and also provide logistical support.
How could anyone not respect someone like that?
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(End of Chapter)