His face instantly changed from overcast to clear, showing a very friendly smile, and he said to the man, "Oh, nothing, I found a more dangerous person."
Hearing that, the man's face changed slightly. "A person? Do you know who?"
It wasn't easy to meet individuals on this massive trial island. Even if trainers ventured into the forest, most returned within a day. At this distance from the base, it was unlikely they were out for just a day.
The strength required for independent survival at this range could not be underestimated.
And, according to Soros, this person was dangerous. That meant Soros likely knew who it was.
Soros gradually smiled and nodded solemnly. "Oh, yeah. The first place in the test—who doesn't know?"
The man's expression turned serious. Though his impression of Aoki was limited to the calm face that followed his victory as the top-ranked trainer, he couldn't help but feel some fear toward the one who had managed to surpass Guga.
Soros's expression grew more focused, shedding the smile he usually carried. There was no need to hide the truth from the man standing before him.
As a childhood companion, this man knew Soros well. Even at the base, Soros had been able to establish a small group of followers, largely due to this man's help.
So, as someone who understood Soros better than anyone, the man's face darkened when he saw Soros's intent. "No, don't tell me you're planning to target him? Besides, how can you be sure it's him?"
This was a ruthless trainer who had even humiliated Guga without hesitation.
It was no secret at Team Rocket's base that Guga had a significant advantage, being the younger brother of a high-ranking officer. With such connections, Guga's future in the organization seemed bright.
But despite that, Guga had been outdone by Aoki and had left with nothing but empty threats, unable to retaliate.
Soros, with a solemn nod, said, "Think about it. For a low-ranking trainer to surpass Guga, it's nothing short of a miracle. Either he had some extraordinary luck or his Pokemon are incredibly strong!"
Soros glanced at his companion before continuing. "I watched him before we set out. I saw him leave in this direction. Do you think we chose this task randomly?"
The man's eyes twitched as he looked at Soros. He understood Soros's motivations all too well. Although Soros's reasoning was sound, the real motive likely stemmed from Aoki's refusal to acknowledge his earlier invitation—a slight Soros could not let go of.
Still, Soros's logic held weight. If they could uncover Aoki's secret, they might even have a shot at breaking into the top ten themselves.
The man's expression changed subtly, hiding his inner conflict. He had only ended up helping Soros due to his own bad luck in receiving a low-level Koffing as his starting Pokemon. With no better options, he had allied with Soros to improve his own chances.
Even so, the distribution of Pokemon in Team Rocket's trials had always been fair. Except for Guga, who was gifted an Ekans, everything else came down to luck.
Soros remained oblivious to the man's thoughts, consumed by fantasies of uncovering Aoki's secrets and claiming the title of the top trainer for himself. He imagined rising through the ranks of Team Rocket, becoming a force to be reckoned with.
"But we shouldn't rush into a fight," the man cautioned. Despite his own ambitions, he still held a certain respect for Aoki's abilities.
"Don't worry," Soros said confidently. "We'll assess the situation first. Even if we can't handle him, there's always someone else who'll take care of it for us." Soros gestured to the group of five trainers behind them.
After a brief exchange, Soros and his companion made their decision. They would test Aoki's strength.
Soros's trademark smile returned as he turned to address the five trainers. They immediately quieted down, their attention fixed on him.
Soros's charisma and leadership were undeniable. "I've found an incredible opportunity. If we take it, qualifying for the trial will be guaranteed."
The group's eyes lit up with excitement. Though they were competent trainers, their chances of qualifying weren't assured. The idea of a guaranteed qualification was too good to pass up.
"Really?" one of them asked, seeking confirmation.
Soros nodded. "Yes, I confirmed it with Skye here."
The group turned to Skye, who gave a solemn nod in agreement. With both leaders backing the plan, their doubts vanished.
Skye stepped forward, adopting a stern tone. "From this point on, follow orders without question. Anyone who slacks off will be left behind."
The group nodded, their determination renewed.
Soros added with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry. If things get dangerous, I'll have your backs."
Skye's sharp eyes glinted briefly. He knew Soros well enough to recognize his true motivations, but for now, he played along.
"Let's move quickly. Judging by the ashes, we're not far behind," Skye said, concealing his own ambitions. The group followed Soros into the woods, moving with purpose.
Meanwhile, Aoki continued through the forest at a steady pace, unaware of the group tracking him. Even if he knew, he wouldn't have been concerned.
Before capturing Slowpoke, Aoki might have been cautious about facing a group, but now, with Slowpoke and Murkrow on his team, he felt untouchable.
"Slowpoke, use Confusion to control the Meowth. Murkrow, follow up with Dark Pulse and finish it with Wing Attack!" Aoki commanded calmly.
The wild Meowth, a level 20 with decent potential, had attempted to ambush Aoki but was quickly subdued. Slowpoke's psychic abilities immobilized it, while Murkrow lowered its defenses with Dark Pulse before delivering a decisive Wing Attack.
Aoki's strategy was precise and efficient, demonstrating the synergy between his Pokemon. Slowpoke's psychic control paired with Murkrow's offensive abilities made for a formidable combination. This text is hosted at noveⅼfire.net
"Well done, Murkrow, Slowpoke," Aoki praised, rewarding Murkrow with a Pokeblock. Slowpoke, unable to eat Pokeblocks, began meditating to recover its psychic energy. Aoki had trained Slowpoke to restore its strength through meditation even while walking, just as Murkrow always remained alert with Tailwind.
Suddenly, Slowpoke tugged at Aoki's pants and murmured, "Slow..."
"Caw!" Murkrow landed in front of Aoki, letting out a low cry.
Aoki's sharp gaze shifted to his Pokemon. After hearing their explanations, he understood.
"You're saying someone is following us?" Aoki's eyes narrowed.
Through Murkrow's keen senses and Slowpoke's psychic perception, Aoki learned there were multiple individuals tracking him. In this forest, only trial participants could be responsible for such a pursuit.
His lips curled into a small, confident smile. If they wanted to come after him, he would make sure they regretted it.