But?
"But we can't just confuse the League like this. We still have to let them gain something valuable. How about this? You inform the League about the location of a Team Rocket base, and I will arrange for some special research to be left behind. That should be enough to satisfy them."
Giovanni spoke calmly.
Aoki was stunned.
This wasn't necessary.
Simply reporting the Fradari research centre would have been enough—sacrificing an entire Team Rocket base was an excessive loss.
"You're a senior investigator for the League now, correct? Given your growth rate, you should be nearing the peak of the pseudo-champion level."
Giovanni didn't explain his reasoning immediately. Instead, he shifted the topic to Aoki's strength.
"Yes."
"Then consider this Team Rocket base a gift to the League. It will solidify your standing and eliminate any lingering suspicions about your loyalty. Even if enemies within Team Rocket attempt to expose you, the League won't believe them.
"Furthermore, as a senior investigator, there's still room for advancement. Team Rocket may have retreated, but our strength remains. I want you to secure a position among the Hoenn Elite Four."
Giovanni was paving the way for Aoki's future.
By revealing the League's mission to Team Rocket, Aoki had proven his loyalty. Now, Giovanni was repaying that trust.
But Giovanni also had his own plans.
Aoki's rapid growth and firm foothold in the League made him a valuable asset. His performance in the Sinnoh Tournament had only reinforced that.
What Aoki needed now wasn't resources or rare Pokémon—it was time to develop.
Sacrificing a Team Rocket base now could lead to an Elite Four position later. It was a long-term investment, one that aligned with Giovanni's vision for expanding Team Rocket's influence into Hoenn.
Aoki felt a mix of surprise and wariness.
Giovanni was willing to sacrifice a base for him—but what happened when he was no longer useful? Would he be discarded?
Still, knowing Giovanni's methods, that seemed unlikely.
If Aoki reported the base to the League, no accusation of him being a Team Rocket spy would hold weight—unless Giovanni himself exposed him.
Completing this mission would bring immense benefits, solidifying his path toward being a part of the Elite Four.
"That's all for now. Contact me directly next time. Shadow will send you my number."
With that, Giovanni ended the call.
Moments later, Aoki's communicator buzzed—a string of numbers appeared on the screen.
Giovanni's direct contact information.
Very few in Team Rocket had this privilege. Even some lower-ranking executives didn't have access to Giovanni's private line.
This was proof that Aoki had earned Giovanni's trust.
Once his strength matched the position, becoming an executive would be inevitable.
Team Rocket's Underground Base – Viridian City, Kanto
Giovanni sat in his chair, idly stroking his Persian.
Shadow had just sent Aoki the contact details.
Now, Aoki was directly under Giovanni's command.
Shadow invested in Aoki, and now that the investment was about to bear fruit, he was actually a little happy in his heart.
Though he showed no outward reaction, Shadow was pleased.
His gaze shifted to Shadow, as if reading his thoughts.
"An, inform the base's commander. Have key personnel evacuate immediately. Leave behind only select research materials—enough to make the League believe they've uncovered something significant."
The base could be surrendered, but not its secrets.
"Understood." A voice answered from the shadows before fading away.
Giovanni smirked at Shadow. "Something on your mind?"
"Boss… aren't you worried he'll become uncontrollable? He's cunning." Shadow hesitated before voicing his concern.
As the deputy leader of the Shadow Unit, his loyalty was to Giovanni first.
"He won't." Giovanni's confidence was absolute.
"That boy is ambitious, but he's not a fool. He knows what he wants—and only Team Rocket can give it to him. Besides…" His smile sharpened. "As long as I'm here, betrayal isn't an option."
That was Giovanni's conviction.
Team Rocket existed because he willed it.
Without him, it would crumble.
Shadow nodded in understanding.
Aoki released Slowking's psychic shield and sat on the bed, deep in thought.
"This incident is just the beginning. When I clashed with the Regis on Neverland, Giovanni said nothing—but now, it seems the pieces are falling into place."
Aoki's lips curled slightly.
While Team Rocket remained strong, their support could propel him into the Elite Four.
As for the future…
Who knew what would happen?
For now, power was what mattered.
After organizing his thoughts, Aoki and Slowking vanished from the room, reappearing moments later at the investigator's base.
"Sir!" The investigators snapped to attention.
They had completed their assigned tasks, though they didn't understand the purpose behind them.
Aoki was their superior—they followed orders without question.
Clap!
Aoki signaled for silence.
"Record this: the Dragon Clan, Silph Co., Devon Corporation, the Bellrich Family…" He listed seven or eight major factions.
Halfway through, the investigators paused, exchanging uncertain glances.
These were all powerful organizations.
What was this about?