"Record these forces that have participated in the auction organized by Team Rocket. Although it's not a significant matter, we still need to report it to the higher-ups. Your task later will be to focus on observing these families or companies." Aoki said calmly, his voice carrying the measured tone of an experienced Trainer.
The investigators opposite him exchanged bewildered glances at his words, their confusion evident in the way they shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
Targeting these influential families? Even if Aoki desired to take action, the League certainly wouldn't permit it. These prominent families represented crucial foundations of the League's power structure, their networks deeply embedded in every region's political and economic systems. While Aoki harbored no intentions of moving against them directly, as the League's appointed investigator, he remained obligated to document every observed detail.
"Is there a communication device here that can connect directly with League headquarters?" Aoki inquired again, his fingers drumming a rhythmic pattern against the polished surface of the conference table.
The investigators remained momentarily stunned, but quickly composed themselves when they processed his question. "Yes! Immediately available!" one intermediate-level investigator responded hastily, his voice cracking slightly with nervous energy.
The group parted like a school of Remoraid, revealing a sleek video phone nestled against the back wall. The device glowed softly, its screen displaying the direct line to the Investigative Headquarters. Aoki approached but hesitated, his hand hovering over the console. Instead of activating the primary connection, he input a different sequence - the private line of the Chief Investigator who had assigned him this mission.
Though currently operating in Kanto, Aoki remained officially affiliated with the Hoenn League's Investigative Division. This distinction mattered in the intricate bureaucracy of Pokémon League politics. The call connected almost instantly, the screen resolving into the stern features of a woman bearing the distinctive pink hair and nurse's cap of the Joy family, though her uniform bore the insignia of a Chief Investigator.
It was Inspector Joy, the one who owned an Articuno. Her presence served as a reminder that while most Joys dedicated themselves to Pokémon healing, some members of their lineage pursued other paths. The Kanto region boasted a similar anomaly - a Joy whose partner was the legendary Latias. From this we can see that as long as there is someone in the Joy family who wants to be a trainer and happens to have some talent, relying on the strength and background of their family, the final achievements of these Joys will not be low.
Aoki had removed all disguise materials, revealing his ordinary League Trainer features - features that nonetheless carried significant recognition among regional leadership. While the general public might not recognize him, every high-ranking official knew this was the researcher who had pioneered discovery of the Fairy-type. Professor Oak had already submitted paperwork to grant him official Pokémon Researcher status, pending announcement of his findings.
"Chief Joy..." Aoki began, then paused, uncertain of proper address protocol. All medical Joys were simply "Miss Joy," but this was different.
"Yui is acceptable. This is the Goldenrod City investigation hub. Have you uncovered something?" Chief Joy Yui's expression remained impassive, devoid of the characteristic warmth associated with her family. An aura of glacial professionalism surrounded her, quite unlike the comforting demeanor of Pokémon Center staff.
Aoki disregarded her chilly manner and proceeded: "Significant findings requiring immediate reporting."
Joy Yui didn't question his assessment. "Stand by," she instructed crisply, her fingers dancing across her console. The screen divided into multiple segments as she initiated a conference call with other high-ranking officials.
The new frames populated with familiar faces: Adams, President of the Hoenn League; another Joy (addressed as "Sister Yui" by the Chief); several other executives Aoki recognized, and some unfamiliar figures who must have held considerable authority.
"Kanto requested our assistance investigating Team Rocket activities. We've acquired intelligence requiring collective review," Yui stated matter-of-factly.
The assembled officials showed no reaction to her brusque manner, evidently accustomed to her direct style. Adams leaned forward, his brow furrowing. "Aoki? First day on assignment and you've already made progress?"
Aoki nodded solemnly. "I infiltrated a Team Rocket auction today and made contact with their upper echelons. Three critical points emerged."
The room seemed to hold its breath as he continued: "First, Team Rocket auctioned a Moltres. The Sinnoh-based Bellritz family secured it, though multiple factions participated in bidding. Full documentation will follow."
Nods circulated among the viewers. This aligned with previous unverified reports.
"Second, the Kalos-based Fradari Institute has established covert relations with Team Rocket, offering specialized battle armor technology. This suggests ongoing, substantive collaboration."
The implications hung heavy - any organization capable of supplying Team Rocket's technological needs represented a serious concern.
"Third and most critically, Team Rocket maintains a research facility in Asahi City. Their work appears to involve experimentation on Pokémon of potentially legendary status, possibly exceeding Moltres in class."
Aoki delivered this final point without embellishment, watching the reactions unfold across the video feeds. The normally unflappable officials displayed varying degrees of alarm.
"Are you certain of these findings? Particularly the research facility?" Adams' voice carried uncharacteristic tension. While Team Rocket bases weren't uncommon, legendary Pokémon research could destabilize global power structures.
Aoki affirmed with absolute certainty. By revealing this intelligence, he served both his agreement with Giovanni and the League's interests. His position as a double agent allowed him to leverage both organizations for his ultimate goal - personal advancement in the Pokémon world.
Whether Team Rocket would eventually fracture as in historical patterns remained uncertain, but Aoki intended to achieve sufficient strength before any such collapse.
"Excellent work," Adams acknowledged, then addressed the Kanto representatives pointedly: "Our Kanto colleagues have received this information clearly, yes?"
Originally, many people in the Kanto League headquarters were reserved about Aoki's identity and origins, and believed that he might be an undercover agent sent by Team Rocket. After all, someone had received an anonymous email during this period saying that Aoki from the Hoenn region was a spy planted by Team Rocket in the Alliance.
Although they ultimately failed to find out anything, they remained skeptical about Aoki's identity.
But now that Aoki has successfully investigated the news, and from Adams' words, he can hear that he is slightly dissatisfied with the people of Kanto.
The senior officials in the Kanto region could only smile helplessly, knowing that Adams was a little angry.
In fact, the reason they wanted Aoki from the Hoenn region to carry out this mission was to see whether Aoki had any connection with Team Rocket.
Is it possible that in such a huge place like Kanto, there is not even one person that can be spared?
Adams denied it at first, but failed to refute it in the end.
Now he suddenly felt more confident.
Aoki helped him hit them in the face.
Let you frame our Hoenn people?
He must have not been treated fairly in the Kanto region and chose to come to Hoenn to develop.
The Kanto league has failed to support him and they have always been thinking about supporting the geniuses in those big families.
Adams admitted that people like Lance were indeed geniuses, but Aoki was no less capable now.