Hearing Gengar's report, Aoki nodded to show that he understood. Indeed, nearly half of the people in this aerial fortress were from the Jinchuan family.
"No wonder even Giovanni, who is usually so tolerant, feels annoyed with this family," Aoki thought to himself.
If it were merely internal conflict among Team Rocket members, as long as it didn't hinder the organization's growth, Giovanni typically wouldn't intervene. In fact, he sometimes encouraged such rivalries—partly to maintain control and partly because competition often led to stronger members. But the Jinchuan family had clearly crossed a line.
They had blatantly exploited their connection to Giovanni's father to place their own people in key positions within Team Rocket. Worse, they had begun disregarding Giovanni's orders. Though they were careful not to act too arrogantly, their intentions were obvious. What were they trying to accomplish? A coup? Believing themselves to be the rightful heirs of Team Rocket simply because of their blood ties?
These actions were a direct challenge to Giovanni's authority. Aoki suspected that only Giovanni's absolute confidence in his own power kept him from eliminating them outright. If it were up to Aoki, he would have crushed them at the first sign of rebellion.
Now that he understood the situation, Aoki knew what he had to do. The more decisive his actions, the greater the rewards.
"We have arrived at the destination. All operatives participating in the mission, prepare for deployment!" A voice echoed through the fortress's intercom.
Aoki stood.
It was time.
He adjusted the black hood over his head, ensuring his face remained hidden.
"Let's go, Gengar," he said, stepping out of the room with the Ghost-type floating beside him.
Most operatives would descend from the fortress's underside, but Aoki had no intention of moving with the main force. Instead, he made his way to the rear of the fortress, opened a hatch, and leaped out without hesitation.
Cloaked in darkness, Aoki and Gengar were nearly invisible against the night sky.
Gengar suddenly let out a low chuckle, alerting Aoki to something hidden within the clouds—someone avoiding the fortress's radar but not Gengar's keen senses. Whoever it was had grown bold now that the fortress had halted.
Interesting.
Aoki smirked. Someone else was playing the role of the lurking predator. He wondered which faction this interloper belonged to.
For now, he ignored it. He and Gengar continued their rapid descent, the wind howling past them, whipping Aoki's cloak violently. Just before impact, his psychic powers activated, halting his fall mere centimeters above the ground.
Gengar landed smoothly beside him.
"This island isn't well-known," Aoki observed, scanning the dense, ancient forest around them. The island was sizable, dominated by three distinct peaks: one an active volcano, another encased in ice, and the last scorched, its trees charred with only sparse patches of green remaining.
The habitats of the three legendary birds were unmistakable.
It was rare for these Pokémon to share an island—whether they were the true legendaries or mere imitations. Though often grouped together, the three birds had no natural connection beyond superficial similarities. Unlike the Regi trio, who were known to act in unison, the legendary birds typically operated independently.
Aoki didn't move immediately. Instead, he sent Gengar to scout while he waited, fingers absently toying with a string of mind-blocking beads.
The beads stilled.
Gengar hadn't returned yet, but something else had noticed Aoki—a wild Pokémon, eyeing him from the treetops.
His system scanned it automatically.
A level 45 Persian, light green in aptitude, had mistaken Aoki for prey.
Aoki smirked. The beads resumed their motion as he retrieved a Poké Ball and released Lairon with a metallic roar.
The Steel-type emerged, eyes blazing with battle lust. Though only level 41, it showed no fear.
"Lairon, Rock Slide," Aoki ordered.
The Persian barely had time to react before three massive boulders materialized above it and crashed down.
Boom! Boom!
Lairon's control had improved drastically. The rocks struck with precision, leaving the Persian dazed.
"Follow up with Iron Tail."
Electricity crackled along Lairon's body as it launched itself forward with terrifying speed, slamming into the Persian like a living battering ram. The impact shattered stone and sent cracks spiderwebbing through the earth.
Before the dust settled, Lairon's tail gleamed metallic before hammering down again.
The Persian was left broken, utterly defeated.
Lairon roared triumphantly.
Aoki approached, pleased. "You see now? Raw level isn't everything."
Lairon met his gaze, determination burning in its eyes.
"Good. No more holding back. It's time to evolve."
Lairon had restrained itself long enough. Now, it was ready.