As for the traitor within the League, even with her identity, she still couldn't get in touch with him. When she appeared, Wattson had already been defeated, and even who did it was just her guess. After getting the information she wanted, Aoki gave her a straightforward answer.
After dealing with an unimportant person, Aoki waited for a while but still did not see the other person return, so he had to give up temporarily. This time, he didn't wander around but walked straight toward the Ancient Tree of Life in the center of the space.
Based on Aoki's understanding of Drake, he would definitely head toward the Ancient Tree of Life as soon as possible. If it was truly as that woman had said—with Team Magma, Team Aqua, and a mysterious organization combining forces—even if Drake was the strongest in this space, the sheer numbers would put him in great danger.
However, if Aoki wanted to reach the center, flying directly over wasn't an option. Without absolute aerial superiority, he risked being ambushed. The only choice was to travel on foot.
He tossed a Poké Ball and summoned his Drapion.
"Drap!"
The Drapion emerged with an excited cry. Aoki stepped onto its back, using it as a land mount once again. Navigating through the dense, roadless forest was no obstacle for Drapion, its many-jointed limbs allowing it to move effortlessly. The rest of Aoki's Pokémon wouldn't struggle with the terrain either.
Aoki quickened his pace toward the heart of the space. He hadn't traveled far when he noticed something intriguing.
"Huh?"
A flicker of movement caught his attention. Aoki tapped Drapion's back, signaling it to pursue. The Pokémon in question hadn't sensed any danger—it was merely foraging happily, unaware of the approaching threat.
In its mind, this was its tribe's territory. With their group being the strongest and most numerous in the area, what danger could there possibly be?
But it didn't know that an outsider had entered—someone who didn't care about local hierarchies and was simply interested in its existence.
A Bulbasaur.
The figure Aoki had spotted was a Bulbasaur, crouched in a patch of fertile soil, searching for food.
Aoki had always liked Bulbasaur, even more so after establishing his own island. However, as a starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur were rare in the wild. Even on the black market, most available specimens were of mediocre quality.
When Giovanni had given Aoki 400 million Pokecoins, he had considered exchanging them for a high-quality Bulbasaur from Team Rocket's listings. But at the time, his priority had been strengthening his team for missions, and he hadn't found one with suitable potential. The matter was left unresolved.
Given Aoki's current standing in the League, he could technically apply for a Kanto starter. As one of the Hoenn League's top officials, he had that privilege. However, the quality of such a Pokémon wouldn't be under his control.
Even if he didn't train it personally, having more Bulbasaur would still be useful. Right now, his island only had three, all with unremarkable potential.
This wild one, however, was different.
Pokémon: Bulbasaur (Dark Green)
Gender: Male
Level: 15
Type: Grass/Poison
Ability: Overgrow
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Magical Leaf, Ingrain, Grassy Terrain
Basic Moves: Tackle, Growl, Vine Whip, Poison Powder, Sleep Powder, Take Down
Learnt Moves: Worry Seed, Snore, Synthesis, Seed Bomb
TM Moves: None
A wild, dark-green Bulbasaur. Most importantly, it knew Grassy Terrain, a move Aoki particularly valued.
"A fine catch. Even better if the whole tribe is nearby."
With that thought, Aoki retrieved a Poké Ball and summoned his Ralts.
No need to overdo it—even Ralts would be overkill for this Bulbasaur.
"Ral...?"
The moment Ralts materialized, it let out a soft cry, hovering beside Aoki with its psychic power before nestling into his arms.
"Dad... Dad..."
Its telepathic voice echoed in Aoki's mind. By now, Aoki was used to Ralts calling him that.
"See that Bulbasaur? Use Disarming Voice," Aoki instructed, gently patting Ralts' head.
"Ral!"
Realizing it was being called to battle, Ralts locked onto the Bulbasaur. A mesmerizing, melodic cry flowed from its lips, weaving through the air and into Bulbasaur's ears.
The Bulbasaur froze, dropping the food it had been holding. Its gaze snapped toward Ralts, heart-shaped pupils dilating. Its heartbeat raced—if not for its naturally green skin, its blush would have been obvious.
This was the sensation of love at first sight.
But Ralts paid no mind to Bulbasaur's feelings. Placing its tiny hands on its hips, it cast a haughty glance at the infatuated Grass-type. A regal aura radiated from Ralts, as if it were a queen surveying a subject.
Aoki raised an eyebrow.
When did this little one develop such an attitude?
Soon, the lovestruck Bulbasaur collapsed, unconscious yet smiling. What dreams awaited it, no one could say.
Aoki tossed a Poké Ball without hesitation.
"Bulba... saur..."
The Bulbasaur murmured weakly, offering no resistance as the ball sealed around it. The capture was effortless.
Aoki had to admit—he'd underestimated Ralts' charm.
The moment the battle ended, Ralts' demeanor shifted back to its usual sweet self, leaping back into Aoki's arms like an affectionate child.