"Now, let's reallocate our tasks, but before that, let's first congratulate Aoki on officially becoming our Hoenn Sandstorm Elite Four!" Adams sat at the head of the table.
To his right were Dragon-type Elite Four Drake, Dark-type Elite Four Karen, Ice-type Elite Four Glacia, and Sandstorm-type Elite Four Aoki, followed by Chief Investigator Miki.
Although Aoki's position only moved one spot forward, the meaning it conveyed was vastly different.
As for the left side, it remained unchanged, with Miki, Officer Jenny, Nurse Joy, and others representing the non-combat sectors of the Alliance.
Clap clap clap clap—
Applause erupted.
It could be said that everyone in the conference room had watched Aoki from the beginning, sitting by the wall as an observer, to gradually being able to interject in discussions, then sitting at the conference table, and now, occupying a seat representing the Elite Four.
At an incredibly fast pace.
Aoki stood up, expressing his gratitude, and bowed to everyone in the conference room.
As he sat down, he heard Miki whisper beside him, "You look quite handsome in this outfit."
Aoki smiled faintly, and a voice only Miki could hear appeared in her ear, "Of course."
He used his psychic powers, so no one else heard it, but the result was as if Aoki was whispering in Miki's ear, causing her face to instinctively flush.
She immediately widened her eyes and looked at Aoki, only to find him still composed, as if nothing had happened.
"Ahem," Adams also noticed Miki's expression and cleared his throat as a reminder.
Miki immediately realized her gaffe, obediently lowered her head, but her expression was one of gritted teeth.
A slight curve appeared at the corner of Aoki's mouth.
"Alright, according to our current task list, let's reallocate the work.
I believe everyone knows what the Grand League signifies.
We, in the Hoenn region, don't demand everyone be a soldier, but our former lazy attitude must be rectified.
Therefore! The arrangements for various tasks this time may differ from before.
If you have any opinions or suggestions, please voice them during the meeting, and we can discuss their suitability together."
Adams' expression became serious.
In such a formal meeting, even though he was no longer the Champion, he still held the most authority in the conference room.
"First, Miki, continue to be responsible for managing and coordinating all major and minor affairs in the Hoenn region, including many trivial matters.
I know you also have Devon Corporation to manage, so you are allowed to find some people to help you.
These people will be chosen by you."
Upon hearing this, old man Miki nodded.
The Miki family is one of the top families in the Hoenn region.
Managing the trivial matters between all the major and minor families is very simple with the Miki family's name.
"Officer Jenny, Nurse Joy, both clan heads will still be responsible for the Alliance Police Department and the Pokémon Centers, but I'm somewhat dissatisfied with their previous state.
I believe both clan heads understand what I'm referring to, so please supervise your people well, including those who joined later."
Adams was indeed somewhat displeased with the Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy families.
During the previous Hoenn turmoil, the Alliance Police Departments and Pokémon Centers in various towns did not play a significant role.
They had been comfortable for too long and had forgotten what they should do during wartime.
Clan Head Jenny and Clan Head Joy also looked serious.
They had sensed this situation before and were already making adjustments within the two major Alliance organizations.
Adams bringing it up at the meeting today indicated that he could no longer tolerate it.
"Contests will still proceed normally, but as Coordinators, I believe merely being beautiful and dazzling is not enough.
I hope to incorporate combat elements into them!
I don't oppose the Coordinator profession, but as a Pokémon Trainer, the necessary and most basic combat ability is still required!"
The president of the Coordinator Association immediately nodded, indicating understanding.
Now that the entire Hoenn region had begun to advocate battles, it was time for them, as Coordinators, to make some changes.
"As for the Breeders, Brock made arrangements before he left, and there aren't many tasks.
As his disciple, Aoki, you will temporarily serve as the president of the Breeder's Guild.
If you have a suitable candidate, you can also entrust these matters to them."
As a component that only later entered the Hoenn region, the Breeder's Guild is not yet very large, so there aren't many tasks.
As for the planning, others have already arranged it, so just follow it and don't worry too much.
"Yes," Aoki nodded.
Then some other matters were allocated.
When it came to the Elite Four, who represented combat power, "Drake, this time, whether you like it or not, the Investigator Department will be under your overall management!
There's no Champion now, and you're unwilling to be one, so I can only entrust this important task to you!"
Upon hearing this, Drake's eyes widened, looking at Adams in disbelief.
You're too lazy yourself, so you're dumping it on me, huh??
Drake had long seen through Adams' intentions.
This guy was just forcefully finding work for himself to do.
But now he had no choice; the Investigator Department was of great importance, and only he could control it.
"Oh, and there are many tasks in the Investigator Department for tracking down major criminals.
These tasks have been piling up for a long time, and I hope you can deal with them." A hint of a smile appeared on Adams' face.
Drake's eye twitched.
You're trying to make things difficult for me?!!
"Cough, these tasks have been piling up for quite a while.
I don't think I can handle them alone.
How about Aoki helps me?
He's also a practical trainer." Drake stared intently at Adams, implying that if he didn't agree to this, he would quit!
Finally... Adams gave in, nodding in agreement.
Anyway, you're not asking me for help, so I don't care who you ask.
"Aoki, you've just become an Elite Four, and you indeed need more tempering.
These tasks will be handled by you and Elite Four Drake," Adams said without changing his expression.
Aoki looked at Drake, then at Adams, and immediately felt a surge of frustration, almost unable to hold back his words.
You guys are bullying the newbie, aren't you?
Seeing that I'm young, relying on your seniority, relying on your high official position, relying on... you're bullying me, aren't you?
Do you want me to get involved in everything?
Isn't this just an Investigator task with no rewards?
I thought I'd be free from Investigator duties after becoming an Elite Four, but I didn't expect to regress.
He almost couldn't catch his breath.
"...Yes—" Aoki spoke with difficulty, as he noticed Adams' and Drake's gazes had changed.
You guys... fine!
I'll endure it!
Just don't let me find an opportunity to climb above you.
Hmph hmph... Hearing Aoki agree, Adams and Drake both showed satisfied smiles.
You punk, you think you're hot stuff just because you became an Elite Four?
Get to work, obediently!
—This was Adams' inner monologue.
Tsk tsk, this little guy's strength is pretty good.
It's a good opportunity to temper his dual-core tactics and strive to turn his pseudo-triple core into a true triple core as soon as possible.
I definitely didn't think about giving him all the tasks... and I certainly didn't think that once Aoki's strength improved, I could retire!
Hmm, I definitely didn't think that.
Alright, maybe a little bit, just a tiny bit... —This was Drake's inner monologue.