Hoenn Grand League.
On the highest platform, Aoki sat directly and unsurprisingly in the main seat.
Because of all the people who came to watch today, he is the most important.
Big shot.
Moreover, apart from Adams and a few others, almost no one knew what Aoki's real purpose was.
Although Aoki was sitting in his seat watching the game, his psychic abilities were actually all out there, trying to find that person in the crowd, and he didn't notice anything unusual.
"Next, please welcome our Sandstorm Elite Four Member, Aoki! He'll join our Champion of this year's competition, from..."
Once the match is decided, the Host, according to the schedule, will invite Aoki to participate in an exhibition match.
Aoki also stood up from his seat with a smile, but he did not walk into the arena immediately. Instead, he walked to an elderly man who was also sitting on the rostrum, but at the very edge, with a big smile on his face, amidst the cheers of the audience.
Everyone stared at Aoki, wondering what he was going to do.
"You hid very well. If I hadn't noticed something amiss when the host called my name, I probably wouldn't have been able to find you."
"What? You really wanted to deal with me? I'm standing right in front of you now, why are you hesitating?" Aoki said with a smile to the white-haired old man.
Snap snap snap snap—
The old man's smile suddenly vanished, and he clapped his hands, his voice slightly hoarse. "As expected of Elite Four Aoki, a Psychic user, you are indeed formidable. But I've heard that there's also an Executive named Aoki in Team Rockets. I wonder if Elite Four Aoki is familiar with him?"
Upon hearing the old man's words, Aoki's expression changed slightly, but he did not speak. Instead, he waved to the crowd that was slowly gathering behind him, signaling them not to approach.
Aoki narrowed his eyes slightly. "Since when did Team Rockets get involved with the Cult? Aren't they afraid of upsetting Mr. Giovanni? What do you think, Clan Leader Jin Chuan?"
The moment the old man uttered those words, Aoki guessed his identity.
After Giovanni recognized Aoki's abilities, Giovanni began to intentionally downplay Aoki's presence within Team Rocket, especially after learning that he was preparing to challenge for the Elite Four.
This is also one of the help that Aoki asked Giovanni to help him with.
Now that this person has appeared so openly in the Hoenn Region, and is specifically targeting him, and even colluding with the cult, the only person Aoki can think of is the Nishikikawa Family, whose powerful descendants he almost wiped out. And this person is very likely the patriarch of the Nishikikawa Family.
Upon hearing his identity revealed by Aoki, the old man was not surprised at all; on the contrary, he also became certain of Aoki's true identity.
"It really is you. I wonder if I should call you Elite Four Aoki? Or Aoki Executive? Or... Team Sky Leader?" Jin Chuan asked with a cold smile.
Aoki gave him an indifferent look and shrugged, indicating that he could do whatever he wanted.
Because they evacuated the crowd behind them immediately, no one heard their conversation, and Clan Leader Jin Chuan seemed reluctant to reveal Aoki's identity.
Whether it will be effective or not is another matter; his purpose in coming here is simply to kill his enemy.
The two were standing very close together, a distance that would be considered quite dangerous for humans.
Especially for people like them who are used to directly attacking the Trainer!
Thud—
Aoki and Clan Leader Jin Chuan made their moves at almost the same time. Since he was valued by the cult, he must have extraordinary psychic abilities.
The collision between the two seemed to be a signal.
Gengar, emerging from Aoki's shadow, and Dusknoir, appearing from behind him, clashed after them.
Unlike Aoki and his evenly matched opponent, Gengar gained the upper hand immediately, which caught Clan Leader Jin Chuan off guard.
boom!!!
Photos of the explosion were displayed directly on the podium.
Aoki rode a majestic Salamence and burst out of the thick smoke. When the smoke completely dissipated, six Pokémon were seen following him, ready to pounce.
The audience members who were leaving the venue were unaware of what had happened and had not yet seen the Elite Four Aoki make his move, which they had been eagerly anticipating.
But the explosion made them realize the seriousness of the situation.
Surprisingly, a powerful individual has emerged who can directly confront Elite Four Aoki, and who is even hostile to the alliance.
In an instant, the retreat speed increased.
Aoki stood on Salamence's back, looking down at Clan Leader Jin Chuan and the Pokémon beside him. Among them, Dusknoir had fallen to the ground after being suddenly attacked by Gengar, and struggled to get up.
A single attack nearly rendered Dusknoir incapable of fighting.
Clan Leader Jin Chuan looked extremely grim.
He realized that even if he had overestimated Aoki, he had underestimated him at this moment.
In the battles he had witnessed between Aoki and Steven, Gengar, while very strong, had at most recently reached the level of a Senior Elite. But now? This was clearly the peak of Quasi-Champion; the difference in strength was simply too great!
How could someone improve so much in just six months?
Did they ride a rocket?
He was surprised by the speed at which Aoki's strength improved, but Aoki was somewhat disappointed with the strength of this Clan Leader, Jin Chuan.
My strength is good, but only good. Compared to myself six months ago, I might be slightly stronger, but that's without considering Mega Evolution.
Even including Mega Evolution, Aoki was stronger than him six months ago!
"Too weak. Can you tell me who gave you the confidence to ambush me here?" Aoki asked directly.
Clan Leader Jin Chuan's expression grew increasingly grim. His trump card was the divine power exclusive to the cult, allowing his Charizard and Venusaur to evolve again. However, he hadn't expected that they would be so overwhelmed by the Gengar's overwhelming strength after just one encounter.
Aoki had a few Poké Balls in his hand. At this point, it was clear that he needed to be subdued first, and then see if he could get any useful information out of him.
Also, it's unclear whether Giovanni is aware that Team Rocket members have colluded with members of the cult.
However, before Aoki could summon Pokémon, a deafening explosion resounded on an island not far from Slateport City. A huge spatial rift appeared above the island, revealing complete darkness inside.
The appearance of this spatial rift felt somewhat familiar to Aoki.
Turning to look at Clan Leader Jin Chuan, I noticed that he also had a look of surprise on his face.
"It seems you don't even realize you've become bait. You're a pawn, yet you have the heart of a player. That's your greatest tragedy," Aoki said coldly.
Several Poké Balls were thrown out.
Tyranitar, Slowking, Drapion, Blaziken, and Swampert make their appearance.