Steven and Aoki finalized the first-year economic development plan for Verdanturf Town as quickly as possible.
Somewhat exhausted, the two returned to their rooms.
After descending from Mount Chimney earlier that day, they had their first battle and recognition match against the Torchic in the forest at the mountain's base.
Upon returning to Verdanturf Town, they engaged with the locals and completed the official opening ceremony of the Gym.
Then, Aoki discussed with Matsuda about establishing the Breeder Association branch.
And finally, he and Steven completed the economic development plan for Verdanturf Town.
It wasn't physical fatigue that weighed on them, but rather the mental strain of extensive strategizing.
Steven went to rest, but Aoki still had unfinished business. Just after wrapping up his discussion with Steven, a hidden communicator in his inner pocket vibrated slightly.
Team Rocket. Shadow had sent a message.
After ensuring Aoki had completed his tasks, Shadow requested an immediate callback.
Upon returning to his room, Aoki had Slowking set up a Psychic barrier before dialing Shadow's video call.
"Master Shadow," Aoki said respectfully as the screen displayed a dark silhouette.
"You performed quite well this time. Even the Boss has taken notice," Shadow said in a slightly hoarse voice. The screen's faint distortion obscured any further details.
"Teaming up with that kid from the Stone family to take down a pseudo-Elite-level Pokémon was impressive. Your strength is now worthy of a Team Rocket Captain position."
Aoki bowed his head slightly but remained silent. Shadow continued without expecting a response.
"The Verdanturf Gym should be open now, correct? As one of the few Gym Leaders aligned with Team Rocket, the Boss has decided to provide you with some support. If you have specific requests, speak now. Otherwise, you will be allocated supplies as per standard protocol."
Aoki pondered briefly before replying. "I would like access to research on Gengar, particularly its evolution methods. Additionally, if possible, I'd like information on improving Pokémon potential. An electronic file will suffice."
Gengar's evolution method had always been a mystery to Aoki. He recalled that Shadow also had a Gengar, though he wasn't sure how it had evolved. If he could obtain classified data from Team Rocket's vast archives, it would be invaluable.
However, Aoki's second request—information on enhancing a Pokémon's potential—was the true prize.
Even the most detailed research on Gengar would only apply to a single species, but knowledge on improving Pokémon potential had universal benefits.
It was a bold request, and Shadow was momentarily silent.
For half a minute, Aoki waited patiently. Whether Shadow was considering the request or consulting with Giovanni was unclear.
Finally, Shadow's voice returned.
"I can provide you with the Gengar data, along with research on Pokémon potential enhancement. However, it will not be complete. You will receive select information relevant to your current Pokémon roster. I cannot confirm the extent of its details, but this is already an exceptional privilege. If not for the Boss's acknowledgment, your request would be considered excessive."
There was a faint, undisguised trace of envy in Shadow's voice.
And rightfully so. Even with Shadow's high rank within Team Rocket, such a request would be difficult to make.
But Giovanni's leadership style was once again evident—he trusted his subordinates without hesitation. This level of confidence was precisely why Shadow remained loyal to him.
Aoki's heart settled. This was a test, a way to gauge whether Giovanni's trust in him had wavered now that he had gained influence within the League.
Judging by this answer, Aoki had passed. Giovanni's decisiveness was as unwavering as ever.
If Aoki had not already lived through a previous life, if he were not so deeply self-reliant, he might have been fully convinced of Giovanni's worthiness and pledged absolute loyalty.
But Aoki hadn't. He remained loyal, but only so long as it aligned with his own safety and progress.
Giovanni was someone worth following—but Aoki would always prioritize himself first.
After the call ended, Aoki received a massive data transfer through his communicator.
Even with Team Rocket's advanced technology, the transmission took the entire night to complete, illustrating just how vast the information was.
The next morning, after reviewing the data, Aoki instructed his internal system to process the files.
"System, categorize and analyze all received data. Prioritize sorting information on Haunter's evolution into Gengar."
"Beep! Task initiated. Processing. Please wait."
While the system worked, Aoki had breakfast with Steven.
Steven was preparing to depart for Rustboro City.
With both of his Metang having evolved into Metagross, and having acquired two ancient Pokémon fossils, he needed specialists to examine them and determine the best approach for revival.
Aoki saw no reason to intervene.
Both of them needed to continue growing. As the future Champion of Hoenn, Steven had already reached the final threshold. Once he crossed it, he would soar to the peak.
If Aoki didn't want to fall too far behind, he needed to push himself even harder.
At the entrance of Verdanturf Gym, Steven bid farewell to Aoki in his usual formal attire.
"Aoki, you'd better keep up. Don't let me get too far ahead. I'm off to catch up with Lance first," Steven said with a smirk.
Aoki laughed. "Then you'd better not slow down. If you're not careful, I might reach the peak before you."
Steven grinned but didn't respond.
Turning away, he waved over his shoulder and left Verdanturf Town.
The friendly rivalry between them was far from over.