One day, Aoki rushed to board the last flight from Goldenrod City to the League headquarters. It took a full day after Adams' call for him to finally arrive. He entered Adams' office without any obstruction, where his mentor Matsuda and President Adams had been waiting for some time. They had expected to see him the previous day, but the journey had taken longer than anticipated.
"Teacher! President!" Aoki greeted them respectfully upon entering. Behind Adams stood Phoebe, who quietly waved at Aoki. He noticed she had grown slightly taller since their last meeting.
Adams and Matsuda both nodded approvingly. "Aoki, we've heard about your actions in the Kalos region," Adams began warmly. "The Kalos League sent us a letter thanking you for your role in the Parfum Palace incident. The palace heir also sent a gift as gratitude—Phoebe will give it to you later."
As Adams spoke, he felt a swell of pride. In his advanced age, nothing brought him more joy than watching the next generation of Hoenn's trainers flourish. Aoki, Steven, Wallace, and Phoebe all showed exceptional promise—each had the potential to reach Elite Four level, perhaps even Champion.
Adams knew his own time as Champion was limited. Unlike Professor Oak, who maintained his vitality remarkably well, Adams could feel time taking its toll. His Pokémon's strength had already begun its inevitable decline. He'd once hoped Norman of Petalburg Gym might succeed him, but Norman had refused, prioritizing his training over League duties.
"You flatter me. I owe everything to your guidance," Aoki replied humbly.
"Enough of that—you've been spending too much time with Lance," Adams chuckled before growing serious. "Now, the real reason I called you here. After reviewing your battle footage against Lance—a narrow loss, I might add—and considering your performance in Kalos, I believe you're ready for greater responsibilities."
Aoki straightened as Adams continued, "Your skills are approaching Champion tier. Not all your Pokémon may be there yet, but you're close enough. After discussing with Matsuda, we've decided to appoint you as the Hoenn League's Fourth Chief Inspector."
Aoki's breath caught. The Inspector Division answered directly to the Champion—meaning Adams would be his superior. Chief Inspector was among the League's highest ranks, typically reserved for trainers of proven strength and status. At sixteen, he would be the youngest in history to hold the position.
Currently, Hoenn had only three Chief Inspectors.
This appointment placed Aoki on equal footing with those powerhouses. Notably, it meant he might soon outrank Steven in the League hierarchy, a thought that amused him.
Adams concluded, "From today, you report directly to me. Welcome to the leadership of Hoenn, Chief Inspector Aoki."