Viridian City
Riding atop his Flygon, Aoki bypassed Vermillion City and the surrounding forests, arriving directly in Viridian City.
This marked his second visit to Viridian City.
Though Aoki had spent years as a Team Rocket member in his past life, he had rarely set foot in Viridian City. While not the largest of Team Rocket's bases, it was undoubtedly the most significant.
This was because Giovanni, Team Rocket's leader, resided here.
He also served as the Gym Leader of Viridian City.
Despite being Team Rocket's headquarters, Viridian City bore few negative effects on its residents. In fact, thanks to Sakaki's presence, no other underground factions dared to take root here. The city's peace and prosperity even surpassed that of other League-regulated regions.
Ironically, this stood as a silent mockery of the League's incompetence.
Where Team Rocket ruled, the people thrived.
The League's indecisiveness had allowed smaller criminal factions to flourish, but the Rockets were ruthless in comparison. These minor organizations feared Team Rocket far more than they did the League.
After leaving Goldenrod City, Aoki had concealed his identity. Only upon entering the forests near Vermillion did he revert to his true appearance.
His black hair and dark eyes were common enough in the Pokémon world, where people sported hair and eye colors of every shade imaginable.
As he grew older, his features had sharpened slightly. Years of wearing disguises had left his skin pale, his lips red, and his teeth white—giving him the look of a handsome, unassuming young man. Even now, he drew attention simply by walking down the street.
Slowking was not with him at the moment. Occasionally, a few girls would sneak glances in his direction, only to blush and hurry away when he met their gaze.
Touching his chin, Aoki smirked—coldly.
"Seems I'm not the only one with good looks. Even Steven must have his admirers."
The thought was laced with self-mockery.
In this world, beauty meant nothing.
There was no place for mere ornaments in the hierarchy of power.
Viridian Gym
Approaching the gym's entrance, two guards immediately blocked his path.
Aoki parted his coat slightly, revealing the Team Rocket uniform beneath—along with the Captain's badge pinned to his chest.
The two grunts stiffened, then bowed slightly in respect.
(At 1.78 meters tall, Aoki no longer looked like a child. On the streets, this was the most deference they could openly show.)
Stepping inside, he was met by more Rocket members, all awaiting orders.
Noticing their uniforms, Aoki removed his outer coat, fully revealing his black attire and Captain's insignia. He stored the garment in his bag before striding forward.
The Viridian Gym was Team Rocket's domain. On non-battle days, it was normal to see operatives moving freely within.
Descending through a hidden passage, he arrived at the secret base beneath the gym.
Two Squad Leaders guided him to a massive door—undoubtedly Sakaki's office.
Knock. Knock.
"Enter."
A calm voice echoed from within.
The Squad Leaders opened the door, allowing Aoki to step inside.
Giovanni's Office
The room was dominated by an imposing desk, piled high with documents. Beside Giovanni's chair lay a Persian, lazily sprawled across the floor. It barely glanced up as Aoki entered.
This Persian is dangerous.
Aoki didn't dare underestimate it.
"Boss."
He knelt on one knee, head bowed.
Giovanni didn't look up from the file in his hands.
"Aoki. Rise. No need for formalities—take a seat. I'll be done shortly."
"Understood."
Aoki stood and obeyed, settling onto a nearby couch.
Giovanni wasn't one for empty flattery. If he gave an order, he expected it followed.
He was, above all, pragmatic.
Complete your mission, and he would tolerate minor transgressions.
(Sabrina was proof—her psychic abilities made her eccentricities permissible.)
As he waited, Aoki activated his system, scanning the room—and the Persian.
This Pokémon was always at Giovanni's side, docile as a pet.
But would a man like Giovanni keep an ordinary Pokémon as a companion?
No.
This Persian was undoubtedly his bodyguard.
Just like Aoki's Gengar.
Pokémon: Persian (Light Blue)
Gender: Male
Level: 80
Type: Normal
Ability: Technician
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Charm, Amnesia, Odor Sleuth, Covet
Basic Moves: Swift, Play Nice, Fake Out, Pay Day, Bite, Feint Attack, Scratch, Screech, Power Gem, Slash, Taunt, Foul Play, Captivate, Assurance, Nasty Plot
Learnt Moves: Iron Tail, Seed Bomb, Hyper Beam, Icy Wind, Snatch, Gunk Shot, Water Pulse, Throat Chop, Snore
TM Moves: Toxic, Hyper Beam, Thunderbolt, Shadow Ball, Double Team, Swagger, Dream Eater, Substitute, Dark Pulse
The Persian cracked one eye open, sensing Aoki's scrutiny.
After a brief assessment, it dismissed him as non-threatening and resumed its nap.
Aoki exhaled slowly.
This is the Team Rocket Boss's strength.
Even a "pet" was True Champion-tier.
The sheer number of moves was overwhelming.
Level 80—the threshold of True Champion-caliber Pokémon.
Now, Aoki couldn't help but wonder about Giovanni's true power.
His Beedrill.
His other elites.
Just how strong were they?