"Drake... you are the Dragon King Drake?!!" Aoki tried his best to put on a surprised expression.
"If there isn't a Dragon King named Drake, then the person you're talking about should be me, haha!" Drake imitated what Aoki had just said, smiling very happily.
As one of the older elite-four trainers, Drake, like others of his generation, was deeply invested in the development of the League. He took a keen interest in the rising talents of the next generation.
In the future, when Ash met Drake, he challenged him to a battle. As an elite trainer, Drake had no reason to refuse.
Ash, endorsed by Professor Oak, carried significant reputation among the League's higher-ups. To gauge Ash's strength and potential, Drake was more than willing to battle him.
Similarly, Aoki was far more renowned now than Ash had been at that time. How could Drake resist the opportunity to evaluate him?
Moreover, Aoki had an advantage Ash lacked—his expertise with Dragon-type Pokémon. Drake could offer valuable insights into their training.
"Let's go! No need to stand on the deck—come inside, to my captain's cabin!" With that, Drake lit a cigar and led Aoki inside.
Though Drake spent most of his time at sea and rarely attended Hoenn League meetings, he kept himself well-informed. However, he had little interest in administrative duties. Even as an elite trainer, he preferred the freedom of the ocean.
Men of the sea lived for adventure, returning to the League only occasionally. Aoki's visit was a rare event.
Following Drake through the wooden cabin, Aoki took in the ship's construction.
This was a massive wooden sailboat. Despite being made of wood, its materials and craftsmanship were top-tier, ensuring stability even in rough seas.
With a skilled captain and crew, it was safer than many steel ships.
The cabin carried the strong scent of hardworking men. No wonder few women were onboard—most wouldn't tolerate the overpowering sweat.
Still, life at sea was exhilarating—provided one had the strength to handle sudden storms or powerful wild Pokémon.
The captain's cabin was spacious, free of sweat but thick with the smell of tobacco and alcohol. Drake's vices were evident.
Aoki, unfazed, found the environment far more comfortable than his past missions. His lack of discomfort earned Drake's respect.
Sitting across from Drake, they exchanged pleasantries—discussing Aoki's daily life, his mentor Matsuda, and his friend Steven.
Eventually, Drake offered Aoki a clean room for the night, suggesting they continue their conversation in the morning.
"Early to bed, early to rise," Drake chuckled.
Aoki had no choice but to retire. The soft bed was a luxury compared to camping.
He understood Drake's unspoken intentions and complied without protest. Gengar, lurking in the shadows, would keep watch through the night.
After Aoki left, a burly sailor entered Drake's cabin. Unlike the deckhands, this man radiated authority.
"Captain, what's the situation?" the sailor asked gruffly.
"Investigate the boy who just boarded. Confirm if he's the Aoki we've heard about," Drake ordered, exhaling smoke.
"Understood!" The sailor departed.
Drake stared at the empty seat, deep in thought.
As an elite-four trainer, he avoided politics but wasn't naive. Aoki's identity needed verification. He wouldn't take the boy at his word without proof.
Thirty minutes later, the sailor returned with a report.
Drake scanned the details. Aoki's credentials were legitimate—his signature Pokémon matched records. Confirmed as one of Hoenn's rising stars, Drake felt at ease sharing his knowledge.
Age had tempered his strength, but the sea was unpredictable. Passing on his wisdom was better than letting it vanish beneath the waves.
He was strong, but who knew what dangers lurked?
This wasn't a quest to become the Champion.
The Next Morning
After a restful night, Aoki woke early.
Yet the crew was already bustling—repairing nets, scrubbing decks, checking supplies. Thankfully, the ship remained anchored. Had it sailed off overnight, Aoki would've been stranded.
Drake stood at the bow, gazing at the nearby cliffs and the dense forest above.
Sturdy plants clung to the rocks—thin but resilient, fighting for survival.
"Aoki, awake already? Good habit. Youngsters should rise early—lets you avoid feeling rusty in old age," Drake remarked, spotting Aoki.
"You woke even earlier," Aoki replied, joining him to inhale the salty breeze.
"Hah! Old men need less sleep." Drake grinned. "Now that you're up… how about a battle? I think it'll be quite entertaining!"
Having verified Aoki's identity, Drake held nothing back.
He wanted to measure this prodigy's strength.
Aoki and Steven led Hoenn's new generation. Testing Aoki meant assessing the region's future.
Drake cared deeply about that.
Aoki's eyes gleamed with excitement.
A battle against the Dragon King himself?
Drake's top-tier Pokémon would obliterate Aoki's team effortlessly. But if he held back…
"Absolutely!" Aoki agreed without hesitation.