Aoki helped Slowking and Tyranitar gradually become familiar with this combination method.
After they got used to the simplest mode, the two Pokémon needed to improve through long-term combination, practice and battle to reach a higher level.
Gradually, Aoki's other Pokémon also needed to practice and battle in this sandstorm.
In conjunction with the suddenly appearing Slowking, they could release more powerful combination moves, or they could launch a double attack with Slowking.
In addition, when defending or attacking, there would be a sand weapon that could appear anytime and anywhere and was not weak. Some weak attacks could even be ignored, while those with stronger power would become less powerful after passing through Tyranitar's defense.
In addition, Slowking's psychic attacks and Tyranitar's powerful skills such as Stone Edge and Cliff Blade could also appear anywhere in the sandstorm.
As long as Aoki was willing, he could unleash super powerful combination moves at any time.
The remaining Pokémon needed to familiarize themselves with fighting in this environment and experience the support they could receive from their omnipresent companions.
The initial experience was quite exhilarating.
However, how well they could perform in actual combat remained to be seen.
Therefore, once the Pokémon were mostly familiar with the environment, Aoki would find them a few strong opponents to test their skills.
Everything proceeded smoothly according to plan.
...
Kanto Region League Headquarters.
The highest conference room of the Pokémon League headquarters.
In a room located on the top floor, deepest and most secluded part of the League headquarters building, built on Mt. Silver.
People sat around a huge conference table.
However, a closer look revealed that, apart from an elderly man in his sixties or seventies at the head of the table, the others were merely virtual avatars.
Many seats around the conference table were empty, seemingly randomly. Those present included men and women, the elderly and relatively young.
If Aoki were here, he would have noticed that Adams, the Hoenn League's chairman, was among them, though only an image, not a physical figure.
"I've gathered you all here today to inform you of something.
An organization called the 'Cult of Gods' is becoming increasingly active, spreading rapidly across various regions. I hope you will all take this seriously. This cult is not a simple organization; we don't know what's behind them, but we suspect it has significant connections to Alola.
Alola is currently in negotiations, and their conditions are somewhat demanding. Therefore, if possible, resolve this discreetly. If you encounter members of the cult, it's best to handle them discreetly and avoid escalating the situation,"
said the elderly man in his sixties or seventies with graying hair, seated at the head of the table.
Those below didn't move much, simply nodding in agreement, indicating they understood.
"There's one more thing, not too big, not too small. I'm sure you've all heard a bit about it. The Kanto Alliance's major event has officially begun. While Team Rocket isn't doing much, let's try to finish this before they act again. It
might not affect you all much, but if any unforeseen circumstances arise in your respective regions, it's best to handle them yourselves,"
the old man continued. "Also, the standing forces in each region are allowed to expand. A new turbulent period is coming. If you find suitable and promising new recruits, promote them vigorously. Turbulent times produce heroes. The youngsters have all grown up; they all know what's good for them."
Everyone, including Adams, nodded.
"Finally, the spatial barrier has been somewhat weak lately. Be prepared for defense. There might be many unexpected situations. Each region should send its own troops to be on the lookout.
Alright, meeting adjourned."
The old man finished speaking, and the images disappeared one by one.
But one image lingered, until only one image and the old man presiding over the meeting remained in the room.
"Adams, is there anything else?" the old man asked, looking at the lingering figure.
It was Adams, the chairman of the Hoenn Alliance.
Hearing this, Adams nodded. "You should have heard about the unusual movements of Team Magma and Team Aqua, but shouldn't you give me an explanation for the Hunter Guild's uncontrolled appearance?"
Adams' expression turned somewhat grim.
To be honest, the Hunter Guild had already been driven out of the Hoenn region by the Hoenn League and retreated back to the Kanto region. However, this time, they forcibly entered the Hoenn region with a large force, and if we had to pinpoint a reason, the Kanto League couldn't escape responsibility.
Hearing Adams' words, the old man showed a hint of helplessness. "It's not that we didn't want to stop them, it's that we couldn't. You know the situation in the Kanto region right now. Although Giovanni is an enemy, I must say his abilities are indeed strong.
It's just a pity that his ideals are very different from the League's; otherwise, he would definitely be the next guild master."
"A retreating Team Rocket shouldn't be..." Adams trailed off.
The old man nodded, interrupting, "That's right. One Team Rocket, even the non-retreating Team Rocket, wouldn't be enough. But that cult I just mentioned, they secretly had people holding back the League members. And I discovered they also had considerable infiltration within the League. At the time, I was hesitant to launch a full-scale attack because I was afraid of unintended consequences."
Adams remained silent for a long time after hearing the old man's words, knowing the old man wouldn't lie to him; if he said it couldn't be done, it really couldn't be done.
However, Adams felt a pang of heartache for the losses suffered by the Hoenn League.
The old man, seeing Adams' expression, didn't blame his questioning tone, and sighed deeply, "Ah—I understand your thoughts. How about this, I'll decide to add another spot for the Hoenn region."
"Okay!"
Knowing what the old man meant, Adams' eyes lit up, and he readily agreed.
"You..." The old man chuckled.
He saw that Adams' accusations were feigned, his real intention was to ask for benefits.
However, the Hoenn region was indeed full of talent, so one more spot wouldn't hurt.
Suddenly, Aoki's information flashed through the old man's mind. Remembering that Aoki came from the Kanto region, he felt a slight pang of regret.
However, given his status, any talent from any region was a talent of the League; his vision extended far beyond Kanto.
"This little guy who came from who-knows-where, and someone's helping him conceal his identity, is rather mysterious. But...
even if he's Team Rocket, it doesn't really matter. His conduct is much better than the other kids.
In any case, he's a rare asset. As long as you haven't done anything outrageous, I'll turn a blind eye for now.
Those kids who received special treatment might be a turning point—good... or bad... who knows?"
The old man's eyes turned silver-white, emitting a strange light, quite magical.
————————————————
Third update! Requesting monthly tickets!
(End of Chapter)