Weakness is the Original Sin

The two Pokémon had been with Aoki for some time, and they understood his signals well. They both nodded in acknowledgment, ready for action.

Aoki moved like a sharp arrow, swiftly cutting through the tall grass. His movements were silent, thanks to the mental control of the Slowpoke, which used its psychic powers to keep him from disturbing the ground.

Murkrow flew low above him, scanning the area from above. Even through the grass, it could sense movement. Slowpoke extended its psychic energy outward, searching for any nearby targets.

The first target revealed himself—one of the five trainers following Soros. The man had strayed from the group, eager to find Aoki and claim the opportunity Soros had promised. His overconfidence in their numbers made him careless.

The man's Rattata followed closely, but it was no match for what came next. Aoki wasted no time, signaling Slowpoke to use its psychic power to freeze both the man and his Pokémon in place.

"Murkrow, Wing Attack," Aoki commanded.

Murkrow's wings glowed with energy as it launched forward, slicing through the grass in a blur of black light. The Rattata could only stare in terror as Murkrow struck. The blow was swift and decisive—the Rattata fainted instantly.

The trainer's eyes widened in horror as he realized he was helpless. When Aoki emerged from the grass, the man's face turned pale. He recognized his opponent as the top trainer of the trial.

"Please—" the man tried to plead, but Slowpoke's psychic grip prevented him from speaking.

Without hesitation, Aoki approached and ended it with a quick slice of his dagger. The man's terrified eyes froze as his life faded.

Aoki wiped the blade clean on his clothing, retrieved the man's supplies, and disappeared back into the grass. His movements were as precise and efficient as a seasoned assassin.

"You wanted to hunt me?" Aoki muttered to himself coldly. "Then you should've been ready to face the consequences."

His eyes glinted with a dangerous light, exuding the aura of a predator.

In the next five minutes, Aoki silently dispatched two more targets. Though his movements were swift and precise, the commotion alerted Soros and his remaining group, who began to regroup.

Aoki sighed, recognizing the shift in their strategy. He knew this would complicate things but remained confident. As long as they hadn't fully gathered, he still had the upper hand.

Spotting another trainer in the grass, Aoki closed in quickly. This one had an Oddish at his side. When Aoki emerged from the grass, the trainer froze in shock.

"You're... Aoki?" he stammered, his face pale with recognition.

Aoki smirked but said nothing.

The trainer raised his voice to alert the others. "It's him! It's Aoki!"

"Oddish, use Poison Powder!" he commanded, hoping to take the initiative.

But Aoki was ready. "Murkrow, Gust! Blow it back at them. Slowpoke, Psychic!"

Murkrow's wings flapped with precision, whipping up a strong gust that sent the cloud of poisonous powder flying back toward the trainer and his Oddish. At the same time, Slowpoke's psychic energy struck the trainer directly, disorienting him.

Before the trainer could react, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious. The Oddish followed shortly after, unable to withstand the combined attack.

By the time Soros, Skye, and their lone remaining follower arrived, they found the lifeless bodies of their companions scattered in the grass.

The remaining trainer froze in terror, realizing the extent of Aoki's capabilities. What had started as a simple mission to gain favor with Soros had turned into a nightmare.

Soros narrowed his eyes at Aoki, his anger barely masking his unease. Aoki, standing calmly amidst the chaos, smirked.

"We meet again, Soros," he said with a wicked grin.