Guga

Needless to say, the usefulness of points, the universal currency within Team Rocket, is far more practical than the Alliance coins.

The Pokemon under Skye's management—Ekans and Koffing—were mostly acquired due to Aoki's intervention. Those who watched believed they could replace Skye if they had Pokemon of similar quality.

Held items cover a wide range of tools, from various berries and potions to rare TMs and valuable treasures.

For the grand opportunity Aoki described, especially with Soros receiving 1,000 points, no one doubted the truth of his words.

In this way, Aoki began forming his own faction, both on this trial island and within the larger ranks of Team Rocket testers.

This hierarchical factional system is a hallmark of Team Rocket. Under Giovanni's leadership, many factions exist. These large factions spawn smaller ones, creating a competitive yet cohesive structure.

This system was a major reason why Giovanni had grown Team Rocket from a small gang into the massive organization capable of competing with the Pokémon League.

As long as the balance among these factions is maintained, this vast force remains under control.

Giovanni's confidence, charisma, and the strength of his Pokemon and Shadow operations ensure that his people compete without thoughts of rebellion.

After assigning rewards to Skye and Fox, Aoki successfully established control over this group of trainers. Strength is key—so long as Aoki remains powerful, no minor schemes will succeed.

"Prepare yourselves and wait for the test to begin," Aoki ordered.

"Yes, Master Aoki. We've set up our own gathering place, and the dormitory group has constructed a hall for our base," Skye said with a respectful bow.

"Oh?" Aoki's interest was piqued. Skye's organizational skills continued to impress him.

Aoki followed the group, led by Skye, toward the dormitory area.

As they walked, Aoki noticed the bustling square. Trainers and Rocket soldiers alike were busy with various tasks.

"What's happening in the square?" Aoki asked.

Skye began to respond, "It's because—"

Before he could finish, he was interrupted.

"The test rules have changed this time," a voice said, cutting through Skye's explanation.

Skye turned sharply, anger flashing in his eyes, but when he saw the source of the interruption, he immediately quieted.

It was Guga.

Dressed in a white Team Rocket uniform, Guga approached confidently. His short, brownish-yellow hair framed a sharp face, and his piercing gaze focused on Aoki.

Standing before Aoki, Guga continued, "The attack test is only part of it. This time, if someone ranked lower believes they are stronger, they can challenge those ranked higher. If they win, they take their place. The battle is to the death."

The mention of "to the death" carried a chilling weight. Guga's eyes flashed with killing intent as he stared at Aoki, clearly regarding him as his primary rival.

Aoki, however, remained unfazed. Guga's hostility was acknowledged, but he didn't take it seriously.

"Are you planning to start a war with me right now?" Aoki asked with a faint smile.

Guga's menacing posture suggested he was ready to act, but Aoki knew it was unlikely. Guga, though competitive and aggressive, was not reckless. A fight here could escalate into a chaotic brawl, making the outcome unpredictable.

"Humph!" Guga sneered. "Don't think being number one makes you untouchable. You might have to challenge me instead."

"Oh? I'll look forward to it," Aoki replied, his calm smile only further aggravating Guga.

Every time Guga tried to confront Aoki, he was met with indifference. It felt like throwing a punch into thin air—frustrating and futile.

"Let's move," Aoki said sharply, breaking the tension.

Guga's face twisted with anger, but he held back. His clenched fists trembled as he forced himself to walk away with his Ekans and his group.

The Ekans beside Guga mirrored its trainer's tension, its cold, piercing eyes fixed on Aoki as if awaiting an order to strike.

Murkrow, however, remained ready. Perched nearby, it kept its sharp gaze on Ekans, prepared to intercept any sudden attack.

Both trainers avoided an immediate clash, and Guga left, his frustration palpable. His subordinates followed silently, too fearful to speak. They knew Guga's temper all too well and didn't want to become targets of his anger.

For all his arrogance, Guga had his own ambitions. He wanted to prove himself without relying on his brother's influence. This trial was his chance to rise through sheer strength.

Aoki chuckled softly as he watched Guga retreat. Despite their animosity, Aoki didn't dislike him. Guga was a straightforward rival—his arrogance matched by his determination.

Still, if Guga declared himself an enemy, Aoki wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him.

The walk from the square to the dormitory was less than a kilometer, but for the twenty recruits following Aoki, it felt like an eternity. The pressure of walking behind the top-ranked trainer was overwhelming.

Meeting Guga along the way only added to their anxiety. Many thought a battle was about to break out and debated whether they should intervene. Fortunately, the tension ended without conflict.

When they arrived at the dormitory, Aoki was surprised.

Though constructed entirely of wood, the building was larger than expected. Its rough exterior hinted at hurried construction, but its sheer size exceeded Aoki's expectations.