Hidden Power

Aoki knew about the exchange rates beforehand.

"Get me two Protect TMs, one Sleep Talk TM, and... actually, make it three Hidden Power TMs," Aoki said, making a slight adjustment at the end.

Since there were enough points, there was no harm in letting all three Pokémon learn Hidden Power. Even if the awakened attribute wasn't particularly useful, there was always the chance it could turn out to be advantageous.

It was a gamble based on luck, but worth taking.

The exchange staff, still in shock, could only blink as Aoki casually spent points without hesitation.

"Here is your ID card with 13,200 points remaining. These are the TMs you requested," the staff member said, handing over the items after retrieving them from the safe and deducting the points from Aoki's card.

The staff member, though trying to stay professional, couldn't help but feel a little bitter. Despite being in Team Rocket for two years, even as a civilian member, they hadn't managed to earn as many points as Aoki had in such a short time.

Aoki didn't dwell on their reaction. He put the TMs into his storage belt and made his way to the special training room with Murkrow in tow.

While there were TM learning stations in the exchange area, Aoki preferred to use the training rooms to keep his full capabilities hidden.

This was his first time entering the training room—a private space provided by Team Rocket. Equipped with various tools, targets, and even TM learning stations, these rooms were ideal for focused practice.

The room was relatively quiet, as few trainers used them, and most of the rooms were unoccupied. Aoki paid 100 points for the largest training room, ignoring the curious looks from the staff.

"Gastly, check for any surveillance," Aoki instructed after locking the door behind him.

Gastly materialized from Aoki's shadow and phased into the walls and ceiling, thoroughly inspecting the room.

After confirming there were no hidden cameras or microphones, Gastly reported back.

Satisfied, Aoki released Slowpoke from its Pokéball.

Having been cooped up for a while, Slowpoke yawned loudly, still looking groggy. It wasn't surprising, considering its naturally sluggish nature.

"Hang in there, Slowpoke. We'll finish up soon," Aoki said apologetically as he patted Slowpoke's round head.

Slowpoke shook its head, signaling it didn't mind.

Murkrow, seeing Slowpoke out, flew down to greet it, chatting in its own way.

After letting them relax for a bit, Aoki brought their attention back to the task at hand.

"Alright, let's learn these moves," Aoki said, holding up the TMs.

He recalled his Pokémon into their Pokéballs one by one, placing each into the TM learner to transfer the new skills to them.

The TMs could only teach the Pokémon how to use the moves, but mastery required practice. Aoki knew they would need extensive training to perfect them.

Protect and Sleep Talk didn't require as much refinement. Protect could be used immediately, and Sleep Talk's functionality would develop through battle experience.

For Gastly, Aoki specifically selected Sleep Talk as part of its long-term battle strategy. Future battles would give it plenty of opportunities to hone the move.

Aoki's primary curiosity, however, was the attribute of the Hidden Power move for each of his Pokémon.

Murkrow was the first to test Hidden Power. As Aoki's lead Pokémon, it always set an example for the others.

Following the instructions embedded in its mind by the TM, Murkrow closed its eyes and focused. It took three minutes of concentrated effort before it successfully released the move.

A faint current crackled across Murkrow's feathers, gathering into a yellow energy orb that glowed faintly with sparks of electricity. As the energy built, the yellow current turned light blue, signaling that the move was ready.

Unable to hold it any longer, Murkrow launched the orb at a target in the center of the room.

The orb exploded upon impact, creating a small shockwave. Yellow and blue currents crackled outward from the center before dissipating into the air.

The training room's sturdy construction absorbed the blast with ease, leaving only a charred mark on the target. The soundproofing ensured no one outside heard the explosion.

Aoki found the room's design very practical—it allowed for high-intensity training without disturbance.

From the color and effects of the energy, Aoki deduced that Murkrow's Hidden Power was Electric-type.

Although it didn't directly address Murkrow's weaknesses, the additional type coverage would improve its effectiveness in battles. Against Water-types, which could otherwise be challenging in aquatic or water-field battles, this new move provided a significant advantage.

The Electric typing also bolstered Murkrow's aerial dominance. Against other Flying-types, Murkrow could now better assert its superiority, solidifying its control over the skies.

Aoki smiled and stroked Murkrow's feathers as a reward. "Great job, Murkrow."