4 Factions

When Aoki reappeared in the center of the base, only Murkrow followed him.

Slowpoke had returned to its Pokeball, and Gastly slipped back into Aoki's shadow.

As the third test approached, more people began gathering in the square. Besides the massive trial stone standing prominently on the high platform in the center, a flat battlefield had appeared nearby. Lines were drawn on the ground, marking the area for battles—likely for the losers' challenges after the main test concluded.

The battlefield was simple—just leveled dirt with the weeds cleared away. But it served its purpose for battles.

Trainers arrived one by one, and by now, most had gathered their own small groups of followers. Aoki stood in the western corner of the square. It wasn't long before Skye arrived with his team.

When Skye spotted Aoki, he hurried forward with his group.

"Master Aoki!" he said with respect, leading his team to stand behind Aoki. Together, they formed one of the few organized factions in the square.

Aoki gave a small nod of acknowledgment, then closed his eyes to focus.

The square was divided into distinct groups:

Aoki's Group: Positioned in the west, numbering about 20 people.

Guga's Group: The largest faction, with roughly 40 members, stood on the eastern side, keeping their distance from Aoki's group.

Jasmine's Group: On the northern side, Jasmine had about 20 members—mostly girls. A few boys were in her group but seemed to hold little status, often being scolded by the others.

Independent Trainers: Around 30 individuals stood in the south, loosely grouped together. These were mostly solo trainers who had banded together temporarily to avoid being targeted by the larger factions.

Eventually, Viper entered the square with his team, though Shadow did not accompany him this time.

The test began as expected: an attack power evaluation.

To ensure efficiency and avoid repetition, Team Rocket tested trainers based on their assigned numbers. Many numbers were now unused due to eliminations, so despite having 300 numbers in total, the process moved quickly. This method also helped Team Rocket track eliminations and assess the remaining trainers' strength.

Murkrow stood by Aoki's side, ignoring the envious or wary glances directed at them. Instead, it preened its feathers, bored with the proceedings.

For Murkrow, this test was pointless—just attacking a stone to measure power. It didn't reflect actual combat ability. Murkrow glanced at the gathered Pokémon, noting only a few that piqued its interest:

Guga's Ekans on the east side, with its piercing eyes and intimidating aura.

Jasmine's Golbat in the north, a plump but clearly strong Pokémon.

Alec's Poochyena in the south, exuding confidence and readiness to fight.

The rest of the Pokémon didn't warrant Murkrow's attention.

If not for the pressure from Team Rocket watching over the test, Murkrow would have refused to participate in such a "boring" exercise.

Aoki, sensing Murkrow's frustration, chuckled.

"Be patient. This is the last time we'll deal with something so dull. Besides, you might get a chance to battle later," Aoki said, glancing at Guga and the Ekans beside him.

Noticing Aoki's gaze, Guga smirked. Their eyes locked briefly before Guga scoffed and looked away, wearing a smug expression.

Murkrow perked up immediately. Following Aoki's gaze, it fixated on Guga's Ekans and flapped its wings in excitement, eager for battle.

Halfway through spreading its wings, Murkrow remembered the occasion and restrained itself, folding its wings back.

Aoki laughed softly, used to Murkrow's competitive nature. "Don't worry," he murmured, "you'll get to fight soon."

But Guga wasn't the only one eyeing Aoki. From the north, Jasmine occasionally glanced in his direction. Alec, leader of the solo trainers, also cast calculating looks his way.

Each gaze carried a mix of emotions: excitement, envy, and an undeniable thirst for battle.

Aoki's lips curled into a small smile. This test wasn't just an evaluation—it was an opportunity to establish dominance.

Aoki suspected the rules had been altered. The attack power test was just a prelude; the real test would come in battle.

The changes to the test weren't random. Shadow's hand was evident. This trial was different from the usual ones—trainers were being encouraged to show their full strength. On a battlefield where survival was at stake, holding back could mean defeat—or worse.

Even now, trainers with confidence or hidden potential were ready to reveal their abilities. Many had already set their sights on Aoki, viewing him as the one to beat.

For Aoki, this was perfect. It would satisfy Murkrow's desire for battle and demonstrate his dominance, solidifying his influence among the trialists.

"This is going to be fun," Aoki thought, a slight smile forming.

This wasn't just a test—it was his chance to seize control of the competition.