Void Group

The tallest of the three spoke in a low voice. "The rewards for this mission are pretty good. You should be able to get a lot of points once we return."

"The haul this time is great. I should have enough points to redeem a high-quality Water Stone—assuming no one snatches it first," the woman, the tallest among them, said expectantly.

"Void's exchange list isn't bad. Compared to other organizations, it's quite comprehensive, but rare items are scarce and get taken the moment they appear. If the Water Stones are still available when we return and you don't have enough points, I can lend you some," the shortest of the three said, his expression cold.

At a glance, the tallest of the three might seem like the strongest. But Aoki could tell that the real threat was the ruthless short man. The burly one looked impressive but was all show.

Sure enough, the woman smiled. "Thanks, big brother! We always need your help."

The burly man beside her grinned, scratching his head. "Yeah, if it weren't for you, big brother, we wouldn't have made it this far."

The short man was clearly the one they referred to as "big brother."

His expression unchanged, he spoke flatly, "You're strong. You'll help me when the time comes. In no more than a month, I should be able to challenge for the position of a Void cadre. When that happens, it'll be your turn to contribute. You know what kind of person I am."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes. "I've never asked you to repay my help. But this is a crucial moment for me. If you hold me back, you know the consequences."

Both the woman and the burly man tensed at his words, a shiver running through them.

Having followed this ruthless man for so long, they knew what he was capable of. He wasn't just ruthless—he would even turn on his own allies without hesitation.

Though he appeared young, he was actually in his twenties. His face made him look like a teenager, and his small stature only added to the illusion.

From his perch in the tree, Aoki's eyes gleamed.

Void!

One of the major forces in Verdanturf Town. Their leader was rumored to be a near-top-tier Trainer, with elite-level subordinates just beneath him.

The cold young man below had just stated his intention to become a cadre, meaning he was on the verge of reaching elite Trainer status.

Aoki knew that a clash with Void was inevitable in the future. But for now, his Sky Team was still in its infancy. Against the entrenched forces of Hoenn's underground, taking on Void without Team Rocket's backing was unrealistic.

Just as he debated his next move, their conversation drew his attention again.

"Big brother, we're close to Fallarbor Town now. We've been in these mountains for nearly half a month. Let's take a break and have some fun there," the burly man suggested.

"Tch, what's so fun about Fallarbor? It's a backwater town without even a decent restaurant," the woman scoffed.

"Fallarbor Town is under the control of one of Kenan's subordinates. I heard he regularly sends tribute to Kenan, earning him a steady stream of profit. Maybe I should find someone to establish control over a town like that someday," the cold young man mused.

"Oh, it's Kenan's territory? Then let's not cause trouble. Kenan's been good to you, big brother. He's the first to support you in your bid to become a cadre," the woman remarked.

The short man nodded. "Kenan and I go way back. We're from the same small town. A big part of my strength today is thanks to his help. Once I become a cadre, if he ever runs into trouble, I'll return the favor."

Aoki's gaze turned icy.

Kenan!

So he was the one pulling the strings behind the Black Snake Gang. And the so-called "big brother" among these three was a close ally of Kenan.

Aoki doubted this man would go all out for Kenan, but he certainly wouldn't refuse to lend a hand.

That was something Aoki couldn't allow.

Since he hadn't yet reached elite Trainer status or secured a cadre position, this was the perfect opportunity to eliminate him.

Aoki silently took out two Pokéballs from his belt.

Honchkrow and Slowking.

This battle required both of them.

Facing a three-on-one fight, Aoki had the advantage of stealth. If he could launch an ambush and take down one or two before they reacted, the fight would be much easier.

He didn't rush into action but waited patiently in the tree.

These three had survived in the wild for over half a month. They weren't inexperienced—they had a basic sense of vigilance, especially while resting.

Aoki waited.

Twenty minutes later, the three finally got up to leave.

The moment they let their guard down, Aoki struck.

He hurled two Pokéballs.

Honchkrow and Slowking materialized simultaneously.

"Honchkrow, charge in and attack the burly one! Slowking, Teleport—bring Sneasel and Skorupi with you and attack the woman!" Aoki commanded.

The Pokémon were already prepared inside their Pokéballs.

As soon as Honchkrow appeared, it instinctively used Tailwind to boost its speed. With a fierce flap of its wings, it shot forward.

Slowking, master of short-range Teleportation, executed the move in an instant.

As Aoki leaped from the tree, his enhanced Psychic abilities allowed him to briefly hover in midair, slowing his descent.

Landing smoothly, he sprinted toward the battlefield where Honchkrow and Slowking had disappeared into the fray.