Pokemon: Rising From The Dark

There wasn't much to discuss when Aoki met Giovanni this time. Neither Giovanni nor Aoki explicitly stated what Aoki had accomplished. The two simply reached a basic understanding. The benefits Aoki earned would be gradually provided by Giovanni through various channels in the future. Substantial rewards couldn't appear all at once—Giovanni couldn't risk exposing his plans against the Jinchuan family.

After the incident and two weeks of settling matters, the Jinchuan family had completely quieted down. Given their foolish tendencies, Aoki suspected they might eventually destroy themselves. Regardless, no one knew Aoki was involved, and no evidence linked him to the mission. Only three people were aware of Aoki's participation.

Giovanni did provide some immediate benefits. While standard promotions for Team Rocket members capped at 200 million Pokecoins, Giovanni doubled Aoki's advance payment. Future rewards were guaranteed—Giovanni's reputation for fairness ensured his subordinates were treated well, as long as they remained loyal.

Aoki recalled a woman named Jenny from his past. Though not particularly bright, she was the descendant of one of Giovanni's most capable operatives, who had died in service. Despite her shortcomings, Giovanni continued supporting her out of respect for her mother's contributions. Such loyalty inspired many to follow Giovanni without fear of betrayal or being overshadowed.

After the meeting, Aoki visited the exchange office and spent his remaining 100 million Pokecoins on resources for Pupitar. This was a critical investment—Pupitar, like Aggron before it, needed relentless conditioning to reach its evolutionary threshold. The accumulated energy from this suppression would erupt upon evolution, solidifying Pupitar's foundation.

Aoki initially considered heading to Celestic Town but changed his destination to Vermillion City. Vermillion City better suited his current objectives.

As the largest city in Kanto after Saffron City, Vermillion City offered ideal conditions for selling captured Pokémon. Sandwiched between Viridian City and Saffron City—both major Team Rocket hubs—Vermillion appeared League-controlled but was deeply influenced by Rocket operations. The city's underground black market thrived alongside notable landmarks like the Vermillion Department Store and the Vermillion Game Corner.

Aoki entered the city discreetly and headed straight for the black market's Hunter Guild. It had been a while since his last visit—financial stability in this life had reduced his reliance on hunting Pokémon for income. Early on, after leaving Trial Island, he had used the Guild to fund his team's training, but as his wealth grew, he abandoned the profession.

His hunter rank remained at a modest four stars, far below his actual strength.

Dressed in his black cloak and without displaying his hunter badge, Aoki approached the front desk.

"Contact Vermillion City's management," he instructed.

The staff, trained to maintain professionalism regardless of a client's status, smiled politely. "May I ask who—"

Aoki produced a Team Rocket executive badge—Brownis's, not his own. While the badge couldn't be traced without scanning, the staff, familiar with Rocket protocols, reacted with immediate deference.

Within minutes, Aoki was escorted to the Guild's VIP room, its décor reflecting the Guild's usual opulence.

The door soon opened, revealing a heavily made-up woman with a curvaceous figure. Her swaying gait and overpowering perfume preceded her entrance.

Aoki's eyes narrowed in recognition.

Rose—an acquaintance from his early days at the Goldenrod City Hunter Guild over a year ago. Back then, she had been beyond his league, but now their positions had reversed. Her strength seemed stagnant, while Aoki had surpassed his former limitations.

Rose smiled as she entered. "How may the Vermillion City Hunter Guild assist a Team Rocket executive today?" She took a seat beside him, the cloying scent of her perfume thickening the air.

But this is her disguise and cover-up. The stronger the smell of perfume, the worse her situation is.

"Miss Rose, the smell of your perfume is too strong, please stay away from me." Aoki said bluntly.

Hearing the black-robed man calling out her name directly, Rose was slightly stunned, then sat down opposite Aoki with a wry smile.

Her makeup that always worked for her was actually disliked by someone, and the person who disliked it was a man. This made Rose feel a little embarrassed, and she also mentally labeled Aoki as not a real man.