Pokemon: Rising From The Dark

"Something happened in the League just yesterday. Since the establishment of the Hoenn League, nothing like this has occurred before. I believe everyone here is aware of the situation." Adams waited until the conference room was completely silent before speaking.

"Given these circumstances, the League cannot simply let this slide. We must demonstrate our strength. Otherwise, where will the League's authority stand in the future?"

"Therefore, I have several announcements to make."

"First! Due to health reasons, Wattson is unable to continue serving as one of the Elite Four. For the stability of the Hoenn region, Matsuda will temporarily assume the position of the Elite Four!"

"Matsuda, thank you for your dedication." Adams addressed Matsuda directly.

At this moment, Matsuda was stunned.

Is this a joke?

Pushing me into the spotlight as a shield?

Right now, countless eyes were fixed on this Elite Four position within the Hoenn League. No one could be certain of securing it. By appointing Matsuda directly, Adams had made him the target of scrutiny.

However, seeing Adams' expression, Matsuda knew refusal was not an option.

There was no other choice. At this critical moment, Adams had made a decisive move—skipping the usual voting, selection, and battle trials to appoint Matsuda directly.

Everyone present was well aware of Matsuda's strength. Though he had not yet reached the level of the Elite Four, he was more than capable of filling the role temporarily. Moreover, his background would not cause any unnecessary complications.

In truth, many of those vying for the Elite Four position weren't truly invested in the role. They simply followed the trend, not wanting their families to fall behind in the competition.

Now that Adams had assigned the final Elite Four seat to Matsuda, there was no further room for debate.

Adams gestured for Matsuda to take his place, and with a resigned expression, Matsuda moved to the seat previously occupied by Wattson.

Sometimes, trouble finds you even when you least expect it.

Matsuda had never sought power. He had come to the Hoenn region for the sake of his apprentice. Yet somehow, his standing within the Hoenn League had steadily risen—now to the level of the Elite Four.

He shot Aoki an irritated glare before sitting beside him.

Aoki ducked his head awkwardly.

"Second! I'm sure you've all heard the last words Wattson spoke before falling unconscious." Adams swept his gaze across the room.

Truthfully, aside from a select few whom Adams trusted completely, many in attendance remained under suspicion.

As Adams scrutinized them, everyone met his eyes—except for one.

Aoki, unsure how to face Adams, averted his gaze.

"Aoki!" Adams called sharply.

Aoki forced a smile and looked up.

"Remember who you represent now!" Adams said sternly.

Aoki stiffened momentarily before straightening. "Understood!"

That was right—he now stood for the Investigators. Even if he felt guilty for failing to protect Phoebe, he would not disgrace the organization in such a formal setting.

"Aoki, the Investigators will take charge of this investigation. You have one month. I expect a satisfactory answer. During this time, all League personnel will cooperate with you. Anyone who refuses will answer to me directly."

With Adams' declaration, no one dared to oppose.

His words also made it clear—he trusted the Investigators implicitly. After all, every chief investigator had been handpicked by Adams himself. He did not appoint those he doubted, and those he appointed, he trusted completely.

Aoki was among those he trusted without reservation.

"Understood!" Aoki responded firmly.

One month was neither too long nor too short. With solid leads, they could uncover the truth.

"Third and finally—many entered the mysterious cave with Wattson, yet he was the only one to return. We cannot confirm the status of the others, but uncertainty means hope remains. We must dispatch a rescue team immediately."

This was the last and most urgent matter.

Among those missing was Steven, the heir to the Stone family, and Phoebe, whom Adams treated as his own granddaughter. This could not be taken lightly.

Adams himself could not leave—he had to oversee operations from the League. Otherwise, he would have gone to search himself.

"Drake, I leave this matter to you." Adams turned to the Dragon Master.

Drake was another individual Adams trusted absolutely.

The two had known each other since their youth, rising through the ranks of the Hoenn League together. Adams' faith in Drake surpassed that of anyone else in the room.

Moreover, Drake's strength was formidable. Aside from Adams himself, no one present truly knew the extent of Drake's power.

Though the introduction of Fairy-types had weakened Dragon-types' dominance, they remained a formidable force.

"Understood." Drake accepted without hesitation.

Wattson, though an Elite Four member, paled in comparison to Drake's strength.

Once Drake agreed, Aoki stood.

"I would like to volunteer for this mission—not as a representative of the Investigators, but as an individual."

Adams studied him.

"Steven and Phoebe are my friends. I believe they're still alive, and I want to bring them back." Aoki's gaze was unwavering, no longer avoiding Adams' eyes.

"Additionally, if we hope to uncover the culprit, Steven and Phoebe may hold vital clues. This could aid the investigation."

Adams considered for a moment before nodding. "Very well."

Someone nearby nearly spoke up to dissuade Adams.

After all, Aoki, Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace represented Hoenn's brightest rising stars. With Steven and Phoebe missing, their fates unknown, Aoki and Wallace were the region's future.

For the sake of stability, Aoki should remain in safer territory.

Adams understood their concerns—but he agreed regardless.

No sapling grew into a towering tree within a greenhouse. They needed to weather storms to grow stronger.

Initially, Adams had been furious over Phoebe's disappearance, even blaming Aoki somewhat. But with time, he had come to accept it.

If she returns safely this time, I won't restrict her anymore. She must forge her own path.