During the flight, Aoki briefly told the Altaria about the process of his encounter with Regice. After all, theoretically speaking, Altaria should also know Regice, and the two Pokemon could be regarded as fellow inhabitants of their respective regions. Judging from Altaria's reaction, it was obvious the Pokemon hadn't expected such an unexpected development in their journey.
Aoki understood Altaria's proud nature - as a companion, the Pokemon had performed admirably. Originally, Aoki hadn't planned to have Altaria escape with him during the confrontation. Through Aoki's patient comfort and persuasion, Altaria's mindset gradually stabilized, though when the Pokemon looked at Aoki again, there was something different in its eyes.
Ever since their first meeting on Neverland, Altaria had considered itself superior in both strength and talent. Though it had ultimately chosen to follow Aoki off the island, part of it had always maintained that initial impression of Aoki as merely a person of average strength but relatively clever mind. However, after today's events, Altaria completely extinguished that lingering sense of superiority when facing Aoki.
Now the Pokemon realized that in the short time since leaving Neverland, Aoki's capabilities had grown tremendously - he'd even managed to negotiate with one of the Titans. Given more time, how much further could he progress? For the first time since departing Neverland, Altaria suddenly felt its own strength might be stagnating while Aoki continued advancing. Having been unable to cross the threshold to champion-level status, perhaps it was time for more rigorous training?
After calming Altaria, Aoki returned the Pokemon to its Pokeball. Though there hadn't been any large-scale conflict with Furukai, Altaria had still struggled to protect itself during the encounter. Aoki felt deeply grateful to Altaria - after all, it wasn't even his own Pokemon, yet it had fought for him for over an hour, providing invaluable assistance. Had Altaria refused, Aoki wouldn't have forced it, though their partnership would have ended then and there.
Aoki's shadow also contained Mismagius, which could have served a similar role - with even greater control abilities that might have delayed Furukai's movements more effectively. However, Mismagius hadn't participated in regular training for some time and would likely only perform at half its true capability.
Seated atop Flygon's back, Aoki finally relaxed somewhat. Since his rebirth and confrontation with Furukai's brother, the siblings had loomed as daunting obstacles in Aoki's path. Having witnessed firsthand how formidable the two brothers could become, eliminating them early would significantly reduce future pressures.
Within Team Rocket's current hierarchy, aside from the Regis who might seek personal vengeance against Aoki, most cadres like Renda probably didn't even remember Aoki's existence. As a high-ranking Team Rocket official, it was understandable they'd overlook such a minor figure, especially now that the organization was scaling back operations - the cadres had more pressing concerns.
As for the Regis, they wouldn't trouble Aoki again until they'd recovered from their wounds. With his Pokemon nearly killed from their time in Neverland, even with their family's resources, rehabilitation would require substantial time. That they hadn't employed family means to retaliate suggested personal pride - he wanted to handle Aoki themselves, which bought considerable time.
Contemplating these matters and his own plans, Aoki rode Flygon directly toward Sootopolis City, hoping to uncover information about the "Soul of the Ocean" there.
...
Meanwhile, in Viridian City of the Kanto region.
Inside Giovanni's office at Team Rocket's base beneath the Viridian Gym, three individuals stood present - all familiar faces to Aoki: Giovanni, Shadow, and Sabrina.
"He went out again?" Giovanni puffed a cigar while stroking the Persian resting beside him.
"Yes," Shadow replied.
That the leader of such a vast organization would remember such minor details during Team Rocket's critical restructuring period spoke volumes about his meticulous nature. Giovanni nodded, continuing, "We'll see if the boy survives this. If he does, he's worth cultivating. While we're downsizing, we can't casually discard talent to the League."
Even the normally mischievous Sabrina dared not act out before Giovanni. Despite pride in her psychic abilities, she remained subdued in his presence - her powers sensing something within the leader stronger than her own psychic energy, even if not wielded the same way.
"I hear he's doing well in Hoenn. Wasn't he going to participate in some Sinnoh competition the League is recently holding?" Giovanni inquired.
"Yes."
"For now, those old fossils at the League are too preoccupied to interfere. Our priority remains researching that Pokemon. Once we obtain it, conquering this world becomes simple. Absolute power renders all schemes meaningless - a truth those antiquated fools fail to grasp." Giovanni exhaled smoke, leaning back into his chair's shadows.
"If the boy survives this time, provide appropriate assistance. We can't have him thinking the League makes Team Rocket irrelevant. We'll train him thoroughly, let him climb the League's ranks." Giovanni circled back to Aoki.
Shadow's heart skipped a beat as he bowed respectfully. "Understood."
Though Giovanni's words seemed supportive, the underlying message was clear - Aoki mustn't betray Team Rocket's investment by fully committing to the League. Without explicit statement, Shadow believed Aoki would grasp the implications. So long as Aoki didn't betray Team Rocket, Giovanni would overlook minor self-interested actions within the League.
Giovanni judged people by their usefulness to him, willing to ignore insignificant losses - a luxury only someone of his power could afford.
"Sabrina," Giovanni continued, "you understand which Pokemon we're researching. As Team Rocket's strongest psychic, and with that Pokemon being psychic-type, I expect you'll assist our scientists properly."
Compared to the Mew replication project, Aoki was merely a valuable pawn. This research concerned Team Rocket's future plans. Knowing Sabrina's temperament, Giovanni provided advance warning - lest she torment the scientists beyond reason.