Chapter 743: Chapter 998 - Asking for Advice
"Lord Drake, I have a few questions I would like to ask you..."
After scanning the data of Salamence, Aoki had several questions about Pokémon training in his mind, so he raised them directly. The main issue revolved around the training of Bagon.
Hearing Aoki's question, and since there was nothing else to do at the moment, Drake carefully answered each of his inquiries. After the third question, Drake looked at Aoki in surprise.
"Aoki, do you have a Bagon?"
Anyone who could ask such detailed questions must have extensive knowledge about Bagon and may have even trained one. Drake voiced his curiosity, and Aoki had no intention of hiding the truth.
Given his status—possessing Champion-level strength, serving as a chief investigator for the League, and being a high-ranking member of Team Rocket—it wasn't unreasonable for him to own a pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
"Yes," Aoki admitted frankly. "Deep in Meteor Falls, I encountered a Bagon..."
He briefly recounted his encounter with Bagon, omitting the fact that he had already known about its presence.
"No wonder you're facing these challenges. What a poor little fellow..." Drake's expression softened, as if recalling his own experiences with his Salamence.
"After this mission, bring your Bagon to my ship. I'll see how determined it is." Drake smiled.
Aoki was slightly surprised by the offer. Though Drake phrased it casually, it was clear he intended to share his expertise on raising Salamence—knowledge that would undoubtedly help Aoki's Bagon avoid pitfalls in its development.
Maybe I should bring my Altaria as well, Aoki thought.
After all, aside from Salamence, Drake was also familiar with Flygon and Altaria, both of which Aoki had. The trip could yield unexpected benefits.
The two continued discussing Bagon's training regimen as they stood atop Salamence's back. Time passed quickly, and soon they arrived at the mysterious sea cave.
Looking down from the sky, they saw a tiny island—much smaller than Aoki's own. The landmass was barren, with only a few patches of soil around a rocky hill. At its center lay a deep, dark cave.
"We're here," Drake announced as Salamence descended toward the island.
Aoki and Drake dismounted, their feet sinking slightly into the soft, muddy ground. Aoki crouched, rubbing the soil between his fingers before bringing it to his nose—though his true analysis came from his system's scan.
"Find anything?" Drake asked.
As an investigator, Aoki's expertise in fieldwork made him the more reliable source for clues. Their small team had been chosen for efficiency—fewer people meant easier movement, whether in battle or retreat.
Aoki didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stood and surveyed the area, his expression turning analytical.
"This cave emerged abruptly from the sea," he mused. "Wattson may not have even entered before he was attacked."
He continued, "From the air, we saw no vegetation to obstruct vision. The ambush could only have come from two places: inside the cave… or beneath the waves."
Drake listened intently as Aoki pieced together the scenario.
"Wattson's first words upon returning to the League mentioned a traitor. Steven and Phoebe haven't returned—likely they retreated into the cave to evade a powerful foe. An insider implies the attackers knew the operation's details, and they targeted Wattson because he threatened their objective. If they emerged from the cave, their goal might already be complete. But the lack of disturbance suggests disciplined movement. So, the attack likely came from the sea—or from someone among Wattson's own team."
Aoki's voice grew firmer. "Drake, who comes to mind when you think of a faction with such maritime prowess?"
"Team Aqua!" Drake's weathered eyes flashed with rare anger.
"Was it their doing?" he pressed, though his tone suggested he already believed it.
Aoki, however, remained cautious.
"They're the prime suspects, but they'd also know they'd be blamed first. Would Team Aqua really cripple an Elite Four member before they're ready to reveal themselves? Unless they had no choice. Or… another group framed them. We can't be certain yet. But if we go in now, we'll find answers."
Drake dismissed further speculation with a wave.
"Enough analysis. We're going in—Steven and Phoebe could be inside. Stay close, and watch for ambushes."
He recalled his Salamence—the cave's cramped space wasn't ideal for its size—and summoned Haxorus instead.
Aoki nodded, releasing Slowking and leaving a psychic marker at the cave entrance. Together, they stepped into the darkness.
Whatever awaited them, this cave held secrets worth uncovering. Aoki's curiosity burned—what could drive a faction to attack the League's Elite Four?
And more importantly… were they prepared for the League's retaliation?