Neverland.
In the forest between the ancient Tree of Life and the ruins of Neverland, an elite-level Beedrill was instantly defeated by Slowking, causing a faint disturbance in the surrounding foliage.
Over the past few days, Aoki had absorbed all the remaining Mind Stones in his possession. After multiple attempts, he noticed that the more he absorbed, the less effect they had on him. By the time the last stone was absorbed, the boost was less than half of what the first one had provided in Neverland.
Even so, after absorbing them all, Aoki's psychic powers had improved significantly. Now, his abilities could be considered mid-to-high tier among novice psychics. However, this was his limit—his natural talent prevented further growth.
Still, Aoki was satisfied. This progress far exceeded his expectations, and his current psychic strength was more than sufficient for his needs. Thanks to his Telepathy, he could maintain faint connections with his Pokémon even at a distance, allowing for simple signal exchanges if not full communication.
Compared to Aoki's abilities, Slowking's psychic powers were immeasurably stronger. What Slowking could perceive, Aoki might never sense.
Through their mental link, Aoki received Slowking's warning. Raising an eyebrow, he commanded, "Slowking, force them out!"
Slowking nodded solemnly, its psychic energy surging. A branch on a nearby tree snapped violently, and the figure perched on it dropped down—though the intruder was skilled, flipping midair and landing smoothly.
Realizing he'd been discovered, the man stepped out of the shadows without hesitation, revealing himself to Aoki.
Studying him, Aoki quickly matched the face to his intel.
"Kellogg. A poison-type specialist, right?" Aoki said coolly.
The Team Rocket member, dressed in standard wilderness gear, had an Ariados perched on his shoulder. He showed no surprise at being recognized.
"Aoki. First place in the trial. Rumor says you've killed Yohei, a direct disciple of Master Lund, and already have elite-level strength," Kellogg replied, his tone detached.
Compared to Shuichi, the last Team Rocket agent Aoki had encountered, Kellogg was far calmer—like a venomous snake, patient until the perfect strike.
"Seems Furukai distributed my profile thoroughly. Do all of you have a copy?" Aoki mocked.
"Your bounty is high. Naturally, many are interested. Your Pokémon are valuable too—worth the risk," Kellogg stated matter-of-factly.
Aoki knew 20 million Pokécoins was a fortune, even for Team Rocket's elite operatives. Given his low profile among their ranks, it made sense they'd see him as easy prey.
But after this mission, his reputation would likely rise.
A faint smirk crossed Aoki's lips. If Kellogg wanted his head, he wouldn't hold back.
"Then let's see if you can claim it," Aoki challenged.
"No need to rush. More hunters are already in this forest. You'll have plenty of attackers soon. How about an alliance?" Kellogg offered smoothly.
Aoki's frown was brief before he laughed. "And trust you? Team Rocket operatives don't do partnerships."
Kellogg had been spying earlier, only revealing himself after detection. Cooperation was a hollow offer.
"True. But you'll need at least four to enter the ruins safely. Since you refuse… you can die." Kellogg's voice turned icy.
Aoki knew Kellogg's strength was near Shuichi's—an elite trainer specializing in poison. Caution was key.
An Ariados dropped from the trees behind Aoki, lunging with String Shot. But Aoki, alert since Kellogg's appearance, was ready.
A dark shape cloaked in blue energy descended—Honchkrow, who had been circling above, intercepted with Wing Attack, slamming the Ariados into a tree.
Boom!
The Ariados, one of Kellogg's main fighters, survived the hit but was badly shaken.
Kellogg's composure flickered. As a wilderness hunter, he preferred Ariados' trap-setting tactics—luring prey into a web of ambushes. This first strike was meant to probe, yet it failed entirely.
But Aoki was no ordinary target. In both past and present lives, he was a master of field tactics. Did Kellogg really think he'd fall for this?
"Slowking, Psychic!" Aoki ordered.
Before the Ariados could recover, Slowking's mental blast struck. Combined with Honchkrow's earlier Wing Attack, the dual super-effective hits knocked it out instantly.
But the Ariados was just the opener. Three more figures emerged from the treetops and bushes—Kellogg's real assault had begun.