After leaving Aoki was still contemplating the identity of Regis.
As the heir of that family—and one qualified to lead Team Rocket—eliminating him would bring significant consequences. However, Aoki suspected Sakagi might not care deeply about the family or Regis himself.
During their conversation the previous day, Sakagi hadn't inquired about Regis at all, as if his fate held no importance. Logically, Sakagi shared little blood relation with him.
Perhaps Sakagi truly has no desire to see Regis. As the leader, he wouldn't bother with such a minor figure, leaving subordinates to handle the matter. That would explain the current situation.
Aoki smirked at the thought. The likelihood wasn't low. If Sakagi had a child, Aoki could be 80% certain—but for now, it remained a 50-50 gamble.
Aoki wasn't willing to take that risk. The potential losses outweighed the gains.
Let Regis live. As long as Sakagi remains in power, no matter how much Regis grows, he'll never be a threat.
"Many have likely realized this but, like me, refuse to gamble."
With a faint smile, Aoki left the Team Rocket base.
He changed back into his League uniform, departed Vermillion City, and flew toward Saffron City atop his Tropius.
After Aoki's departure in the corner of Shadow's room, a figure emerged as space itself seemed to distort.
"Well, what do you think?" Shadow asked calmly, not looking up from his book.
"The boy hid something—possibly related to that Pokémon. But it's irrelevant. The information he provided about the island, however, holds value."
The speaker, Dark, was clad in a tight black outfit, only her eyes visible.
As deputy leaders of the Shadow Team, Shadow and Dark were among Sakagi's most trusted operatives, privy to Team Rocket's inner workings far more than most.
"I wonder how long the boss has pursued Mew. It's said the previous leader also sought it, yet no one has seen it to this day." Shadow finally glanced up at the Honchkrow perched in the shadows.
"This 'Neverland' is the culmination of years of searching. The boss won't wait any longer. We're to investigate the island for traces of Mew—the more detailed, the better." Dark's visit was solely to relay Sakagi's orders.
Evidently, Sakagi already knew something about Neverland and suspected Mew's presence there.
"Another mission, then."
Shadow paused, then smirked. "Good. Last time, too many doubted my strength. Even a junior executive like Renda dared to provoke me repeatedly. It's time to remind them why the Shadow Team commands respect."
A soft Caw echoed from the darkness—but the figure had already vanished.
Shadow stared at the empty corner, lost in thought.
Before nightfall, Aoki arrived at Saffron City's Pokémon Center.
After checking in, he handed his team to Nurse Joy for a full health scan, ensuring no hidden injuries lingered.
Through Devon Corporation's Saffron branch, he secured the earliest flight to Slateport City in Hoenn.
By midnight, Aoki was airborne.
He'd chosen Slateport over Rustboro—knowing Steven was away training—making Verdanturf Town far more accessible.
Upon arrival, Aoki barely recognized Verdanturf Town.
The tallest structure remained his Water-type Gym, followed closely by the Pokémon Center, Breeder's Guild, and League Police Station.
But now, an entirely new commercial district sprawled nearby—a project he'd discussed with Steven before leaving.
To boost the town's economy, Devon Corp. had funded a broad highway linking Slateport and Verdanturf, drastically improving travel.
The construction speed of the Pokémon world never ceased to amaze.
In just over ten days, the town had transformed. Most buildings were operational, and the commercial street buzzed with activity—nowhere near overcrowded, but leagues beyond the old Verdanturf's quiet streets.
The townsfolk, once weary, now smiled freely.
Aoki's efforts had granted them jobs, income, and purchasing power, fueling the local economy.
New faces dotted the crowds—visitors drawn by Devon's advertising. With the gym's opening, more Trainers stopped here on their journeys.
The surrounding mountains, largely untouched, attracted explorers. However, per Aoki's orders, the peak behind the gym was restricted—off-limits without permission.
Beside the gym, workers toiled on a massive excavation site—the future artificial lake Aoki had planned.
Expanding steadily, it would soon become a town landmark, teeming with Water-types. Trainers seeking such Pokémon would flock here, further boosting Verdanturf's growth.
Thanks to Aoki, the Sky Team, and his mentor Matsuda's influence, no underworld factions dared emerge. New groups were swiftly crushed.
Now, whether in the light or in the shadows, Verdanturf answered to Aoki alone.