After rewarding Jessie, James, and Meowth, Aiden Flint didn't linger in Petalburg Woods. Riding Rayquaza, he headed straight for the Hoenn League headquarters.
The moment he arrived in Ever Grande City, he ran into Steven Stone and Wallace, both seemingly about to leave on a mission.
"Aiden, the League's decision is out," Steven said directly. "The Vice Champion position has been approved—but only those strong enough can take it."
"Wallace and I passed. Over in Kanto, Lorelei has been promoted as well. The new Elite Four member replacing her is Sabrina."
Aiden nodded calmly. It made sense—Vice Champions were essentially Champion-level trainers who simply didn't hold the main title.
"What about the others?" he asked.
Wallace crossed his arms, clearly annoyed. "That's actually your problem now. Since you're back, you handle it."
Then he explained.
Lance—Champion of Kanto—had issued a joint request to multiple regions. The target:
Team Rocket.
A full-scale suppression operation.
"Sinnoh is still recovering," Wallace continued, "but they've sent Volkner. Other regions haven't detected Rocket activity. So Lance is relying on us."
Steven added, "He helped us during the Magma and Aqua incidents. We already agreed. Now it's your call."
Aiden didn't hesitate long.
"Then we go."
Soon, Rayquaza pierced the skies once more.
This time—
Toward Kanto.
When Aiden reached Mt. Silver, the Kanto League headquarters came into view.
And waiting there—
Was a full lineup.
Lance
Lorelei
Bruno
Koga
Karen
Sabrina
Plus Volkner standing off to the side.
Aiden landed smoothly.
Lance stepped forward first.
"Champion Aiden, we've been waiting."
Aiden smiled faintly. "You've helped Hoenn and Sinnoh before. I'm just returning the favor."
A subtle statement—but enough.
Everyone understood.
This wasn't just Hoenn's support.
It carried weight from Sinnoh too—through Cynthia.
Inside the conference room, everyone took their seats.
Lance at the head.
Aiden and Lorelei on either side.
Then Volkner, Bruno, Koga, Karen, and Sabrina.
The atmosphere tightened.
Lance spoke.
"This operation has one goal—eliminate Team Rocket."
Silence followed.
Bruno's expression hardened.
Lorelei remained calm—but serious.
Koga and Karen exchanged unreadable glances.
Sabrina—
Was different.
Aiden's eyes narrowed slightly.
Without a word—
His psychic power spread.
Invisible.
Silent.
Sweeping across the room.
Koga—nothing unusual.
Karen—no reaction.
But the moment it touched Sabrina—
Her eyes snapped open.
She stood instantly.
"Psychic user."
The room froze.
All eyes turned to Aiden.
Lance frowned slightly. "Aiden, what is it?"
Lorelei added, "Sabrina, he's a psychic too. And stronger than you."
But Sabrina didn't relax.
Her gaze locked onto Aiden.
Cold.
Sharp.
And just a little—
Uneasy.
Because she knew.
That brief contact—
Hadn't been a test.
It was a scan.
And something about it…
Felt like she had just been seen through completely.
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