"Hahahaha, alright, alright, let's not discuss this. I called you to tell you that I'm going to announce the method for Slowking's evolution on your behalf. I'll use your name. I've already notified the higher-ups, and now you're a professional Pokémon researcher."
Professor Oak obviously had no interest in the title of discoverer of the Fairy-type. He was dedicated to the research of Pokémon, and the Fairy-type was simply one aspect of them, nothing more.
The main purpose of this call was to inform Aoki that he had secured Aoki's identity as a researcher.
The last time Matsuda brought Aoki to see Professor Oak, Aoki himself wasn't very strong, and too many titles at that time would have hindered his development.
But now things were different. In the Sinnoh Tournament, Aoki had performed exceptionally well, demonstrating his pseudo-Champion-level strength.
Additionally, he had gained significant recognition in the Hoenn region.
Revealing Aoki's identity as a Pokémon researcher now would only benefit him, not harm him.
As a senior researcher, Professor Oak could clearly foresee the future plans for the Hoenn region, which would further enhance Aoki's reputation and influence.
So, after completing all the work on the Fairy-type, he immediately proposed granting Aoki the title of Pokémon Researcher.
In truth, given Aoki's current reputation as the discoverer of the Fairy-type, it might not be impossible to award him a doctorate in Pokémon studies. If Professor Oak, the people in the Breeder's Guild, and Adams, the president of the Hoenn Pokémon League, advocated for it, it could very well happen.
There were many researchers in the Pokémon world, but few held the title of Doctor. Those specializing in Pokémon studies needed to have their own unique expertise.
However, it would be too much to ask Aoki to become a Doctor now. Letting him become a researcher first was a solid foundation for his future. Once Aoki's strength grew or enough time passed, he might truly earn the title of Doctor.
For now, becoming a researcher was a stepping stone for his future development.
"Thank you so much for your help!" Aoki said.
"By the way, there's one more thing I want to tell you." After a pause, Aoki spoke again.
"Oh? What is it?" Professor Oak asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
Aoki always managed to surprise him—sometimes in shocking ways—but the results were always beneficial.
"Well, you remember that in the last match of the Sinnoh Tournament, I used a Pokémon, Politoed..."
Before Aoki could finish, Professor Oak's voice rose with excitement. "Did you figure out how Pokémon like Politoed evolve?"
"That's right. Before, I was using Poliwhirl, but in the end, it became Politoed. It seems Politoed really does evolve from Poliwhirl. Can you tell me how it evolved?"
Aoki smiled helplessly. Whenever the topic turned to Pokémon knowledge, Professor Oak became incredibly energetic, not at all like an elderly man.
"It does indeed evolve from Poliwhirl, and the evolution method is exactly the same as Slowking's. Both require the use of the King's Rock to complete this special evolution," Aoki explained.
"The King's Rock... I see, that makes sense. Since they're both 'king' Pokémon, using the King's Rock to evolve is fitting." Professor Oak immediately became absorbed in thought.
He then launched into a detailed explanation filled with technical terms, leaving Aoki slightly bewildered.
Professor Oak, true to his reputation, quickly grasped the key details.
After discovering that Slowking evolved using the King's Rock, he had studied the item extensively.
"In that case, I'll make some adjustments and announce your discovery of Politoed's evolution method alongside Slowking's. They're evolutions of a similar nature. But this means your fame is going to rise even further." The last part was said in a joking tone.
Aoki chuckled lightly, showing the kind of joy a young man in his position naturally would.
"Thank you for your help."
"No problem. I have things to attend to now. Come visit Pallet Town when you have time. Bring your Pokémon with you—I'd like to study them carefully. I also have some gifts for you."
"Alright, I'll definitely visit soon."
With that, Professor Oak ended the call.
The early release of the Fairy-type had changed many things.
However, now was indeed the perfect time to announce his discoveries regarding Slowking and Politoed's evolution methods.
"While the excitement from the Sinnoh Tournament hasn't faded yet, announcing this now will boost my reputation and pave the way for the future. Professor Oak really put in a lot of effort for me." Aoki thought to himself.
Just as Aoki was about to sit down and rest, another communicator in his pocket vibrated.
This time, it wasn't a call—it was a message.
But this wasn't an ordinary communicator; it was the exclusive device Aoki had received after becoming a League Investigator.
The only people who could send messages through this device were higher-ranking League Investigators or the Investigation Headquarters itself, issuing direct assignments.
When he opened it, only one message was displayed:
"Senior League Investigator Aoki, you are hereby assigned a covert investigation mission. Mission details are as follows:
The League is currently short on Senior Investigators, but due to the difficulty of certain tasks, mid-level Investigators are unable to complete them. Thus, optional missions are being issued to you.
Team Rocket is currently operating in a highly secretive manner in the Kanto region. The League suspects they may be developing something highly destructive.
Team Rocket is holding a trade conference during this period, and the League wishes to dispatch a Senior Investigator to gather intelligence. Further details will be provided upon mission acceptance.
Given your origins in Kanto, you are deemed the most suitable for this assignment.
Accept Mission?"
Below were two buttons: "Yes" and "No."
Aoki stared at the message, stunned.
What was this?
A double agent mission?
Was he supposed to refuse?
He was Team Rocket!
He was doing well in the League, and now they wanted him to investigate Team Rocket's activities?
The worst part was, the reasoning was sound.
As a Kanto native, he was familiar with the region. Sending someone with local knowledge was more efficient than deploying an unfamiliar agent.
Moreover, Senior Investigators were likely stretched thin—perhaps exploring new regions or investigating Fairy-type Pokémon in Kalos.
Normally, local Kanto Investigators would handle this, but with the League short on personnel, they were assigning a Hoenn Senior Investigator instead.
The sender of the message was signed "Joseph"—likely the only Chief Investigator among the Hoenn League's ranks, the alternate Miss Joseph of the Joseph family.
Since the mission had been issued, it meant the higher-ups had approved it.
With no real choice, Aoki pressed "Yes."