After the "Yes" button was pressed, another message arrived immediately.
This meant the task had been accepted, and upon completion, a certain number of points and additional rewards would be granted.
Aoki did not take this too seriously, focusing instead on the main content and details of the mission.
Currently, Team Rocket was in a highly contracted state, with most branch members remaining inside their bases and rarely venturing outside. Aside from essential operations, their outings had drastically decreased.
At first, the League had been pleased and even surprised by this development.
However, as time passed, suspicions arose.
It seemed as though Team Rocket might be developing some secret weapon—otherwise, why would their previously stable operations suddenly shrink so thoroughly and without warning?
The League's higher-ups had to admit they were uneasy.
With Team Rocket's major annual event approaching, it was the perfect opportunity to send a reliable agent to investigate.
Originally, this task would have fallen to the Kanto Investigator Division, with Watari being the most suitable candidate.
However, a newly discovered region had drawn Watari and a large team of investigators away, leaving only mid-level and junior agents—none of whom seemed capable enough for such a critical mission.
During the meeting, someone suggested that the senior investigator from Hoenn—who had performed well in the Sinnoh Tournament—could handle it.
And so, the mission landed squarely in Aoki's hands.
Had it not been for the mission reminder, Aoki might have completely forgotten that this period coincided with Team Rocket's annual trade fair.
During this time, underground factions from multiple regions would gather in Goldenrod City for a massive black-market exchange, dealing in nearly every kind of Pokémon-related commodity imaginable.
As the dominant underground force in the Pokémon world, Team Rocket's trade fair was highly influential.
With so many figures present, it was also the best opportunity to gather intelligence on Team Rocket's activities.
For this mission, Aoki would have command over an entire investigation unit.
As a former Team Rocket member, Aoki should have paid close attention to this event. In his past life, he had participated multiple times, using his system to uncover valuable items.
But in this life, having never attended the trade fair before, he had nearly forgotten about it.
Since the mission's primary objective was the trade fair, Aoki accepted it without hesitation.
As for how to report back to the League, that wasn't an issue—Aoki knew exactly what Team Rocket was up to. He only needed to reveal enough to keep the League alert without causing unnecessary panic.
The trade fair would begin in five days, lasting seven days, and would take place in Goldenrod City's underground market. Aoki would lead a team of intermediate investigators, so his immediate task was to reach Johto as soon as possible.
Five days was more than enough time.
Originally, Aoki had planned to settle affairs on the island before traveling elsewhere to train, but now Johto took priority.
Not that it was a problem.
The island's recent expansion had opened habitats for Clamperl and Qwilfish populations, yielding a surplus of materials that could be sold at the trade fair.
Additionally, Aoki had several high-value Pokémon on hand that he had intended to sell—now, the trade fair provided the perfect opportunity.
A near-Champion-level Lanturn, a Champion-level Dusknoir, and several near-Champion-level Dusclops would fetch a high price on the black market.
Combined with over two thousand Pearls and four hundred Poison Barbs of varying quality, the profits would be substantial.
Furthermore, Pupitar and Lairon had both reached their second-stage evolutions. While their final evolutions would take time, it was best to prepare their Enhancement potions in advance.
Pokémon like Ralts, Horsea, and Bagon would soon reach their first evolutionary thresholds—procuring rare materials now would save time later.
There were also TMs Aoki had been eyeing, which might appear at the trade fair.
Rare moves like Swords Dance and Hyper Beam were sure to be available, though purchasing them would depend on funds.
Thus, the trade fair's timing was perfect.
Even without the League's mission, Aoki would have attended.
Perhaps he'd even find a new Pokémon worth acquiring.
Though Aoki was already training many Pokémon, he could only manage as many as his resources allowed. Currently, his income barely covered his expenses, with only a slight surplus.
Of course, Aoki had high standards—only Pokémon with exceptional potential or rare traits interested him. For now, he wasn't looking to expand his team further.
This time, Aoki would need to balance both his League investigator identity and his Team Rocket cover, requiring him to carry more Pokémon than usual.
Honchkrow and Weavile represented Team Rocket. Gengar, being less recognizable, could pass as an underworld Pokémon.
Slowking, Florges, Combusken, and Lairon served as his League-aligned team.
Mismagius was Aoki's last line of defense—his trump card against Champion-level opponents. Since Professor Oak already knew about it, there was no need for secrecy.
Combusken and Lairon were brought for training. Combusken's Enhancement potion was ready, and its evolution was imminent. Lairon, holding one of Aoki's two Mega Stones, needed extra attention.
Pupitar was left behind due to its recent level surge post-evolution, requiring stabilization.
The younger Pokémon were even less prepared.
Fortunately, the island's teleportation system was now operational, with Porygon2 handling management. Aoki could swap Pokémon at any time if needed.
Altaria remained on standby, overseeing the island and spending time with its offspring.
Flygon, serving as Aoki's aerial transport, wasn't counted among his active team.