Soon, the day passed quickly.
After the investigators returned, Aoki received the information they had gathered.
The professionalism of these individuals was truly impressive. They had meticulously documented every detail, down to the underwear the Team Rocket member wore that day and his favorite meals.
Once they had been dismissed, Aoki began reviewing the collected data.
Sometimes, simply observing what vendors were selling could provide insight into the origins of the people present.
As for the true objective of this mission—to uncover Team Rocket's activities—there was no need for the investigators to delve too deeply. When the time came, Aoki would conduct a thorough investigation personally and draw conclusions.
After a restful night, the trade conference hosted by Team Rocket officially began the following day.
Though no one understood why Team Rocket was holding a trade fair while simultaneously scaling back operations, Aoki suspected Sakaki had his own plans.
From what Aoki recalled in his past life, hosting a trade conference typically required the presence of at least three Team Rocket executives.
Just as the Kanto region was primarily overseen by the trio of Team Rocket leaders—Aju, Nancy, and Mashiro—the Johto region was managed by Team Rocket's four elite operatives: Apollo, Athena, Lance, and Lambda.
Even at the Champion level, these individuals were among the strongest.
Among the three executives overseeing this trade conference, at least one was likely one of the elite four—possibly even multiple.
After all, this was Team Rocket's first trade conference since their withdrawal, meaning numerous factions would be investigating their current status.
Whether it was the League, other underground organizations, or even Team Rocket's sister group, the Hunter Guild, spies would undoubtedly be lurking.
Thus, to demonstrate Team Rocket's remaining strength, the presence of these operatives was essential—a show of force.
The message was clear: though they had withdrawn, their power had not diminished.
Not just anyone could challenge them.
Even in retreat, they remained the dominant underground force in the Pokémon world.
No one dared provoke them lightly.
After sending away the League investigators, Aoki entered the black market clad in a loose black robe.
Goldenrod City's black market was already bustling, but with the trade conference underway, it was now packed with visitors.
Most wore disguises similar to Aoki's, though a few made no effort to conceal their identities.
These individuals either possessed overwhelming personal strength or belonged to powerful organizations.
But the majority remained hidden beneath dark cloaks.
Why was the trade fair so lively?
Because Team Rocket, as the host, would unveil rare and valuable items from their stockpile—not just held items, but also exceptionally rare Pokémon.
The main event was an auction, while other black market vendors capitalized on the influx of customers.
The trade fair would last seven days, with seven consecutive auctions.
Of course, beyond the main auction, Team Rocket's affiliated shops would also release some of their rarer stock.
Other vendors would likewise bring out their most prized goods, hoping to exploit wealthy but ignorant buyers.
Additionally, Team Rocket would open temporary stalls for visiting underground factions—provided they paid exorbitant rental fees.
Despite the steep costs, these stalls sold out instantly.
Thus, during these seven days, the black market became a treasure trove of regional specialties.
Nearly anything could be found.
For the truly wealthy and powerful, however, the shops were merely a sideshow. The real prizes lay in the auction house.
Aoki's current destination was the tallest and grandest structure in the black market—the temporary auction hall.
The venue could hold thousands, but entry required status, wealth, or strength.
Those who met at least one criterion could enter.
If the hall reached capacity, latecomers would have to wait for the next session.
True VIPs—those with connections to Team Rocket or power demanding respect—were granted private boxes, bypassing the queues entirely.
Though the auction was still two hours away, the entrance was already swarming.
Some weren't even there to bid—they merely wanted to witness the spectacle.
Team Rocket enforcers stood guard, maintaining order.
A row of uniformed agents blocked the entrance, their Arbok glaring coldly at the crowd.
Anyone who stepped out of line would face an immediate strike.
This was Team Rocket's territory—even dragons would retreat and tigers would bow. No one dared cause trouble.
These guards were undoubtedly the direct subordinates of the executives overseeing the event.
Their leader, a quasi-Champion-level captain, commanded a level 52 Arbok.
Most couldn't even meet its gaze.
Aoki slipped through the crowd and entered through a side door.
Though less congested than the main entrance, this area was still busy.
Most here were submitting items for auction consideration.
However, the standards for auction eligibility were stringent, and many left disappointed after a brief consultation.
Only a select few, whose items passed inspection, walked away with smug satisfaction.
Everyone knew auctioned goods sold for significantly higher prices—a small percentage increase on already-valuable items meant massive profits.
Fortunately, there were many reception windows.
Behind each sat a bespectacled clerk, impassively appraising submitted goods.
Some items were easily identified, their worth obvious at a glance. Others required careful scrutiny, leaving even the clerks uncertain.
Aoki sat before a window, silently placed a Poké Ball on the counter, and pushed it forward.