During the conversation with Drake, Aoki contemplated a profitable scheme. If executed properly, Team Sky stood to gain substantial wealth. Additionally, Aoki could leverage this opportunity to amass a significant amount of resources for himself.
"From this moment onward, liquidate all available Team Sky assets. Gather every Hunter Point and distribute them among trusted operatives. Dispatch them to major cities across all regions—Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh—ensuring our presence in every black market," Aoki commanded.
He paused briefly before continuing, "Allocate all points, resources, and convertible assets toward purchasing the following Pokémon: Clefairy, Jigglypuff, Mr. Mime, Marill, Azumarill, Snubbull, Granbull, and Mawile."
The four Team Sky members below exchanged surprised glances. These Pokémon were not only rare but also notoriously overpriced due to their popularity among wealthy socialites. Many considered them impractical investments, yet their market value remained absurdly high.
Confusion rippled through the group, but they remained silent. A good subordinate knew when to listen and when to refrain from questioning orders.
"I understand your uncertainty," Aoki said, his tone firm. "However, my directive is clear: acquire these Pokémon indiscriminately. Disregard their potential or price—purchase any available for less than triple the market value. If purchasing proves impossible… seize them. Whether through theft or hired intervention, I want these Pokémon secured by any means necessary."
This was the first major operation Aoki had ordered since Team Sky's formation. Its success would determine the organization's future efficiency.
Aoki's goal was modest—if Team Sky could control even 10% of the market share for these Pokémon, the profits would be immense. The more they acquired now, the greater their future resource pool.
He was capitalizing on privileged information. The Fairy-type—officially undisclosed—was known only to high-ranking League officials and select influential figures. By hoarding these Pokémon before their typing became public knowledge, Aoki positioned Team Sky for exponential gains.
Once the League officially recognized the Fairy-type, the value of these Pokémon would skyrocket. The Dragon-type, long revered as the most powerful, would suddenly face a crippling weakness. Fairy-types were immune to Dragon attacks and could deal devastating super-effective damage in return.
Dragon specialists—particularly ancient clans like the Blackthorn Family and the Dragon's Den—would be blindsided. The socialite Pokémon they had dismissed as frivolous would become priceless overnight.
Compared to raising a Dragon-type, investing in Fairy-types now was a bargain. Aoki intended to exploit this disparity fully. If Team Sky acted swiftly, they could dominate the market before competitors realized its potential.
With enough resources, Team Sky could expand rapidly, ensuring Aoki a steady supply of support in the future.
He dismissed the four operatives, trusting them to execute his plan effectively. Though they didn't understand his motives, their loyalty had yet to steer them wrong.
Immediately, the four liquidated their personal resources and Hunter Points, purchasing every Fairy-type Pokémon available in the small black market of Verdanturf Town.
Over the following weeks, black markets across every region reported a surge in demand for these previously overlooked Pokémon. Mysterious buyers clad in unmarked black attire swept through shops, purchasing them at inflated prices without hesitation.
Rumors spread among traders: if a faceless, logo-less individual entered your store seeking these specific Pokémon, you were guaranteed a windfall. Merchants began deliberately hiking prices, yet the buyers paid without question.
Meanwhile, Aoki remained in the dimly lit Team Sky conference room, strategizing his next move.
His strength had reached the level of a pseudo-Champion—no ordinary one, at that. At his peak, he could contend with most pseudo-Champions, barring only the most seasoned veterans. Even then, Slowking's Teleportation ensured escape was always an option.
Previously, a strong Psychic-type could have countered Slowking's teleportation. Now, with the support of five Unown—whose spatial mastery surpassed even Slowking's—Aoki could guarantee a retreat under nearly any circumstances. Though weak in direct combat, the Unown's spatial manipulation was unparalleled.
With his primary team reaching pseudo-Champion strength, their growth would slow. It was time to focus on his secondary team.
Previously, resources had been insufficient. But if Team Sky succeeded in their mission, the influx of wealth would solve that problem.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Aoki's fingers drummed rhythmically against the conference table. The lights remained off, the darkness aiding his concentration as he sank deeper into his calculations.