After probing Cynthia's thoughts, Aiden realized that her decision was driven partly by guilt over doubting him earlier, partly by her fascination with Legendary Pokémon, and partly by her desire to witness legends with her own eyes in the future. At the same time, she also harbored a subtle fear that he might eventually walk down the path of a villainous organization.
With all those emotions intertwined, she chose to join Team Sky.
After weighing everything, Aiden made his decision.
No matter what, Cynthia was genuinely serious about this. For a top-tier powerhouse like her, accepting her into Team Sky was naturally something he welcomed.
Besides, once she truly joined Team Sky, would the Champion of the Sinnoh Pokémon League still be able to act freely in the future?
"Since that's the case, the position of Vice Leader of Team Sky will be yours, Cynthia."
As Aiden spoke, a special jade token appeared in his hand. On its front was engraved the image of a green dragon—clearly Rayquaza. On the back were the words "Team Sky." Under the influence of Aiden's psychic power, three additional characters appeared on it—Cynthia.
And just like that, the exclusive identity token of Team Sky's Vice Leader was formed.
"This jade token represents your status as the Vice Leader of Team Sky. It's your proof of identity within the organization."
With Cynthia's加入, a new rule was established within Team Sky.
Any Champion-level powerhouse or above who joined the organization would automatically receive the position of Vice Leader—just like Cynthia.
If a Trainer at the Elite Four level joined, they would become a core executive, like Hunter J.
If a quasi-Elite Four Trainer joined, they would be appointed as an elite squad captain—currently, only Shelly and Tabitha held such positions.
As for ordinary members, the standard was elite-level Trainers. At present, the number of elite-level Trainers within Team Sky had already exceeded three hundred.
In addition, there were special talents who belonged to the Special Operations Division—like Jessie, James, and Meowth.
Their status depended on their contributions, but at the very least, they stood above ordinary members.
Holding the jade token that symbolized her identity, Cynthia felt a faint trace of Legendary威压 emanating from it. The craftsmanship alone was astonishing.
Still, as the Champion of the Sinnoh Pokémon League, becoming the second-in-command of another organization… did feel a bit impulsive.
…
Seeing that even Cynthia, a Champion, was willing to join Aiden's organization, Jessie, James, and Meowth were overjoyed.
From the looks of it, the organization they had just joined was truly incredible.
Not only was it financially well-funded, but both the leader and vice leader were top-tier powerhouses. They were valued, trusted, and even given the chance to retrieve their original Pokémon.
It felt amazing.
Ash, however, scratched his head awkwardly.
"Aiden… I'm sorry. I apologize. I was just worried that Team Rocket might cause you trouble."
Then he turned to Jessie, James, and Meowth.
"Aiden is my friend. Since you've decided to join his organization, I hope you'll truly turn over a new leaf. Otherwise, Pikachu and I won't go easy on you!"
Pikachu raised its tiny fist.
"Pika!"
Seeing this, Aiden simply smiled. Since Ash's doubts came from concern, there was nothing to blame him for.
But the Team Rocket trio weren't having it.
"Hey, kid, our loyalty to the boss is as clear as the sun and moon! Don't spout nonsense!"
"That's right! The boss gives us money, power, Pokémon, and even helps us retrieve our original partners! I, James, will respect the boss for life!"
"Exactly, meowth! I've never lived such a good life before, meowth!"
For a moment, the trio recalled their days in Team Rocket—sometimes sharing a single biscuit, often starving, constantly bullied by wild Pokémon.
As the memories surfaced, the three of them hugged each other and burst into tears.
Everyone else twitched at the corners of their mouths, breaking into cold sweat.
Then Ash suddenly spoke again.
"By the way, Aiden, since you want to capture Legendary Pokémon, I've actually seen quite a few of them!"
"In Kanto, I've seen Ho-Oh, Lugia, Moltres, Articuno, Zapdos, Entei, Suicune, Latios, Latias… and I think Celebi too!"
Watching Ash count on his fingers, listing how many Legendary Pokémon he had encountered, Aiden suddenly slapped his forehead.
How could he forget such an important point?
If he wanted to find Legendary Pokémon, what could be more efficient than Ash—the walking Legendary Pokémon magnet?
As long as he followed Ash, what Legendary Pokémon wouldn't he encounter?
Moreover, Ash was destined to become the world's strongest Trainer in the future.
Wouldn't it be better to recruit him into Team Sky while he hadn't fully risen yet?
Even if Ash didn't contribute much in the future, just having him contact Aiden whenever he encountered a Legendary Pokémon would be more than enough.
And given their current relationship, as long as Aiden didn't become an enemy of the Pokémon League or commit unforgivable crimes, Ash would probably stand on his side.
With that thought, Aiden spoke immediately.
"So, Ash, do you want to join my organization too?"
Ash froze for a moment.
"Huh? Me too?"
Then his expression turned from surprise to excitement.
"If it's your invitation, Aiden, of course I'm willing!"
Seeing Ash join, May, Brock, and Max also felt tempted.
Since recruiting one person was recruiting anyway, and recruiting a group was no different, Aiden accepted all of them into Team Sky.
May admired Aiden and wanted to get closer to him—joining the same organization meant more chances to meet him.
Brock, on the other hand, thought that since Aiden was so powerful, joining Team Sky might help him learn the secret to winning the hearts of beautiful older sisters.
Maybe he could finally escape singlehood.
As for Max… he was just tagging along.
Perhaps because Aiden had effortlessly defeated Norman, Max had already set Aiden as his future goal.
In terms of positions, they were assigned to the Special Operations Division just like the Team Rocket trio, with Ash as the captain.
"Ash, if you encounter any Legendary Pokémon in the future, contact me directly."
After saying that, Aiden handed Ash a jade token.
Soon afterward, the group parted ways.
Jessie, James, and Meowth set off to retrieve Arbok and Weezing before carrying out Aiden's orders to search for traces of Legendary Pokémon.
As soon as they found any clues, they would contact Aiden.
Ash and the others continued toward Sootopolis City to challenge the final Gym.
Meanwhile, Aiden and Cynthia headed toward Littleroot Town.
After agreeing to face each other again at the Ever Grande Conference of the Hoenn League, everyone went their separate ways.
…
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