Alright then… I'll start using "Ace" from this chapter on. The only "downside" is I have to add "level", just "Ace" alone doesn't translate well in the Top 7 readers languages (yes, I tested it). Let me know if we're sticking with "Ace" or going back to the good ol' "Pseudo-Elite Four."
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Sato felt it was necessary to take Mark's suggestion seriously.
Although his current Pokémon lineup was already strong enough, that didn't mean he couldn't raise other equally excellent Pokémon.
After all, a Trainer's foundation of strength largely depended on how many Pokémon they had that could actually fight.
Here, "how many" referred to how many Pokémon could be considered "battle-ready".
For example, Sato's Pichu, who stayed at home sunbathing, didn't count.
Far away at the Shadownight Gym, a Pichu taking a nap on the roof suddenly sneezed and accidentally woke itself up.
Pichu rubbed its nose, its shiny black eyes staring off into the distance as if waiting for something.
Pichu's stomach suddenly growled, and it shook its head in sudden realization… it was just hungry.
"We've already left. What kind of excuse could I even use to go back?" Sato frowned, deep in thought.
"Hehehe, boss, are you still thinking about that Skorupi?" Mark laughed slyly, proud to have seen through Sato's thoughts.
"It's just a matter of getting someone to talk to Wallace. From my observations, Mark, you're the perfect candidate."
Joseph saw the root of the "issue" and proposed a solution, while subtly making sure the responsibility didn't land on himself.
Hearing this, Sato decisively turned his head toward Mark. He thought Joseph's reasoning made perfect sense.
"Huh?" Mark widened his eyes, suddenly sensing a silent danger creeping up on him.
"Boss, are you trying to criticize me for being shallow, only thinking about catching that flashy but impractical shiny Skorupi? I get it now. I swear I'll never do it again!"
Sato and Joseph both thought, 'What the hell, when did this guy get so quick on the uptake? Are we even going to be able to mess with him from now on?'
Back in the room, while packing his things, Sato fell deep into thought.
Why did he have to act all proud and refuse back then? Saying one battle and it'd be even… now that he thought about it, that logic made no sense.
Someone comes to apologize and brings gifts, and instead of accepting, you insist on a battle, win or lose, and call it even?
'Isn't that just… asking for a beating?'
Thankfully, Zoroark managed to break through. Otherwise, Sato would've ended up losing both the gift and the fight.
But only kids make choices.
And just thinking back to that plump, red Skorupi…
Sato wiped the unknown liquid from the corner of his mouth and acted like nothing had happened.
But even when they went downstairs to check out at the front desk, there was still a faint hint of regret in Sato's heart.
"Mr. Yuga Sato, all your expenses have been covered by Mr. Wallace. He also left something for me to deliver to you. Please accept it."
Wallace's personal butler had somehow appeared behind the front desk. Wearing a professional smile, he handed over a Net Ball that looked extremely familiar to Sato.
"Skorupi? Where's Wallace?" Sato frowned and asked, while behind him, Mark had already started shouting excitedly.
"Mr. Wallace said he's returning to Hoenn for intensive training. He should already be on the plane by now."
"Yep, with private jet."
"…" Sato was speechless. Was that really the point here?
"Boss, what the butler means is that we probably won't be able to contact Wallace anytime soon. So this Skorupi… we really can't refuse it!" Yet Mark actually understood the deeper meaning hidden in the butler's words.
Sato turned and glanced at Mark with admiration. He'd managed to be smart twice in one day.
Sato didn't hesitate and directly accepted the Net Ball with Skorupi from the butler.
"Give Wallace my thanks, and tell him to look forward to seeing how Skorupi grows under my care."
"I'll be sure to pass that along."
As they exited the hotel, Mark kept sneaking glances at the Net Ball in Sato's hand, his envy written all over his face.
"You like Skorupi? Want to trade for your Lucario~?" Sato teased, immediately making Mark shake his head furiously.
'You've got to be kidding. How could Lucario compare to some poisonous bug!' Mark thought, but didn't dare say it aloud.
"Alright, alright. So, where are we heading next?" Joseph stepped in as the "peacemaker", steering the conversation back on track.
"South. Let's head toward Pastoria City." Sato made the call, and both Mark and Joseph nodded without objection.
And so, the three of them left Valor Lakefront, heading south along Lake Valor.
Reaching the edge of Lake Valor, designated as a suburban zone, Sato excitedly tossed out the Net Ball.
Thinking about it, it had been three years since he'd last caught a new partner. For a Trainer as outstanding as he was, that was rather unacceptable.
With a flash of red light, the red Skorupi appeared before the three of them. Just like the first time they met, it was still snoring in its sleep.
A breeze passed by, and Skorupi lazily opened its eyes. It looked around, noticing the three people watching it.
Then it calmly lay back down and went back to sleep.
Sato walked over, squatted in front of Skorupi, and "gently" knocked on its fairly sturdy armor with a bent index finger.
"Nice to meet you. I'm your future Trainer, Sato."
Skorupi raised its head again, blinked its tiny eyes at the close-up Sato, saw nothing unusual, and prepared to lie back down.
Seeing this, Sato didn't bother with niceties. He grabbed Skorupi by the tail and lifted it upside down.
Skorupi finally reacted, struggling to pinch Sato with its big claws, but each time he easily dodged without effort.
After several failed attempts, Skorupi realized its claws were no match for Sato, so it opened its mouth and fired off a row of Poison Sting at the ground.
Then, with its head raised and mouth open, it tried to intimidate Sato as if to say, "Let me go or I'll sting you!"
"Tch. Good potential, lazy temperament, average IQ. A long road ahead…"
Sato shook his head and let go. Unused to balancing itself, Skorupi immediately landed face-first.
Skorupi was furious. It charged forward with its stubby legs, snapping its large claws at Sato.
"Ariados, I found you an otouto. Make sure to train him well." Sato didn't even look at Skorupi and sent out the bug-boss of the team: Ariados.
Ariados was thrilled. It clearly hadn't expected that it would get to mentor a junior one day.
Skorupi was suddenly blocked by a massive shadow. It looked up and saw a dazzlingly colored giant spider staring at it with sparkling eyes.