In addition to the growth of the first-team Pokémon, the second-team Pokémon have grown at a relatively faster pace.
This is because their initial levels were lower, allowing for a higher growth rate.
And among all of them, the ones that have grown the most are not Torchic, Aron, or Larvitar, but rather Poliwag and Mudkip.
The reason is simple: Cain is a Water-type Gym Leader!
During his time in Leafy Town, he occasionally participates in Gym challenges as the Leader.
After all, everyone knows that Cain is in the town, and it wouldn't be appropriate for him to stay away from Gym challenges for too long.
If he were constantly absent, it wouldn't be an issue, but being in town and refusing Gym challenges could leave a bad impression.
Would people think Cain is too arrogant? That he doesn't value regular trainers?
Although that perception isn't entirely false, maintaining appearances is important, right?
Cain's presence during challenges excites the crowd but puts challengers in a difficult spot.
After all, everyone has seen the battle between Cain and Cynthia, and the video still retains some popularity even a month later.
Cain's Slowking is so powerful that it intimidates regular trainers who challenge him.
However, to everyone's surprise, Cain hasn't used Slowking again. Instead, he opted for Poliwag and Mudkip.
In one-on-one battles with the option to use two Pokémon, Cain has been using Poliwag and Mudkip for a good while.
Thanks to this, these two Pokémon have been able to level up faster.
Although they initially lacked strong synergy with Cain and weren't accustomed to frequent battles, they've gained experience over time, improving their coordination with Cain and enhancing their combat abilities.
Of course, Cain carefully selects his opponents.
If a trainer is too strong, he uses Slowking for the battle. But if the challenger has Pokémon below the advanced level but stronger than Mudkip and Poliwag, Cain uses the three Water-type Pokémon temporarily under Skye's care.
Although these three Pokémon don't have as much synergy with Cain, their solid base strength compensates for occasional mistakes.
In summary, Cain doesn't recklessly send Mudkip and Poliwag into battles against opponents they can't defeat.
The advantage of having the system is clear: Cain can choose suitable opponents for his Pokémon.
It's not about damaging his Pokémon's confidence but rather providing the necessary training.
Since most challengers have Pokémon above level 20, Mudkip and Poliwag don't always get the chance to fight.
Currently, Poliwag has reached level 18, and Mudkip is at level 15.
At that moment, in the garden, Cain was directing a training battle between his team.
Mudkip was battling Torchic, who was now at level 14.
Torchic's level increase hasn't been significant since Cain has been more focused on adjusting his Pokémon's physical condition to ensure they reach their full potential.
Cain prepared a special potential enhancement potion to be used during evolution, ensuring his Pokémon achieve their peak performance before evolving. Only then would the potion have the desired effect.
For this reason, his Pokémon's levels haven't risen much recently; Cain has been focusing on developing their capabilities to the fullest.
The battle between Torchic and Mudkip was smooth, with each dismantling the other's moves.
Torchic took advantage of its special ability, Speed Boost, giving it an edge in prolonged battles.
However, Mudkip understood that its Water-type advantage over Torchic's Fire-type was inevitable.
After exchanging a few moves under Cain's orders, the two Pokémon stopped the battle.
Despite being opposing types, Torchic and Mudkip had a good relationship, and after Cain's command, both ceased the combat.
Torchic, always cheerful, tried to drag Mudkip off to play since they had completed their daily task.
However, at that moment, a white light began to envelop Mudkip.
Torchic, surprised, froze in place.
Cain, on the other hand, displayed a look of joy, seeing that Mudkip would be the first Pokémon from the second team to evolve.
More experienced Pokémon like Slowking quickly intervened to move Torchic away, ensuring nothing interrupted Mudkip's evolution.
Slowking, through telepathy, informed the other Pokémon that this was the moment they had all been waiting for... evolution!
The two Swablu flying overhead descended and perched on Cain's shoulders, one on each side.
The brother on the left and the sister on the right.
Since Altaria prepared a place for them to stay, the two Swablu spent almost every day in the garden, returning to their nest only at night to sleep.
Altaria occasionally appeared as well, fully trusting Cain to care for the little ones.
Carbink also appeared next to Cain, its ear-like appendages tightly gripping Cain's pants as it curiously observed Mudkip's evolution with its bright blue eyes.
Larvitar and Aron also rushed over to Cain, joining the group.
Poliwag, using its control over Water energy, created a small aquatic sphere in which it floated, observing its companion's evolution.
All the Pokémon gathered, while those who had yet to evolve watched with envy.
Mudkip, as the first Pokémon from the second team to evolve, would now be part of Cain's main battling Pokémon.
Cain quickly retrieved a special potion stored in a test tube labeled with Mudkip's name.
This was the potion he had prepared especially for Mudkip, designed to maximize its potential during evolution.
This was the moment to see if Cain's efforts would bear fruit.
Using his psychic ability, Cain made the potion float toward Mudkip, who, upon seeing it, didn't hesitate to drink it in one gulp.
Then, the evolution and transformation began simultaneously.