With Marshtomp’s evolution complete, the intensive training of the two small Pokémon under Cain’s care was also coming to an end.
Although it was now possible to evolve Poliwhirl into Politoed, Cain considered that Poliwhirl was not yet fully ready. It wasn’t a matter of lacking energy or skills but rather a physical and overall development that had yet to reach its optimal point.
Cain had no problem allowing his Pokémon to evolve before reaching the maximum limit of their potential, as long as it was something that could be corrected later. However, if it meant an irreparable sacrifice for their future development, he preferred to delay the process.
It wasn’t worth compromising his Pokémon’s potential just for a tournament, even if it was the Sinnoh Tournament.
With Swampert now evolved and in a recovery phase due to the quality-enhancing potion’s side effects, Cain increased the pace of his journey.
Until now, he had been moving slowly through Mount Coronet to train both Marshtomp and Poliwhirl, but with the former now evolved and the latter reaching level 36, the focus would shift.
The next to receive more attention would be Slowking, along with other Pokémon from his main team.
There were still four days left before the tournament began, of which Cain would dedicate three to intense training and reserve the last one to reach Hearthome City, where the event would be held, allowing time for rest.
With this change, Cain withdrew Poliwhirl and sent out his strongest Pokémon to train: Drapion, Slowking, Florges, and Gengar, who took on the main battles.
Additionally, to keep other members from falling behind, he summoned Honchkrow and Weavile, thus assembling his first team of six.
Cain’s team resumed their journey through Mount Coronet, battling fiercely against any challenge in their path.
Four days later, on the outskirts of Hearthome City, a Flygon descended smoothly. Cain dismounted from Flygon, showing signs of fatigue from his tight training schedule.
Although registration for the tournament had started a week ago, as an official representative of the Hoenn region, Cain didn’t need to rush to sign up. Upon arriving in the city, he headed straight to the Pokémon Center to conduct full check-ups on his Pokémon.
Inside the center, Cain found several familiar faces waiting for him. The most striking figure was Steven, looking impeccable in a black suit that highlighted his natural elegance, drawing the attention of everyone present.
Beside him were Phoebe, wearing her characteristic blue outfit, Wallace, who was leaning against a wall playing his harp in an almost theatrical pose, and other Hoenn trainers like Roxanne.
It was the official Hoenn team for the tournament.
As Cain arrived, Steven greeted him with a wide smile.
"Cain, taking it easy, huh?"
They exchanged a friendly handshake before Cain responded:
"I was busy training my Pokémon in Mount Coronet. As soon as I finished, I came straight here."
After greeting the other trainers and leaving his Poké Balls at the counter for Nurse Joy to check, Cain noticed that everyone seemed to be waiting for something.
"What’s going on here? Why is everyone gathered?" he asked.
Steven sighed and shook his head before explaining:
"The tournament is starting soon, but it seems you didn’t know there’s an opening ceremony."
Before Cain could respond, Phoebe playfully intervened:
"Cain, how can you be so absentminded? Even I knew there would be a ceremony. It’ll end just before the first afternoon rounds."
Phoebe’s words provoked restrained laughter from Roxanne and Winona, while Steven had no reservations about letting out a hearty laugh and patting Cain on the shoulder.
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Cain simply asked:
"So, we have to go to the stadium now for the ceremony?"
Steven nodded with a smile. After retrieving his Pokémon, Cain and the group headed towards the impressive stadium built specifically for this tournament.
During the journey, Cain couldn’t help but ask:
"Steven, do you have any idea how many participants there will be this year?"
The future Champion of Hoenn pondered for a moment before replying:
"I’m not sure, but there will likely be several thousand. This tournament gathers participants from five major regions. Although earning eight badges isn’t easy, many trainers manage to do it."
"Also, there’s an age limit. Only trainers under 18 can participate. In the future, the Pokémon League might organize tournaments for older trainers, but this one is just for the youth."
Cain nodded, gaining a better understanding of the event’s scale.
After all, Pokémon trainers could start their journey at ten years old, but youth was considered the golden stage for growth in this competitive world.