Aoki easily defeated Roxanne, although no one knew about it yet. However, it was expected that the battle footage would soon appear online since the gym's surveillance system had been left running. Even if Aoki didn't want the video to spread, Roxanne would upload it herself to promote her own reputation.
As the newly appointed leader of the Rustboro Gym, Roxanne faced skepticism due to her young age. Though the battle with Aoki was completely one-sided, it was still a formal challenge, and she had publicly accepted it. Losing to Aoki wasn't a disgrace—after all, among the younger generation in Hoenn, Aoki and Steven were considered twin stars, the most promising trainers of their time. Defeat against them was almost expected. This content belongs to n0velfire.net
Similarly, when Cynthia traveled the world issuing challenges, most trainers accepted them willingly. If she won, it was no surprise, but if someone managed to defeat her, even by luck, it would prove their strength and earn them recognition.
Aoki's battle with Cynthia, though ending in his loss, had been intense and evenly matched, earning him a surge of popularity and fans. The same logic applied to his battle with Roxanne. By challenging her, Aoki inadvertently boosted the Rustboro Gym's reputation while also giving Roxanne credibility. If she performed well in future battles, she could solidify her position as a Gym Leader and silence any lingering doubts.
Reluctantly, Roxanne bid them farewell, and Steven left the gym with Aoki. Though Roxanne referred to Steven as her cousin, they weren't closely related—and it was clear she held a certain admiration for him. After all, who wouldn't be drawn to someone handsome, wealthy, powerful, and charismatic?
Escaping the gym, Aoki teased, "Steven, I didn't expect you to have such a cousin. Not bad."
Steven waved his hands dismissively. "I only see her as a younger sister. You saw it yourself—she's just a girl who admires strength. For me, romance is too early. Whether it's raising Pokémon or managing the company, those are my priorities right now. I don't have the energy for anything else."
Aoki patted Steven on the shoulder. "You don't have to pressure yourself so much. Delegate some of the company's responsibilities. If you try to handle everything alone, no one has that kind of stamina." He sighed. "In the end, strength is what matters most in this world."
Steven paused, then chuckled. Aoki was right—strength was the ultimate decider.
The Devon Corporation thrived because the Stone family had the power to protect it. If they ever weakened, the company would be vulnerable. Conversely, as long as they remained strong, no one would dare challenge them.
"Seems like I should focus on becoming one of the world's strongest first, then worry about the company," Steven mused. "Aoki, thank you. I'll settle my affairs, then take my Pokémon out for training. Don't let me surpass you too easily."
Previously, Steven had struggled to balance Pokémon training with corporate duties, attempting both at once. The result was mediocrity in both. But now, he understood—he needed to prioritize strength. Once he became truly powerful, even a mere display of his abilities would deter any threats.
And what was the fastest, most effective way to prove his strength?
From that moment, Steven truly set his sights on the title. Even a brief reign would suffice.
With renewed determination, Steven bid Aoki farewell and strode confidently toward Devon Corporation. He planned to finish reviewing his documents, then discuss his future with his father.
Aoki watched him leave, slightly exasperated.
At least send me off first!
Shaking his head, Aoki hailed a taxi to the northern edge of Rustboro, intending to travel through Route 115 to Meteor Falls. His real objective lay there—the Gym challenge had merely been a detour.
Once in the outskirts, Aoki summoned his Flygon and took flight toward Meteor Falls. However, shortly after entering Route 115, he descended.
The wild Pokémon here were weak, ranging between levels 7 and 20—clearly curated for novice Trainers. It was the perfect place to train his second-tier Pokémon.
Aoki decided to battle two at a time, releasing Torchic and Aron.
Torchic was level 14, while Aron was level 19—a slight gap, but manageable. Against weaker wild Pokémon, Torchic would take the lead. Fire-types had a natural advantage in this terrain, and with its Speed Boost ability, it grew more adept with each fight.
Against stronger opponents, Aron stepped in. Its Steel and Rock typing made it immune to most Poison-type attacks, giving it an edge.
Both Pokémon had completed Aoki's training regimen over the past month and had shown remarkable progress. Now, facing wild Pokémon, they weren't just confident—they were eager.
Torchic, especially, had been motivated by Marshtomp's evolution. Once it grew accustomed to battling, its fiery nature made it relish the fights.
Torchic's evolution was crucial for Aoki—it would test whether a Dark Blue aptitude could still improve with an Aptitude Booster. If it worked, the potential for Aron and Larvitar would be even greater.
As they ventured deeper into Route 115, Aoki kept a close eye on his Pokémon, ready to guide them toward their next evolution. The journey to Meteor Falls could wait—for now, training was the priority.