The Swampert had completed its evolution, so Aoki's training for these two Pokémon was nearly finished.
Though the Poliwhirl could evolve into Politoed now, Aoki believed it still needed a little more time. The issue wasn't with its energy or moves, but rather an overall difference in physical conditioning and battle readiness.
Aoki didn't mind if a Pokémon evolved before reaching its peak potential, but only if it wouldn't hinder future growth. If rushing evolution meant irreversible setbacks, then delaying it slightly was the better choice. Sacrificing long-term potential just for the Sinnoh competition wasn't worth it.
However, now that Swampert had finished its training, Aoki could accelerate his progress. He had been moving slowly to accommodate the Swampert and Poliwhirl's development, especially since the Marshtomp had been on the verge of evolution.
With Swampert now evolved and temporarily weakened from the process, Aoki needed to pick up the pace so his other Pokémon could get proper training. Staying in one area just for Poliwhirl alone was inefficient. Read full story at novel{f}ire.net
Not long after, Aoki recalled Poliwhirl as well—its level had reached 36 by then. Next came battles with Slowking and the others.
Only four days remained before the Sinnoh competition. Three would be spent on combat drills, while the last was reserved for travel to Jubilife City and letting the team rest. Time was tight.
Drapion, eager for action, Slowking (now at pseudo-champion level), Florges (serving as both attacker and support), and Gengar (a new core tactical Pokemon) formed the main training group. Still, Aoki didn't want Honchkrow to fall behind, so after storing Swampert and Poliwhirl, he summoned Weavile and Honchkrow.
The six-Pokémon team reassembled and began sweeping through Mt. Coronet, leaping between zones like a well-oiled machine.
Over the outskirts of Jubilife City, a Flygon descended gracefully. Its rider, dust-streaked and weary, was Aoki, fresh from his Mt. Coronet training.
Registration for the Sinnoh competition had opened a week prior. As a default Hoenn entrant, Aoki avoided the usual rush. Upon arriving in Jubilife, he headed straight for the Pokémon Center. His team wasn't injured, but after prolonged fieldwork, a full medical scan for hidden injuries was necessary.
More importantly, people were waiting for him there.
Entering the lobby, he spotted familiar faces: Steven, impeccably dressed in a black suit, his noble bearing drawing glances from nearby trainers; Phoebe in a flowing blue dress; and Wallace, leaning against a wall with his usual effortless grace. Roxanne, the Rustboro Gym Leader, stood with them—the full Hoenn contingent.
Aoki approached, and Steven grinned. "You're cutting it close, Aoki."
They exchanged a brief hug. "Training took longer than expected," Aoki replied. "Mt. Coronet was brutal."
After greeting Phoebe, Wallace, Roxanne, and the others (even those he barely knew, out of courtesy), Aoki handed Slowking's Pokéball to Nurse Joy for a full checkup. Honchkrow and the others stayed out—this way, he could talk freely.
"Why the crowd?" Aoki asked.
Steven sighed. "The competition starts today. You're remarkably calm."
"The early rounds are straightforward, and the first matchups aren't posted until afternoon," Aoki said.
Phoebe flicked his arm. "You do know there's an opening ceremony, right? It'll be afternoon by the time it's over."
Roxanne and Wallace stifled laughter. Steven, however, didn't bother hiding his amusement.
Aoki blinked. An opening ceremony? Since when?
"...So we're going now?" he asked, once the laughter died down.
Steven wiped his eyes. "Yes. As Hoenn's representatives, we're part of the procession."
After collecting his team (all cleared by Nurse Joy), the group headed to the arena.
The Sinnoh League had spared no expense—the stadium was colossal, likely intended for future events. Jubilife might soon rival Saffron in scale.
As they walked, Aoki turned to Steven. "How many participants are there?"
"Hard to say, but thousands, at least. With five regions involved, even eight Badges aren't impossible. The real bottleneck is the age limit—only trainers under 18 qualify. Older divisions might come later, but this one's for the rookies."
Aoki nodded. In this world, Pokémon training had no upper age limit. Ten-year-olds and seniors alike could embark on journeys—but the teenage years were where legends were forged.