After the rain finally stopped, Politoed suddenly collapsed onto the ground, the side effects of the Aptitude potion taking their toll.
The other Pokémon patted Politoed's shoulders in congratulations and encouragement before Aoki recalled it into its Pokéball.
The dilemma that had troubled Aoki earlier had resolved itself naturally, leaving him satisfied with the outcome.
His attention then shifted to a small Pokémon that Slowking had captured using its psychic powers—a small Horsea that had appeared here inexplicably.
Noticing Aoki's gaze, the still-dazed Horsea panicked, attempting to spit a thick glob of black ink at his face. However, it had forgotten that it was still restrained by Slowking's psychic energy, causing the ink to splash back into its own water bubble instead.
The once-clear lake water immediately darkened, the Horsea now enveloped in a murky black cloud.
This Horsea was a timid little thing. At the slightest sign of trouble, it would release a burst of ink, a natural defense mechanism.
Using the last remaining scanning function of his system, Aoki pulled up the Pokémon's data.
Pokémon: Horsea (Light Cyan)
Egg Moves: Dragon Rage, Dragon Breath, Water Pulse, Clear Smog
Basic Moves: Bubble, Smokescreen, Leer, Water Gun
Learnt Moves: Ice Beam, Bounce, Dragon Pulse Fresh chapters posted on NoveI★Fire.net
A Light Cyan aptitude was decent.
Though Aoki wasn't sure why a Horsea was in Lake Valor, he couldn't deny that this was an unexpected gift.
Originally, he had been struggling to find a Swift Swim Pokémon for his rain team, but it seemed luck was on his side today.
He had spotted this Horsea earlier, playing alone among the larger Pokémon.
Clearly, there were no other Horsea in this lake, making survival difficult for it. While its timid nature helped it avoid danger, it also meant a lonely existence.
Aoki had Slowking filter out the inky water, leaving only the Horsea exposed.
Its red eyes flickered with fear as it stared at him.
"Alright, I'll give you two choices," he said, holding up a Pokéball.
"One—you enter this ball willingly, and I'll make sure you're well-fed and trained. That Politoed you were admiring earlier? It's one of mine."
He tapped the Luxury Ball at his waist, revealing the resting Politoed inside.
The Horsea's eyes gleamed with envy.
It had been alone for so long—no companions, no one to share its struggles with. Today, seeing the Politoed evolve and command attention had filled it with longing.
Then it looked back at Aoki, waiting for the second option.
"Two—I beat you into submission first, then put you in the ball."
That… wasn't a real choice.
Its pride felt wounded.
But what could it do? At only Level 15, it stood no chance against Aoki's team.
Tears of frustration welled up as it glared stubbornly at him.
Then, with a resigned flick of its tail, it bonked the Pokéball's button and vanished inside in a flash of red light.
He released the Horsea again, and it immediately spat out a protective ring of water around itself, eyeing him warily.
The look it gave him was almost comically dramatic—like some tragic heroine from an old play.
Aoki rolled his eyes and tossed a Pokéblock into the water.
"Here. Consider it an apology for messing with you."
The Horsea eyed the treat suspiciously.
Don't lie to me. I'm not dumb.
But the scent of the water-type Pokéblock was too tempting.
This was the same kind Politoed ate.
Though Horsea was still pure Water-type now, its eventual evolution, Kingdra, would gain the Dragon-type—and if it kept Swift Swim, it would be perfect for Aoki's rain team.
He had considered Kingdra before but dismissed it due to rarity and cost.
Yet today, fortune had smiled upon him twice—Politoed's evolution and a free Horsea.
Of course, this Horsea was still too weak for the Sinnoh League.
But as a future Water-type Gym Leader, Aoki needed strong water Pokémon.
After devouring the Pokéblock, Horsea's demeanor shifted—first feigning indifference, then practically begging for more with its eyes.
Aoki obliged, handing over a few more before recalling it.
Training would come later.
For now, there were still Poliwag and Poliwhirl in the lake—followers of the newly evolved Politoed.
To prevent its Leader's Aura from fading, Aoki decided to capture them as well. He'd send them to the gym later.
With Politoed's evolution complete, Aoki's rain team wouldn't be ready for the Sinnoh League in time. His goal now was simply to reach the semifinals—no easy feat in a tournament where full-team battles were mandatory.