The Sinnoh League Championships have reached their final climactic stage, with only the most intense battles remaining.
Those who emerged victorious from today's matches must ensure their Pokémon receive proper healing before the next round.
Beginning with tomorrow's semifinals, the battle format will shift once again.
According to the original structure of the Sinnoh League, the semifinals will introduce full-team battles—six Pokémon per Trainer, with all permitted on the field at once. The battle concludes only when every Pokémon on one side has been defeated.
This means Aoki and Steven must prepare meticulously.
Meanwhile, Wallace and Phoebe need only lend their support from the sidelines.
After tending to his team's injuries, Aoki opted not to push them through last-minute training. Instead, he allowed them to rest, knowing the relentless battles had taken their toll despite his care.
As Aoki lay in bed, he strategized for the coming fight.
His Poliwhirl had since evolved into Politoed, but without a Pokémon possessing the Drizzle ability to activate its full potential, its effectiveness was halved.
This left Aoki with another option—fielding his Altaria instead.
Though not originally his Pokémon, following the Regice incident, Altaria had grown responsive to his commands.
A Dragon-type nearing the peak of pseudo-champion strength could turn the tide of battle far more decisively than a rain team missing its core component.
However, Altaria's lack of formal training with Aoki created an unavoidable gap in synergy, one that even Telepathy couldn't fully bridge.
Some might argue that using a Pokémon not officially his was unfair, but Aoki dismissed such concerns.
The Sinnoh League was more than just a tournament—it was a platform for the League's expansion, a proving ground for future leaders. While rankings mattered, they weren't the sole measure of a Trainer's worth.
Take Clair, for instance.
Her elimination in the quarterfinals didn't reflect weak potential—it was sheer misfortune, facing Aoki, whose Fairy-type dismantled her Dragon-centric team. Had she battled Cynthia instead, the outcome might have differed.
By the quarterfinals, luck often outweighed raw strength.
League officials had already identified promising candidates; final placements were secondary to long-term potential.
For Aoki, whether he placed first, second, or fourth changed little—only the prizes varied.
With victory no longer the sole focus, he saw his remaining matches as opportunities to refine his strategies and expose weaknesses.
Having settled on this mindset, Aoki closed his eyes and slept soundly.
The semifinal matchups would be decided by a live draw the next day.
Whoever his opponent, they would be formidable.
But Aoki felt no pressure.
Four massive hot-air balloons adorned the Sinnoh Stadium, each bearing the likeness of a semifinalist: Aoki, Steven, Cynthia, and Lorelei.
Though Aoki's appearance was the most unassuming among them, his popularity rivaled the others.
He represented the ordinary Trainer—proof that dedication could overcome pedigree.
In an era where the League sought to recruit more civilian Trainers, Aoki had become their symbol. Thɪs chapter is updated by NovєlFіre.net
Guided by staff, Aoki and Steven stepped onto the stage, where a lottery box awaited.
From the opposite side, Cynthia and Lorelei approached.
Though Lorelei was typically reserved, she acknowledged Aoki and Steven with a nod.
Cynthia, having known Aoki since their early battles, exchanged a look of mutual determination.
At the host's signal, each Trainer pulled a numbered ribbon from the box.
"The matchups are set!" the host announced.
"First semifinal: Aoki of Verdanturf Town, Hoenn, versus Cynthia of Celestic Town, Sinnoh!"
"Second semifinal: Lorelei of Seafoam Islands, Kanto, versus Steven of Mossdeep City, Hoenn!"
Aoki locked eyes with Cynthia—the woman who had once defeated him in a one-on-one battle in Verdanturf.
Back then, she had proposed a full-team battle, but Aoki had declined.
Instead, he had aided her by crafting specialized Pokéblocks and resolving issues with her Pokémon, earning her respect.
In return, Cynthia had allowed him access to her ancestral hall in Celestic Town, revealing ancient secrets.
Now, they would clash in their first full-scale battle.