A slight adjustment was made to the battlefield's layout. As the central divider retracted, Aoki and Cynthia stood on opposite sides of the expansive arena.
The competition field was far larger than a standard Pokémon battle arena.
Moreover, this arena was designed purely for spectator visibility, imposing no restrictions on the Trainers or their Pokémon.
They could battle freely, even taking to the skies if necessary.
In full-team battles, Trainers were permitted to fight alongside their Pokémon—an unconventional but legal strategy.
This format played to Aoki's strengths, given his psychic abilities.
Aoki understood the Sinnoh League's intent behind introducing this full-team battle mode.
The goal was to familiarize League Trainers with large-scale combat, preparing them not only for tournaments but also for confrontations with underground organizations like Team Rocket.
While immediate change was unlikely, long-term adoption of these tactics could prevent future tragedies.
The League's decisive action showcased its resilience, dispelling any notions of decline.
Aoki didn't know who had proposed the Sinnoh Championship, but their influence was undeniable.
A successful event would cement their reputation, securing the League's stability for decades.
He wondered if Giovanni's research into Mew's genetic material was a response to this shift, as it hindered Team Rocket's expansion.
Aoki and Cynthia each released six Pokémon simultaneously.
Dark clouds blotted out the sun, and lightning flickered ominously overhead.
Rain began to fall—Aoki had chosen Politoed for his team.
Its Drizzle ability activated upon entry, summoning a downpour that drenched the entire stadium.
Spectators retrieved umbrellas from beneath their seats, undeterred by the weather.
"Why's it raining so suddenly?"
"Did a Pokémon summon this storm?"
"Isn't this Rain Dance? But the scale is enormous!"
Wallace, watching from the Hoenn VIP box, stiffened in surprise. His gaze locked onto the blue-skinned Pokémon beside Aoki.
"What's wrong, Wallace? Did you notice something?" Phoebe asked.
"That's Drizzle—but not the ordinary kind. Aoki's been holding back," Wallace replied, a wry smile forming.
He hadn't expected Aoki to possess a Pokémon with such mastery over rain.
Had Aoki withheld Politoed during their match to avoid empowering Wallace's water-based team?
Steven, standing nearby, studied the Politoed intently.
Wild Politoed were rare, akin to Slowking in scarcity.
For one to have Drizzle was unprecedented.
"Aoki never fails to surprise. First, he cracks Slowpoke's evolution, and now this?" Wallace mused. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ NoveI-Fire.ɴet
Steven nodded. After countless shocks, little could faze them anymore.
Across the field, Cynthia's calm demeanor cracked—a spark of excitement lit her eyes.
"Aoki, you continue to impress me," she said, tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear.
Aoki sighed internally.
Fighting Cynthia was a nightmare.
Even with a rain team, his odds of victory would barely reach 50%.
As things stood? Three percent.
And that was optimistic.
Her lineup was monstrous.
If only the rainy team was complete.