"I didn't expect to lose so decisively, and to be swept three to zero…"
Iron Whip clenched his fists, feeling the sting of defeat. He had trained for years, yet Aoki's strategy and Pokémon had completely outmatched him.
Aoki glanced at Iron Whip, concerned. Is he going to spiral into self-doubt? In the original storyline, Iron Whip had lost confidence after a series of defeats, and history might be repeating itself.
No, I should do something before that happens.
"This… you don't need to take it so hard," Aoki said, his tone reassuring. "A Gym Leader's role isn't just about winning battles—it's about protecting the city and nurturing strong trainers. If the city is safe and the trainers you've guided are getting stronger, doesn't that mean you've already succeeded?"
Iron Whip's eyes widened. He mulled over Aoki's words before his posture straightened.
"You're right! That's exactly what being a Gym Leader is about—helping trainers grow stronger!" He clenched his fists with renewed determination.
Aoki sighed in relief. Crisis averted.
"Your Bagon is incredibly strong," Iron Whip admitted, smiling as he retrieved something from his pocket. "Here, you've earned this—the Power Badge."
Aoki accepted the badge and carefully placed it in his badge case. With four badges in hand, he was officially halfway to qualifying for the Hoenn League.
Current Badges:
• Libra Badge (Dewford Town – Brawly)
• Stone Badge (Rustboro City – Roxanne)
• Fist Badge (Fighting Gym – Bruno's disciple)
• Power Badge (Mauville City – Iron Whip)
Next stop: Lavaridge Town's Gym.
Unlike Iron Whip, the Gym Leader there was an Elite-level opponent. Defeating him would likely earn Aoki a Diamond-tier treasure chest—a chance to obtain rare items like Mega Stones or Z-Crystals.
Just as Aoki was about to leave, he recalled something. Right, I should check the reward for this victory.
Summoning his system, Aoki opened the Silver Treasure Chest he had earned from defeating Iron Whip.
Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have obtained a special Poké Ball: The Friendship Ball!
*[Friendship Ball: A Poké Ball that instantly increases a Pokémon's friendship upon capture. Ideal for Pokémon that evolve via friendship.]
Aoki's eyes lit up. Perfect timing!
He had been thinking about Chansey's evolution. To evolve into Blissey, Chansey needed maximum friendship.
"Alright, Happiny, I have something special for you."
With a gentle tap, Aoki transferred Happiny into the Friendship Ball. The system immediately notified him of an increase in friendship levels.
Now, with a free team slot, Aoki could capture another Pokémon—preferably an Electric-type to cover his weaknesses.
After healing Bagon at the Pokémon Center, Aoki studied his map, searching for potential training spots. His gaze settled on an abandoned power plant on an island nearby.
According to the game's logic, places like this usually have a lot of Electric-type Pokémon.
His mind raced through the possibilities.
• Ampharos? Strong but a bit slow.
• Electivire? A powerhouse, but hard to find.
• Magnezone? Now, that was promising—strong typing, high Special Attack, and solid bulk.
Of course, finding a Zeraora would be incredible, but that was highly unlikely.
Regardless, it was worth checking out.
The next morning, Aoki packed his essentials. Jirachi nestled inside his jacket, and he carried Happiny in his arms.
At the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy greeted him with a warm smile.
"How was your battle, Mr. Aoki? Did you earn the Power Badge?"
"I did," Aoki confirmed, smiling back. "Thank you for your support, Nurse Joy."
"That's wonderful! You're doing great—just a few more badges, and you'll be on your way to the Hoenn League Championship. Keep up the hard work!"
"I won't let you down."
With that, Aoki left the Pokémon Center and headed toward the docks.
After renting a boat, Aoki made his way toward the island with the abandoned power plant.
"This gentleman," the boatman warned as they approached the shore, "this place is full of Electric-type Pokémon. It's dangerous if you're not prepared. I'll drop you off here and pick you up by evening."
Aoki nodded. "That's fine."
As he stepped onto the shore, he released his Blaziken.
"Blaziken, I'll be counting on you for protection."
"Blaze!" Blaziken crossed its arms, exuding confidence.
Aoki chose Blaziken over Greninja for this trip—Water-types were weak against Electric-types, making Greninja an easy target.
Despite Blaziken's confidence, Aoki remained cautious.
The island was mostly overgrown, with remnants of concrete structures barely visible through the dense vegetation. Sparks crackled in the distance—signs of wild Electric Pokémon in the area.
Outside the abandoned power plant, wild Pokémon gathered:
• Voltorb and Electrode rolled around, emitting occasional sparks.
• Magnemite and Magneton hovered in small groups, attracted to the remnants of the power station's energy.
• Electrike and Manectric prowled the area, their yellow fur bristling with static.
None of these are quite what I'm looking for, Aoki thought.
However, if he encountered a Magnezone, that might change his mind.
"Let's go, Blaziken."
With careful steps, Aoki entered the abandoned power plant, ready for whatever awaited him inside.
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