"Aoki, we've known each other for quite a while now, but this is the first time we're actually facing off. I'm not going to hold back."
Kamizrai's voice was firm, her confident gaze carrying the spirit of a Gym Leader. She had grown a lot since the days she simply modeled on-stage in Nimbasa City. Now, she stood as both a Coordinator and Trainer—wanting to prove herself.
Aoki nodded slightly. "Let's do this. I've seen your growth firsthand, Kamizrai. Show me how far you've come."
Though his tone was calm, Aoki was genuinely curious. To earn a Gym Leader title in Unova meant Kamizrai had shown potential not just in battles but also as a public figure. She wasn't just an idol anymore—she was a serious trainer now.
"Go, Eelektross!"
"Greninja, you're up!"
They released their Pokémon simultaneously, and the crowd roared with excitement.
"The match begins! Kamizrai has sent out Eelektross, while Aoki brings out Greninja!" the announcer declared.
Pokémon Data:
• Name: Eelektross
• Type: Electric
• Ability: Levitate
• Strength: High Gym Level
Kamizrai had been working closely with Eelektross ever since Aoki introduced advanced Pokéblock synthesis and combo-move training.
"Eelektross, start off with Discharge!" Kamizrai commanded.
Electricity surged from Eelektross's body in all directions—a classic wide-area opener, ideal for contests and battles alike.
"Greninja, Mud Sport!" Aoki countered.
With ninja-like speed, Greninja kicked up dirt, generating a muddy veil that blanketed the battlefield. The electricity dispersed into the wet ground, nullifying its damage.
"Discharge connected, but Greninja is unharmed!" the referee said in shock. "What's going on?"
Aoki calmly explained, "My Greninja's Ability is Protean. When he uses a move, he changes his type to match it. He's now Ground-type—immune to Electric-type attacks."
The judge nodded as the audience murmured in understanding. Kamizrai clenched her fist. The opening blow had failed, and the Protean trait was indeed tricky.
"Greninja, Water Shuriken!"
Swiftly, Greninja formed water discs between his fingers and hurled them in rapid succession. The shuriken struck Eelektross, causing visible discomfort.
"Eelektross, Dragon Claw!"
Eelektross lunged forward, claws glowing with draconic energy. It swiped at Greninja—but the ninja Pokémon leapt back, avoiding the worst of it.
"Dark Pulse!"
A swirl of dark energy formed in Greninja's palms before launching it forward like a sphere of shadow. It exploded on impact with Eelektross, knocking it back.
Kamizrai gritted her teeth. Eelektross wasn't weak—but Aoki's Greninja had trained under intense conditions in previous chapters, reaching high-tier strength with elite coordination and mastery of type-shifting.
"Finish it—Dark Pulse!"
Aoki didn't hesitate. Another blast of darkness flew across the field, colliding squarely with Eelektross. This time, it collapsed.
"Eelektross is unable to battle. The winner is Aoki and his Greninja!"
The audience erupted in cheers, some stunned by the sheer power of Aoki's team.
Kamizrai smiled bitterly. "There's still such a gap… but I've come this far. I'll keep improving."
She reached for Aoki's hand, and he took it lightly.
"I told you, you've improved tremendously," Aoki said. "With the right momentum, your Eelektross can reach Quasi-Elite level in two months."
Kamizrai's eyes lit up. Overwhelmed, she suddenly embraced Aoki tightly, her emotions pouring out.
"Thank you, Aoki… If it weren't for your guidance, I wouldn't have made it this far. You helped me reforge myself."
Aoki gave a faint laugh, his face flushed. "Don't mention it. Aren't we a team? Boyfriend and girlfriend—of course we grow together."
His voice trembled slightly. One of his hands had started shaking. 'Damn… is this stage fright or emotional overload?' he thought. Kamizrai, however, only leaned in closer.
She stayed silent, just pressing her head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.
After a long pause, Aoki gently stepped back. "We should get moving. The contest's over, and the next town awaits."
He hoisted his backpack. Kamizrai nodded, face still a bit red. They both knew what this moment meant. But there were no impulsive moves. Not here, in public. Not yet.
As they departed town, Aoki noticed Kamizrai glancing at him often. He pretended not to see it—but a smirk tugged at his lips.
After some travel, the duo entered a nearby forest. The sun filtered gently through the trees, and Aoki began setting up camp. Kamizrai helped prepare training gear while their Pokémon roamed.
Ralts—still Aoki's youngest—played nearby, protected from tough battles. Iron Dumbbell trained its explosive force. Greninja practiced silent movement. Tyrantrum roared, stomping with a hunger that had nothing to do with battle.
Kamizrai had her own team stretching and refining techniques. She didn't want to fall behind Aoki again.
After about half an hour, the savory scent of food filled the air. Aoki stirred the pot and wiped sweat from his forehead.
"Breeding so many Pokémon is a full-time job," he muttered. "And with energy blocks for each, it's exhausting. But worth it."
He lifted a tray and called out, "Everyone! Dinner's ready!"
Tyrantrum was the first to dash over, eyes wide with hunger. The others followed closely, even Greninja looking mildly interested. Kamizrai's team joined in as well, and the forest clearing turned into a cozy banquet site.
For now, the tension of battle had faded. What remained was warmth—between friends, rivals, and something more.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 90+ CHAPTERS
Patreon.com/Kora_1