Aoki nodded to the Altaria, signaling his understanding. The mobile terminal in his hand displayed the training schedules he had prepared.
He knew the Altaria would never be harsh on the two young Pokémon. Having been pampered for so long, it fell to Aoki to play the disciplinarian—a role he was well-experienced in.
Next, there would be an extensive training regimen to follow, and he wasn't sure how long the peace would last.
Aoki had noticed that although his growth rate in this life was much faster than in his previous one, the challenges had multiplied as well.
Internally, Team Rocket posed a constant threat, with only two direct enemies but countless others watching him from the shadows.
Then there was the underground organization Void in Saffron City. Once they resolved their internal conflicts, Aoki's Sky Team would likely be their first target to establish dominance.
Though Sky Team had expanded rapidly, it still lagged far behind Void in terms of high-tier combat strength.
Then came the two largest underground factions in the Hoenn region—Team Magma and Team Aqua—both of which had significant ties to Aoki. Once they emerged, they would undoubtedly bring trouble his way.
So, Aoki had no shortage of enemies.
The training for Slowking and Honchkrow required no oversight. Aoki had already ingrained their routines into their very beings. Skipping even a single day left them restless.
Now, his focus was on the second-tier Pokémon.
A small device appeared in his hand. He didn't power it on but simply held it, his palm emitting faint electric currents where it made contact.
Then, he began drafting training plans for the younger Pokémon.
Aron
As the highest-leveled Pokémon in the second tier, Aron needed a diet rich in minerals and Pokéblocks to sustain its strength. Daily endurance runs were mandatory—as a future frontline fighter, stamina was non-negotiable. Skill refinement would come later, once its physique peaked.
Larvitar
Like Aron, Larvitar required intense physical conditioning. Its weight made training grueling, but its natural affinity for Ground and Rock energy gave it an edge. Once its endurance improved, skill mastery would follow.
Aron was the only Pokémon in Aoki's roster capable of Mega Evolution post-final evolution, making it a cornerstone of his strategy.
Larvitar, hatched at great cost, was a pseudo-legendary with immense potential. Combined with its energy manipulation, sheer mass, and the Groudon armour fragment, it would be a core asset in future battles.
Combusken & Marshtomp
As Hoenn's starter Pokémon, they had tremendous potential. They might be the first in the second tier to reach their final evolutions, bridging the gap between the first and second-tier teams.
Their daily regimen consisted of sparring matches. Though Marshtomp had a type advantage, Combusken's superior aptitude and abilities kept the fights even. This rivalry sharpened their combat instincts and teamwork.
Combusken, Aoki's second blue-aptitude Pokémon, had particularly high expectations. If its Blazikenite could be found, its post-Mega potential would be limitless.
Poliwag
Unlike the others, Poliwag's training focused on energy control—specifically Water-type energy. Once it evolved into Politoed, its ability to manipulate rain would determine the team's weather-based strategies.
Bagon
Recently caught, Bagon's body was still recovering. Aoki restricted its training to light conditioning, allowing it to rebuild its strength.
But Bagon's eyes burned with determination. As a Dragon-type, its pride ran deep. It refused to be outdone—even by Aoki's first-tier Pokémon, even by Slowking.
Swablu
The two young Swablu, wide-eyed and reluctant, were pressed into training. The Altaria couldn't bear to discipline them, leaving Aoki to enforce their regimen—backed by the threat of withheld food.
Their initial training was light, easing them into routine before gradually increasing intensity.
Though the Altaria pitied them, Aoki's stern insistence won out. It flew off, returning only in the evening to retrieve them.
Mismagius
Finally, Mismagius had joined the training. After prolonged hesitation, it had accepted combat as necessary—partly to set an example for Bagon, partly to ensure it could defend itself.
Against Altaria, Mismagius stood no chance—zero battle experience, zero skill mastery. Its only strength was Ghost energy manipulation, which alone wasn't enough.
With the training plans finalized, Aoki tucked the device away and headed toward the tunnel dug by Carbink.