This relatively small group of Roggenrola was not the end—it was just the beginning of the battle between Aoki and the Poliwag.
But this start was relatively perfect. The entire Roggenrola group, including the two evolved Boldore, were all defeated by them.
It could be seen from this battle that Aoki's Rain Team was beginning to take shape, though it still had a long way to go. For now, it could only show its strength when facing opponents weak to Water-type moves.
Yet the benefits were clear. One only needed to look at the smiles on the Pokémon's faces and their confident expressions after the battle.
Just one successful attempt had given them a taste of victory.
Even Combusken, who disliked rainy weather, showed excitement. After drying its soaked feathers with its own fiery energy, the once-drenched Combusken stood proudly, fluffing its now-dry plumage.
Once it evolved into Blaziken, it would play a crucial role in Aoki's team. Whether in a rain-based strategy or a sandstorm team, it could serve as a powerful frontline fighter. Its Speed Boost ability ensured it could enter the fray at any moment.
The most thrilled, however, was Poliwag. It had never imagined it could play such a pivotal role.
Normally, within Aoki's team, Poliwag was the least conspicuous, keeping a low profile and avoiding unnecessary attention. This behavior stemmed from its past—before being caught, it had been kept in a tank, waiting to be sold. The more active and energetic Pokémon were always purchased first, so Poliwag had learned to stay quiet to avoid notice.
After joining Aoki's team, it had remained diligent but unremarkable, content with steady meals and manageable training. But over time, surrounded by battle-hungry teammates who spoke of the thrill of combat, Poliwag slowly grew more engaged.
This battle had shown it a different side of itself. How could it become the core of a battle? How could it turn the tide against so many opponents?
Perhaps it wasn't the strongest on the team, but Poliwag couldn't deny that it loved this feeling—the feeling of controlling the battlefield.
Aoki had been observing Poliwag closely since acquiring it. He had studied its temperament, its attitude, and debated whether it could truly serve as a tactical centerpiece. Even with its rare Swift Swim ability and solid potential, Aoki wouldn't tolerate a lazy Pokémon.
Gradually, however, he noticed the change in Poliwag. Influenced by Aron and Combusken, it trained harder without realizing it, its skill level rising steadily. That was why the training no longer felt difficult—because Poliwag had grown stronger.
Now, seeing the excitement in Poliwag's eyes, Aoki recognized something new: ambition.
It was then that Aoki fully accepted Poliwag as the Tactical Core of his Rain Team.
For now, Poliwag barely met the standard.
After defeating the Roggenrola group, Aoki pressed onward. The team's stamina was barely drained—this victory had come easily.
But the battles ahead wouldn't be so simple. Finding opponents weak to their strategy wouldn't always be possible.
Moving to the next battlefield, Poliwag summoned Rain Dance, Aron took the front line, Combusken used Speed Boost to scout the perimeter, and Marshtomp unleashed fierce assaults. Once Poliwag stabilized the rain, it joined the fray, using Swift Swim to outpace foes alongside Combusken.
This was their current strategy.
Under Aoki's guidance, the team's coordination grew sharper.
Of course, the lineup still had flaws. Against certain opponents, their tactics fell short.
Yet they were adapting. With time and evolution, their teamwork would reach its peak.
The day's gains were substantial. Throughout, Aoki kept a Pokédex in hand, analyzing data.
After three days of training, the results were undeniable:
Combusken reached Level 22.
Poliwag reached Level 24.
Aron reached Level 25.
Marshtomp reached Level 21.
Their progress was evident—but Larvitar, left at home to gnaw on diamonds, burned with envy. It begged Aoki to take it along, and once, unable to resist its pleading eyes, Aoki relented.
That single outing was enough. Larvitar never asked again.
Unacceptable.
The four had their battle plans down—and Larvitar was excluded.
Watching Poliwag masterfully manipulate the rain to crush opponents, Larvitar—backpack strapped on, ready to prove itself—found no opening. The battle ended before it could act.
Realizing it had no place in this team, Larvitar's frustration grew.
If they wouldn't include it, it would eat. It would grow so strong they'd have no choice but to acknowledge it.
Aoki's diamond reserves dwindled at an alarming rate.
But there was little he could do. The Rain Team was functional; the Sandstorm Team remained a distant concept.
At best, Larvitar and Aron could form a shaky duo, with Combusken as backup. But their synergy paled next to the Rain Team's fluidity. For now, Aoki had to prioritize.
A few more days, and he'd rotate the team, bringing Slowking and others into training. Then, perhaps, balance could be restored.
Lately, Aoki had strayed from his usual mountain path, exploring new routes in search of fresh challenges. Sticking to familiar terrain meant facing overleveled wild Pokémon—predictable, but not ideal for growth.
He considered a trip to the Hoenn Desert. The arid landscape would offer valuable resources and opponents better suited to his current team.
But before he could decide, he encountered an unexpected challenge:
A swarm of Poliwag—and a few Poliwhirl among them.
The battle was grueling, a harsh lesson for Combusken and the others. Victory came, but barely. The Rain Team's strategy faltered here—too many opposing Swift Swim users turned the weather against them.
Yet from this struggle, Poliwag emerged changed.
Not just in strength.
But in spirit.