After half a day, with the help of Aoki's PokéNav map, he finally arrived at the coastline where he had been swept away by the whirlpool earlier.
"Finally, we're back. I didn't expect our tent to still be here."
Elesa (Kamizlei) jumped onto the shore, her voice filled with emotion.
This entire ordeal had been both a crisis and an opportunity. Not only had she captured a promising Pokémon, but she also realized that Aoki was someone she could truly rely on—a man of great talent and character.
At this moment, Elesa made up her mind. She couldn't afford to let a man like Aoki slip away.
"Alright, Gyarados, stay here and protect Elesa. Elesa, I need to step away for a bit—I have something important to take care of."
"I understand. Go ahead."
Elesa knew that Aoki had his own secrets. Even though her curiosity was overwhelming, she wouldn't pry into matters that Aoki wasn't ready to share.
"Boss Lairon, come with me. There's something crucial I need to do."
Aoki's voice was filled with anticipation.
He was finally going to test out Mega Evolution on Boss Lairon.
Since this was an ability that had to be kept hidden for now, Elesa couldn't know about it.
Boss Lairon followed closely behind Aoki, its massive body leaving deep imprints in the sand. The two ventured deep into the jungle until Aoki was sure they were completely alone.
As soon as they stopped, Jirachi slipped out from Aoki's coat and playfully circled around him.
"You've been holding back this whole time. Don't worry, I'll let you sleep comfortably tonight."
Aoki patted Jirachi's head gently.
To avoid being discovered by Elesa, Jirachi had been hiding in Aoki's clothes this whole time, or inside the Poké Ball wrap on his back.
Now that they were alone, Jirachi could finally relax.
"Tonight, sleep together."
Jirachi grinned and happily nestled itself on Aoki's head.
But Aoki's focus quickly returned to the main event.
"Boss Lairon, it's your turn."
He took a deep breath and placed his hand on the Mega Stone.
"Boss Lairon, respond to my bond—Mega Evolve!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, the Key Stone embedded in Aoki's glove began to glow with an intense, radiant light.
At the same time, a greenish aura engulfed Boss Lairon, and its body started to transform. The armor on its shoulders expanded, becoming thicker and more imposing, and its facial features sharpened, exuding an overwhelming, warlike presence.
When the glow finally subsided, the transformation was complete.
Mega Boss Lairon stood before him.
Its appearance was that of a fully armored samurai warlord, its form more refined yet even more menacing.
Of course, Mega Evolution didn't just enhance its appearance—its strength had surged dramatically.
Aoki immediately activated his Eye of Data.
Name: Mega Boss Lairon
Strength: Elite Peak (Mastery of Steel-Type Techniques)
Potential: Champion
Notable Moves: Aqua Tail, Heavy Slam, Iron Defense…
Aoki's eyes widened in awe.
This is the power of Mega Evolution.
Previously, his Eye of Data could only display a Pokémon's general strength, but now it provided precise battle insights.
Mega Boss Lairon had achieved complete mastery over its Steel-type abilities, and its power had surged to Elite Peak, just one step away from the Champion level.
But what about its base form without Mega Evolution?
"Boss Lairon, revert to your original form."
A faint glow surrounded Boss Lairon once again as it returned to normal.
Name: Boss Lairon
Strength: Elite Mid-tier
Potential: Champion
Aoki confirmed his hypothesis.
Boss Lairon had advanced significantly over the past month, reaching the Elite Mid-tier without Mega Evolution. This was the result of its high potential, superior training, and well-balanced diet.
If this growth continued, there was a real chance that Boss Lairon could reach the Champion level before the Pokémon League.
Although that was still uncertain, the possibility alone was thrilling.
"Alright, Boss Lairon, your strength has grown tremendously. Let's head back."
Boss Lairon let out a proud roar as it followed Aoki.
Returning to the camp, Aoki saw that Elesa had already tidied up their temporary shelter.
When she noticed Aoki's return, she didn't question where he had gone.
"Alright, I'm starving. Let's get some food ready. After we eat, we'll continue our journey."
The moment Aoki mentioned food, Gyarados rushed over immediately, its eyes sparkling. It opened its massive jaws expectantly, its appetite as fierce as its battle spirit.
"Alright, alright, I'll make your favorite Energy Cubes. Just be patient."
Aoki laughed as he patted Gyarados' head, causing the massive Pokémon to nuzzle against him in gratitude.
The rest of Aoki's Pokémon also surrounded him eagerly.
Frogadier and Blaziken clung to his arms, while Happiny perched on his shoulder, giggling.
Jirachi playfully peeked out from inside Aoki's jacket, its eyes twinkling mischievously.
Boss Lairon stood silently beside Aoki, exuding an air of silent but unshakable loyalty.
Grovyle leaned against a nearby tree, maintaining its usual aloof demeanor, while Crawdaunt remained still, focusing its energy—preparing for its impending evolution.
Elesa watched this harmonious scene unfold before her.
Aoki's Pokémon adored him.
A cruel, heartless trainer would never inspire such loyalty.
But as she stood there watching, Elesa felt a sudden twinge of jealousy.
Why did she feel like she was being left out?
She quickly shook the thought away.
"Well, since you're all acting spoiled, I might as well stop playing around and get to work. I'm making Energy Cubes, so give me some space."
Hearing this, Aoki's Pokémon finally backed away.
Elesa's own Pokémon—Magnemite, Zebstrika, Eelektross, and Emolga—also gathered around, eagerly waiting for their share.
Even Elesa herself took a seat nearby, watching Aoki with quiet admiration.
She enjoyed eating his cooking, too.
Dinner was soon ready.
Aoki and Elesa sat together, enjoying the warmth of a peaceful meal.
Meanwhile, their Pokémon devoured their food enthusiastically, each one indulging in their favorite treats.
The biggest eater of all was, of course, Gyarados.
After finishing its own meal, it started eyeing the food of the other Pokémon.
Aoki quickly raised his voice in warning.
"Gyarados, don't you dare steal anyone else's food! I'll make you an extra serving, just wait."
He knew all too well that if Gyarados got too hungry, it wouldn't hesitate to snatch food from its teammates.
Aoki could only sigh.
Training strong Pokémon was great… but feeding them was a whole different battle
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