Pokémon: Unlocking The Path to Supremacy

"By the way, Aoki, what other Pokémon have you captured?"

Norman suddenly asked, genuinely curious about Aoki's progress over the past month.

"My Pokémon? Come on out."

Aoki threw his Luxury Balls, and four figures materialized before everyone.

Boss Lairon, Combusken, Frogadier , Relicanth.

Aside from Relicanth, the others formed Aoki's primary battle team.

"Amazing Pokémon…"

Max's eyes lit up as he carefully examined them, his gaze lingering on Boss Lairon.

Perhaps it was because his sister also had an Aron, but Max found Boss Lairon particularly cool.

"This Lairon… it has been trained exceptionally well," Norman remarked, his eyes locking onto the towering steel-type.

Or rather, it was impossible not to notice Boss Lairon. Even without direct battle experience, the Pokémon exuded a profound aura of strength and endurance.

Norman could immediately tell—it was only a step away from comprehending the true essence of battle and evolving into an Elite-level Aggron.

Aoki had only recently started his journey. A rookie trainer with a Pokémon nearly at the Elite level? That was an impressive feat.

It seemed that May had made the right choice in following Aoki.

"How long have you been training this Boss Lairon?" Norman asked, intrigued by Aoki's rate of progress.

"So far, about 13 months," Aoki answered truthfully.

Norman's expression stiffened.

Thirteen months?

Even with his own natural talent as a trainer, it had taken years to raise his Pokémon to the Elite level. He had spent nearly two decades accumulating a team of six Elites.

And yet, Aoki had an Elite-tier Pokémon in a little over a year. That was beyond remarkable.

Still, Norman had to admit—this wasn't just about luck. Boss Lairon clearly had outstanding potential, and Aoki's training methods were exceptional.

"Aoki, now that you're officially a trainer, are you interested in a Gym Battle?" Norman asked with a slight smile.

"Normally, I wouldn't allow a challenge unless you had four Gym Badges. But… there are always exceptions. I'll give you a chance."

Norman was eager to test Aoki's true strength.

Breeding strong Pokémon was one thing, but battle prowess was another.

Would Aoki prove to be an exceptional trainer in combat as well?

"No problem. In that case, let's do it."

Aoki wasn't about to back down. Besides, battling Norman would give him valuable experience.

Even if he had to return for an official challenge later, this opportunity was worth it.

"Good. Then let's head to the battlefield," Norman said, leading the way deeper into the Gym.

"Awesome! I get to see Dad and Big Brother Aoki battle!"

May's eyes sparkled with excitement as she hurried after them.

Max, just as eager, followed closely behind.

Inside the Gym, Norman took his position, tossing a Poké Ball high into the air.

"This is my Pokémon."

A white-furred Pokémon, resembling an energetic ape, landed on the battlefield.

Vigoroth – Advanced Stage

Norman's Vigoroth was the evolved form of Slakoth and a key step toward its final form, Slaking.

Statistically, Slaking rivaled even Legendary Pokémon in sheer power, but its Truant ability severely hindered its combat effectiveness.

If Slaking didn't have that ability, it would be a devastating force.

Hustle Slaking… now that would be something, Aoki thought.

If he could ever alter a Pokémon's ability, he'd definitely consider training a Slaking.

A true monster in battle.

"For this battle, I'll use Combusken."

Combusken had been waiting eagerly, and the moment Aoki called its name, it jumped forward, giving a confident cry.

"Combusken? Even with the type disadvantage, we won't lose. Vigoroth, use Work Up!"

Norman initiated the battle, opting to boost Vigoroth's attack instead of attacking right away.

"A stat boost? Fine. Combusken, Bulk Up!"

Aoki remained calm.

If Vigoroth increased its attack, Combusken would do the same—but with Bulk Up, Combusken also gained an advantage in defense.

Its body glowed faintly as its strength increased.

"Vigoroth, don't let it set up! Use Fury Swipes!"

Vigoroth sprang forward, its sharp claws slashing furiously toward Combusken.

"Combusken, counter with Slash!"

Aoki had no intention of backing down.

Combusken raised its arm, the blade-like energy of Slash forming just in time to intercept Vigoroth's Fury Swipes.

The two Pokémon clashed repeatedly, neither willing to back down.

Vigoroth's relentless slashes were quick and aggressive, but Combusken stood its ground, countering each attack with precise strikes of its own.

Unlike Slaking, which had devastating raw power, Vigoroth relied on speed and stamina.

It was still young, and its movepool wasn't as deep as its evolved form's. It didn't have access to moves like Flamethrower yet, which would have been a dangerous counter.

Still, it wasn't an opponent to take lightly.

Boom!

"Combusken!"

May winced as she saw Combusken take a hit. A brief flash of pain crossed Combusken's face, but it quickly recovered.

Norman glanced at May and frowned slightly.

His daughter was way too invested in this battle.

She wasn't even dating Aoki yet, and she was already showing so much concern.

If they really got together, would she start ignoring her own father?

On the battlefield, Combusken gritted its teeth and retaliated, delivering a powerful Slash across Vigoroth's torso.

The Fighting-type advantage doubled the impact, causing Vigoroth to stagger.

A direct hit.

Vigoroth let out a cry but remained standing.

"Combusken, keep up the pressure! Slash again!"

Combusken clenched its claws, preparing another strike.

"Vigoroth, use Endure!" Norman commanded.

A white aura surrounded Vigoroth, allowing it to withstand Combusken's next attack.

Endure—a move that guaranteed survival with at least 1 HP, no matter how powerful the attack.

A well-used Endure could turn the tide of battle.

But Vigoroth was clearly at its limit.

"Vigoroth, counter with Reversal!"

Aoki's eyes narrowed.

Reversal—a move that grew stronger the weaker the user was.

If it hit now, it could knock Combusken out in a single blow.

"Combusken, Quick Attack! Dodge it and use Double Team!"

Aoki wasn't about to let that happen.

Combusken vanished in a blur, sidestepping Vigoroth's desperate attack.

At the same time, multiple illusory copies of Combusken appeared on the battlefield, surrounding Vigoroth.

A textbook counter.

Norman smirked.

This battle was turning out to be more interesting than he expected.