Pokémon: Unlocking The Path to Supremacy

"Add or not, add or not."

A group of Treecko chattered among themselves in their unique language.

Aoki sat calmly nearby, listening but not interfering. He understood what they were discussing, yet he had confidence in his own charisma and the allure of his Pokéblocks.

Sure enough, it didn't take long for the Treecko to reach a decision. The one who had stolen his backpack earlier jumped in front of him, pointing at Aoki with its small claw.

"Add or not, add or not!"

Aoki smirked. He knew exactly what that meant—battle me, and if you win, I'll follow you.

"You've got guts," Aoki murmured, his eyes gleaming. "Combusken, you're up."

Against a Grass-type Pokémon, a Fire-type was the natural choice. Boss Lairon would just be bullying. No, not just bullying—it would be outright abuse.

"Not exactly!"

Combusken let out a cry of excitement, leaping forward, eyes locked on Treecko.

Treecko, undeterred, narrowed its eyes, its battle instinct ignited.

"Treecko, you move first," Aoki commanded, crossing his arms over his chest.

Combusken had the type advantage, the level advantage, and superior combat experience. If it lost despite all that, Aoki might as well quit training and start farming sweet potatoes.

"Add or not!"

Treecko blurred forward, vanishing in a flash of green.

"Quick Attack—pretty fast." Aoki's lips curled in satisfaction. This Treecko was good.

"Combusken, meet it with Quick Attack!"

The Fire-type crouched low and pushed off the ground, turning into a streaking black shadow. In an instant, the battlefield became a blur of movement, the two Pokémon darting back and forth.

"Combusken, close the distance and land a Fire Punch!"

Combusken vanished for a split second, reappearing right next to Treecko with a fist engulfed in flames.

Treecko's eyes flashed. Instead of dodging, it twisted its body mid-air and lashed out with its tail.

Pound.

The impact landed squarely on Combusken's forehead, making the Fire-type grunt in pain.

But it held firm.

With a determined cry, Combusken's flaming fist crashed into Treecko's body.

"Add or not!"

Treecko let out a pained cry, slamming hard into the ground. It struggled but managed to stand, defiant despite its obvious disadvantage.

Aoki's eyes gleamed with admiration. A Pokémon with perseverance and a strong will—this was exactly the kind of partner he wanted.

Then, without warning, Treecko opened its mouth and fired a volley of glowing green seeds straight at Combusken.

"Bullet Seed!"

Aoki's eyes widened in surprise. Even Ash's Treecko in the manga took a long time to learn this move.

The attack struck Combusken head-on. Despite the Fire-type's resistance, it let out a sharp cry of pain, visibly shaken.

Aoki snapped back to focus. He couldn't just watch Treecko fight without responding.

"Combusken, finish it with Ember!"

Combusken immediately countered, unleashing a barrage of flaming embers at Treecko.

"Add or not!"

Treecko yelped as the attack struck, its body finally giving out. It collapsed, eyes closed in exhaustion.

One hit from Ember was all it took. Aoki had deliberately avoided using a stronger move like Fire Spin, which could have seriously injured Treecko.

"Go! Poké Ball!"

With a practiced throw, Aoki sent out the Poké Ball, watching as Treecko was absorbed inside. The Poké Ball shook once… twice… then clicked shut.

Ding!

"Yes!" Aoki grinned, raising the Poké Ball triumphantly. He had captured Treecko.

With this, he had a Water-type (Frogadier), Fire-type (Combusken), and now a Grass-type (Treecko). His team was forming perfectly, and each of them had a minimum Elite-level qualification.

Not only that, but all three had the potential for Mega Evolution—and in Frogadier's case, the even rarer Bond Phenomenon Evolution.

If he caught just two more Pokémon, his main force would be assembled.

The surrounding Treecko simply watched in silence. They did not interfere, nor did they show hostility. Instead, they silently gave their blessing to their comrade who had chosen a different path.

Now that the battle was over, Aoki immediately released Treecko from its Poké Ball and treated its injuries with a Healing Hand. Naturally, he didn't forget to treat Combusken as well.

Afterward, Aoki stretched out his hand toward Treecko.

"From now on, we're partners. Let's do our best together."

Treecko gazed at Aoki in silence, its sharp eyes studying him, as if trying to determine if this trainer was truly worthy of trust.

Then, after a few tense moments, Treecko placed its small hand in Aoki's palm—though its expression remained proud.

This was a proud Treecko.

Aoki chuckled, embracing Treecko happily.

"Not exactly!"

Combusken, seeing this, immediately grew jealous and ran over.

Not wanting to be left out, Frogadier popped out of its Luxury Ball and latched onto Aoki's leg.

They wanted hugs too.

Aoki's smile twitched. These Pokémon had way too much personality.

But what could he do?

He could only sigh, silently accepting his fate, and hug all three of them at once.

"Not exactly!"

"Ahhh!"

Combusken and Frogadier let out satisfied cries, finally appeased.

Meanwhile, Aoki—burdened by three Pokémon at once—felt his arms going numb.

"Alright, you guys need to get down. We'll rest here for a bit, and once we're ready, we'll move out again."

After setting his Pokémon down, Aoki turned back to the remaining Treecko and Grovyle. He took out more Pokéblocks and placed them in front of them.

The group's eyes lit up at the sight of the food, and without hesitation, they rushed over to feast.

These Pokéblocks were simply too delicious to resist.