After treating his Pokémon's injuries with basic first aid, Steven decided to let them rest more.
He planned to return to the Opelucid City Pokémon Center for complete treatment before sunset.
"Hassha..."
Scizor looked helplessly at the Riolu beside it, whose eyes were constantly sparkling with admiration.
No, little brother. What's going on with you?
"Riolu!"
Senior! Please let me train under you!
Scizor's mouth twitched as it watched Riolu bow ninety degrees respectfully.
"Hassha."
Alright then. Since you've just joined the team and are so eager to learn, I'll teach you.
"Riolu!"
Upon hearing this, Riolu jumped with joy.
However, the ground had been damaged beyond recognition from the previous battle. Riolu accidentally stepped on an uneven patch, lost its balance, and fell.
A red pincer quickly extended. Scizor, with quick reflexes, caught its new student.
"Riolu..."
After regaining its footing, Riolu scratched its head, looking embarrassed.
"Hassha."
Be careful next time.
"Riolu!"
Yes, Senior!
Scizor looked at the overjoyed Riolu, and a rare smile appeared on its face. It wondered if Shroomish was properly watching over those energetic children back home.
On the other side, Metagross patted Aggron's chest armor.
"Metagross?"
How about it? Want to learn the Stone Edge I taught myself?
"Kao!"
Please guide me, big brother!
Steven stroked Skarmory's head and praised it. "You did very well."
"Yo~"
Whether it was the initial Sand Attack to create an opening or the subsequent Brave Bird and Iron Defense into Tackle, Skarmory's actions were all designed to create opportunities for its teammates.
It knew it wasn't suited for all-out offense, especially against an opponent like Metagross. It clearly understood its role and performed everything perfectly.
"Piplup? (._.)"
Hey! You two are pairing off, making me feel like the odd one out!
Steven looked down at Piplup tugging at his pant leg and smiled helplessly. He squatted down, stroked Piplup's surprisingly soft head, and said, "Alright, you also worked very hard!"
"Let's go back!"
"Piplup~o(TヘTo)"
You finally understand me, waaah~
Steven recalled his Pokémon into their Poké Balls, leaving only Piplup outside.
"Let's go."
"Piplup..."
How about... you recall me too?
"Let's go. You also need to put in more effort!"
Steven chuckled and gently nudged Piplup's rear with his foot. He didn't kick it this time—after all, it had worked hard today. But physical training still had a long way to go.
"Piplup...o(TヘTo)"
I'll be good, please let me go...
Midway back, Steven looked at the exhausted Piplup and helplessly picked it up. He placed it on his shoulder and walked back to Opelucid City.
Well, Steven's own physical training also had a long way to go.
Nurse Joy in the Unova region was different from the ones Steven had seen in the Hoenn region.
Specifically, how were they different?
The answer was their hairstyles were slightly different.
The Joys Steven had seen in the Hoenn region all had their bangs curled into sections. Nurse Joy in the Unova region had straight bangs, parted in a four-six ratio.
Hmm... Is this Nurse Joy's regional form?
After retrieving all his Poké Balls, Steven left the Pokémon Center. He went to a battle hotel in Opelucid City for the night.
Steven's Pokémon were all tired today, so Steven didn't participate in any battles. He gave his Pokémon plenty of rest time.
The hotel rooms were spacious and well-furnished. Even with Steven and all his Pokémon, it didn't feel crowded.
And even with Metagross and Aggron, two heavy Pokémon, the floor didn't collapse.
As long as Aggron didn't suddenly slam the floor with its tail while sleeping, there was no risk.
Steven lay on the bed, browsing news on his Pokédex. Even though the screen was small, it was perfectly fine for normal use!
It was fortunate that there was no news about Steven and Wallace today. Otherwise, Steven would probably be on the phone reassuring someone right now.
Steven was also behaving, hoping to be let off the hook.
As for how hard it was to find the paparazzi who wrote those reports, in Steven's opinion, it wasn't that difficult. In the Hoenn region, it was just a matter of asking Joseph.
After all, they were just paparazzi reporters. No matter what, they couldn't possibly have an Elite Four member as a backer! If they had an Elite Four member backing them, why would they still be reporters?
But if he really went looking for them, it would make Steven seem petty. He didn't care about what others thought. He was just reassuring Cynthia.
Cynthia wouldn't really be angry. This whole process was just to deepen their relationship. He was just worried that Garchomp might take it seriously and actually bash his head in.
Beep beep—
Just as he was thinking about Cynthia, her call came in.
"Hello? What's wrong, Cynthia?"
"Can't I call if nothing's wrong?"
Hearing the question from the Pokédex, Steven wanted to slap himself. What a stupid thing to say.
"Of course you can~"
"I've successfully caught Riolu. This little guy's talent is indeed very high."
Setting everything else aside, this Riolu was truly determined. But it hadn't reached an absurd level yet. Currently, Steven had only seen absurdly talented Pokémon like Piplup.
"Hmm, I've compiled a Lucario training guide. Do you want it?"
"How could I not want something Cynthia put so much effort into?"
Cynthia looked at the document in her hand. It hadn't actually taken much effort. It was just something her grandmother had obtained through connections, with a little bit of Cynthia's own Pokémon raising experience added in.
"Then where in Hoenn should I send it?"
Steven thought for a moment and replied, "Lilycove City. I plan to go there directly when I return."
Mainly, Steven wanted to go there to learn how to make Pokéblocks. Lilycove City was the venue for the Hoenn Master Rank Contests, attracting many excellent Coordinators. Learning about Pokéblocks there would be a good choice.
Moreover, Lilycove City's department store wouldn't lack super high-quality Pokéblocks. Steven was going to stock up big this time!
As for the experimental Pokéblocks...
Who should taste-test them?
A round, blue Piplup appeared in Steven's mind. It seemed feasible.
After all, Piplup always wet the pillows and blankets when Steven wasn't looking, preventing him from getting a good night's sleep.
Piplup, rolling around on the bed, suddenly felt a chill. Enemy detected!
Piplup cautiously scanned its surroundings. Finally, its gaze stopped on Steven, who was lying on his side with his back turned.
Found him! He's probably thinking of some devious way to deal with me.
Piplup quietly climbed off the bed and went to Metagross's side. It hugged Metagross's metal arm tightly.
I'll be good, please let me go, waaah~