Lucario stood nearby, clenching his fists tightly as he observed the interaction before him.
If Garchomp isn't here... do I have to protect Cynthia from being taken away by this guy?!
But as he watched Cynthia's shy expression, Lucario pressed his left paw against his clenched right fist, trying to calm himself down.
Calm down first. Just calm down.
Lucario steadied his breathing, forcing himself to relax.
Please come back quickly, Garchomp. Our Cynthia is about to be taken away!
"Pfft—"
Cynthia covered her mouth and chuckled softly. "So you came all the way to Sinnoh to find me just to avoid Wallace?"
"I had no choice, Cynthia. You're the trainer whose strength is closest to mine," Steven said with a helpless smile. "I believe that if I train with you, my strength will improve rapidly."
"Really?"
"Really."
Steven nodded seriously.
"Since you're being so serious, I won't tease you anymore," Cynthia said, nodding slightly. "So what's your plan? A battle with me first?"
Steven paused for a moment, then raised his hand and pointed behind him. "Um... Metagross and Garchomp are already battling."
"No wonder Garchomp was in such a hurry to head out," Cynthia said, realization dawning on her.
Steven explained his plan to Cynthia. "My initial idea is to focus on training first, and after we complete each day's training regimen, we can have our Pokémon battle together."
"Alright, let's do it your way!"
Cynthia nodded in agreement, having no objections to Steven's suggestion.
Steven smiled lightly, his gaze shifting to the Milotic resting in the pool. Trainer and Pokémon locked eyes with each other.
"You evolved your Feebas into Milotic so quickly," Steven said as he walked forward, extending his hand toward Milotic.
"Woo~"
Milotic nuzzled its head affectionately into Steven's palm, allowing him to stroke it gently.
"Hmph! You clearly don't know who I am!" Cynthia huffed, pride written all over her face.
"What about its Ability? What's Milotic's Ability?"
"It should be Marvel Scale. Yes, I'm certain it is!"
Steven nodded in understanding and retrieved a Flame Orb wrapped in special protective cloth from his bag, handing it to Cynthia.
That's right—this was one of the three orbs he had brought back from Mirage Tower.
"This is a Flame Orb. When held, it will inflict the holder with a burn status, which in turn activates Milotic's Marvel Scale Ability."
"Ah? You've already given me so many things. I'm too embarrassed to keep accepting them," Cynthia said, looking slightly surprised as she politely tried to refuse.
Steven smiled helplessly and placed the Flame Orb directly into Cynthia's pocket.
Since Cynthia was holding a Pokémon Egg with both hands, she was completely unable to resist and could only voice her protests.
"I told you before—this is my debt to repay, and also my way of making it up to you."
"And besides, there's still much more to come."
Steven leaned close to Cynthia's ear and whispered softly.
Feeling Steven's warm breath and the ticklish sensation against her ear, Cynthia's face instantly turned bright red.
Steven looked at Cynthia's flushed face and couldn't help but be momentarily dazed.
Her shy appearance was like dewdrops on tender flower petals—fresh and heartwarming.
This description suddenly popped into Steven's mind.
"Alright! Go train already!" Cynthia said shyly, breaking the moment.
Steven smiled contentedly.
The current Cynthia was completely different from the formidable Sinnoh Champion she would become in the future.
The contrast was quite striking.
"I haven't even asked yet—what kind of Egg is that you're holding?"
"Oh, this was given to me by an elderly woman I met during my journey," Cynthia said softly, looking down at the Pokémon Egg cradled in her arms. "That old woman said she hoped this Egg could bring me good luck and happiness."
"Hmm, I hope so too," Steven said, his expression sincere.
Cynthia froze for a moment, then quickly caught on. "Go away!"
"Alright, alright!"
Steven chuckled and jogged over to a nearby spot, releasing all of his Pokémon from their Poké Balls.
Looking around at this brand-new training location, they all gazed about curiously.
"Piplup~ (￣m￣)"
I'm full... so full...
Piplup emerged from its ball, covering its stomach and speaking in a somewhat sour tone.
"You look pretty full, don't you? Then we should probably save on dinner tonight," Steven said, his eyes glinting mischievously as he glanced at the sky and spoke casually.
"Piplup?! (⊙ˍ⊙)"
Piplup was startled and quickly tried to change the subject.
Why isn't Big Brother Metagross back yet? I really want to see that annoying shark get beaten up by Big Brother Metagross!
Steven couldn't help but laugh out loud, watching as Piplup placed its small flipper on its forehead, gazing off into the distance.
"Stop looking around. Hurry up and start training. Look—Feebas has already evolved into Milotic."
"Piplup!"
I think I'm doing pretty well as I am right now!
Lucario seemed distracted, his gaze lingering on Scizor nearby.
He was still stuck between Champion-level and Elite Four-level strength, while Scizor had already entered the Elite Four rank before him.
Why did I lose?
Riolu was also watching Lucario intently.
I'm so curious! I really want to ask that senior if he can see the four types of Aura emanating from my trainer!
But...
Riolu glanced up at Scizor.
That senior doesn't seem to get along well with my trainer, does he?
"Oh? They're back."
Steven looked up to see Metagross and Garchomp returning together.
Both Pokémon showed signs of injury, though nothing too serious.
It looked like they'd had a satisfying battle.
Both Pokémon had known their limits and hadn't fought to the point of exhaustion.
"Piplup!"
Now it's my turn to shine!
Piplup grabbed a Hyper Potion in one flipper and a handkerchief in the other, rushing toward Metagross enthusiastically.
First, Piplup carefully wiped down Metagross's metallic body, then sprayed the Hyper Potion on its injuries.
The service was impeccable!
"Metagross!"
Metagross looked down at the little blue Piplup.
You're very thoughtful!
"Piplup!"
Of course!
Piplup appeared quite proud of itself.
Steven discreetly glanced toward Cynthia's side.
He saw Cynthia apparently scolding Garchomp a little.
Garchomp definitely had that "I know I messed up" look on its face.
"How was it, Metagross?"
Steven silently asked Metagross to share its thoughts on the battle.
"Metagross!"
It's incredibly strong.
But I'm even stronger.
Steven couldn't help but laugh—he hadn't expected Metagross to crack a little joke for him.
"Next time, you should say to Garchomp..."
"'In the end, I was still the strongest!'"
"Or more directly... 'In the end, I'm number one—strong and amazing!'"
Metagross nodded thoughtfully.
It genuinely memorized these two lines and planned to deliver them after their next battle.
"Take a rest for now. From today onward, you'll be battling Garchomp every day during our training sessions," Steven said, patting Metagross's metallic arm with a smile.
"Metagross!"
Metagross seemed to have even more motivation now.
There's nothing more satisfying than constantly growing stronger right in front of that annoying shark!
Metagross thought to itself: In the end, I'm number one—strong and amazing!
Meanwhile, on the other side, Garchomp furiously charged off to begin its own training.
If I can't even break through that iron crab's defenses, how am I supposed to defeat that blue-haired rival?!