The contest's conclusion shifted focus with immediate clarity.
Kasumi's fourth ribbon had been claimed. Celebrations had concluded. Now the group's attention turned toward the challenge that remained, Sasuke's gym battle against Hiashi Hyuga, three days away.
"Final preparation," Sasuke announced during morning planning. "Galarian Moltres needs to be at absolute peak condition."
Galarian Moltres had mastered the environmental resistance Saffron required.
Primal Reversion activated smoothly now, the ancient form emerging without the struggle that early transformations had involved. The malevolent presence that had once been difficult to control had become directed force.
Dynamax coordination received final refinement, timing that ensured maximum impact during the three-minute window. Every second of gigantic transformation needed purpose.
"Strategy: aggressive offense," Sasuke confirmed during tactical review. "Can't let Hiashi set up. Psychic-types are strongest when given preparation time. We must pressure immediately."
"No patience?"
"Strategic aggression. There's a difference." Sasuke's crimson eyes held certainty that weeks of preparation had built. "We give him nothing free. Every moment is contested. Every position is challenged."
The sparring match was supposed to be routine.
"Galarian Moltres versus Shelgon," Sasuke proposed. "You need battle practice for your medical evaluations, and I need moving targets."
"Shelgon's been restless," Miyuki acknowledged. "Maybe focused activity will help."
The practice field outside Saffron's training facilities provided space for exercises that indoor venues couldn't accommodate. Galarian Moltres's size required room that most locations simply didn't offer.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
The Dark/Flying type faced the Dragon-type with competitive energy that training matches always generated. Shelgon's shell gleamed with the strain that evolution had been building for weeks.
"Begin!"
The battle commenced with exchanges that served both purposes.
Galarian Moltres practiced aerial assault patterns that Hiashi's grounded Alakazam would face. Shelgon provided moving targets while simultaneously working through energy that evolution had accumulated.
"Dragon Breath!"
Shelgon's attack erupted with force that the species wasn't supposed to possess. The evolutionary pressure had amplified capabilities beyond normal parameters.
"Dodge and counter, Lash Out!"
Galarian Moltres avoided the dragon fire while launching Dark-type energy that struck Shelgon's shell with power both Pokémon felt.
"Again! Fiercer!"
The exchange intensified. Both Pokémon pushed limits that routine training never approached.
And then Shelgon began glowing.
The light emerged from within the shell.
Not attack energy. Not reflected light from the sun overhead. Something deeper. Something that had been building since Miyuki first partnered with the Bagon that had become this moment's center.
"It's happening," Miyuki breathed.
Evolution.
Shelgon's shell cracked, not damage, but transformation. Lines of brilliant light spread across the armored surface as what waited inside finally emerged.
"Ryu..."
Wings burst from the shell's confines.
Massive crimson wings that had been developing for months, finally freed from the prison that had contained them. The shell fell away in fragments, revealing the Dragon-type that Bagon had always dreamed of becoming.
Salamence.
The Dragon Pokémon stood in the field where Shelgon had been, massive, powerful, magnificent.
And immediately took flight.
Salamence soared upward with instincts that needed no instruction. The flying it had dreamed of, had ached for, had waited through an entire evolutionary stage to achieve, finally, gloriously possible.
"He's beautiful," Kasumi said from where the group had gathered.
"Perfect," Kiyomi agreed.
Miyuki couldn't speak. Tears streamed down her face as she watched her partner finally become what he was always meant to be.
Salamence circled overhead, roaring with joy that the sky itself seemed to echo. The Dragon Pokémon performed aerobatics that revealed natural talent, rolls, dives, climbs that required no practice because they had been anticipated for years.
"You did it, Ryu!" Miyuki finally managed. "You finally did it!"
Salamence descended, landing beside his trainer with grace that the shell-bound Shelgon could never have achieved. The Dragon-type pressed against Miyuki, sharing the moment with the human who had supported him through the frustrating evolution that preceded this one.
Galarian Moltres approached with something that resembled congratulation.
The Dark/Flying type's malevolent aura softened briefly, acknowledgment of achievement that transcended species rivalry. One flyer welcoming another to the sky they would now share.
Salamence responded with respectful inclination, recognition of the Legendary that had been his sparring partner moments before.
"Pokémon solidarity," Sasuke observed with slight smile.
"Winged Pokemon understand each other," Miyuki replied, still wiping tears. "Even when they're different types."
The training continued with Salamence testing capabilities that theory had predicted but experience needed to confirm.
Flight came naturally, the species' defining trait requiring no instruction. Dragon Pulse emerged with power that exceeded Shelgon's Dragon Breath significantly. The physical attacks that Shelgon had relied on transformed into aerial assaults that ground-bound opponents couldn't easily counter.
"Your team is formidable now," Kasumi observed.
Miyuki's partners had grown into something unexpected:
Shaymin, mythical Grass-type whose gratitude energy complemented medical practice perfectly.
Salamence, Dragon-type powerhouse whose evolution had been years in the making.
Relicanth, ancient survivor whose wisdom added perspective that modern Pokémon couldn't provide.
"Still focused on breeding and medicine," Miyuki clarified. "Battle isn't my priority."
"But you're capable when needed."
"Capable enough." Miyuki's golden eyes watched Salamence continuing to explore flight that freedom now permitted. "If protecting friends requires battle, I'll battle. But I'd rather heal than harm."
The night before Sasuke's gym challenge brought the group together.
Dinner had become ritual, shared meals that marked transitions between journey phases. Sasuke's cooking transformed simple ingredients into cuisine that elevated the moment.
"Tomorrow," Kasumi said, raising her glass.
"Tomorrow," the others echoed.
"You'll win," Kasumi continued, addressing Sasuke directly. "I know it."
"Hiashi is incredible." Sasuke's response carried confidence without arrogance. "This won't be easy. His Alakazam has been partnered with him for decades. The psychic environment amplifies everything he does."
"But?"
"But I trust Moltres. We've prepared for exactly this challenge. We're ready."
"We believe in you," Miyuki added. "Whatever happens tomorrow, we believe in you."
"Make it legendary," Kiyomi concluded with slight smile. "Something worth documenting."
Victini chirped from its position near Sasuke.
The small Victory Pokémon's confidence exceeded what the conversation justified, but then, Victini's presence changed probability itself. Luck that favored those it loved.
"Victini seems certain," Kasumi observed.
"Victini is always certain," Sasuke replied. "Part of its nature."
"Does that help?"
"It doesn't hurt." He reached down to scratch behind the Legendary's ears. "Having victory itself in your corner... it matters."
The evening concluded with the comfortable certainty that preparation had provided.
Tomorrow would bring the sixth badge attempt, Hiashi Hyuga, Psychic-type master, veteran of wars that modern trainers only read about.
Sasuke would face him with Galarian Moltres, Dark/Flying counter to everything Psychic could produce.