Soon, the Pokémon fighting at full strength completed their task on the battlefield.
Weavile's level increased by one, reaching level 44, successfully catching up with Honchkrow and the others.
However, it was clear that another level-up would come soon.
Due to a month's worth of accumulated experience, the energy within them had reached its peak. With just a few more battles, continuous upgrades would follow.
And Weavile, who had fought the most, was the first to level up.
Between the two opponents, there had been ten Pokémon in total. Since Aoki had not ordered his team to hold back, all of them had been defeated.
The Bagon standing behind Aoki stared blankly at the scene.
When the two Trainers had summoned their nine Pokémon earlier, it had truly believed it was doomed—the auras radiating from those Pokémon were far more brutal than the Solrock and Lunatone it usually encountered.
But when Aoki's Pokémon unleashed their full power, the nine opposing Pokémon were swiftly defeated, as easily as swatting away weaklings.
Only the two Trainers remained, sitting on the ground in stunned silence, unable to comprehend what had just happened.
Ten Pokémon?
Ten Pokémon at or near the elite level—yet Aoki's team had crushed them effortlessly.
The reason was simple.
In terms of potential, innate talent, and training, Aoki's Pokémon completely outclassed those of the Team Aqua members.
Combined with their flawless teamwork, it would have been more surprising if they hadn't won so decisively.
This outcome was exactly what Aoki had expected.
If his team couldn't achieve this level of dominance, then all his efforts—feeding them high-quality Pokeblocks, tailoring their training regimens, and refining their battle styles—would have been wasted.
After so much time and dedication, every small detail had been perfected.
Individually, these details might seem minor, but together, they determined the outcome of battles.
The difference between high-grade and low-grade Pokeblocks was immense, both in energy and quality.
Using one might not show immediate results, but over time, the strength of Aoki's Pokémon had far surpassed that of ordinary Trainers.
Now, Aoki stood as an elite among the few elite level Trainers.
At his level, no opponent could overwhelm him anymore.
This was the result of his relentless effort, and he was satisfied.
Ignoring the two defeated Trainers, Aoki turned and crouched down to meet Bagon's gaze, seeing the awe in its eyes.
Gently patting its head—this time, Bagon neither flinched nor resisted—he smiled.
"Well? Bagon, have you seen my strength now? Do you still want to come with me? Unlimited food, growing stronger, and I'll even help you learn to fly someday."
Unconsciously, Aoki felt his persuasion skills had sharpened.
"If you follow my training, I promise you'll be as strong as them—maybe even stronger. One day, you could stand at the top of the world. No one would dare bully you, and you'd never go hungry again. You'll soar through the skies, a true 'Blood Moon'!"
As Aoki spoke, Bagon's eyes brightened, imagining its future power.
Could it really eat all the moss it wanted? Would those who had tormented it bow before it? And most of all—could it truly fly?
What was the sky like?
What lay beyond this dark place?
Bagon's excitement grew. Though its body bore scars, its pride as a pseudo-legendary Pokémon refused to let it remain in the shadows forever.
The sky—that was its destiny!
"Oh!!" Bagon nodded firmly.
Aoki smiled and pulled out a brand-new Luxury Ball.
"If that's your choice, then step inside."
Bagon hesitated briefly, glancing at the ground.
"What's wrong?" Aoki asked.
Bagon quickly dug under nearby rocks, retrieving its treasures—a few withered moss clumps and the Pokeblock Aoki had given it earlier.
Its meaning was clear: Can I bring my food?
It had been starving for so long.
Aoki's smile softened, guilt flickering in his chest—but he didn't refuse. This small act would deepen Bagon's trust.
"Of course. Take it all."
Bagon beamed, clutching the moss tightly.
Then, carefully, it pressed the Luxury Ball's button.
A red light enveloped it—but before it was fully drawn in, Aoki slipped an entire case of Pokeblocks into its arms.
"These are yours too. Take them."
Bagon barely had time to react before vanishing into the ball.
The capture was instant—no struggle, just a soft click.
Aoki immediately released Bagon again, amused as it stumbled, arms overloaded with moss and the Pokeblock case nearly blocking its vision.
"Hah! Just teasing you. Welcome to the team, Bagon!" Aoki extended his hand.
Honchkrow, Slowking, and the others gathered around, grinning. A new member—one who had suffered so much—filled them with a protective pride.
Bagon stared at Aoki's hand, then at its food, momentarily unsure.
But then, cleverly, it pressed its head into Aoki's palm, nuzzling gently.
Aoki blinked, then laughed, ruffling Bagon's scales.
This one's sharper than I expected.
Unlike the stubborn Bagon of his past life, this one showed promise.
Of course, the first step was restoring its weakened potential.
The Pokeblocks Aoki had given it were specially formulated—high-grade recovery supplements, rare and effective for Pokémon with damaged aptitudes.
He'd discovered the recipe in his mentor Matsuda's notes.
If Bagon followed his regimen, its true strength would return.
It was only a matter of time.