Because there were only two matches in the semifinals, Aiden and Cynthia returned earlier than usual today.
Tomorrow, the final battle of this Dragon-type Master Tournament would commence.
The two finalists were full of hype, having both demonstrated dominant suppression in the semifinals, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained.
As a result, prior to the match, there were numerous prediction posts on Poké TV regarding who would win between the two.
"Sinnoh Champion Cynthia, who single-handedly crushed the old Sinnoh Elite Four on the Victory Road, deserves the title of champion."
"Kanto's uncrowned king Lance; if not for encountering three monsters in the same era, he would have succeeded as champion long ago. It's no surprise that he can beat a champion."
"Wait? Who is Teacher Azure? Why do they say both of these trainers were taught by him?"
Similar comments quickly went viral on the internet.
However, Aiden and Cynthia were completely unaware of this.
In the gym, Milotic, responsible for childcare and as gentle as water, slid over to greet the trainer upon their return, wrapping itself around Cynthia.
During its glide, it left wet streaks on the floor...
Milotic is an exceptionally unique Pokémon.
Although it resembles a sea snake, it evolves from Feebas, a fish Pokémon, under very distinctive conditions.
Besides using a Prism Scale to assist evolution, when the originally extremely self-conscious and hideous Feebas displays confident beauty, it can naturally complete its evolution.
It is said that the beautiful scales on its body, resembling rainbows, have magical effects, emitting waves that soothe agitated hearts, purifying the minds of humans and Pokémon alike, thus quelling disputes.
Therefore, it is also a suitable Pokémon to serve as an assistant in breeding houses.
However, there is a rather peculiar rumor.
If it gains recognition during its Feebas stage, after evolving, Milotic will exhibit an extremely clingy attitude.
Thus, it is highly popular among certain groups of trainers.
Aiden had just stepped inside with his left foot when he felt something hit his calf.
Looking down, sure enough, it was yesterday's newly hatched Bagon, using its hard skull to bump against his leg, seemingly expressing welcome in this manner.
Aiden's lips twitched.
Pokémon are really outrageous; they can run around on the ground the day after they're born. What kind of physique is this…
Bagon's "Tackle" currently lacks power, but once it grows a bit more, it'll need to be taught not to attack trainers casually.
Otherwise, once it forms a habit, evolving into Salamence might lead to practicing Self-Destruct on him.
Just imagining it is frightening.
"Eee!"
Once lifted by Aiden's hand, Bagon quickly emitted a cute and embarrassed cry.
But soon, after being held high by Aiden and experiencing the sensation of overlooking the area below, Bagon quickly ceased all movement, its eyes gleaming with light.
Seeing this, Aiden couldn't help but smile.
So wanting to ascend to the sky is a subconscious behavior ingrained in Bagon's DNA, even for newborns?
While he was lost in thought, Bagon, having discovered its life goal due to this lift, suddenly took a step forward and embarked on a new action.
Then, by the time Aiden realized it, the little guy had already "eeped" and launched a full-force sprint towards the vast sky beyond Aiden's palm.
Leap of faith!
This scared Aiden quite a bit, but luckily at 18, he was at his fastest reaction speed, immediately lowering his body and using his other hand as a cushion underneath it.
This little rascal dares to go bungee jumping a day after being born...
Even King Yama would praise your audacity!
Though he knew this was Bagon's nature, which couldn't be changed, Aiden still planned to wait until its body became more durable.
...
After "carefully" preparing dinner for the whole family at Sunlight Gym, Aiden, who had been busy (or slacking off) all day, finally had some time to rest.
Today, Mew didn't appear at Sunlight Gym.
Aiden still didn't understand its spawn pattern, but he blindly guessed it came when it remembered Eevee and wanted to freeload a meal.
Sitting on the couch, Aiden and Cynthia chatted casually.
"By the way, do you have any thoughts about tomorrow's final?" Aiden suddenly asked.
"No, but I am confident of winning."
Cynthia smiled gently and blinked.
"After all, I've learned a thing or two from Teacher Azure, who 'knows a little about tactics' during this period, so I do have this confidence."
This time, she didn't plan to continue her previous style and use the tactics recommended by Aiden.
Because Garchomp was almost bursting with pent-up energy.
And tomorrow would be a great opportunity for it to showcase its strength to the world.
"Compared to that, there's one more important matter."
As she spoke, Cynthia suddenly opened her mouth again, her gaze revealing seriousness.
"You promised me before that we'd return to Sinnoh for New Year and go travelling in Kitakami."
"Don't go back on your word~"
"Mm, let's go back after the Master Tournament ends."
Aiden nodded; he had already made plans when Cynthia arrived.
He estimated that he would temporarily leave Paldea until spring break ended, when students returned to Naranja Academy and the Victory Road officially began.
He wondered how much the students, Nemona, and Arven would grow in a month.
"Bui?"
Between Aiden and Cynthia, Eevee suddenly raised its head, showing a puzzled expression of reminiscence.
Kitakami...
It felt like it had heard this name somewhere.
"I know, I won't forget about you."
Aiden chuckled and scratched Eevee's chin, helping it recall what it forgot.
"Didn't the documentary you watched before have a segment on Kitakami? There are beautiful natural landscapes known as the Six Wonders of Kitakami."
"At that time, you can go there to sketch to your heart's content; maybe you'll even learn some bizarre moves?"
"Bui!"
Eevee showed an eager smile, rubbing affectionately against Aiden's thigh.
With its movements, Eevee's body suddenly emitted a faint glow, which quickly disappeared.
Aiden noticed the change in its body and smiled helplessly.
This was a sign of impending evolution; it had appeared once before.
But recently, there seemed to be no opportunity to use Eevium Z; if he didn't use it soon, it might never get used...
Oh well, using it once was enough.
Eevee could evolve whenever it wanted, and he wouldn't stop it.
After all, whether it's Eevee or Sylveon, they're all equally adorable!
"Lu..."
While Aiden was reflecting, Riolu walked out of the training field with a weary body.
During this period, under the strict guidance of Lucario and Garchomp, Riolu experienced tough yet fulfilling days.
Although it hadn't gone to the Isle of Armor dojo recently, its progress in Unseen Fist hadn't stalled.
It had quietly reached the 80% mark.
Perhaps the next time it goes to the Isle of Armor, it will make a breakthrough and truly master the secret martial arts techniques of the Isle of Armor?
At that time, the steady Riolu would choose to evolve actively...
While Aiden was eagerly anticipating, he suddenly became aware of another issue—
If both Riolu and Eevee were close to evolving, what would they do when facing slightly weaker opponents?
His gaze quickly shifted to Bagon, who was happily licking fresh MooMoo Milk nearby.
If this iron-headed rascal remained so energetic...
It should pick up battling pretty quickly, right?
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