After the Pokémon battle ended, Aaron went to have breakfast with Grace and Ethan.
When they arrived at the cafeteria, they discovered Simon and Victor were also eating there.
The moment the two spotted Aaron and his group, their expressions instantly darkened.
When Simon saw Aaron walking alongside Grace, he clenched his teeth in hatred, glaring at Aaron as if he wanted to tear him apart.
If he hadn't known he couldn't beat him, he would have already rushed over to teach Aaron a harsh lesson.
The two immediately lost their appetite. After shooting Aaron a vicious look, they turned and left.
"Hahaha… Aaron, look at those two clowns. They're already scared of you!"
Ethan laughed, not bothering to lower his voice as he watched them walk away.
"Tsk. You talk too much," Aaron said, rolling his eyes. "Try keeping it down—you're going to draw attention."
Grace calmly took another bite of her bun before glancing at Aaron.
"You'd better be careful. Simon's family has quite a bit of influence in Sealine City. I've also heard they're involved with organized crime."
Grace said calmly while eating a bun, glancing at Aaron.
"Huh?"
"Thanks for the warning, Grace."
Aaron paused slightly, then smiled at her.
Out in the open, they wouldn't dare lay a hand on him.
And he wasn't worried about petty schemes either.
What truly concerned him was Simon losing his head and going after his family.
That shouldn't happen… right?
Aaron frowned inwardly.
"Just to be safe, I should leave a Flying Thunder God Technique marker on my parents—and my sister as well…"
If that bastard really crossed the line—
Then there would be consequences.
Aaron's gaze turned cold.
…
After that, the three of them went together to the training camp's skill training room to practice Pokémon moves in preparation for tomorrow's camp Pokémon tournament.
Any increase in strength, no matter how small, was worth it.
Frog Boss immediately went into full cheat mode, summoning thirty shadow clones at once to grind skill proficiency.
Snorlax also trained diligently.
As for Gyarados…
Aaron decided to keep things low-key and didn't release it.
After all, its appearance was far too different from a normal Gyarados—
Dragon horns, limbs, dragon scales—it looked like a living, breathing dragon!!
Aaron was worried it would attract unnecessary trouble and draw the attention of Dark Organizations or ill-intentioned people.
Thinking about the reward he obtained today—Substitution Technique—Aaron opened his system backpack to check its details:
[Name: Substitution Technique]
[Type: Normal]
[Power: None]
[Description: After use, the Pokémon can swap positions with a nearby object, causing the object to take on the Pokémon's appearance…]
Aaron immediately had Greninja learn it.
There was still one Pokémon Candy left in his backpack. Snorlax and Gyarados were both at Advanced (Early Stage), while Frog Boss was already at Advanced (Mid Stage).
And since Frog Boss was his number-one frog underling,
It only made sense to give it to him, right!?
After successfully convincing himself, Aaron fed the Pokémon Candy to Frog Boss, raising its strength to Advanced (Late Stage).
And so, the three of them spent the entire day in the skill training room.
In the evening, after having dinner together, they each returned to their dorms.
Aaron lay on his bed while Frog Boss sat at the computer desk, watching a TV drama called Nin-ninja with a serious expression.
Aaron glanced over and said to Greninja: "Frog Boss… keep it down. I'm going to sleep."
"Grenin—i"
Greninja responded quietly and lowered the volume.
Ever since it accidentally discovered this show, it had become completely hooked, pestering Aaron every day to play it.
What an internet-addicted frog.
"I'm going to sleep first. Don't stay up too late."
"Greninja…"
...
The night passed without incident.
At 8 a.m., Aaron arrived at the assembly point.
Everyone else was already there—including that cheapskate, Zane.
After Aaron rejoined the group, Zane swept his gaze over him, then spoke to the five of them:
"This time, the five of you will represent Training Camp One, your Sealine Trainer Academy, and yourselves in the Sealine City Training Camp Pokémon Tournament!"
"This tournament brings together the strongest senior high students in Sealine City!"
"You must fight with everything you've got and leave no regrets. Understood?!"
"Understood!!"
The other four shouted excitedly.
Zane's words were surprisingly stirring—even Aaron felt a hint of excitement.
But the moment he remembered the thirty thousand Zane still owed him from their bet, the fire in his heart died out instantly.
He shot Zane a look full of disdain.
Zane happened to meet Aaron's gaze, and the corner of his mouth twitched.
This kid… still holding a grudge over that bet?
It was just thirty thousand.
So what if he wiped out my entire team with just one Pokémon in a three-on-three?
Did he really have to humiliate me like that in front of everyone?
Zane snorted inwardly.
I'm not paying him back. Not a chance!!
"Alright… get in the car. We're setting off!"
"Roger that!!"