With the immediate issues regarding Steelix addressed, the two immediately moved on to their second battle:
The Clash of the Healers—Chansey vs. Blissey.
Unsurprisingly, the Happiny that Brock had raised during his travels in Sinnoh had reached its final stage of evolution into a Blissey.
The intensity of the previous Steelix duel had drawn a crowd; people were now scattered across the lawn near the battle field, watching with rapt curiosity. No one interrupted, and no one left. This enthusiasm alone was proof of just how deeply Pokémon battling was woven into the fabric of this world.
Unfortunately, Kashiwagi's Chansey was defeated in a short time.
The reason was simple: its primary strategy, Toxic, was effortlessly nullified by Brock's Blissey using Heal Bell. Having lost its only reliable source of chip damage, Chansey was like a "one-trick pony" whose only trick had been banned. Continuing would have just been a waste of time.
Kashiwagi decisively conceded.
Brock was initially confused as to why he wouldn't push further, but upon learning the internal reasons why Chansey couldn't use direct offensive moves, he fell silent. After a long pause, he sighed with admiration. "Even though I knew you were a good guy the moment we met, your character still exceeds my expectations."
"Uh, thanks?"
"To not force a Pokémon that can't fight, to refuse to abandon it, and to slowly work through its trauma... you already possess the fundamental qualities of an elite Pokémon Breeder." Brock patted Kashiwagi's shoulder. "I've seen trainers who abandon their Pokémon simply because their performance didn't meet their selfish standards. Seeing you truly empathize with your Pokémon's heart... I'm genuinely moved."
As a hot-blooded young man, Brock was always susceptible to powerful emotions. Though the battle was short, the silent understanding and the way their eyes met spoke of a bond that transcended words.
Kashiwagi's eyes were full of trust; Chansey's were full of attachment. Brock didn't think there was anything more moving than that.
So, he cried.
At first, it was silent tears, but it quickly escalated into a full-on dam break.
"Hey! Brock! Don't cry! Brother! Please!" Kashiwagi was mortified. He looked over to see Brock's Blissey also hugging his Chansey, both of them wailing in sympathy.
He exchanged a look with Chansey; both could see the mutual panic and helplessness in the other's eyes. They spent the next ten minutes soothing their respective counterparts.
However, as exaggerated as it seemed, this display was a testament to Brock's love for Pokémon. Only someone moved by the soul of things could stay the course on a path as difficult as becoming a Pokémon Doctor. Empathy, tenderness, and care—these were Brock's greatest strengths.
"Very well! I will teach you everything I know!" Brock shouted, pumping a fist as fire seemed to burn in his squinty eyes.
"I appreciate that, really, but... I probably won't be staying in Littleroot Town for that long," Kashiwagi said with a wry smile.
-----
Knowledge and Practice
Regarding Chansey, Brock found he didn't have much to teach Kashiwagi. The latter was already doing a 95-point job; the missing 5 points were purely psychological.
"For Pokémon, happy memories are much more vivid than painful ones—unlike humans," Brock explained seriously. "The fact that Chansey hasn't evolved or can't fight isn't because you aren't good to it. It just needs time. Keep going, and the clouds will clear."
Kashiwagi wasn't actually obsessed with evolution. His goal was to unlock Chansey's ability to use offensive moves simply to help it overcome its trauma. "Being unable to use a move" and "choosing not to use it" were two very different concepts.
"I believe so too," Kashiwagi said, petting Chansey's fluffy head. Nurse Joys' Chanseys might not let you pet them, but his own certainly did.
When it came to Aggron, Brock hadn't raised one personally, so he focused on the fundamental principles of Rock-type care. Kashiwagi found that this mostly aligned with his previous studies, though Brock's specialized focus on mineral-heavy diets provided some excellent new insights.
Brock also introduced him to the art of making Pokéblocks.
"Don't let their size fool you. They are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for growth and condition. If you're ever in a rush and can't cook a full meal, these are a life-saver."
Mawile took a particular liking to the colorful snacks, even trying to make them its primary diet. Of course, Kashiwagi shut that down—nothing beat cakes and tea in Mawile's heart, but the sugary Pokéblocks were a close second. He even had to start monitoring Mawile's sugar intake, much to its huffy indignation.
During these days of learning, Kashiwagi didn't forget to practice. Knowledge was just memory until applied. With his "systematic" way of learning, his hands grew more skilled by the day. By the time they were ready to leave, he moved with the confidence of a professional Breeder.
In return, he showed off his "glowing" culinary skills, which left Brock—a master of the kitchen himself—deeply impressed.
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Departure
At the entrance of the Pokémon Center, Brock stood with Blissey to say goodbye.
"Setting off already?"
"Yeah. I've been in Littleroot for a while. If I don't get moving, I'm worried I won't make it to the Ever Grande Conference this year."
"Then I wish you the best of luck. Get a great ranking."
"You too. I know you'll be a fantastic Pokémon Doctor."
After a few more words, Kashiwagi waved and walked away. Chansey waved a final goodbye to Blissey; its gentle nature had made it a fast friend with its evolved counterpart.
Next stop: Oldale Town, the town where things "start off scarce".