Rested for a night.
The next day, Aoki returned to the Laverre Gym, nestled within the towering ancient tree of Laverre City.
Before the colossal trunk, after notifying the gym staff, Aoki was greeted by the current gym leader—an elderly man clad in gardener's attire, clutching oversized shears and a watering can. His kindly wrinkled face bore a gentle smile.
This was none other than Master Fu, the esteemed leader of the Laverre Gym. Despite his age, his vigor remained undiminished.
"Master Fu, apologies for the intrusion," Aoki said respectfully.
Master Fu merely chuckled, eyes crinkling as he waved a dismissive hand. His gaze lingered on Aoki's Blaziken, its aura still unsteady post-evolution. Without a word, he beckoned Aoki inside the hollowed tree that served as the gym.
The interior revealed a seamless fusion of nature and architecture—roots intertwined with battle platforms, sunlight filtering through leafy canopies.
"Young Aoki hails from Verdanturf Town in the Hoenn region," Master Fu remarked as they walked.
"Yes," Aoki confirmed. "I'm traveling through Kalos to train. My Blaziken evolved just before arriving here, so I hoped to challenge your gym." He made no attempt to conceal his purpose; the Blaziken's unstable energy was evidence enough.
As a seasoned gym leader, Master Fu had mentored countless rising Trainers. Encountering a promising talent like Aoki, he was more than willing to assist.
Clasping his shears behind his back, Master Fu nodded approvingly. "Splendid, splendid~"
A lifetime spent nurturing plants had instilled in him a gardener's patience. To him, young Trainers were like saplings—each deserving care to flourish. And Aoki? A particularly sturdy sapling.
But Aoki's visit wasn't solely for battle. Master Fu's expertise in botany and Grass-type Pokémon cultivation was legendary. As the caretaker of his own private island, Aoki sought the old man's wisdom.
Yet first—the battle.
This was a private match, witnessed only by the gym's referee.
More importantly, it marked Blaziken's first real combat since evolving. Both Trainer and Pokémon were eager to prove themselves.
"Since you wish to test your Blaziken, let this be your opponent." Master Fu tossed a Poké Ball onto the field.
The battle would be a three-Pokémon limit.
As a fellow gym leader, Aoki needed no explanation of rules. This was less a formal challenge and more a training session under Master Fu's guidance.
The Poké Ball burst open, revealing a hulking Venusaur.
Aoki gave Blaziken a nod, and the Fire-type leapt into the arena.
Pokémon: Venusaur (Light Cyan)
Gender: Male
Level: 39
Type: Grass/Poison
Ability: Chlorophyll
Held Item: None
Basic Moves: Vine Whip, Growth, Leech Seed, Sleep Powder, Poison Powder, Stun Spore, Acid, Razor Leaf, Sweet Scent, Solar Beam, Synthesis, Petal Blizzard, Leaf Blade, Frenzy Plant
Egg Moves: Ingrain, Power Whip, Giga Drain, Amnesia
Learnt Moves: Sludge Bomb, Seed Bomb, Worry Seed, Snore
TM Moves: Protect, Energy Ball, Grass Knot, Nature Power
A Venusaur on the cusp of Elite-level strength—the perfect benchmark for Blaziken.
Aoki felt a surge of gratitude toward Master Fu. The old man's selflessness, irrespective of faction, commanded deep respect.
"Blaziken, Swords Dance!"
The battle began.
Master Fu's eyebrows rose slightly. Swords Dance was no common technique.
Blaziken crossed its arms, energy sharpening its talons.
"Venusaur, Sleep Powder! Poison Powder! Stun Spore!" Master Fu countered.
A multicolored cloud erupted from Venusaur's bloom—a trifecta of status-inducing spores.
"Blaze Kick—encircle yourself in flames to block the powder!"
"Blaziken!"
With a roar, Blaziken's legs ignited, flames swirling around it like a shield.
"Now, Flame Charge!"
It lunged forward, a fiery comet tearing through the spore-filled air.
"Venusaur, Grass Knot!"
Master Fu's signature technique. Roots erupted beneath Blaziken's path, tangling its legs mid-sprint. Though the flames dampened the impact, Blaziken stumbled, its charge interrupted.
Aoki's eyes narrowed. Predicting Blaziken's trajectory so precisely…
"Energy Ball!" Master Fu pressed.
A verdant orb shot from Venusaur's maw.
"Blaze Punch!"
Blaziken pivoted, fist engulfed in fire. The collision sent shockwaves through the arena—Energy Ball detonated, but Blaziken shrugged off the Grass-type splash damage.
"If running won't work—leap! Fire Blast!"
Blaziken sprang skyward, maw opening. A searing inferno rained down.