Fujin wasn't the kind of Champion Trainer who was particularly enthusiastic about mentoring others.
The reason he was willing to teach the synchronization method to Sato and Cynthia was, more than anything, because Gengar had bought him some time to rest.
So when Fujin suddenly showed genuine concern, Sato and Cynthia were a little stunned.
Eventually, Fujin also seemed to realize he was getting a bit carried away, but he still couldn't help looking at Sato with a beaming smile.
"This afternoon, I went back to the ice field again, and I found that the frequency of Spacial Rifts appearing has significantly decreased!"
Upon hearing that, Sato and Cynthia immediately understood why Fujin was so happy.
"Congratulations, Fujin-ojisan!"
"No no… I should be the one thanking you!"
Fujin jumped in quickly. An afternoon was enough for him to collect himself, and now he was already looking forward to a bright future.
But before that, he wanted to repay the two lovable "lovebirds" in front of him properly.
"For the time being, just follow me and train seriously. I've picked up some insights along the path to becoming a Champion. You have given me my freedom back, and this is the only thing I can really offer in return. If you're willing to accept it."
"Of course! We'd never refuse, don't be ridiculous!" Sato shook his head repeatedly, just as happy in his heart.
He had gradually begun to blaze his own path toward the Elite Four. He had no doubts about his ability to raise six Elite Four level Pokémon.
But the Champion stage… for Sato, that was still like reaching into the mist.
Unlike Cynthia, he didn't have the backing of a Clan or Family, and didn't have access to constant Champion level guidance and training.
"Hohohoho~ That's great!" Fujin laughed heartily, his eyes toward Sato becoming even warmer.
After dinner, Fujin led the two of them out to an open patch of grass.
---◓---
"First, send out all the Pokémon you're currently carrying."
"Okay!"
"Mm!"
Twelve flashes of red light lit up the field. Except for Gardevoir -who was making late-night desserts at home- and Gengar, who was still repairing the Spacial Rifts, all of their other Pokémon were present.
Both Cynthia and Sato had included a mount Pokémon in their lineup.
On Sato's side: Zoroark, Umbreon, Houndoom, Honchkrow, and Sharpedo.
On Cynthia's side: Garchomp, Lucario, Togekiss, Glaceon, Spiritomb, Roserade, and Arcanine.
Fujin looked over the condition of each Pokémon, nodding and shaking his head now and then; clearly already thinking about training plans.
Soon, Fujin looked up and said, "These Pokémon are all quite good, but… they're not your strongest lineups, are they?"
Cynthia and Sato exchanged glances and gave a small nod.
Although a few of the Pokémon looked a bit unwilling, everyone understood each other's strength well, there were no hard feelings.
At this point, Fujin added, "I've already contacted the Sinnoh League. They'll be coming tomorrow to install a Transfer Machine, so you'll be able to rotate Pokémon for training anytime."
Sato and Cynthia nodded obediently. With Fujin arranging everything for them, there was no excuse not to give it their all.
"For now, let's start with the most basic training… BATTLE!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than Weavile, Froslass, and Serperior all jumped out, their eyes eager as they faced the twelve Pokémon across from them.
They were going three versus twelve!
"Zo…RO!"
"GARRR!"
"…"
Sato and Cynthia's Pokémon all erupted with rage. Even if you're Champion level, this is just plain insulting!
And right on cue, Fujin cheerfully added, "Let's make it a 'chaotic' battle then. It's a good way to feel them out."
"Weal!"
"Sssser!"
"Frosososos~"
The battle erupted in an instant!
Suddenly, Garchomp launched the first attack. It shot forward like a rocket, reaching Serperior in the blink of an eye.
Dragon Claw!
Twin purple claws slashed down in a cross, the sound of air being torn proving this was no ordinary strike.
But in the next moment, a seemingly ordinary Vine Whip stretched out and actually blocked the Dragon Claw!
"Zoro!"
"Luca…"
Very soon, Zoroark, Lucario, and the others sprang into action. Night Slash and Brick Break were directed toward Froslass and Weavile respectively.
Next, Houndoom, Roserade, and the rest also joined the chaotic battle. On average, each of Fujin's Pokémon faced about four opponents at once.
Due to type matchups, Garchomp didn't recklessly go after the two Ice-types. From the start, it had chosen Serperior as its opponent.
But soon, under the stunned eyes of the surrounding Pokémon, Serperior began to rapidly grow longer and thicker.
Move: [Growth • Complete Form]!
No Dynamax; Serperior achieved colossal size on its own. Except for speed, its stamina, defense, and offense all received a comprehensive boost.
Garchomp's Dragon Claw finally struck!
But it only managed to break through the outermost layer of Serperior's defenses, failing to cause real damage…
Meanwhile, on Weavile's side, Lucario launched a fierce offensive using its formidable fighting moves.
For a moment, it seemed they were evenly matched!
But the next moment, Lucario suddenly staggered. Weavile, who had been waiting patiently, seized the chance and struck with Brick Break, sending Lucario flying.
Looking closely, a thin layer of frost had already formed on Lucario's body.
It was Frozen!
Thankfully, the other Pokémon quickly stepped in to cover, so Weavile abandoned further pursuit.
Weavile's thoughts: 'It's not a real battle anyway… Just messing around~'
As for Froslass, Zoroark was completely suppressed as well.
No time to cast Illusion. Every close-range attempt was blocked by Ice Shards.
As for ranged moves, a continuous onslaught of Blizzards pinned Zoroark down, forcing it into a purely defensive stance.
It was as if Froslass had no mana bar. Each Blizzard was unleashed without pause.
In its hands, Blizzard might as well have been a basic attack!
Elsewhere, Arcanine -the weakest among them- had already been knocked down by a single Brick Break from Weavile.
Ace level Pokémon could offer a bit of disruption at best. Most of the time, just protecting themselves was already the biggest contribution they could make…
After all, when a Champion fights an Ace, it's still one-hit KO territory.
But sometimes, no matter how you try to dodge, you just can't!
Weavile's explosive offense, Froslass's indiscriminate "basic" attacks, and Serperior's massive body… now even a single Leaf Blade could sweep across half the field.
One by one, the Pokémon who hadn't reached Elite Four level were taken out. Even Roserade was struck directly in a vital spot by Weavile's Night Slash and sent off the field.
Barely five minutes had passed, and already half the Pokémon were down.
The remaining were a gasping Garchomp, a heavily injured Lucario, a shivering-from-cold Zoroark, the sturdy Spiritomb and Umbreon…
And finally, Sharpedo, still speeding up…