Yozora began assigning new Abilities to Crystal Onix.
Since Crystal Onix excelled at physical offense, Huge Power was absolutely necessary. To bolster its natural endurance, Stamina was also a must.
For the final Ability, he selected Flash Fire.
As an Ice-type Pokémon, its greatest weakness was fire. By granting it Flash Fire, that fatal gap could be significantly covered.
Once everything was in place, Yozora released Crystal Onix again—
[Crystal Onix] (Crystal Body + Huge Power + Stamina + Flash Fire): Advanced Tier, Elite Four potential.
After Yozora's careful adjustments, Crystal Onix had now reached Elite Four potential. But that still wasn't enough.
He continued feeding it Never-Melt Ice. Only after consuming three whole pieces did Crystal Onix finally rise to Champion-level potential.
Its crystalline body now gleamed with a brilliance visible to the naked eye. The sight was awe-inspiring, giving off a subtle, soul-piercing presence.
Moreover, the frigid aura radiating from its body deepened—clear proof its inner Ice-type energy had surged dramatically.
"Grrruuuuuaaaahhh!"
Crystal Onix roared in satisfaction, its body renewed and its limits raised. It turned its gleaming eyes toward Yozora, gratitude shining within.
Yozora smiled faintly, recalled it, and walked out of the cave. Then, mounting Charizard, he soared toward the Johto Region.
New Bark Town.
Under the clear autumn skies, this town was known as the place where the winds of beginning first blew. It also served as the starting point of the Johto League.
Anyone who wished to challenge the Johto League first had to register in New Bark Town.
This year's League had only just begun, and New Bark Town was bustling more than ever. Trainers from across the country gathered here, all eager to sign up for the challenge.
Among them were brand-new rookies as well as seasoned elites.
"Return, Charizard."
Descending in the town's central plaza, Yozora dismounted his Charizard, immediately drawing countless awestruck gazes from rookie trainers.
A Charizard! That was worlds beyond the beginner Pokémon they had just received.
What made it even more terrifying was that Yozora himself looked so young—barely older than them—yet already commanded such a powerful Pokémon…
"Wait—that's Yozora! The Champion of last year's Indigo League Conference!"
"No way… it really is him! Is he competing in this year's Johto League too?"
"Hmph! So what if he's the Indigo Champion? Do you think our Johto League can't compare?"
"Exactly! The Johto League is number one in the world!"
Yozora's appearance instantly ignited the crowd, especially the local Johto trainers whose fighting spirit flared at the sight of a foreign champion.
He paid them no mind and headed for the nearby Pokémon Center.
For this journey, Yozora carried only four Pokémon with him. The rest remained at Taige Gym for continued training.
Battle lineup: Charizard, Gengar, Dratini.Research Ball lineup: Miltank.Now, with Crystal Onix added, Yozora held a total of five Pokémon at his side.
Notably, as Dratini had grown, Yozora had already transferred it from its Research Ball into a Luxury Ball. From now on, he intended to raise it as a true battler rather than just support.
[Charizard]: Elite Tier (Mid), Tier 2 Legendary potential
[Gengar]: Gym Leader Peak, Champion potential
[Dratini]: Senior Tier (Low), Tier 3 Legendary potential
[Crystal Onix]: Advanced Tier, Champion potential
[Miltank]: Lord Peak, Elite potential
Half a year of training had brought all his Pokémon great progress—especially Miltank. It had now reached the Lord Peak stage, its body visibly larger than before.
With its newfound strength, the milk it produced carried even higher nutritional value.
In truth, with this Miltank at his side, raising any future Pokémon would be far easier.
Arriving at the Pokémon Center, Yozora handed over his Trainer ID—his Pokédex—to Nurse Joy for registration.
"Yozora of Pallet Town, your entry into the Johto League is now officially recognized!"
"Thank you, Nurse Joy."
With his registration complete, Yozora retrieved his Pokédex and formally began his Johto journey. Because of his reputation as the Indigo League Champion, his very presence drew stares as he walked through the streets of New Bark Town.
"A Champion? At such a young age? Hmph, I don't believe he's all that strong. The Kanto League must just be a backwater, second-rate competition!"
From the crowd, a red-haired boy wearing a crimson bandana stepped forward.
"My name is Aki, from Hoenn! Hey, so-called country Champion—do you dare accept my challenge?"
He looked to be sixteen or seventeen, roughly Yozora's age.
At his side stood a Pokémon from Hoenn—Combusken.
Yozora's eyes lit up the moment he saw it. The Speed Boost Ability he had long sought after could potentially exist within Combusken.
[Combusken] (Blaze): Senior Tier (Low), Gym Leader potential.
But upon checking its data, Yozora sighed in disappointment.
This Combusken bore Blaze, not Speed Boost.
Of course, that was to be expected. For Torchic, Combusken, and Blaziken, Blaze was the standard Ability, while Speed Boost was its hidden Ability.
That meant fewer than 10% of the Torchic line ever possessed Speed Boost.
Meeting one with Blaze was perfectly normal.
Yozora chuckled to himself and let the thought go.
"What's wrong? The great Champion doesn't dare accept a nobody like me? Or is it that your title is nothing but empty fame?" Aki jeered louder when Yozora didn't respond.
The crowd first blinked in surprise, then joined in the taunting chorus.
They too wanted to witness a Champion's true skill.
Even if Yozora wasn't a real Champion Trainer, as a Conference Champion he was at least on par with top-tier trainers.
A top-tier trainer this young—who wouldn't want to see him battle?
"No problem," Yozora smiled lightly. "I'll humor you."
Aki's eyes widened with glee. He stepped back, widening the gap to ten meters, and assumed a stance opposite Yozora.
"Each of us may use three Pokémon. When one side has no Pokémon remaining, they lose. Agreed?"
"Of course."
No sooner had Yozora replied than Aki hurled his first Poké Ball.
A beam of light flashed—revealing Teddiursa.
(End of Chapter)