When Aoki was in the Hoenn region before, he had been consciously training Floette's Grassy Terrain abilities.
After returning, Aoki began having Floette practice the move Camouflage.
On grassy terrain, Floette's attributes would shift to Grass-type.
Aoki theorized that with precise control, Floette could manipulate the attribute changes of Camouflage. If Floette could maintain its transformed attributes on any battlefield, it could effectively function as a true Grass-type Pokémon.
Taking it further—if Floette could adapt its attributes at will, would that mean Aoki possessed a Pokémon capable of matching any opponent's type?
An all-type Pokémon?
Paired with the right moves, Floette could serve as both a defensive wall and a versatile support, seamlessly fitting into any of Aoki's teams. Even in one-on-one battles, Floette could shift its attributes to counter the opponent's strengths.
Of course, this was merely Aoki's vision. Success depended on whether Floette could master the intricacies of attribute manipulation.
For now, Aoki focused on acclimating Floette to its Grass-type form. Mastery of Camouflage's Grass shift was the first step. By enhancing its Grass affinity, Floette's Grassy Terrain would grow even more potent.
Cynthia couldn't help but admire the effects of the revitalized Grassy Terrain.
Moreover, Floette's adaptability compensated for Aoki's current lack of strong Grass-types.
"Floette's potential is remarkable," Aoki remarked with a smile.
The praise made Floette blush, its petals trembling shyly.
Aoki's care for his Pokémon extended beyond Grassy Terrain—he wasn't a Breeder for nothing.
He retrieved Slowking's specialized Pokéblock, feeding it to the royal Pokémon in small portions.
Garchomp proved trickier, as Aoki lacked Pokéblocks tailored to it. However, as a Ground- and Dragon-type, a basic healing formula sufficed.
Not a Pokéblock, but a medicinal tonic.
Aoki adjusted the blend to suit Garchomp's physiology and current condition. Within minutes, a fragrant concoction was ready.
With Cynthia's permission, he administered it to Garchomp.
Combined with the Grassy Terrain's restorative effects, Garchomp sighed in relief.
Aoki wasn't done. He sprayed a topical healing mist over Garchomp's scales, then applied a specialized massage technique. The dragon's usual growls softened into a contented purr.
"Rrrr…"
Cynthia stared, astonished. Her fierce Garchomp now resembled a dozing Eevee.
Aoki's hands ached—Garchomp's hide was tough—but the results spoke for themselves. The Pokémon soon lay sprawled on the grass, asleep.
Next, Slowking received similar treatment. Unlike Garchomp, Slowking was accustomed to Aoki's massages, which helped alleviate old, hidden injuries.
"Done," Aoki muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
Garchomp (1.9 meters) and Slowking (2 meters with crown) were imposing patients. Yet now, they dozed side by side, utterly relaxed.
Cynthia's gratitude was evident. Aoki's treatment had addressed more than surface wounds—it optimized their long-term health.
While Pokémon Centers healed injuries, Breeders like Aoki offered deeper care. Their expertise extended beyond Pokéblocks into holistic wellness.
Aoki gestured to the backyard table. Cynthia joined him, and he poured tea for both.
"Cynthia, if I may call you that?" he asked, sliding a cup toward her.
She nodded. Titles mattered little to her.
"You've been battling nonstop, haven't you?" Aoki probed.
"How could you tell?" Cynthia's eyes narrowed.
Aoki sipped his tea, savoring the moment.
This was Sinnoh's future Champion. If there was ever a time to impress, it was now.
But Cynthia didn't indulge his theatrics. Silence stretched until Aoki coughed.
"During the massage, I noticed Garchomp's muscles were chronically tense. Left unchecked, that could lead to permanent hidden injuries, wasting its potential."
Cynthia set down her cup, posture stiffening.
"Don't worry—it's reversible. The tonic and massage did immediate repairs, but for optimal recovery, avoid battles for a week."
"A week?" Cynthia repeated. The timeframe wasn't excessive, but it raised concerns about her other Pokémon.
If Garchomp was in this state, what about the rest?
"Garchomp's evolution was recent, correct?" Aoki pressed.
"...Yes."
Her tone was warmer now. Only a skilled observer could gauge an evolution's recency.