"Finally," I mutter exiting the aeroplane.
Walking outside with all three of my Pokemon in their, Pokeball. I took the time to enjoy myself by eating the local cuisine of Sunyshore City. Of course, some pictures were taken and sent to Tyson to make him jealous.
This naturally included a multitude of seafood due to the coastal area.
The city's bustling energy was tempting to explore but I'd rather train. Although it did live up to its reputation. Ever since Volkner took an interest in modernizing it, the place had gradually transformed.
While not sci-fi crazy, it leaned enough into the futuristic idea.
Why would I choose such a place to start off?
It was the cheapest option...
The streets were lined up with sun absorbing panels built into the walk ways. They powered the lights and the travelator which moved in every sidewalk. This made travelling everywhere even more effortless.
Plus the safety of the gym leader himself.
Good luck doing a crime against a trainer who is implied to be as strong as an elite four member.
Even if he lost his spark for battling.
Crime was a no go and he would thrash you without mercy. Surprise surprise, while the city didn't have much to do. It was one of the safest Cities in Sinnoh previously being the most dangerous due to gangs.
Now they are but a fleeting memory.
Using the GPS to locate the closest public training grounds, which took just a few minutes with the travelators. Taking my notepad out my thoughts went back to improving my Pokemon's move mastery.
'Especially Ivysaur, he isn't battle-ready despite his level.' I thought to myself.
Eventually arriving near the training grounds, they were the standard rocky earth layout which looked like where Ash first fought Clemont. It was still very aesthetically pleasing due to the background trees and greenery.
Picking one towards the far edge because this place wasn't exactly empty, some basic training could be done.
...
One by one I had my Pokemon do repetitions and sets of each move in their arsenal.
Of course, this was only to get them used to it at first.
The important moves had more repetitions while I personally gave them tips to make the move more effective.
Marshtomp blasted streams of water with [Hydro Pump], then shifted into defensive drills with a [Protect] popping up. [Mud Shot] and [Rock Smash] rounds followed, each time the speed gradually increased as he warmed up.
Watching this I nod.
There wasn't much to improve, to be honest.
It sucks TM's are relatively expensive for someone like me.
---(MarshtompNotes)----
-Physical training (Priority 1)
-Physical moves like [Rock Smash] need more focus for future moves (Priority 2)
-Compress [Hydro Pump] for more power (Priority 3)
---(MarshtompNotes)----
Mankey was a blur of movement, altering repetitions of [Low Kick] and [Karate Chop]. He would soon after transition into [Meditate] for a minute before going back into shadow boxing. The drills looked more intense than my other Pokemon.
Soon after this he also prepared some [Night Slash] and [Pursuit] as they differed in nature.
"Mankey! When using [Pursuit] you cover your whole body." I explain which got the guy to nod excitedly. He finaly understood why he felt awkward while using the move.
Even then Mankey was the one Pokemon who probably mastered his moves the best considering how he's been learning. It wasn't like he was learning anything too complicated like a hydro pump, like trying to increase pressure and make it more compact.
Although [Night Slash] could use more repetitions.
---(MankeyNotes)----
-Physical training (Priority1)
-More [Night Slash] (Priority2)
-Slowly incorporate [Focus Energy] (Priority3)
---(MankeyNotes)----
On the other hand the new member, Ivysaur was shining a brilliant glint under the sun. The sweat showing his apparent struggle.
Its most trained move was [Vine Whip] which was a bit of a shame. Considering it would mainly be a special attacker when he evolves, although the versatility of [Power Whip] is still useful. So he will continue his proficiency.
"Ivysaur you need to actually whip and not just smack." Spending some time with the Pokemon, we went over how to actually attack. This improved his power dramatically which was a good improvement for now. "This is how you whip-"
[Razor Leaf] is a must-need AOE attack so that's a priority as well.
Also, why does the Bulbasaur line learn like two special attacking grass moves naturally?
It's not even that Venasuar has bad physical attacking stats, but like. [Petal Dance] locks you in for a bit and is only available to Venusaur.
While [Solar Beam] needs a set-up or takes a bit to charge and needs a high level.
Like, ma brother?
"Average physical ability, but that can be improved later. What's the point of battling if he can't even attack." I murmur writing down more notes.
---(IvysaurNotes)----
-Practise moves a lot, mainly these three: [Seed Bomb], [Vine Whip] and [Razor Leaf] (Priority1)
-Physical training (Priority2)
-Learn to use [Growth] faster (Priority3)
---(IvysaurNotes)----
A few hours passed as everybody was able to finish their sets of each move. While normal moves have one set of 15, the important moves have three sets of 10. Ivysaur ended up taking the most time as it was obvious he was relearning moves while doing this exercise.
So after a bit of encouragement with Pokeblocks and his friends, he persisted.
Returning the tired Pokemon it was time to finally register.
It didn't take long with the travelators as the big size of the Pokemon Center entered my vision. The sheer size was akin to two of Viridian City's one as seen in the anime. There were a multitude of trainers walking in and out and it wasn't just run by a singular Nurse Joy.
While this was sort of the same for other places, this was still truly amazing.
The automatic doors of the place slid open with a soft whoosh. Inside, it was bustling with trainers clustered around large monitors displaying tournament updates. Registration for the league was just at a desk with a sign over it.
[Lily of the Valley Conference Sign Up!]
Making my way, each line had two people and it soon was my turn.
"Hello sir, could you please scan your card?" The receptionist kindly asks. Sliding a scanner across the counter. A soft beep later confirmed my information. "Now you'll need to choose your division. There are two formats available this year."
She held up a simple two-option screen.
------------------------
StandardFormat:
Trainers use Pokemon legally registered within the past two years or are level 40 and lower. (Recommended)
Masters/UnrestrictedFormat:
No restrictions - any Pokemon under your ownership is eligible.
------------------------
'Now let's use my thinking cap on which one Ash picked...' I think to myself a little depressed.
My thoughts go back on Tobias, he was a trainer I wanted to battle no matter what. Him and his little generated team must at least face some sort of loss.
Wait but thinking about this more seriously.
Try out the Masters format this year, then switch to Standard as my Pokemon would still be available to pick from. This wasn't too bad as it was a decent fallback plan considering the hacker man himself is here.
Why waste the opportunity? It will give my Pokemon the legendary experience they need for the future.
Plus the prize of reaching Ace status was still the same for both formats.
Theoretically, they are both pretty difficult so it makes sense.
'That doesn't mean I'll let myself lose.' I thought with an excited grin.
I will grind hard enough to beat that Darkrai and Latios.
That's why nobody complained about the guy having a mythical and legendary. Plus someone else canonically had a Heatran in the tournament so even then Tobias wasn't the only powerhouse of a trainer there.
Excitement rushed through my veins imagine the battles.
"I'll join the Masters Format," I answer.
This caught the lady off guard after she saw my information.
"Are you sure? I'm saying this out of good will but that is really difficult. Either way please reconsider changing formats before the deadline." She earnestly answers to which I nod. It wasn't that she wanted to be annoying, her words were sincere.
After that, she didn't interfere with my decision as the next person went up.
Leaving the Pokemon center, there was one final destination. Before this though a buzzing noise was heard in my right pocket.
*Ding*
Opening it up, my thoughts were proved correct.
---{[Brock Messages]}---
[Brock: Yeah Ash is doing the Masters format. It will be a bit rough for you but it's still doable. It doesn't change the gym leader's difficulty if that helps...]
[Me: Thank god, that would have been a nightmare]
[Brock: Haha]
[Brock: If you need help on how to navigate the Sinnoh region just give me a call]
[Me: I will thanks!]
---{[Brock Messages]}---
Before putting my phone away, I use the GPS to locate the last stop for the day.
...
Several minutes later after some walking, the travelator ended at in front of me was now a wide, flat grassy field which had a small road. This road led to the gym of Sunyshore which looked more like a stadium.
Maybe even the size of league conference arenas.
The gym was a circular dome with another retractable pavilion. To the side were six large pink pillars that held the pavilion up. Looking at the tall ass building, my body didn't stop and walked forward.
For some reason, the area was quite vacant.
While there were some people, due to there being no battling people must have just come and gone quickly.
"Damn," I murmur seeing the large box full of gym badges.
*Please only take one, a camera is watching and will automatically save your win online*
A robotic voice says which caught me off-guard. Processing its words I swiftly took a badge that felt sleek and high-quality. The giddy feeling of already having a gym badge didn't last long in the end.
Did it really matter?
Shoving it in my bag, I realised that a badge case would be needed.
Looking at the large building, I decided to walk around it and find a more private space. After a bit, I put my bag down and started setting up my camera, this wouldn't be the first episode but the ending would show my dedication.
Taking Marshtomp's Pokeball, he looks at me in confusion.
"Alright buddy, just stay next to me okay?
Nodding at my words he follows me around as I press record. Walking in front, the introduction was now a go. Then setting sun cast a long shadow over me as a quiet hum of distant waves hit the microphone.
Standing a few feet away from the massive building, I take a deep breath.
"Hello everyone, it's me, Sunny Haruto. You're watching the final episode of my journey... well, at least that's what I'm hoping for." I express with a wide smile. "As you can see I already have my eighth badge, without a battle."
Looking to the side where my Marshtomp just stared at the camera, I chuckle.
"You've probably noticed something right? See this guy next to me. By the time you guys see this he will be a Swampert.
I'm here to make a promise to myself that I'll win the masters conference and get all eight badges. The first step of my journey was actually Sunyshore, very anti-climatic isn't it." I say while rubbing the back of my head a bit sheepishly.
"Either way thanks for watching, I'll see you guys at the league! It's time to train now."
Reaching forward I turn off the camera.
-------------------------
[A/N: Should I rename the story? Debating to make it sort of MTL style as a joke lmao. Maybe something relating to Mudkip.
Pokemon: My invincible Mudkip!
I genuinely need names tho xD]