Chapter 488 - Steven’s Imminent Return

"I always feel that you have something to say," Steven muttered.

"Tell me before you come back, there are some things I want to discuss with you," Aoki said.

"Okay! Soon. If I can't find that stone again, I'll be back soon. The company has piled up a lot of things for me to look at. Just thinking about it gives me a headache," Steven said helplessly.

Aoki smiled but did not speak.

If you want to get something, you must pay something.

Inheriting the Devon company is the responsibility that Steven has carried since birth. Therefore, even if he loves stones and Pokémon, he still has to learn about company management.

Stones and Pokémon can only serve as his spiritual sustenance before he inherits the company.

But as he gets older, there are some things Steven must bear.

The two chatted for a while, and Aoki hung up the phone.

Both Steven and Aoki had things to do.

After finishing the phone call with Matsuda and Steven, Aoki devoted himself to the Pokémon's training, exercising with them and strengthening his psychic powers alongside them.

A trainer's participation in Pokémon training increases their bond and trust.

The five little Pokemon watched enviously as Aoki and the others trained.

Larvitar may not have fully understood, but seeing the expressions of his friends, he was naturally influenced.

Not to mention, although Larvitar had just been born, he was stronger due to his improved physique and could play alongside Torchic and the others.

However, Larvitar had no sense of proportion regarding his own strength. After playing for a while, the ground was left covered in potholes and craters.

Aron, unable to tolerate it, taught Larvitar how to control his body.

Both Pokémon were heavyweights, and Aron had enough experience in that regard.

Aoki had also been keeping an eye on the five little ones, especially the newly hatched Larvitar, as newborn Pokémon were often fragile.

Larvitar, however, had spent a long time in the egg, and unlike most newborns, he wasn't particularly lethargic.

After eating, he was full of energy.

For this, Aoki could only attribute it to the effects of the spirit catalyst.

Larvitar's hatching had depended on the catalyst, and although most of the side effects had been neutralized by the accumulated Earth Core Milk, Aoki wasn't sure if any remained.

Training was tough, but without it, simply increasing a Pokémon's level would lead to incomplete growth.

Leveling up was like constructing a house's framework, while training was adding the bricks and tiles. Only by combining both could a strong, stable building be made. If either was lacking, it might not cause immediate issues, but over time, everything could collapse.

When Aoki led Honchkrow and the others in training, the five Pokemon also wanted to train the same way. Although they looked slightly different, it proved their bodies were much stronger, and they were nearly ready for training battles.

In fact, with Aron's sturdy build, even jumping into battle now wouldn't be a problem. Torchic and Larvitar, however, needed more time to settle into their strength.

But Aoki wasn't concerned with their combat power just yet—he wanted them to enjoy their childhood.

After all, like Honchkrow, once training began, there would be no turning back.

However, judging by their behavior, they clearly had no desire to enjoy a carefree time anymore.

At some point, Aoki's team had grown more battle-hungry Pokémon.

After evolving, Honchkrow's Overconfidence ability gradually pushed him toward being a battle maniac. He didn't resist it, and over time, he fully embraced battle.

Then there was Skorupi. From birth, Skorupi had loved combat, and now, with his increased level, he was even more addicted to it.

Slowking and Sneasel were somewhat better, but they too enjoyed fighting.

Only Haunter was relatively indifferent. He didn't hate battling, but he didn't particularly love it either. He preferred playing pranks, likely influenced by his playful nature as a Gastly.

Even so, he always followed Aoki's orders and participated in battles when needed, so Aoki didn't push him beyond that.

In Aoki's second team, influenced by Aron, nearly all Pokémon, except the naturally gentle Poliwag, had an irresistible urge to fight.

Even Larvitar, just a day old, glowed with excitement at the idea of battle after Aron explained it to him.

Regarding this, Aoki felt both helpless and reassured.

There wasn't a trainer who disliked their Pokémon being eager to battle.

After an entire morning of training, by noon, all the Pokémon had worked up an enormous appetite.

Especially Aron and the newly hatched Larvitar.

Aoki considered whether to prepare some ore for Aron and Larvitar.

Feeding them solely Pokeblocks might provide enough energy, but it would also drain Aoki's wallet.

Their appetites were simply too large.

A mix of ore and Pokeblocks could provide the necessary nutrients for their growth while ensuring they had enough energy for future training.

By adding Earth Core Milk and energy crystals to the Pokeblocks, their nutritional value could be enhanced significantly.

After lunch, Aoki didn't continue training. Instead, he recalled his Pokémon and walked back into the mountains.

Only the newborn Larvitar and Miltank were left behind.

Larvitar, exhausted from playing all morning, fell asleep right after eating.

No matter how strong he was, he was still a newborn and needed plenty of rest.

Aoki left Miltank in charge of caring for Larvitar.

Miltank was more than happy to take on the responsibility. She loved caring for others and enjoyed feeling needed.

Regardless, Aoki wasn't planning to go far, and Slowking could teleport him back in an instant if needed.

Besides, there were many other Pokémon in the backyard to keep watch, ensuring there was no risk of unwanted intruders.