"Phew…"

As Rayquaza soared into the sky and disappeared from sight, Jin and Sceptile felt a wave of relief wash over them. Sceptile, in particular, was exhausted from the Mega Evolution and the power-up from using Energy Ball, causing it to kneel and rest.

"We managed somehow…"

"Sceptile…"

(But that was close. So that's what a Legendary Pokémon is like…)

It was incredibly strong. In a raid battle, with a well-thought-out strategy, there might be a slight chance of victory, but in a one-on-one fight, victory seemed unattainable.

(We're still not strong enough.)

Jin didn't understand why Rayquaza had appeared, but he had a feeling that continuing this journey would lead to another encounter with it. He resolved to become stronger by then, strong enough to protect everyone—especially Liko.

"Jin!"

Liko, carrying the injured Sprigatito and Fuecoco, approached quickly.

"Liko, are you okay?"

"That's my line! Are you okay, Jin?"

"Yeah, as you can see."

In truth, neither Jin nor Sceptile had any significant injuries. The only effect of facing Rayquaza was some mental fatigue, which seemed a small price to pay considering the circumstances.

"But I was surprised by Sceptile just now."

"Yeah! I've never seen that before. What was that?"

Friede and Roy were curious about Sceptile's power-up and asked Jin about it.

"Oh, that's something we discovered by chance during training."

---

It all goes back to a few months ago...

"......"

With his admission to Sekiei Academy secured, Jin spent his time before heading to the Kanto region doing independent training with his Pokémons. On that particular day, Jin watched over a battle between Sceptile and Aggron without giving specific instructions.

In certain battle situations, it's rare but possible for a Trainer's voice not to reach their Pokémon. This can happen due to field changes like Sandstorm or sonic attacks like Hyper Voice. To prepare for such situations, Jin regularly conducted training sessions where his Pokémons had to act on their own initiative without his commands.

"Sceptile!"

Sceptile gathered green energy in its mouth, forming it into a ball, and launched it at Aggron. However, Aggron, being slow, quickly decided to give up on dodging and used Iron Head, lowering its head to charge straight into the Energy Ball.

"Aggron!"

Iron Head and Energy Ball collided head-on, but the Energy Ball eventually lost to Aggron's power and was deflected back toward Sceptile. Not expecting it to be deflected, Sceptile couldn't dodge, and the Energy Ball went straight into its mouth.

---

"And then, well... it turned out like that."

"..."

"Yeah, I was really surprised back then."

"Sceptile..."

Jin and Sceptile spoke nostalgically, remembering the incident. The fact that such a power-up occurred from something so accidental left the three others speechless.

"So, by absorbing a move of the same type, the Pokémon releases that energy through its entire body, causing such a sudden power-up. That's amazing! I didn't know there was such a method!"

"Amazing! Pokémon can do that?"

Friede and Roy couldn't hide their excitement over this new knowledge about Pokémon.

(Well, I understand how they feel.)

When Jin first discovered this method, he was also filled with joy and excitement. However, considering the long history of Pokémon training, there were likely trainers and Pokémon who had used similar methods before. There must be other extraordinary ways to evolve or power up as well.

(That's what makes Pokémon so fascinating.)

"By the way, I see you brought back those wild Pokémon from yesterday. What about the repairs?"

"Oh, right. Jin, sorry, but could you do me a favor?"

---

"Um... does this look right?"

"Yeah, that's perfect. You're pretty good at this, Liko."

"R-Really? Hehe..."

The two of them were in the ship's kitchen, cutting a large number of Berries into the right sizes to make Pokéblocks.

To repay the wild Pokémon who had helped with the ship's repairs, Jin and Liko were hard at work making Pokéblocks. Liko, feeling a bit guilty about the promise she'd made, and also simply wanting to spend time making treats with Jin, decided to help out.

Initially, the cook, Murdock, had enthusiastically volunteered to assist, but quick-thinking Mollie and Orla had whisked him away, leaving the two of them to work together.

"Alright, that should be about it for the prep."

"Yeah... but is it really okay to use this many Berries?"

As Liko pointed out, several bowls in the kitchen were filled to the brim with cut-up Berries.

"The key to making good Pokéblocks is not to skimp on the Berries."

(Is this really okay?)

"Don't sweat the small stuff. Now, all that's left is to mix them up."

With that, Jin brought over a blue, square machine with a mixer on top. This was called a Pokéblock Kit. To make Pokéblocks, you needed either this Pokéblock Kit or a Berry Blender.

Jin preferred the Pokéblock Kit because it was the newer model and more portable, making it easier to carry during their travels.

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

"Alright, we need to make a week's worth of thank-you Pokéblocks for the Pokémon, and maybe some emergency ones too."

"Are you sure we won't run out?"

"No worries. I prepared plenty."

(Ah, so he did prepare extra after all.)

"I get anxious if I don't keep some emergency rations."

According to Jin's personal belief, the greatest enemy on a journey is hunger.

During previous travels, the biggest headache had been food supply issues. Despite thorough preparation, there had been many times when food ran out in places like forests or seas where it was difficult to find supplies. Each time, Jin had managed to handle the situation, but the many traumas etched into his mind told him never to let go of emergency rations.

"...Since I've prepared extra, I'll make some for the hard-working Sceptile too."

With that, Jin took a few Berries, like Sitrus and Liechi Berries, from the bowls and put them into the kit, pressing the switch. After a few seconds of whirring, the machine dispensed several Pokéblocks.

"Oh, these are a different color from the ones I saw before."

The Pokéblocks Jin had given to the Pokémon yesterday were pink, but these newly made ones were green. Liko seemed quite interested in the freshly made Pokéblocks.

"Want to try one?"

"Is it okay?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

With Jin's permission, Liko eagerly picked up one of the Pokéblocks and put it in her mouth. At first, she chewed with a smile, but her face gradually contorted.

"This... is so bitter..."

"Those are for Gardevoir. They're supposed to be quite bitter. If you're not used to it, it can be tough."

"T-That's mean..."

Liko, finding the taste more unpleasant than expected, started to tear up and glared at Jin. Unfortunately for her, the glare seemed to have the opposite effect, boosting Jin's confidence instead.

"Sorry, sorry. Hang on a sec. I'll make something to cleanse your palate."

This time, Jin selected sweeter Berries, like Pecha and Wepear Berries, and made another batch of Pokéblocks. He handed one to Liko to try.

"Okay, open your mouth."

"N-no, it's fine! I can eat by myself!"

"Come on, we're a couple now. This is normal."

"W-well, yes, but..."

(Sure, couples probably do this kind of thing... but it's so embarrassing... still...)

Having her boyfriend feed her was one of Liko's secret dreams. Despite the embarrassment, she finally closed her eyes and opened her mouth slightly, her face blushing.

Click.

"Huh?"

As she waited for the Pokéblock to be fed to her, she heard a mechanical sound. Opening her eyes, she saw Jin grinning and taking a picture with his Rotom Phone.

"Wait a minute! Why did you take a picture?!"

"You looked so cute, I couldn't resist."

"C-cute?!"

"I'll save it under 'Begging Liko.'"

"Don't give it a weird name!"

Reaching desperately for the phone to delete the picture, Liko found it out of her reach due to the height difference. Jin enjoyed the playful moment but, noticing the time, realized they needed to hurry.

"Oops, we're running out of time. Let's get back to making the Pokéblocks according to the recipe I showed you."

"...You started it in the first place..."

"Let's hurry up!"

They were scheduled to visit Roy's home to ask about the Ancient Poké Ball. The ball originally belonged to Roy's grandfather, and they hoped to get more information about the black Rayquaza and the pendant that seemed to resonate with it.

(If the pendant and the ball are connected, Roy might be targeted next.)

They still didn't know why the Explorers wanted the pendant. Was it the pendant itself or its mysterious power? Initially, it seemed like only the pendant was their target, but now they were also after Liko. Given that, it was possible Roy could be targeted as well.

(That Amethio guy disappeared at some point.)

Amethio had vanished during Rayquaza's appearance. Jin was somewhat relieved by his retreat since facing Rayquaza was exhausting, but now he regretted not capturing him for more information.

(Without knowing their goal, it's hard to predict their moves... Where could Amethio be?)

***

"That concludes my report."

In one of the hideouts owned by the Explorers, Amethio was reporting on the recent mission. The Shield that appeared, the black Rayquaza—these were all extraordinary events that he had no choice but to report as a member of the organization.

"Amethio... why did you continue to act alone?"

The one asking was the mysterious leader of the Explorers, Gibeon, with the various executives scattered across different locations participating via hologram.

"...It was a judgment call on the spot. I take full responsibility."

Amethio indeed felt responsible for the recent events. As long as Jin was around, winning a battle against him head-on wasn't going to be easy.

Despite knowing this, Amethio had prioritized his pride, choosing not to alter the plan or bolster his forces. Even though Rayquaza's unexpected appearance could be considered a mitigating factor, he still felt accountable for the mission's failure.

"Heheheheh."

Watching Amethio was a tall man with green hair, laughing derisively. His name was Spinel, and he would be targeting Jin and his friends next.

"Failure on a mission? How unlike you. We exist to fulfill Lord Gibeon's wishes. To even lose a Pokémon battle..."

"......"

"And this nonsense about a black Rayquaza... how much of it is true, I wonder?"

"Are you calling me a liar?!"

"Gentlemen, please, not in front of Lord Gibeon."

Amethio, having accepted his defeat in battle, couldn't hold back his anger at having his report questioned. However, he regained his composure as someone intervened.

"Spinel, track their movements."

"I will ensure the pendant is brought to you, Lord Gibeon."

"Amethio, you're relieved of this mission."

"..."

"Is that a problem?"

"...No, I understand."

Naturally, he had his thoughts on the matter. However, Amethio knew that throwing a tantrum would not improve the situation. He suppressed his emotions and accepted the reassignment.

"Hmph... Thank you for your efforts. Leave the rest to me and take a rest."

"..."

With those final words, Amethio exited the room where he had given his report.

"Sir Amethio!"

After walking alone for a while, his subordinates Zirc and Onia caught up to him. Having heard the details of the meeting, they were concerned about Amethio's state.

"Um... is it true? Your mission was taken over?"

"Is this really okay, just leaving it like this?"

"Actually, it's quite convenient."

"Eh?"

Amethio showed no signs of being upset. In fact, the proud Amethio saying that it was convenient to have his mission taken over left the two somewhat bewildered.

"As much as it pains me to say it, I still can't beat Jin... not yet."

He had already been defeated by Jin twice. Moreover, the Mega Evolution he witnessed in the last battle, the mysterious enhancement method using 'Energy Ball' against Rayquaza, and his struggle even against a non-Mega Evolved Sceptile made it clear that defeating Jin at full strength was a distant dream for the current Amethio.

"To beat him, I need to become stronger."

"I understand that, but..."

"I need time to get stronger. Let Spinel handle the tedious search and tracking."

He had already confirmed that the transmitter he had planted had been destroyed. Tracking the Rising Volt Tacklers from scratch would take considerable time. Even that time was too precious to waste now.

"So, what will you do? Train at a facility?"

"I'm going to track the black Rayquaza."

"Huh? Rayquaza?!"

"Onia, if your report is accurate, then there is some connection between the pendant and the ball that held Rayquaza. The key to unlocking that secret is probably..."

Before Rayquaza appeared, Onia had witnessed the pendant and the ball resonating. However, the reason for this was unknown. Chasing Rayquaza might indeed provide some answers, but...

"I agree, but are you sure? About... training to become stronger, I mean."

"I'll do that while tracking Rayquaza. Besides, if I'm to face Jin in a serious battle, I'll need new Pokémon."

Jin's Pokémons, as far as Amethio knows, only number six; he is unaware that Jin recently caught a Scyther.

It's clear that Sceptile is the strongest, but the other Pokémons are nearly as powerful. With five such strong Pokémons, Amethio's forces of only Ceruledge and Corviknight feel insufficient.

"If that's the case, you could apply to headquarters..."

"That would take too long. Besides, now that I've been removed from the mission, I wouldn't get any decent Pokémon."

The Explorers' members can request Pokémon from headquarters, which are managed by the organization. However, there is a limited number of Pokémon, and they are distributed according to priority. In the current situation, as Amethio said, he cannot expect to receive any powerful Pokémon. Therefore, seeking them out himself is a viable option.

"But, what if they manage to steal the pendant while we're doing that?"

"That's an unnecessary worry."

"Huh?"

"Jin is there... close to the target. Whatever Spinel tries, it will be futile. In the end, he'll lose to Jin."

To Amethio, Jin is an enemy to be defeated. However, at the same time, he is also a highly trusted opponent. Regardless of Spinel's schemes, Amethio is certain that Jin will eventually prevail.

"......"

Unlike them, who could do nothing but run when confronted with Rayquaza, Jin faced it head-on without hesitation. After witnessing that, Zirc and Onia couldn't deny that Jin might be able to defeat even the crafty executives of the Explorers.

(That's right... Spinel won't be able to defeat Jin. However, unlike me, if Spinel uses various schemes to buy time, it will help.)

Amethio intends to use that time to grow stronger. He already knows his own weaknesses. From now on, he must learn and become stronger. To do that, he can't just stay in one place. He needs to push himself to the limit by traveling. That is the greatest battle he can engage in right now.

(Jin... wait for me. I won't end like this. I will become stronger and someday, I will definitely defeat you!)

Believing in the day of their rematch, Amethio was about to take his first steps on a new journey.

// END

Amethio's appearances will be on hold for a while as he enters a training period. When he returns, I want him to be significantly stronger.

I'm also seeking suggestions for new Pokémon for Jin and Amethio. If you have any, please let me know.