When Aoki left from Goldenrod City, there were still fifteen days left before the Sinnoh Tournament started.
Aoki planned to visit the black markets in various cities to collect materials for making aptitude-enhancing potions, as well as search for high-quality Shiny Stones. Additionally, he intended to look for suitable TMs to further strengthen his Pokémon's combat abilities before the competition.
He wasn't sure if he had enough Pokecoins. Although he had seized many resources from Team Rocket, this was his first time purchasing ingredients for these specialized potions. Many of the required materials had names he had never even heard of, so he had no idea how much they would cost.
Aoki arrived at Slateport which is a coastal city. Due to its proximity to the ocean, Slateport had a higher population of Water-type Pokémon, meaning there was a greater chance of finding the aquatic materials Aoki needed.
This wasn't Aoki's first time visiting Slateport City. On his last visit, he had a brief battle with the city's Gym Leader, a kind-hearted man who, after confirming Aoki's credentials, happily handed over the badge.
This time, however, Aoki didn't draw any attention to himself. He wore a low-key black coat that obscured his face, making it difficult for most people to recognize him.
A man in a dark coat, his features hidden, entered Slateport City and quickly located the entrance to the black market. After slipping inside, he avoided unnecessary gazes and began browsing the stalls.
His first priority was finding the ingredients for the aptitude potions for Marshtomp and Poliwhirl, followed by a high-quality Shiny Stone. As for TMs and the materials for his new Pokeblock formula, those would be relatively easier to acquire.
Being a coastal city, Slateport had an abundance of Water-type Pokémon materials. After inquiring at multiple stalls, Aoki managed to find several rare ingredients he hadn't encountered before.
Other than the steep prices, everything went smoothly.
Next, Aoki purchased two TMs for Floette. Since she had already learned a defensive move previously, this time he chose two Grass-type moves: Energy Ball and Grass Knot.
Floette had grown quite proficient with Grass-type abilities, but after her type shift, she still lacked some versatility in her movepool. Aoki wanted to ensure she could perform well as a Grass-type Pokémon in the upcoming Sinnoh Tournament.
Aside from Floette, Aoki also bought defensive TMs for all the Pokémon in his secondary team.
Marshtomp and Poliwhirl, being the only secondary team members likely to participate in the competition, received additional moves. Due to limited funds, the rest of his Pokémon would have to wait for upgrades later.
For Marshtomp, he chose Earthquake and Scald—Earthquake to bolster its Ground-type offense and Scald to enhance its endurance in prolonged battles.
Poliwhirl also learned Scald, along with Double Team. Since Poliwhirl wasn't an overwhelming offensive force, Aoki focused on increasing its survivability. By utilizing its swift swim ability and its speed, Poliwhirl could outmaneuver opponents and gradually wear them down.
The only frustration was that Aoki couldn't find one crucial ingredient for the Marshtomp and Poliwhirl aptitude potions—something called the "Soul of the Ocean." Despite searching the entire Slateport black market, he found no trace of it, nor had he even heard of it before.
With no other choice, Aoki decided to leave.
Even if he had found the material, he likely wouldn't have been able to afford it—his funds were nearly depleted.
Back in Verdanturf Town, he had thought his savings would be enough. But after purchasing materials in Slateport's black market, he realized he was short.
The missing ingredient was essential for Marshtomp's and Poliwhirl's potions. Marshtomp was already at level 29, nearing evolution. If Aoki couldn't find the material soon, he would have to either suppress its growth or let it evolve without maximizing its potential—neither of which were acceptable.
But there was nothing he could do. Since Slateport didn't have it, his next stop would be Mossdeep City. Perhaps someone in that island city would know what the "Soul of the Ocean" was.
As for the money… he'd figure that out once he found the ingredient.
Arriving at Slateport's shoreline, Aoki gazed at the endless sea, inhaling the salty ocean air. He released Flygon from its Pokéball—its level remained at 49, unchanged, but Aoki had been rigorously training it.
Flygon had been performing well lately, putting in its best effort. As a result, its treatment had improved, now receiving specialized Pokeblocks—a privilege reserved only for Aoki's most trusted Pokémon.
This had secretly delighted Flygon. Finally, it wouldn't be constantly pushed to its limits. As a Dragon-type, it had suffered enough humiliation already.
Climbing onto Flygon's back, Aoki took off over the ocean, checking his Pokédex as they flew.
What he didn't notice was that, after his departure, a sunbathing figure on the beach slowly stood up, watching his retreating form with an enigmatic smile.
Once out at sea, an inexplicable sense of unease settled over Aoki.
A nagging feeling told him something was about to happen. In his past life, he might have dismissed such premonitions, but ever since awakening his psychic abilities, he had learned to trust these instincts—they had never been wrong before.
Anxiety crawled under his skin, making him increasingly restless.
Suppressing his irritation, Aoki's expression darkened. He knew this wasn't just nerves—if his instincts were this strong, the situation was serious.
Sensing its Trainer's tension, Flygon sped up, not daring to slack off. It knew that if it didn't give its all now, it might be facing another grueling training session later.