The Pokémon summoned by Aoki appeared in the auditorium, and the crowd erupted into cheers once more.
Swampert!
The first Pokémon Aoki sent out was the recently evolved Swampert, a powerful Water and Ground-type Pokémon native to the Hoenn region. As one of the most iconic representatives of Hoenn, the three royal starter Pokémon—Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip—are deeply cherished by trainers. Among them, Swampert, the final evolution of Mudkip, stands as a symbol of strength and resilience.
No Pokémon better embodies the spirit of a region than its starter Pokémon. Though previous team leaders in various regions had performed admirably, none had utilized their local royal starters in battle. Aoki was the first to do so, earning immediate admiration from the Hoenn audience.
However, when Aji, the opposing trainer from Johto, saw Aoki's Swampert, his expression darkened. Taking a deep breath to suppress his frustration, Aji hurled a Pokéball onto the field, releasing a black-furred Houndoom.
Fire-type Pokémon like Houndoom typically struggle against Water-types, and Aji's unease was evident. Seeing his opponent was a Houndoom, Swampert's expression shifted slightly.
Back home, there's a whole pack of Houndoom guarding the gate, right? The ones that Honchkrow and the others always pick fights with…
In Swampert's experience, Houndoom had never posed much of a threat.
But now, in the heat of battle, Swampert quickly schooled its features—though the brief flicker of disdain had not gone unnoticed. Houndoom's eyes narrowed, anger flaring at the perceived insult.
Aoki's system scanned the Houndoom's data: Level 36, Dark Green aptitude, decent training.
Unfortunately for Aji, the type disadvantage was undeniable.
"Houndoom, use Howl, then rush in with Thunder Fang!" Aji commanded.
Houndoom threw its head back, unleashing a deep, resonant howl that bolstered its attack power. Then, with a burst of speed, it charged forward, fangs crackling with electricity as Thunder Fang took shape.
"Swampert, Forzen Tail!" Aoki countered.
Swampert twisted its body like a fish through water, summoning a swirling mass of aquatic energy that coalesced into a massive, whip-like tail. But the attack wasn't finished—ice energy surged through its body, crystallizing the water into a solid, frozen weapon.
As Houndoom lunged, jaws sparking, Swampert swung its icy tail in a devastating arc.
BOOM!!!
Electricity conducts through water—but ice is another matter.
The impact sent Houndoom crashing into the ground, skidding across the battlefield before coming to a groaning halt.
This combination move—Water Tail fused with Ice energy—had been a training focus since Swampert's days as a Marshtomp. Now, fully evolved, the technique had reached near-perfect execution.
Houndoom struggled to rise, dazed from the blow.
"Swampert, Earth Hammer!" Aoki ordered.
Earth Hammer—a unique move Aoki had devised for Swampert after it learned Hammer Arm upon evolution. Though not yet mastered, its raw power was undeniable.
Swampert's limbs tensed, launching it into the air. Its fists clenched, radiating Ground-type energy as it descended like a meteor.
BOOM!!!!
The impact cratered the battlefield, fissures spiderwebbing outward as Houndoom was driven into the earth.
"Woo—!"
Houndoom's whimper faded as it lost consciousness.
Just as I started to put in effort… you're already down.
Swampert couldn't help but think that Houndoom really was better suited to gatekeeping.
The crowd erupted.
"SWAMPERT! SWAMPERT! SWAMPERT!!!"
Though not as overwhelmingly powerful as the Pokémon used by Steven and other trainers earlier, Swampert's sheer physical dominance and explosive fighting style captivated the audience. Even Armaldo paled in comparison.
"KAMO!!!" Swampert roared, pounding its fists together in exhilaration.
The League officials in the stands nodded approvingly. Aoki and his Pokémon were proving to be exceptional—after today, Swampert would undoubtedly become a fan favorite.
Aj recalled his fallen Houndoom, face tight with frustration.
Today, he had become a mere stepping stone.
But in truth, being a backdrop on this stage was its own form of recognition—far better than fading into obscurity.
With a sharp flick, Aj sent out his next Pokémon.
Blaziken!
A Fire- and Fighting-type from the Hoenn royal trio—his starter, no doubt.
No wonder Aji had looked so grim when Swampert appeared.
A Fire specialist facing a Water/Ground-type was a nightmare scenario.
Pokémon: Blaziken (Dark Green)
Gender: Male
Level: 38
Type: Fire/Fighting
Ability: Blaze
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: Detect, Crush Claw, Fire Spin
Basic Moves: Flamethrower, Double Kick, Aerial Ace, Focus Energy, Ember, Sand Attack, Quick Attack, Fire Punch, Bulk Up, Blaze Kick
Learnt Moves: Thunder Punch, Fire Punch, Brick Break, Sunny Day
TM Moves: Low Kick, Heat Wave, Sleep Talk
This Blaziken was well-trained, boasting balanced stats befitting a royal starter. Its appearance drew cheers—though not as deafening as Swampert's, the crowd still recognized its prestige.
But Aj's expression remained tense.
Type disadvantage was one thing.
After Houndoom's crushing defeat, he knew Blaziken faced an uphill battle.