After parting with Courtney, Aoki arrived at Rustboro City, one of the largest cities in western Hoenn.
Rustboro was home to many significant landmarks.
For example, Devon Corporation—the largest industrial conglomerate in the Hoenn region.
The company's heir, Steven Stone, was not only the son of President Stone but also the current Champion of the Hoenn League.
Beyond that, the city housed the Rustboro Pokémon Trainer's School, which educated many aspiring trainers, and of course, the Rustboro City Gym, led by Gym Leader Roxanne.
Before heading to the Gym, Aoki made his way to the Pokémon Center.
"Your Pokémon have been fully healed."
"Thank you, Nurse Joy! Seriously, why are all Nurse Joys so pretty?"
Aoki accepted his Luxury Ball while sincerely praising the nurse.
It wasn't the first time he had noticed this, but Nurse Joys were all exceptionally charming.
"Really? Thank you for the compliment."
Nurse Joy smiled, covering her cheeks shyly.
She was used to being praised, but somehow, Aoki's words felt different.
After all, Aoki was handsome—and compliments always felt better when coming from someone like him.
Aoki noticed her reaction and chuckled.
A thought crossed his mind—if there were only one or two Nurse Joys, he might have pursued something serious.
But with so many of them across different regions? He simply didn't have the courage.
"Nurse Joy, I'm heading to challenge the Rustboro Gym. If we meet again, I hope it's after a victory."
"Be careful! Roxanne is a powerful Rock-type specialist."
"I know, and that's why I'll be extra cautious. I won't lose."
With a confident grin, Aoki turned and left.
Arriving at the Rustboro Gym, Aoki stepped inside and was greeted by a Gym staff member.
"Hello, is the Gym Leader available? I'm here for a challenge."
"You came at the right time. Our Leader is in the Gym right now. Follow me."
Guided by the staff, Aoki was led to the battle arena.
"Gym Leader Roxanne, there's a challenger here."
Aoki turned his gaze toward Roxanne.
She was a striking woman, composed and elegant—befitting of her reputation as a teacher at Rustboro's Pokémon Trainer's School.
But while she was undeniably attractive, Aoki wasn't the type to get distracted by every beautiful woman he met.
There were plenty of beautiful women in the world—he didn't need to chase after Roxanne when there were even more opportunities ahead.
Roxanne smiled warmly.
"As the Gym Leader, I accept your challenge. But I have a request."
Aoki raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I'd like to record our battle. As an honorary teacher at Rustboro's Pokémon Trainer's School, I often use Gym battles to educate my students."
Her eyes were sincere—this was clearly important to her.
Faced with such a simple request, what reason was there to refuse?
"Of course, I don't mind."
"Thank you! Now then, let's begin our Gym battle."
Roxanne took out a Poké Ball, holding it firmly in her palm.
Aoki, in response, gripped his Luxury Ball.
"Go, Geodude!"
"Go, Treecko!"
Roxanne had sent out her Rock-type Pokémon—Geodude.
Aoki responded with Treecko, a Grass-type Pokémon.
It wasn't that he deliberately picked a Pokémon with a type advantage—it just happened that all his Pokémon countered Rock-types.
His Frogadier was Water-type. His Combusken was Fighting-type. And Treecko? Grass-type.
All of them had an edge against Rock-types.
"A Grass-type, huh?" Roxanne smiled confidently.
"Even if I'm at a type disadvantage, I won't lose! Geodude, use Rollout!"
Geodude tucked in its limbs and spun rapidly, rolling toward Treecko at high speed.
Rollout was a move that increased in power with each consecutive hit—a dangerous attack if not stopped early.
Aoki quickly assessed his opponent's strength:
Name: Geodude
Level: Advanced
Potential: Gym-level
It wasn't weak, but for Treecko, this was a manageable opponent.
"Treecko, dodge and counter with Bullet Seed!"
Treecko leapt out of the way, its agile form allowing it to evade easily. It then opened its mouth and fired a rapid barrage of green seeds, Bullet Seed launching like a machine gun.
However, Geodude maneuvered skillfully, avoiding most of the attack.
The impact created small craters in the battlefield, but Geodude remained unscathed.
Meanwhile, Rollout's speed continued to increase. The rumbling sound of its movement shook the arena.
"Great! Geodude, speed up and attack again!"
"Avoid it, Treecko! Use Agility!"
Geodude rocketed toward Treecko with even more force.
But before the attack could connect, Treecko's speed surged, its body becoming a green blur as Agility took effect.
It sidestepped at the last second, dodging effortlessly.
"Now, use Screech!"
Treecko stopped abruptly and let out an ear-piercing screech.
Geodude flinched, its hardened expression contorting in pain.
Screech didn't just hurt—it significantly lowered Geodude's defense, making it more vulnerable.
"Good! Finish it with Energy Ball!"
Treecko formed a glowing green orb between its hands and launched it straight at Geodude.
"No! Geodude, dodge it!"
Roxanne's urgency was clear—but it was too late.
The Energy Ball struck Geodude head-on, triggering a super-effective explosion of light.
Geodude let out a weakened cry, collapsed onto the ground, and fainted.
One-hit KO.
Geodude had no chance—the quadruple weakness to Grass-type moves sealed its fate.
Roxanne sighed and recalled her Pokémon.
"You fought well, Geodude. Take a good rest."
She then reached for her second Poké Ball.
"As a rookie, you're quite skilled… but your next challenge won't be so easy."
She tossed the Poké Ball, and a new Pokémon emerged.
"Go, Nosepass!"
A large, compass-like Rock-type Pokémon materialized in the arena.
Aoki quickly scanned it:
Name: Nosepass
Level: Superior
Potential: Quasi-Elite
This was a significant jump in power compared to Geodude.
Even though Treecko had momentum, facing a Superior-level Pokémon was going to be tough.
Still, even under pressure—Aoki wouldn't back down.
"Treecko, let's keep going!"
The Gym battle was far from over.