Dewford Town.
After arriving in the small island town, Aoki quickly located Brawly on the beach.
As expected of the Dewford Gym Leader, Brawly was surfing the waves with his Pokémon, training their core strength and balance in the process—a unique method that made his Fighting-type Pokémon particularly resilient in battle.
"You're Brawly, the Dewford Gym Leader, right? When do you have time? I want to challenge you."
Brawly glided over the water, smoothly landing back on the shore. Hearing Aoki's challenge, he grinned.
"It's late today, and my Pokémon are already exhausted from training. I'll take your challenge tomorrow morning."
"Understood. I'll come by tomorrow morning, then." Aoki wasn't like Ash, who would stubbornly push for a battle right away. Since Brawly wasn't available, it was a good chance to rest and make some final preparations.
One of those preparations was restocking Pokémon Egg Incubation Solution.
He made his way to Dewford Town's small marketplace, where he purchased most of the available Pokémon Egg Incubation Solution. Then, he checked into the Pokémon Center, opting for a room.
Pokémon Centers in places like Dewford Town were not only affordable but also the most convenient option—especially since the island town lacked hotels.
In his room, Aoki retrieved a set of berries, carefully mixing and grinding them into high-concentration Pokéblocks. He then combined them with the Incubation Solution, creating a potent mixture before pouring it over Jirachi's Pokémon Egg.
Name: Jirachi
Incubation Progress: 30/1000
Aoki frowned.
The process was painfully slow. Even with the boost from the solution, he would need hundreds—if not close to a thousand—more doses to reach full incubation. Ordinary shops wouldn't be able to meet that demand.
It looked like he would need help from Devon Corporation.
Aoki pondered for a moment before sending a message to President Stone, requesting a bulk shipment to the next town he would visit after finishing the Dewford Gym challenge.
President Stone didn't pry into Aoki's reasons but quickly agreed to make the necessary arrangements.
The next morning, Aoki got up early, packed his gear, and headed to the Dewford Gym.
He wanted to clear this Gym battle as soon as possible and move on—Jirachi's incubation couldn't be delayed any longer.
At the Gym, Brawly was already waiting for him.
"Challenger, you're finally here. I've been waiting. The battle format will be two vs. two. Any objections?"
"None at all. The faster I finish this, the sooner I can leave for the next town."
Aoki's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"Very well! The Gym battle between Aoki from Littleroot Town and Brawly from Dewford Town will now begin!"
Brawly made the first move.
"Go, Machop!"
A Poké Ball snapped open, revealing the humanoid Fighting-type Pokémon with gray skin and a muscular build.
Name: Machop
Type: Fighting
Strength: Intermediate
Qualification: Gym-level
Aoki wasn't surprised. Most Gym Leaders tested challengers with relatively weaker Pokémon before bringing out their real powerhouses.
"If that's the case, then I'll send out Bagon."
The Dragon-type Pokémon appeared, its small blue body and determined eyes showing its fiery spirit.
"Bagon, huh? Not bad."
Brawly's eyes showed a trace of envy.
Although he specialized in Fighting-types, as a Gym Leader, he understood the immense potential of pseudo-Legendary Pokémon like Salamence. Only a select few could afford to own and raise such a rare Pokémon.
"Machop, don't be intimidated! Charge in and use Karate Chop!"
Machop's right hand glowed white as it dashed toward Bagon, aiming a powerful downward strike.
"Bagon, don't dodge. Flamethrower!"
Bagon opened its mouth, unleashing a scorching Flamethrower straight at the oncoming Machop. The intense flames surged forward, engulfing Machop before it could land its attack.
Boom!
The explosion sent Machop flying backward, crashing onto the Gym floor.
"Machop! Get up! Use Agility, then dodge its Flamethrower!" Brawly called out.
Machop gritted its teeth and quickly sprang up, dashing across the battlefield at high speed.
Bagon fired another Flamethrower, but Machop weaved through the attacks with rapid, well-trained movements.
Brawly smirked.
"Machop, get close and use Low Kick!"
Machop suddenly lunged forward, sliding low and swinging its leg to trip Bagon.
"Bagon, don't dodge! Use Zen Headbutt!"
Bagon took the hit directly, its legs momentarily shaking from the impact. But it held its ground, lowering its head as psychic energy surrounded it.
With a fierce roar, Bagon charged forward, ramming its glowing forehead into Machop's chest.
Smash!
Machop let out a sharp cry as it was sent flying backward. It landed hard on the ground, its eyes spinning in a daze.
The referee raised a hand.
"Machop is unable to battle! Gym Leader, please send out your next Pokémon."
Brawly sighed, recalling Machop.
"You did great, buddy. Take a good rest."
Then, he pulled out his second Poké Ball.
"Alright then, it's up to you, Machamp!"
The Poké Ball snapped open, revealing the fully evolved four-armed powerhouse of the Fighting-type.
Name: Machamp
Strength: Superior
Qualification: Gym-level
Even though Machamp was the final evolution of Machop, Aoki wasn't particularly impressed.
It was evident that Brawly's Pokémon weren't of the highest quality—likely due to his background. While his Gym was recognized by the League, he hadn't inherited truly top-tier Fighting-types like some other powerful trainers had.
Of course, there was also the possibility that Brawly was holding back—only using Gym-standard Pokémon for fairness.
Either way, Aoki wasn't worried.
"Bagon, I'm counting on you to continue. I know you can win this."
Bagon growled, stomping forward confidently, ready to take on the Machamp standing before it.
The battle was far from over.
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