In fact, there is another rumor in Verdanturf Town about the lake in Aoki's backyard.
No one knows who spread the word, but many trainers believe that the Pokémon living in Aoki's lake are exceptionally high-quality, drawing admirers from all over. However, no one has been able to enter Aoki's property.
Just glancing at the entrance and the surrounding area reveals more than a dozen elite-level Houndoom patrolling daily, making it clear that ordinary visitors stand no chance. Beyond that, numerous powerful Pokémon reside within. If a Trainer above the elite level approaches, Matsuda, who stays at the Breeder's Guild, is immediately alerted. As a result, no one dares to trespass near Aoki's home carelessly.
This rumor only adds to Verdanturf Town's growing reputation.
One thing deserves special mention: Aoki, the Gym Leader of Verdanturf Town, is the true force behind the town's development. Loved by all its residents, he has earned their deep respect. To please him, the League-appointed mayor—eager to gain favor—commissioned a statue in the very center of town.
It isn't a statue of Aoki himself, but rather one of his ace Pokémon, Slowking.
As the strongest Pokémon of the Verdanturf Gym, Slowking's power is widely recognized, and it has become the town's official mascot. The entire Slowpoke population in the area is now protected—no one is permitted to capture them without permission.
In fact, Slowpoke serve as a secondary mascot for Verdanturf Town. Many live around the artificial lake, leading lazy, carefree lives. Occasionally, they wander into town, and instead of being caught, they're showered with treats by passing townsfolk.
It's common to see a Slowpoke ambling slowly down the street, piled high with snacks as people offer more. This is simply the way things are here.
Aoki once planted berries experimentally, and they've since grown into full trees, bearing fruit year-round. Though not at peak ripeness, the berries are still quite tasty.
Aoki, having secluded himself in his backyard since returning, remains unaware of these changes in Verdanturf Town. If he knew, he'd likely be stunned.
Today, he allowed his Pokémon a day of relaxation.
Altaria soared through the backyard, playing with the two Swablu it hadn't seen in a while. Florges danced gracefully in her personal flower field, surrounded by Vivillon—this garden was her favorite place.
Slowking held court by the lakeside, addressing its subjects. Nearby, Politoed attempted to mimic the behavior of the Poliwag and Poliwhirl, listening intently as Slowking lectured on about leadership. In the future, the Slowpoke and Poliwag lines would become the two largest groups in Aoki's care—and his most reliable workforce.
Meanwhile, Honchkrow, Gengar, Weavile, Drapion, and Swampert sparred fiercely. These battle-hungry Pokémon, still far weaker than Slowking, couldn't resist training even on their day off.
Swampert, originally part of the second-tier team, had grown strong enough to challenge the first-tier Pokémon. Though hesitant at first, it eventually joined Honchkrow and the others. They accepted it—Drapion and Gengar had fought alongside Swampert before—but its relative weakness meant most matches were two-on-two: Honchkrow and Weavile versus Gengar and Drapion.
The battles were intense.
On the other side, the true second-tier Pokémon—Aron, Larvitar, Combusken, and the now fully recovered Bagon—engaged in lighter skirmishes. They'd seen Swampert's rapid growth and, while not jealous, were certainly motivated.
Among them was a timid Horsea, accidentally caught by Aoki at Lake Valor. Once solitary, it now thrived among its new companions. Both Horsea and Bagon were reserved by nature, but the energetic Aron, Larvitar, and Combusken helped them adjust.
Finally, there was Mismagius. Since setting an example for Bagon during training, it had diligently practiced energy control under Aoki's guidance. Though its strength didn't yet match its level, it had improved significantly since their first meeting.
Aoki lay sprawled on a sunlit patch of grass, an egg cradled on his stomach. Today was his day off too.
Since his rebirth, he'd lived in constant tension. Now that he'd regained his former strength, he allowed himself this respite—not just to rest, but to prepare for greater challenges ahead.
The egg radiated warmth into his palms, hotter than the sunlight on his skin. Carefully, he reached out with his Telepathy, not to speak, but to share emotions.
The feedback was clear: the unborn Ralts loved the sun's glow and the security of Aoki's hold.
Moments like this—free of worry, surrounded by his Pokémon's happiness—were rare treasures. Aoki cherished them.
Yet he never forgot this world's harsh truth: it devoured the unwary.
Though he'd grown strong, one misstep could cost him everything—his place in the League, his standing with Team Rocket, even his life.