Crazy suppression? No evolution? By increasing the energy of the Vigoroth step by step, and finally being unable to suppress it, allowing it to evolve into Slaking? Aoki analyzed the feasibility of this idea in his mind. It was not until he heard Norman's decisive condition that he came to his senses.
"What conditions?" Aoki asked.
"When I was training my first Slaking, I had just become a Trainer, so the suppression was done by me and Vigoroth together. But when I was training my second one, I had already become a Gym Leader and had a certain amount of resources, so I purchased an Everstone. I originally thought that the difference was due to the order of evolution, but I later discovered that it was not just that. If you want to suppress evolution, Vigoroth itself must be the one to do it and cannot rely on external objects. Because every suppression is a form of mental training for Vigoroth. Only by letting it experience this mental training during the Vigoroth stage will it, after evolving into Slaking, possess the willpower to overcome the influence of its Truant ability for a short period. Using an Everstone... is not a desirable method."
"So, in essence, as long as we allow Vigoroth to suppress its own evolution before it evolves into Slaking, it will possess the ability to temporarily suppress its laziness after evolution?" Aoki thought of the Vigoroth he subdued in the Ho-Oh space; wasn't that the case?
"Whether this is completely true is actually just my hypothesis, because this requires a tremendous amount of inherent willpower from Vigoroth itself. Even if I wanted to conduct an experiment, I wouldn't be able to see the results in a short period. I have conducted numerous tests, but I haven't been able to pinpoint the exact formula. The second one, which I had high hopes for, can only be considered a semi-finished product. There must be other factors at play, but I just cannot seem to find them." Norman said, gradually quickening his pace. Aoki also knew they could not delay, so he matched the increased pace.
"So, after training it to become Slaking, how can we improve its strength? If it remains lazy in order to conserve energy for brief bursts of power, wouldn't that mean it cannot train effectively?" Hearing this question, Norman smiled.
"Do not be overly influenced by your inherent ideas. It can be lazy, but it still must complete the necessary training. Otherwise, how could it possibly unleash such formidable combat power? However, compared to other Pokémon, its lazy nature means it requires the Trainer to pay much more attention during training sessions, often needing real-time supervision. Also, remember one crucial thing: do not think of using any special methods, such as skill-swapping techniques or ability-altering items, to circumvent the Truant ability during training. This will only foster dependency, weaken its willpower, and ultimately prevent it from truly erupting with power when it is needed," Norman warned sternly.
After listening to Norman's words, Aoki began to form some preliminary ideas and plans on how to train his own Vigoroth.
"Then, Mr. Norman, in theory, the longer Vigoroth is suppressed and the higher its level at the time of suppression, the stronger the combat power it can unleash after evolving into Slaking will be, and the longer the duration of that burst?" Aoki asked.
"That is the general theory, but it also requires careful intervention and guidance from the Trainer; otherwise, the Pokémon itself typically lacks this specific awareness." Norman nodded in confirmation.
Aoki's mind raced. "Mr. Norman, what was the strength level of your Slaking immediately before it evolved?"
There was nothing to hide about this. "The peak of the pseudo-Champion level. My old partner and I persisted until the peak of the pseudo-Champion level. In the end, we simply could not suppress it any longer. After evolution, it possessed solid Champion-level strength," Norman stated frankly.
Aoki nodded and did not ask any further questions. The peak of the pseudo-Champion level? It was indeed a significant hurdle. However, the Vigoroth he had tamed already possessed strength comparable to the Champion level. Did that mean it actually had even greater and stronger potential? After this mission was completed, Aoki planned to intensify the training for all of his Pokémon, including the Vigoroth. If it was possible, he truly hoped to cultivate a Slaking like Norman's signature Pokémon; that would give him considerably more confidence in future endeavors.
He had learned almost everything he needed to know, and Norman had not held anything back. However, since Norman himself was not entirely certain of all the factors, Aoki's Vigoroth would still have to feel its way forward carefully. But at the very least, Aoki now had a clear target and a defined direction.
"By the way, Aoki, I heard that you passed the assessment for an advanced Breeder, correct? The youngest advanced Breeder in recorded history?" Norman asked with a smile.
Aoki also smiled and nodded. After completing the assessment in front of so many people, he knew this matter could not be hidden, nor did he have any particular desire to hide it.
"I wonder if it would be convenient for you to help me take a look at my Slaking after this matter is concluded? If it is possible, I would like to commission a custom set of advanced Pokeblocks. Please do not worry, all procedures and payments will follow the standard protocol," Norman said. The normal process involved an initial deposit, followed by the Breeder assessing the difficulty of the custom Pokeblocks and charging for the materials, with the final balance paid upon completion. Commissioning an advanced Breeder to customize Pokeblocks was certainly not an inexpensive endeavor.
"No problem," Aoki said readily. Customizing Pokeblocks was not a significant burden for him, and it would also afford him a close-up opportunity to observe Norman's Slaking, which was nothing but beneficial. At the very least, he could choose not to charge a service fee. For instance, when creating high-level Pokeblocks for Steven, Cynthia, and others, Aoki did not charge any labor fees, requesting only payment for the materials themselves. However, Steven did not seem like the kind of person who was short on funds, and every time he paid for materials, he always added a considerable surplus, which effectively served as the labor fee. In truth, if not for the fact that Steven's Pokémon were all exceptionally powerful and thus the required materials were inherently costly, Aoki would have had no issue providing them free of charge. Helping Norman with his Pokeblocks was a good way to build a professional relationship.
After this brief exchange, Norman and Aoki did not speak further, conserving their breath for the journey ahead. They soon arrived at the mouth of Meteor Falls.
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There were no problems encountered along the way. Because Steven and his team were responsible for a branching route, they did not travel as one group. On the path to Meteor Falls, they left discreet signals along the way to indicate that their route was clear and free of any ambushes. Standing before the vast entrance to Meteor Falls, the two groups made eye contact, confirmed once more that there were no issues, and then proceeded inside. Following the map Aoki had drawn, they entered different forks at the same intersection. The two teams now not only had to ensure there were no ambushes set by Team Magma and Team Aqua, but they also had to disperse or directly defeat all the wild Pokémon along the path to ensure the advance of the League troops would not be hindered.