Because Steelix's size was simply too gargantuan, there was nowhere indoors that could possibly accommodate it.
Kashiwagi had no choice but to carry a massive platter of curry to the back of the Pokémon Center, using the open field there to feed his titan.
It was currently evening.
The transition between spring and summer made the daylight linger. The small park behind the Center was crowded with people—some were battling on the spot, others were taking post-dinner strolls, and many were just idling about. When they saw him emerge with such a massive basin of curry, they cast startled glances his way.
Feeding Pokémon in public was common, but serving it in a literal bathtub-sized container was a rare sight.
Not wanting to draw too much attention, Kashiwagi wandered through the park for a while before finding a relatively secluded corner.
Bang!
A flash of white light.
"Steeee-liix!"
As the ultra-giant Steelix hit the ground, it let out a thunderous, muffled roar. Its dark red, copper-cast eyes fell upon Kashiwagi and the curry. It lowered its head in excitement. "STEELIIIX!!"
"Yep, it's dinner time!" Kashiwagi smiled, patting its head. "Did you eat well in Pyrite Town? I'm sure N wouldn't mistreat you."
"Steee~" Steelix let out a joyful, metallic trill.
As the two greeted each other, the Steelix's sheer scale drew the surrounding crowd like a magnet. Steelix wasn't an exceptionally common Pokémon to begin with, and its current terrifying proportions left onlookers in awe.
"Is that even a Pokémon?"
"What scary size! It has to be over fifteen meters, right?"
"A Steelix... I've wanted to see one for ages. I wish I had one."
"Go ask him for a trade then, hehe."
"Forget it, that guy looks pretty fierce."
Hearing the faint, mosquito-like whispers of the crowd, Kashiwagi felt a bit relieved, though he curiously looked at his reflection in Steelix's forehead. Do I really look fierce? Probably not. He had been quite popular on the Eros Milotic. It was likely just the age gap; most of his acquaintances on the ship were eighteen or nineteen, whereas the trainers at the Littleroot Center were mostly fresh-faced kids.
"Just enjoy the meal, buddy. I didn't dare ask for too much more," he said, patting Steelix. The titan began to devour the curry with gusto, clearly finding it delicious despite the relatively small portion size for its body.
While it was eating, Brock's voice drifted over from the distance.
"Kashiwagi!"
"Over here!" Kashiwagi called back. Brock came running over, carrying a pot of leftover curry.
"The last of the pot! Everyone else has finished—Whoa! It's huge!"
Even Brock, who had traveled through four regions and seen nearly everything, was visibly moved by the sight of the ultra-giant Steelix.
"Stee...LIIIX!?"
Having just finished its bowl, Steelix turned its head and saw the curry in the newcomer's arms. Its eyes lit up instantly, and it prepared to lunge forward for a second helping. However, catching a glimpse of Kashiwagi out of the corner of its eye, it immediately settled down.
"Steeel~" it let out a pleading low growl, looking at its trainer with "puppy-dog" eyes.
Brock laughed. "It seems you're quite strict with its diet?"
"Small, frequent meals. They're like children; if you don't watch them, they'll overeat," Kashiwagi said gently as he stroked Steelix's snout. "But it would be a shame to leave it wanting more after such a delicious meal. It might leave a lingering regret."
Flattered by the indirect praise, Brock looked a bit sheepish as he ran to the basin and dumped the remaining curry into it.
"Steeel~!" Extra rations! Steelix swayed its body happily and surged forward.
"It has to be at least eighteen meters long, right? Truly magnificent. Did you raise it yourself?" While Steelix ate, Brock reached out to touch its metallic hide.
Steelix didn't mind; it seemed to recognize that its trainer was on good terms with this person. In the past, it wouldn't have been so easy-going, but after spending time in Pyrite Town being used as a slide by children and being soothed by N, its temperament had mellowed significantly.
"No, it was already this size when I caught it. It's the result of natural growth," Kashiwagi shook his head. N had confirmed that this Steelix was once a wild individual.
"Wild... Impressive." Brock nodded. He recalled Ash mentioning a crystal Onix in the Orange Islands and the Elite Four member Bruno's giant Onix. If those existed, an ultra-giant Steelix wasn't outside the realm of possibility.
"By the way, you wanted to ask me about breeding Steelix?" he asked, turning back.
"Indeed." Kashiwagi pulled two more Poké Balls from his pocket. "I'd also like advice on raising Chansey and Aggron."
Since Aggron was a Rock-type (initially), Kashiwagi figured Brock, a Rock-type specialist, could provide excellent insights.
Brock held the empty pot and pondered for a few seconds. "How about this: let's have a Pokémon battle."
"Uh, but what I wanted was breeding advice..."
"A battle will allow you to see the differences between our two Steelix. Once you've noticed those differences yourself, my explanation will be much easier to understand."
"...Fair point." Kashiwagi was convinced. Brock ran back to the Center to change out of his apron.
-----
As a former Gym Leader who had traveled with Ash, Brock's strength was not to be underestimated. Not only did he possess a wide variety of Pokémon, but his tactical depth had increased significantly over the years.
Crucially, Kashiwagi knew that by the Sun & Moon era, Brock was capable of Mega Evolution. He wasn't sure if Brock had reached that stage yet, but he had to remain alert and give this fight his absolute all.
At sunset, in an open battle field near the Pokémon Center, the two took their positions.
"Even though our goal is to find the 'shining points' in each other's Pokémon, I hope you use your full strength. I want to see the coordination between you and your partner. That is more important than winning or losing."
Though he was no longer a Gym Leader, Brock instinctively spoke with the gravitas of one whenever he stood on a battlefield.
"Understood!" Kashiwagi nodded without hesitation.
Both released their Pokémon simultaneously.
The two Steelix that appeared had a staggering difference in size. Brock's was expertly raised, measuring roughly twelve or thirteen meters—a massive specimen by any standard. However, compared to Kashiwagi's titan with its four horizontal steel "ribs," it looked notably smaller.
"Stee-lix!" Brock's Steelix stared at the giant across the field, then looked back at its trainer in bewilderment.
What has that thing been eating? Compared to him, I'm just a 'Small-ix', aren't I?
"Stay focused! Here comes the attack!" Brock didn't answer his Pokémon's silent question. He issued a sharp command: "Use Gyro Ball!"