After four long days of intensive training, Aggron had finally mastered Dragon Rush.!
This Egg Move was a significant addition to its arsenal, further solidifying its growth in power.
With that, the mission for the wild Aggron came to an end.
When Kashiwagi escorted it back to its lair, the iron-armored beast showed clear signs of reluctance. Of course, it wasn't hard to guess exactly what it was reluctant to let go of.
"These are for you. They keep well, so try to pace yourself. Heaven knows when I'll be back this way again," Kashiwagi said, handing over several jars of high-quality Pokéblocks.
The wild Aggron's eyes welled up with tears, but it gripped the jars with a death lock. If it weren't for the control of the creature that literally ate iron for breakfast, those glass jars probably wouldn't have survived its "affectionate" squeeze.
"Until we meet again. Take care of yourself."
Kashiwagi patted the wild Aggron's forehead and waved goodbye. The giant Pokémon tried to wave back with a claw, but its grip slipped. A jar thudded to the ground, and it frantically scrambled to scoop it back up.
By the time it looked up again, Kashiwagi's silhouette had already vanished.
It stared at the clear flowing water and the cavernous, empty cave.
For some reason, its heart felt a bit lonely.
However, such emotions come and go quickly in the wild. Its territorial instincts soon flared up again.
Seeing unfamiliar footprints on the ground from its days away, it realized other wild Pokémon had been scouting its home.
The wild Aggron vowed to defend its territory to the death.
...
...
Meanwhile, Kashiwagi navigated the winding tunnels until he reached Sableye's nest. He happened to run right into the Darkness Pokémon as it was returning from a distance.
"Sable? Sableye!"
"It's me," Kashiwagi said with a laugh.
He caught the excited Sableye as it lunged at him, feeling its strange, cool skin.
"I'm about to leave this place, so I came to see you one last time. I brought you something, too."
He pulled out a batch of premium Pokéblocks he had prepared. Noticing the Pokémon's confused look, he smiled.
"A parting gift. Who knows when we'll cross paths again? I wanted to give you as much as I could."
"Sable..."
Sableye looked at the Pokéblocks on the ground, then up at Kashiwagi's warm smile. Suddenly, its gem-like eyes brimmed with tears, and it dove back into his arms.
"Sableye! Sableye!"
In its entire life, Sableye had never encountered someone so kind. It never imagined that a friend it made by chance would care for it so much. The surge of emotion was impossible to hold back.
"Steady now, steady..." Kashiwagi whispered, gently stroking its head.
After a moment, Sableye composed itself and scurried back into its nest. It emerged clutching a pile of rare crystals, insisting this time that Kashiwagi take them all.
"Alright, alright. I'll take them." Kashiwagi couldn't say no to the little guy.
The two sat outside the nest for a while, sharing a brief conversation. Even if they didn't speak the same language, it was clear that Sableye was happy. But eventually, the moment of departure arrived.
"I have to go now. Take care of yourself. I'll come visit again someday."
Kashiwagi waved. Throughout their time together, he'd never felt the urge to "trick" or capture it.
There were many reasons—Sableye's attachment to Granite Cave being one of them—but ultimately, it stemmed from his own philosophy on the bond between humans and Pokémon.
Did the relationship have to be restricted to Trainer and Partner?
No.
Perhaps a Trainer and their Pokémon were more intimate, but it didn't mean that was the only way. A friendship that felt joyful upon meeting and bittersweet upon parting was just as valid.
Throughout Ash's journeys, he often met wild Pokémon he never caught but shared an extraordinary bond with nonetheless.
Kashiwagi wanted his own team to be close, but he also wanted wild friends. Life is only beautiful when it's colorful.
"Sableye!"
Sableye watched its human friend walk away. Its gaze held both sadness and a blessing for his journey. Mimicking human behavior, it waved its claw vigorously.
Take care, my friend!
"I will," Kashiwagi replied with a smile, as if he understood perfectly.
Sableye lowered its claw, its wide mouth splitting into a grin as it watched him disappear.
For a split second, it thought about chasing after him—to follow his footsteps and see the sights only he could see. It certainly wouldn't be boring; it would be wonderful.
But it was only a fleeting thought. Granite Cave held too many things it cherished. It might only have one human friend, but it had many Pokémon friends here.
Ah... today is a good day.
Sableye returned to its nest, looking at the carefully stored jars of treats, its grin widening even further.
...
...
Dewford Town Docks
Kashiwagi purchased a ferry ticket to Slateport City and successfully boarded the ship.
Compared to the trip to Dewford, this ferry was much more crowded. Slateport was a bustling hub, far grander than a rural town like Dewford.
"Slateport City... it's almost time for the Contest again. I wonder if I'll run into any tough opponents this time."
He scrolled through his phone. Although the organizers didn't require it, most Coordinators changed their performance themes for every Contest to keep their moves fresh and stylish.
To avoid being criticized for "coasting on old material"—and to uphold the reputation of the Orre region—he decided he needed something new.
What should I go with?
Just as he was brainstorming, a voice called out from beside him.
"Ex-excuse me! Big brother! Let's have a Pokémon battle!"
Kashiwagi looked sideways, blinking in surprise. A young kid with bangs that nearly covered his eyes was holding a Poké Ball, looking both nervous and excited.
"Are you talking to me?"
Kashiwagi pointed at himself. He saw the kid eyeing the empty Poké Balls hanging from his belt and understood immediately.
"Sure. But this spot isn't great for a fight. Let's head to the deck."
"Okay!" the kid nodded eagerly.
Once on the spacious deck, having confirmed there were no "No Battling" signs around, both sides tossed their Poké Balls.
Pop! Pop!
White light flashed.
"Azumarill!"
An Azumarill appeared—its body round like an oversized blue egg, sporting long rabbit ears and short limbs. Its opponent was Deino.
The kid scanned Deino with his Pokédex. When he heard it was a Dark/Dragon-type, his eyes lit up! Luck is on my side!
"Azumarill! Use Ice Beam!" he shouted.
"Rill!"
Azumarill opened its mouth wide, and a jagged bolt of ice-blue energy streaked toward Deino!
"Dodge it!"
Following Kashiwagi's command, Deino sprinted toward the side of the cabin. With a sudden burst of speed, it used the momentum to run along the vertical wall of the ship!
The blue lightning missed repeatedly, grazing the cabin walls and leaving behind brilliant, shimmering ice crystals.
In an instant, Deino landed directly behind Azumarill.
"Thunder Fang!"
"Deii-noo!"
Deino opened its jaws, which were now crackling with blue electricity, and bit down hard on Azumarill's back!
Boom!
The current danced like silver snakes before exploding into a cloud of smoke.
Kashiwagi was about to call out his next move, but as he saw the sparkling ice crystals glinting through the smoke, a flash of inspiration suddenly struck his mind.