Pokemon: Rising From The Dark Chapter 492 - 743 - Shared Rent

Before entering the Top 128, there shouldn't be much pressure.

Even if he made it to the Top 128, in Aoki's view, as long as he didn't encounter those super strong opponents, there shouldn't be much difficulty.

After all, given the League's usual matchmaking tendencies, it would be unusual for strong competitors to face each other too early.

Aoki, Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace left the private room first, as they were scheduled for the earliest matches. The others remained behind, still waiting for their turns.

The order of the matches revealed how the League viewed their standings.

The Hoenn contingent was led by Steven and Aoki, with Phoebe and Wallace slightly behind, followed by the rest in descending order.

As an experienced Trainer, Aoki headed straight to a rental agency in Jubilife City and secured the most secluded and spacious suburban manor available.

Without hesitation, he finalized the rental. With Steven around, money was no object.

Under the surprised gazes of his companions, Aoki led them to the sprawling manor on the outskirts of Jubilife City.

Once the rental agency handed over the keys, the grand estate beca their temporary residence.

"Aoki, why rent such a huge place? This lawn is massive!" Phoebe asked, her eyes sparkling as she surveyed the expansive grounds.

Aoki smiled. "Given the competition schedule, we'll be in Jubilife City for a while. I figured we might as well have space to train without distractions."

"But wouldn't the Pokémon Center be enough? This seems expensive," Phoebe pressed.

"It's about privacy," Wallace interjected. "The Pokémon Center is packed this ti of year. While we could stay there, training our Pokémon would be difficult."

As competitors representing Hoenn, they needed space to train without revealing strategies—especially with Trainers from other regions around.

"Besides, the cost isn't an issue," Steven added approvingly. "This setup is perfect for focused training. Good thinking, Aoki."

Though it couldn't compare to the Stone family's estates, the manor was more than enough for the four of them.

"Plenty of rooms inside—pick whichever you like," Aoki said. "The backyard is spacious, so if you want to train discreetly, just find a corner. No need to worry about prying eyes."

With that, he headed toward the central villa, his companions following.

Shared lodging here was far more comfortable than cramming into the Pokémon Center or a hotel.

Aoki chose a corner room on the second floor, while Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace selected their own.

The rooms were generously sized, with high ceilings—ample space for Aoki to summon all his Pokémon if needed.

He released Honchkrow, Weavile, and Larvitar.

Since they wouldn't be battling in the early rounds, open training wasn't an option. For now, they'd remain here.

Ideally, Aoki would've rented alone, but fostering good relations with Hoenn's future elite was worthwhile.

Besides, he'd promised Wallace feedback on his team's training regin and even custom Pokéblocks.

If they faced each other later, knowing Wallace's team's capabilities would be an advantage.

For now, though, Aoki's Pokémon needed stability after their rigorous training on Mt. Coronet.

Slowking, his primary support, had grown stronger, reaching Level 51—firmly in the pseudo-champion tier.

Florges, despite her long battles, had only reached Level 46 due to her supportive role.

Honchkrow, Drapion, Weavile, and Gengar had each gained two levels, now at Level 48.

Aoki's first-string team was well-balanced level-wise, though gaps remained.

Honchkrow and the others were peak Elite-tier—one step away from pseudo-champion status. Once they broke through, Aoki would officially be a pseudo-champion Trainer.

They weren't confined to the room, though. Using Unown's spatial-warping ability, Aoki created a pocket dinsion where they could train freely.

After sealing the rift, Aoki headed downstairs to the backyard and released the rest of his team:

Slowking, Drapion, Gengar, Florges, Swampert, and Poliwhirl—his core six for the Sinnoh competition.

He started with basic endurance drills.

Jogging around the manor served as a warm-up—intense enough for powerhouses like Swampert and Drapion, yet manageable for Florges and Slowking.

Running alongside them strengthened their bond while keeping them disciplined.

Soon, Steven, Phoebe, and Wallace joined, each beginning their own training.

Steven's team was a spectacle:

His shining tagross, imposing Aggron, sturdy Skarmory, ancient Armaldo, revived Cradily, and—most shockingly—an Aerodactyl.

Aoki didn't ask how Steven had obtained the fossil Pokémon. Training took priority.

Phoebe's ghostly squad—Banette, Sableye, Dusclops, Mismagius, Drifblim, and Gengar—was unsettling for most, but she handled them with cheerful ease.

Wallace's team—Milotic, Walrein, Gyarados, Whiscash, Luvdisc, and Starmie—reflected his future Champion status.