After careful consideration, Aoki settled on a recipe for an intermediate-ranked Pokéblock known as the Sitrus Berry Pokéblock. This particular Pokéblock possessed unique properties, replenishing the missing elements in a Pokémon's body, swiftly adjusting its physical condition, and restoring its innate talents to the fullest extent possible.
Fortunately, Aoki had come across some of the more common herbs and berries on this promising island. The production process for the Sitrus Berry Pokéblock was straightforward, requiring no complex procedures or special tools. It was a perfect fit for Aoki and Murkrow at this stage.
"Now, the next task is to locate these materials. Training will have to wait a little longer," Aoki thought to himself. His priority was to help Murkrow recover. While training and battling were important, Aoki didn't want to squander Murkrow's innate talents by rushing into it. He believed that even without intensive training during this period, both he and Murkrow could make rapid progress.
Three days swiftly passed by as Aoki and Murkrow traversed the forest in search of berries and medicinal herbs. It slightly exceeded Aoki's initial timeline, but it was still manageable.
Finally, with the completion of the Sitrus Berry Pokéblock, Aoki held it in the palm of his hand. Its coolness was palpable against his skin as he observed the flesh. Its light yellow color appeared smooth and emitted a subtle fragrance, gently dispersing into the air under the sun's rays.
Creating Pokéblocks was a smooth process for Aoki, and the final result exceeded his initial expectations. This particular recipe, obtained unintentionally from his past life, had never been utilized before. Aoki hoped that its effects would live up to his hopes.
With a flick of his finger, Aoki tossed the Pokéblock into the air. Murkrow, eagerly watching the entire process, swiftly launched from Aoki's shoulder and snatched the Pokéblock mid-air. The enticing fragrance emanating from the Pokéblock had already tempted Murkrow.
Aoki observed Murkrow's excitement and nodded with a smile of approval.
After receiving Aoki's affirmation, Murkrow consumed the Pokéblock.
"Ka!" A taste previously unknown to Murkrow filled its mouth, causing it to open its beak and emit a contented cry, squinting its eyes in delight.
Murkrow's expressions clearly indicated its enjoyment of the Pokéblock's taste.
"It seems to be quite tasty," Aoki smiled faintly. "According to the recipe, the Sitrus Berry intermediate-ranked Pokéblock can be consumed up to ten times a day. After ten, the effects will diminish. If eaten for seven days, it should be able to restore a Pokémon's vitality." Aoki inspected the nearly hundred Pokéblocks in his possession, setting aside nine while carefully wrapping the rest in prepared cloth and securing them around his waist.
One by one, Aoki tossed the Pokéblocks in his hand, and Murkrow swiftly caught them with its lightning-quick movements. Although the effects wouldn't be immediate, Aoki could visually perceive the progress in Murkrow's abilities through Microchip. The colors representing its attributes appeared slightly deeper.
"To ensure better absorption, Murkrow, we need to begin training. Are you ready to grow stronger?" Aoki asked, throwing the final Pokéblock.
"Ka!" Murkrow responded with a resolute Growl.
Aoki had long been familiar with Murkrow's training needs and potential. Murkrow excelled in speed, and if its exceptional Speed Stat wasn't utilized effectively, it would be a waste. Additionally, Murkrow possessed the Implicit Characteristic Trait known as Heart of Mischief.
Heart of Mischief allowed Murkrow to be the first to execute status-changing moves, making it a valuable asset.
"Murkrow, use Tailwind," Aoki commanded. A gentle breeze enveloped Murkrow's entire body. Tailwind, a status-changing move, accelerated the entire team's speed.
Murkrow felt the power surging within its body, as if an endless energy had been awakened. The Pokéblock it had consumed transformed into a warm flow, coursing through its limbs and providing a steady source of strength that emanated from its being.
Soon, the duration of Tailwind came to an end, and the breeze dissipated.
"Maintain the Tailwind status, ensuring it remains confined to your immediate vicinity and try to increase its duration," Aoki reiterated. While Tailwind had the ability to accelerate the entire team, Aoki wanted to limit its effects to Murkrow alone. By doing so, the energy consumption would decrease, allowing the Tailwind to last longer. In theory, Murkrow could potentially maintain an indefinite speed boost.
Although Murkrow wasn't certain why Aoki had given this specific instruction, it began to gather the airflow around its body, attempting to control it for a longer duration.
"Oh..." After a minute had passed, Murkrow's gathered airflow finally dissipated completely, as if it had exhausted its full strength. It let out a breath, panting slightly.
"Remember this state. Our goal is to keep Tailwind by your side. Now, Encore," Aoki stated, his demeanor undergoing a drastic change during the training session. His expression became stern and serious.
"Continue, Tailwind..."
"Continue, Tailwind..."
"Carry on..."
"Carry on..."
Once the training had commenced, Aoki transformed into a relentless and determined trainer. With the aid of Microchip, he was able to accurately gauge the limits of Murkrow's training. There was no excessive strain that could harm its body, nor was there any training that fell short of expectations.
After three days of intensive training, Aoki successfully extended the duration of Murkrow's Tailwind from one minute to ten minutes. Murkrow, now independent of Aoki's commands, would consistently use Tailwind while perched on his shoulders, always ready to gain an early advantage in battle.
Initially, Aoki intended to continue training in the forest until the start of the final trial, in line with his usual character. However, Team Rocket's regulations required them to report to the base once a week. Failing to do so would result in a deduction of Integral Points, and insufficient points would lead to obliteration.
As Aoki arrived at the crowded square, filled with 300 individuals, he noticed the wary and hostile glances exchanged among the sparse groups. Each person present understood the significance of failure in the trials—survival was at stake. In this desperate environment, everyone was considered an enemy.
Aoki cast a casual glance at the small groups huddled together, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. Survival as a group was indeed a futile endeavor, but it depended on the circumstances. When life and death hung in the balance, who would truly care about others? The groups were merely a collection of powerful individuals and their lackeys. They existed only to serve a purpose. As for the outcome of the final trial, as long as one possessed enough strength, no one would dare to oppose them.
Among the people gathered in the square, each individual had a Pokémon by their side. Most of them had Zubats, which were relatively docile, while a few others had Ekans and Koffing as their companions. A few individuals, including Aoki, had other Pokémon following them. Among the various Pokémon, there were only three Murkrow.
Compared to the menacing Ekans and Koffing, Zubats were considered relatively tame Pokémon. For young individuals without much power, being able to tame a wild Pokémon was already a valuable accomplishment. Those who managed to tame Ekans and Koffing were certainly not weak. After a week of survival in the jungle, the gap between the participants became more apparent.
The stronger the powerhouse, the weaker the weaker ones appeared in contrast.
Despite only three days of training and minimal battles, Murkrow had reached Level 1. Although Aoki's achievements were modest compared to others, his data didn't draw much attention. Furthermore, thanks to the nutritional supplements he had been taking, his previously pale complexion began to regain a healthy color.
Quietly moving to a corner of the square, Aoki crossed his arms near his chest and leaned against a stone pillar, trying to calm himself.