"Rocky-sensei, I'd like to join the All Star Fitness Club, but I have a farm to take care of. I may not be able to leave for long periods," Rex expressed his concerns to Rocky, explaining his situation.
"That's no problem. In the All Star Fitness Club, unless you've comprehended 'Qi,' you're not considered a core disciple. I just need to vouch for you, send your information to my master, and once he approves, I can teach you the All Star Fitness Body Training Technique in his place," Rocky explained, pleased that Rex was willing to join.
"Thank you for your trouble, Rocky-sensei!" Rex thanked him.
"Once Master agrees, you'll be my junior disciple. You can call me 'senior brother' from then on," Rocky corrected him.
After gathering some basic information about Rex, Rocky promised to visit Rex's farm and teach him the All Star Fitness Body Training Technique once his master gave his approval.
The All Star Fitness Body Training Technique is the core inheritance of the All Star Fitness Club, designed to help practitioners enhance their physical abilities to their body's limits, preparing them to sense and control 'Qi.'
Earlier, Rocky had taught Rex the Body Strengthening Technique, which was merely the foundation for the All Star Fitness Body Training Technique. One must practice the Body Strengthening Technique to a certain level before being qualified to train in the All Star Fitness Body Training Technique.
If one attempts to practice the All Star Fitness Body Training Technique without sufficient physical preparation, the best-case scenario is muscle strains; the worst-case scenario could lead to broken bones and torn tendons, illustrating how difficult the technique is.
When Rex heard about the training requirements, he was shocked. He thought that mastering the Body Strengthening Technique had brought him close to his physical limits, only to find out that he had just reached the threshold for learning the All Star Fitness Body Training Technique.
After exchanging contact information with Rocky and providing him with the address of Rex Farm, Rex bid farewell to him.
Once Rocky's master approved Rex's entry into the All Star Fitness Club, Rocky would visit Rex's farm to teach him the technique, marking Rex's official entry into the martial artist's club.
After his encounter with Rocky, Rex lost his enthusiasm for shopping, so after buying some daily supplies at the department store, he returned to Rex Farm.
Upon his return, Rex found a few customers talking to Karen about the remaining Poliwag eggs. However, the crowd was much smaller compared to when the Taillow eggs were on sale.
Rex didn't disturb Karen and went upstairs to the storage room to check on the remaining Poliwag eggs. There were only about 20 left.
Though Poliwag eggs were less popular, families unable to get other starter Pokémon often chose them. Rex estimated that these eggs would sell out within a month. If neither the Swellow flock nor the Poliwrath group produced new eggs, the breeding house might need to close temporarily.
However, Rex didn't think there would be a complete shortage. He considered purchasing eggs from other sources to sell but dismissed the idea, deeming it too troublesome.
Selling Pokémon eggs from his own farm was a huge profit margin. Buying eggs from elsewhere to resell involved risk and could result in losses.
On the other hand, Rocky sent Rex's information to his master after they parted.
"Rocky, how long has it been since you last contacted me?" a slightly aged but vigorous voice came through the phone. The questioning tone made Rocky sweat; it was his master, Layton, who had guided him along the path of a martial artist.
"I deeply apologize, Master Layton. I haven't reached a breakthrough, and I'm ashamed to contact you. I've failed to meet your expectations," Rocky admitted guiltily.
"Rocky, what nonsense are you talking about? The All Star Fitness Club's philosophy is to follow nature's flow and realize the 'Heavenly Heart.' Your heavy thoughts and burdens are probably what's preventing you from breaking through," Layton scolded.
Layton had always held Rocky in high regard, but even he hadn't expected that the hurdle of comprehending 'Qi' would hold his disciple back for so long, much to his frustration.
However, the comprehension of 'Qi' was a personal journey. No matter how much others spoke of their experiences, everyone's method of reaching it was different.
"By the way, this boy you recommended, Rex, did he really complete the Body Strengthening Technique in less than a year?" Layton asked, remembering the main purpose of the call.
"Yes, Master Layton. Strictly speaking, it took him just over half a year. I believe with the All Star Fitness Body Training Technique, he could reach his physical limits quickly. Whether or not he can comprehend 'Qi' will depend on his insight," Rocky answered confidently.
"Hmm, if he's as talented as you say, he's quite promising. I'll have one of my disciples in the Hoenn League check his background. If there's nothing suspicious, I'll contact you again. That's all for now," Layton said before hanging up.
Though the All Star Fitness Club wasn't a top-tier martial arts group, it had quite a few disciples across different regions, thanks to the nature of their training, which required disciples to travel and gain insight on their own. Once they succeeded, they would return to the main headquarters for further training.
During these journeys, disciples would sometimes recruit promising individuals into the All Star Fitness Club, much like Rex.
This practice ensured that the club didn't remain limited to one location and continually received new members to sustain its legacy.
However, before officially joining, all new recruits had to undergo background checks to ensure they weren't of dubious character.
Rex, of course, had nothing to fear. His history was spotless, and his actions in Hoenn had always been aboveboard.
Three days after Rex returned to Rex Farm, Rocky visited him again, signaling that Rex had been accepted into the All Star Fitness Club.
Layton had reviewed Rex's background through his contacts in the Hoenn League. He learned that Rex was a shipwreck survivor who had trekked through the wilderness back to civilization, relying on his own strength.
Since then, Rex had worked hard, quickly becoming a capable trainer while also managing a farm on his own.
The more Layton read about Rex, the more satisfied he became. He quickly called Rocky, approving Rex's entry into the All Star Fitness Club.
Layton even urged Rocky to teach Rex carefully, as he believed the boy had boundless potential, both as a martial artist and as a Pokémon trainer.
(End of the chapter)