In the Sunset Forest, Piers was contemplating a new song in his wooden cabin when he heard the door open. Looking up, he saw that Summer had returned.
"Oh, Summer, welcome back... but why do you look so exhausted?" Piers asked, puzzled. He had heard from Milo that this activity was just a way to improve the rangers' skills through battles. Yet, this kid looked like he had fought a hundred battles in a row.
"Ah, don't worry, Mr. Piers. I just went through some rigorous special training with three Gym Leaders. For some reason, they were very enthusiastic, and that's why I ended up like this," Summer replied weakly.
Special training? Gym Leaders? Piers quickly understood the situation. Gym Leaders are the pinnacle among trainers, possessing great strength as well as unique experiences and insights, which is why they hold their positions.
They love battling and naturally take an interest in talented trainers. They must have seen Summer's exceptional talent and recognized him as someone worthy of inheriting their experience, so they put in a lot of effort.
After all, Summer had once defeated Marnie. Piers, with a mix of teasing and sympathy, said, "Being taught by Gym Leaders is a stroke of luck. It's an opportunity many trainers dream of. But having three Gym Leaders take turns is a bit much."
Summer nodded silently. He and his Pokémon had gained a lot from this experience, but the combined intensity of training from three people was overwhelming.
Milo, a Grass-type Pokémon expert, provided comprehensive guidance on battling techniques for Grass-type Pokémon. He was very thorough, probably to make up for Summer's initial challenges with Thwackey.
He didn't teach any new moves but assigned trainers suitable for the three Grass-type Pokémon to help them master their strongest Grass-type moves.
Hisuian Lilligant's trainer was Shiftry, who, like Hisuian Lilligant, had leaf-like arms and was skilled in using Leaf Blade.
Shiftry explained that the key to Leaf Blade was to concentrate Grass energy at the edges of the leaves, making the energy concentration as thin as possible. This way, the Leaf Blade would be sharper and faster.
With swift speed, it could more easily hit the opponent's weak points and deliver a fatal blow. It was said that a fully mastered Leaf Blade could even cut through steel.
Although Hisuian Lilligant couldn't reach that level yet, her Leaf Blade's power improved significantly after understanding the key points. Previously, she had dispersed the energy throughout the entire leaf.
Moreover, this method made the Leaf Blade less detectable by enemies. Imagine a soft leaf brushing against the body, only to leave a sharp cut instantly.
Of course, dispersing energy throughout the leaf also had its uses. Sometimes, an attacking move could also serve as a defensive move.
Lilligant's trainer was Bellossom. Unlike Shiftry's brutal techniques, Bellossom's guidance was gentler. She taught Lilligant a special dance step that extended the duration of Petal Dance and mitigated the confusion state after the move.
The two beautiful Pokémon danced gracefully, turning training into a floral ball.
Thwackey's trainer was Ludicolo. After Thwackey showcased his strongest move, Wood Hammer, his body couldn't help but sway to the rhythm and start dancing. There was nothing more Ludicolo could teach.
Seeing his trainer dance, Thwackey followed the rhythm and started drumming. Their training turned into a dance-off.
After the session, Ludicolo silently gave a thumbs-up, complimenting Thwackey on his exceptional drumming, calling it heavenly.
For such a musical soulmate, Ludicolo had to give something in return. He taught Thwackey his proud move, Fake Out.
This move involved clapping to release a unique sound that flinched the opponent, allowing for a follow-up attack. However, it had a limitation: it only worked on the first encounter when the opponent was off guard.
Thwackey, having awakened his musical talent, learned Fake Out after just one demonstration from Ludicolo.
Once again, Ludicolo gave a thumbs-up, acknowledging Thwackey as his musical friend.
On the other side, after finishing with Summer, Milo took out a rock covered in red crystals, emitting a faint heat.
He told Summer this was a Heat Rock, a convenient way for Grass-type Pokémon to learn Sunny Day. Keeping it nearby would soon enable a Grass-type Pokémon to master Sunny Day.
"Take it, and do your best, Summer. I believe in you," Milo said with a smile.
The second Gym Leader to assist in the special training was Viola. As an expert in Bug-type Pokémon and a trainer with Vivillon as her ace, she taught Summer about powder moves.
This included how to improve accuracy, how to spread powders for maximum effect, and how to master various powder moves. Powder moves were a privilege of Grass and Bug-type Pokémon, making them useful even for non-Grass-type Pokémon.
Due to time constraints, Viola didn't teach Summer's Pokémon any moves but gave him a notebook. It contained instructions on Bug-type moves that other Pokémon could learn, such as U-turn and Pollen Puff.
Handing over the notebook, Viola smiled and said, "Experience the charm of Bug-type moves~ Of course, I'll be checking your homework. I'll visit the Sunset Forest someday, and of course, take some photos."
The last Gym Leader to train Summer was Larry. Although he was a Normal-type Gym Leader, the knowledge he imparted was all about Flying-type Pokémon. His explanation was:
"Knowing about Flying-types will help you more than Normal-type moves. There are many bird Pokémon in the forest, and Grass-types struggle against Flying-types, right?"
Perhaps noticing Summer's fatigue, Larry's training didn't last long, and they ended up chatting.
"Mr. Larry, why did you become a Normal-type Gym Leader?"
"Well, probably because I don't have a distinct personality. I like simplicity and clarity. The strange world draws people to explore, but the most comfortable place is a modest home," Larry said, looking at the sky.
"Indeed, I feel most at peace in the Sunset Forest."
"Yes, it might be inappropriate for me to say this, but Summer, you won't end up as an ordinary ranger. You might face unsolvable challenges." Larry opened his briefcase and took out a thin notebook.
"This contains a move called Endure. When you feel you can't go on, endure a little longer. Success might be just a moment away. This is the experience of a fellow working person."
Indeed, although it was tough, it was also fortunate. Milo's kindness, Viola's enthusiasm, and Larry's extraordinary perseverance—all three had their own charm.
"Mr. Piers, would you like to try a specialty from Turffield? These apples from Turffield Forest come in both sweet and sour flavors. You can't tell from the outside, like a blind box," Summer said, holding up a bag.
"Oh, interesting. I'll take one," Piers replied confidently.
It's said that Piers had a burst of inspiration that day, composing a new song called "Mockery of Fate." And no, it wasn't because he ate three sour apples in a row.
**(End of Chapter)**
Note: My new translation of Pokemon Fan-fic is out, go check it out. It's called "Pokemon: Food Adventure"