Pokémon: Above the Top

"Umbre?"

Umbreon tilted its head in confusion. It had always focused on agility training, so it didn't quite understand why Sato was emphasizing it again.

"Extreme agility and physique training. I'm going to have dozens… maybe even hundreds, of Murkrow attack you at the same time. What you need to do is dodge. Dodge until your body moves on its own before your brain even gives the order.

And as for strengthening your body; that means taking hits nonstop. So this training process… will be painful."

"Umbre!"

Umbreon stepped forward firmly, showing it wasn't afraid. Pain? That was nothing. It hadn't been a weak little Eevee in a long time!

"Mm!" Sato gave Umbreon an affirming look, then turned to the next Pokémon.

"Cacturne, your speed issues are also due to natural limitations. But you and Umbreon are opposites, one focuses on defense, the other on offense. So the training focus is also different."

"Cac~"

Cacturne gave a soft cry. It was well aware of its own limitations; both its defense and speed were weaknesses.

Its defense could be compensated through stamina-draining tactics, but its lack of speed always held it back.

"My plan for you is: if you can't make yourself faster, then make your opponents slower.

Force them down to your pace, or even slower, and then use your experience in combat to take them down.

So this month, your goal is to make using Cotton Spore a subconscious reflex, just like how Sharpedo uses Whirlpool constantly."

"Cac!"

Cacturne's eyes lit up, and it nodded in understanding.

"Krookodile."

"Krooko!"

Hearing its name, Krookodile eagerly stepped forward.

"In the past, I assigned you a support role in the team, so you specialized in moves like Sand Tomb, Rock Tomb, and Sandstorm.

But the Krookodile species has always been about raw offense! Your speed potential isn't bad either, you just never had it prioritized.

So your goal this time… is to become a true Krookodile!"

"Dile!"

Krookodile clenched its fists, clearly understanding.

It was smart. It knew exactly what Sato meant by a "true Krookodile."

Sato had personal bias… he admitted that much to himself.

Krookodile's moves overlapped with Tyranitar's to a certain extent.

And realistically, while Krookodile was strong, it just couldn't match the potential of the pseudo-legendary Tyranitar.

So Sato had focused Krookodile's training on support-type moves. In some ways, he was shaping it into a doubles partner for Tyranitar.

But that was a bit unfair to Krookodile. The calmness in its eyes didn't come from pride in its growth.

Was it just chill?

No.

It was just that the progress made wasn't in the area it truly wanted to grow.

"…Tyranitar."

Sato turned his attention to Tyranitar.

Tyranitar nodded at Sato, its eyes steady -not excited, not anxious- just solid as always.

As a fully evolved pseudo-legendary, Tyranitar's speed wasn't bad at all. But because it had a superior way of moving, it often stood still like a mountain.

"You've mastered moving by manipulating the rock beneath your feet, that's fine. It catches your opponents off guard.

But it's not enough. You need to train until you can use that method… to at least catch up to Houndoom."

"Tar~"

Tyranitar nodded, indicating it understood.

"Also, there are a few moves you should start learning. Fire Blast, Hydro Pump, Thunder, and Blizzard… these four moves will greatly expand your offensive range and can sometimes produce unexpected results."

Special Attack wasn't Tyranitar's strong suit, but that was only in comparison to its Physical Attack.

Most people understood Tyranitar as a brute-force attacker capable of smashing anything in its path.

But if it suddenly unleashed a strong Special move -especially one not even of its own type- the surprise alone would be enough to throw many opponents off.

"Tar!"

Tyranitar nodded again, its expression saying, 'Whatever you say. I've got no objections.'

But once it hit the battlefield, unleashing absolute fury would never be a problem.

"Ariados…"

"Dos!"

Ariados quickly stepped forward, thinking, 'Finally, it's my turn.' It hadn't had a good fight in a long while, so it was extra eager.

"Ariados, your one and only task for this month is to eat and fully absorb this."

As Sato spoke, he solemnly took out the Draconpoison Husk he had obtained from Darkrai and handed it to Ariados.

"…Dos?"

Ariados held the husk, eyeing the unimpressive-looking object. It couldn't sense anything particularly special about it.

"The Draconpoison Husk has completely hardened, which actually makes it easier to absorb. Don't judge it by its ugly appearance, the energy inside is terrifying. At first, you can only lick it. Do not overdo it!"

Seeing how serious Sato was, Ariados immediately took it seriously too. The thought of gulping it down in one bite was quickly erased from its mind.

Draconpoison Husk was incredibly rare in the world. As an item known to extend lifespan, its value couldn't even be measured with money.

As for how to use it, Sato had asked Drake, who in turn tapped into his own connections to ask an ancient, long-declined family for the information.

When Drake learned what the Draconpoison Husk could do, even he couldn't hide his envy and amazement…

Amazed by its ability to prolong life, envious of Sato's absurdly good fortune.

As for coveting his student's treasure? Drake had never even considered it. His pride wouldn't allow it.

With Ariados taken care of, Sato shifted his gaze to Gengar.

"Gengar, your stats are solid across the board, but you lack a true finishing move. Among all known Ghost-type moves, only one or two count as super finishers, and you can't learn any of them…

So I want you to combine Spatial energy and try to develop a unique finishing move of your own, something like Zoroark's [Night Daze sphere]."

"Gengen~"

Gengar's golden pupils were filled of contemplation. Clearly, it agreed with Sato's judgment.

But how to combine those powers… that was something Sato couldn't help with. And for now, Gengar had no clue either.

"No rush, take your time."

"Gen~"

Gengar nodded, then immediately melted back into the shadows. In its shadow space, Gengar could concentrate better.

"Alright, next is… Sharpedo."

"Sha!"

Sharpedo rushed over excitedly, full of anticipation.