Aoki obtained many interesting items from Shuichi's storage space.
In addition to this, there was a large quantity of mineral deposits.
As an expert in Ground and Rock-type Pokémon, most of his team consisted of these types, so these minerals served as food for his Pokémon.
However, Aoki examined these minerals and divided them into two piles.
One pile was of average quality - likely provisions prepared for his Pokémon before coming to the island.
While "average" by Aoki and Steven's standards, these would be considered high-quality by most Trainers.
The second pile was clearly obtained on the island, with mineral quality matching what Aoki had previously acquired.
While searching through Shuichi's storage space, Aoki discovered diamonds in one corner - the same type consumed by Larvitar and Aron.
The quantity far exceeded what Aoki had previously extracted from minerals.
After examining them, Aoki noted these diamonds were identical in quality, color, and transparency - unusually consistent for natural diamonds.
This discovery surprised Aoki.
Had Shuichi found a rich diamond deposit on the island?
If such a deposit existed...
Larvitar and Aron might truly grow up eating diamonds regularly.
"Perhaps the sandstone area holds more secrets than I realized. Shu may have uncovered something while I became complacent with small gains," Aoki reflected.
He stored the diamonds in his backpack.
Though more plentiful than his previous find, these would only feed Larvitar and Aron for a day or two.
Resolving to investigate the sandstone area thoroughly each day,
Aoki hoped to uncover new discoveries.
After organizing Shuichi's storage, the Pokémon's dinner time concluded.
Keeping this matter in mind, Aoki cleaned up and began targeted training sessions.
Following Altaria's guidance yesterday, Honchkrow had recognized its shortcomings and trained diligently without needing reminders.
Aoki appreciated Honchkrow's self-discipline.
Today, Honchkrow trained without weights - their limiting effect had diminished with its growing strength, now mainly serving to increase training difficulty.
After today's battle with Slowking, Aoki identified several areas for improvement.
As a Water/Psychic-type, Slowking's excellent psychic abilities had overshadowed its Water potential.
Due to time constraints previously, Aoki had focused on maximizing Slowking's strongest trait - its psychic powers.
Now that Slowking had reached elite status, its growth rate slowed, warranting more Water-type training.
While Slowking's Water moves weren't weak, they lagged behind its psychic abilities.
Thus, Slowking would focus on mastering Water-type energy control, even when not using Water moves.
Weavile, Gengar, and Drapion, having recently evolved to elite status, required more intensive training.
Post-evolution, Weavile and Drapion's bodies showed significant changes.
While adapting to their new forms, Weavile needed continued Ice-type training, particularly mastering Blizzard.
During the Scolipede battle, Weavile's Blizzard hadn't met Aoki's standards - this became its focus.
Drapion learned three elemental fangs post-evolution:
Fire Fang
Thunder Fang
Ice Fang
This improved its matchup coverage against various types.
For instance, these moves helped against Ground/Steel-types like Excadrill that normally countered Drapion.
However, Drapion lacked proficiency with these new moves.
Between evolution's physical changes and learning new moves, Drapion faced rigorous training.
Aoki's regimen had Drapion running across fields, then striking trees to acclimate its body, before practicing elemental fang attacks on them - aiming for seamless attribute switching.
Further technique development would wait until Drapion mastered these basics.
Finally, Gengar.
Having adapted well to its evolved form through intense battling at the Pokémon Center, Gengar fought as effectively as before.
But post-evolution changes, new advantages, and skill adjustments remained incomplete.
As a Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution, Aoki held high expectations for Gengar.
Despite modest stat improvements after evolution, Aoki believed this wouldn't limit Gengar's potential.
More importantly, Aoki suspected the black crystal from the mountain elder held deeper significance.
Though Gengar had assimilated its energy, the black energy's full potential might remain untapped.
Thus Gengar trained intensely.
Truthfully, none of Aoki's Pokémon had truly reached their current level's maximum potential.
Some simply had more room for growth than others - depending on their previous mastery.