As soon as Sato said that, Pichu took a step back. While it could be a bit playful at times, when it came to serious matters, it tried its best not to trouble Sato.
Sandile and Zweilous also quietly stepped back. It wasn't that they didn't want to go; it's just that their strength really didn't allow it.
The rest? Not a single one backed off…
"You want to go too? This tournament is really important. If you go, there's no slacking," Sato looked at Ralts and spoke seriously.
"Ralts!"
Ralts nodded just as seriously, clenching its little fists with a look that said, "Don't you know I'm strong?"
No argument there, Ralts was indeed strong. And in an environment like Vertress Cave, Psychic-types could really shine.
But now things were complicated. Only six Pokémon could go, and he had seven candidates. One spot short.
Knock knock knock!
A knock came from the door.
Still thinking, Sato got up.
"Joseph? What's up?"
"Yeah, I saw you've got a lot of Pokémon. Mind lending me one?" Joseph said with a grin… and just like that, solved Sato's problem.
"Perfect timing! Ralts wanted to go, and I was stuck on who to leave out. Then you show up." Sato patted Joseph on the shoulder, clearly relieved.
Joseph was a Breeder. He hadn't really catch new partners and had stuck with his usual five Pokémon.
Those were Florges, Gogoat, Kirlia, Wigglytuff, and Chansey. Just enough room to carry one more.
"Alright, who's willing to go stay with Joseph for a few days?" Sato turned to his Pokémon and asked.
…And to his surprise, Sharpedo, Weavile, Ariados, and Ralts all stepped forward, volunteering.
"Ahem!" Sato choked on his own spit, staring at the four Pokémon in disbelief.
He had been prepared to have a tough time choosing. He hadn't expected so many to jump forward so eagerly.
The four looked at each other, all a little sheepish… and quietly amused.
"This just proves I take good care of them. That's why they're willing to come with me, hehe!"
Joseph didn't gloat, but that giggle of his was enough to grate on Sato's nerves.
"Weavile, I'll be counting on you," Joseph said without further debate. He walked up to Weavile and scratched its sensitive ear.
"Wea!" Weavile nodded and waved a shining claw, as if to say, "I'll protect you properly."
"Alright, fine. Weavile, you'll stay with Joseph for now," Sato said with a sigh, wanting very badly to scold these overly enthusiastic Pokémon. 'Couldn't they at least try to act conflicted?'
Still, once he calmed down, Sato understood. Ever since he'd started traveling with Joseph, things like food, grooming, and healing -everything besides battles- had mostly been handled by him.
And with his Viridian Power, Joseph could communicate exceptionally well with Pokémon. It was no wonder they were drawn to him.
So if it was just for a few days under Joseph's care… it really wasn't surprising that they'd be willing.
'Yeah', Sato told himself with conviction.
And so, the final lineup was set. Ralts was swapped out for Weavile. Though Sato wouldn't say it out loud, the team's overall strength had indeed improved.
After all, Ralts was basically a hidden boss, one of the truly strong ones.
Over the next few days, aside from setting time for the new Pokémon to do some basic training, the group focused entirely on strategy, positioning, and crisis response.
For the first time, everyone's full team lineups were revealed.
Ryoko brought a well-rounded squad: the Hoenn starter trio, Flygon, Aggron, and Swellow.
Phoebe went full Ghost-type: Gengar, Sableye, Banette, Mismagius, Dusclops, and Chandelure.
Chandelure, being a powerful recent capture, was chosen without hesitation. She opted to leave Drifblim with Greno instead.
With Weavile on board, Joseph's team was now complete.
As for Mark… Ryoko and Phoebe had both offered him a couple of Pokémon, but he turned them down with a miserable expression.
"Just be our mascot and leave the fighting to us," Phoebe said confidently, though this time she didn't mock Mark.
----
Time flew by.
It was hard to notice during training, but at night, when they went out to the market, it became clear.
There were more people now, and more Trainers with high-level Pokémon. That person you just brushed past? Could easily be your next opponent in the trial.
With that tense and competitive atmosphere rising, the group lost all interest in sightseeing and returned to the training room to focus completely.
----
In the blink of an eye, the Vertress Cave Trial Tournament began. That morning, the sky was bright and clear, and colorful fireworks exploded overhead.
With the host's enthusiastic introduction, participants began arriving at the waiting area one by one, awaiting the start of the tournament.
Sato's group, being specially invited guests and representing the League Headquarters, were saved for last.
They entered the waiting area under everyone's watchful gaze, and the impression they left could be summed up in two words:
Young!
The entry requirement was Peak Elite, and the upper limit was unofficially considered to be anything below Low Pseudo-Elite Four.
Most Trainers at that level were 16 or older.
But Sato and his group? They looked like a bunch of kids…
"They're probably genius-type Trainers. I mean, they are representing League HQ," someone in the crowd commented, somewhat impressed.
"Hah, from backwater regions, right? Maybe they used to be strong, but now? Can they even produce real Trainers anymore? Probably just threw together some kids to save reputation!" sneered a brown-haired local from Unova. And he wasn't the only one saying it.
"Just wait and see… hoooh, not bad, actually!"
To stir up excitement, each participant was allowed to send out one Pokémon before entering Vertress Cave; essentially to size up the competition.
Sato's group, naturally, sent out the most imposing Pokémon from their teams.
When Sharpedo, Aggron, Gengar, Weavile, and Arbok -all Elite-level- appeared together on the field, the effect was immediate.
They were unfamiliar species, all with intimidating auras and impressive power.
Having that kind of strength at their age? That alone was something worth flaunting.