Pokemon Master

Cacturne and Murkrow had both broken through. The former was only natural, while the latter was a completely unexpected delight.

Before coming to the Sinnoh Region, Sato had set a goal for this trip: all his Pokemon, other than Murkrow and Zweilous, were to break through to the Pseudo-Elite Four level.

Well, Pichu didn't count either.

Pichu: I actually have a role? () So, although Sato and the others had not traveled across the entire Sinnoh Region and their journey had not been particularly long, their growth had been explosive.

Excluding the slumbering Ralts, Sato already had eleven Pseudo-Elite Four level Pokemon, every one of them among the best at their level.

At the same time, Sato's Dark Power had improved considerably over these past few years, and he had further developed the special ability derived from it.

After he realized that frequent use of Mega Evolution Stones could easily breed dependency, Sato had gradually reduced his reliance on that external aid.

Unless their lives were in danger, Sato chose to believe in his partners' own strength in normal battles.

After Sato recalled Cacturne and Murkrow, the group of four tacitly didn't say much. Instead, they walked around Lake Acuity like ordinary tourists, earnestly taking in the beautiful scenery.

Along the way, Mark continued clowning around, teasing this one and pestering that one, unable to stay still for even a moment.

Sometimes George got annoyed enough to scare Mark into submission with a few words, but before long, Mark would start acting up again.

Sato occasionally shot Mark a couple of eye-rolls, but most of the time, he simply could not be bothered to pay attention.

After all, habits were terrifying things.

Most of the time, Cynthia wore an indifferent expression as she watched Mark and the other two playing