That evening, Chen Shi went into the backyard, let out his partners, and took out Pokéblocks to feed them.
"Dreepy, you've grown up, and so has your appetite!"
"Baruya~"
Dragapult turned away, refusing to acknowledge him, and continued stuffing Pokéblocks into its mouth, sharing some with the Dreepy on its head.
"Charmeleon, you're improving fast. You're about to catch up with a certain little glutton."
Chen Shi wasn't making things up. Charmeleon was already level 44, at Mid Elite, while Togepi had only just reached Late Elite that day.
But Charmeleon always trained like its life depended on it, so that progress was only natural.
Following Dragonite around didn't mean they trained every day, either. Dragonite often took them to challenge the Pokémon in the backyard.
Their battle experience was growing, too.
"Lachi~"
Suddenly, Swampert ran over and scratched its head sheepishly.
With a helpless sigh, Chen Shi took another portion of Swampert's Pokéblocks out of his backpack.
"Go on, eat. Lie down when you're done, and I'll give you a massage in a bit."
"Lachi~"
Swampert nodded, then grabbed the Pokéblocks and started eating.
Next, Chen Shi began massaging them, starting with Dragapult. This was something he did often.
Otherwise, if he didn't help loosen their muscles after training and battles, hidden injuries would build up over time.
That was why Chen Shi made a point of giving them massages regularly.
They all loved his massages, too, because they felt so good.
Dreepy was already sprawled comfortably on the ground, not even bothering to fly.
While he was massaging Florges, Professor Oak came over.
"You have a wonderful relationship with your Pokémon!"
Chen Shi chuckled. "They're all my partners."
Professor Oak sat down on a rock. "You seem very confident about the Pokémon World Championships."
"Do you think you