Should Lairon learn Earth Power?
The answer was a resounding yes. This move was essentially a gift from the heavens, and Kashiwagi wasn't about to be stingy now. He immediately funneled the move data and the three-level boost into Lairon.
Learning a high-tier Ground-type move like Earth Power would naturally accelerate Lairon's mastery over other moves like Earthquake or Stomp. Even though one was Special and the others Physical, the fundamental experience of converting energy into the Ground element remained the same.
While giving the levels to Mawile (currently Lv. 45) would technically maximize the efficiency of the "Below Lv. 50" cap, Kashiwagi hesitated. If he let Mawile's level spiral too far ahead of Lairon and Chansey, his authority over her would undoubtedly diminish. In the Pokémon world, it was common for a Pokémon to look down on its Trainer and refuse orders simply because it felt too powerful for its own good.
Since he could foresee the problem, he wasn't going to let it happen. Mawile still listened to him for now; by making Lairon stronger and showing Mawile how vital he was as a trainer, he could ensure her long-term trust. Friendship would grow slowly. Besides, the simulator reset once a week—even faster if he battled more—so he didn't feel the need to rush.
By now, he had used the simulator five times in less than a month. While the rewards hadn't turned him into a legend overnight, the "stacking" effect was already enough to put him ahead of his peers. He didn't need Ash Ketchum's legendary ten-year journey; he just needed to be consistent.
----
The night grew still.
Kashiwagi released a sleeping Chansey from his lap and once again accessed the Battle Girl's memories. It was more effective than a lullaby; as long as he wasn't interrupted, he'd wake up the next morning feeling refreshed and mentally sharp.
That night, Lairon—sleeping beneath the bed—had a strange dream.
He dreamed he had become a colossal monster. With a single stomp, city blocks crumbled. With a roar, the ground erupted like a volcano, spewing red light. All of Pyrite Town was reduced to rubble while his Trainer sat on his head, laughing heartily, as Mawile and Chansey flew circles around them.
It was a beautiful dream—mostly because he hated Pyrite Town as much as his Trainer did.
"Lai... ron..."
The sleeping Lairon let out a soft, contented snore.
----
The next morning.
Kashiwagi rose early, hopped on his sidecar hover-cycle, and brought Mawile to Copper Solder Street to meet up with Naruhisa and the others. Their one-month "induction training" was finally over, and they were officially—if not quite honorably—members of Team Snagem.
Judging by their faces, the training had been rough. This was "normal." Naruhisa and the others were dirt poor; they sent every penny of their pay home to their families. Since the instructors couldn't squeeze any bribes out of them, they made the boys' lives as miserable as possible. As long as no one died or lost a limb, anything went.
However, Naruhisa mentioned that once the word got out that they were joining Kashiwagi's squad, the instructors suddenly backed off.
Kashiwagi was surprised his name carried that much weight. The instructor was likely an "Elite Grunt," technically only half a rank below a Squad Leader. Moreover, the instructor was from the Stone Unit, not Kashiwagi's Sand Unit. Why be so accommodating?
In reality, he didn't realize how famous he had become. His performance at the Charity Tournament had shown everyone just how dangerous this kid was. Even the news of Ryuka personally selecting him as a Squad Leader had spread through the ranks like wildfire. The Stone Unit usually stayed neutral between the bickering Crystal and Sand units; there was no reason to offend a rising star like Kashiwagi over a few petty bribes.
"So cool!"
"I want a bike too..."
"Start saving then. I already talked to a used dealer..."
Kashiwagi hopped off, letting his squad members swarm the hover-cycle. He even generously handed over the keys so they could sit on it and get a feel for the controls. None of them dared to actually ride it, but they were more than happy to pose.
Mawile sat in the sidecar, her instinct telling her to punch anyone who touched "her" seat, but Kashiwagi stopped her.
"Come on out, don't hide in there all day."
He lifted a grumbling Mawile out and turned to Naruhisa. "Are you guys ready?"
Today's objective was to negotiate with the businesses in Copper Solder Sectors 1 and 2. They needed to settle the official fees and the "tribute" for the squad. He could have done it alone, but having a squad behind him made a much louder statement. If the shopkeepers refused to cooperate, he'd have to show them why he was the new boss in town.
"Ready as we'll ever be!" Naruhisa nodded vigorously. A grunt's extra income came from these shops. They had been penniless for a month; the prospect of "income" was exhilarating.
"I'm saying this once: if they aren't out of line, we aren't either," Kashiwagi said firmly.
The crowd around the bike shouted their agreement.
Mawile watched the squad members—so loud and full of energy—then looked at the calm, collected Kashiwagi. Her eyes sparkled with a strange new light. She didn't fully understand the human politics, but she thought her Trainer looked incredibly impressive right now.
It reminded her of the Alpha Pokémon back in the ecological park. When the leader gave an order, the pack followed with a single roar, marching through the territory with pride.
"Mawile~" I want to be that cool too...
"Huh?" Kashiwagi looked down. Mawile's eyes were glowing, but he couldn't tell what she was looking at.
"Mawile." She shook her head quickly, but a little scheme began to form in her mind.
These humans follow the Trainer's orders. If the Trainer follows MY orders, doesn't that mean these humans follow me?
Yes. She needed to find a way to make the Trainer wrap himself around her finger. Mawile tugged on Kashiwagi's sleeve. When he looked down, she gave him her most dazzling, "adorable" smile. "Mawile~"
"What is it? Hungry?"
"..."
Mawile turned her head away. What?! Her "irresistible" smile didn't work? Back at the lab, the breeders and doctors would squeal "Kawaii!" and "So cute!" whenever she smiled. Why was Kashiwagi immune?
Frustrating! It seemed she'd have to play the long game. She recalled how the breeders back home used to build "affection" with Pokémon and decided on a new strategy.
On the other side, Kashiwagi looked at the pouting Mawile, wondering if he'd offended her by picking her up, or if she was just uncomfortable around the crowd.
"Alright! Enough staring! Let's move out!" He clapped his hands, ready to get down to business.