Sinnoh, Cynthia

"Not bad. Your speed has improved, and your stamina is above average," Johan remarked with satisfaction as he observed the data displayed on the wall of the training facility after Gastly's session.

"It seems that combining Pokémon training with an ample supply of Pokéblocks is indeed effective. With a steady supply of Pokéblocks, Gastly's growth rate has noticeably increased."

From Johan's perspective, Gastly had been in "good" condition, but there was always something he couldn't quite pinpoint. Now, with continuous training and proper nutrition, Gastly's status had returned to "excellent," though it had yet to reach the pinnacle of "optimal."

This confirmed Johan's suspicions that Gastly didn't have any significant issues; perhaps it was simply due to its long slumber, preventing it from recovering quickly.

Relieved by this conclusion, Johan exhaled softly.

"Ka-kah?"

Having just finished a round of basic training, Gastly floated over to Johan, curious.

How was it?

"Not bad."

Johan didn't hold back. The training results were better than expected, and perhaps due to food incentives, Gastly's dedication to training had noticeably improved.

"Ka-kah!"

Gastly let out a mischievous laugh, clearly pleased with its own progress.

"Next up is move training. Let's continue honing 'Hypnosis.'"

Johan took off his jacket and moved to the center of the training grounds with Gastly.

As a Pokémon psychologist, Johan didn't claim expertise in all areas, but when it came to "Hypnosis," he undoubtedly had more knowledge than Gastly. This training had already been underway for a few days, and the results were promising.

During their encounter the night before, when Darius saw people foaming at the mouth and twitching in unconsciousness, that was the effect of Gastly's "Hypnosis."

Typically, Pokémon use "Hypnosis" to put their opponent to sleep, buying time for further moves—whether launching a powerful attack, inflicting status effects, or switching out a Pokémon.

But Johan believed that this use of "Hypnosis" was too "basic."

Who said "Hypnosis" had to be purely a restricting move with no potential for causing harm?

Psychological harm is still harm.

While most Pokémon's "Hypnosis" aimed to lull the opponent into a quick sleep, Gastly's "Hypnosis" sought to extend the time the opponent remained in a hypnotic state. This prolonged period within their mind could feel far longer than it actually was, amplifying the potential for psychological trauma.

Moreover, Gastly's love for scaring others made this approach align perfectly with its nature.

Gastly was highly motivated to learn, even though many of Johan's technical terms flew right over its head.

But that didn't matter.

When it came to "Hypnosis," Johan could teach Gastly "hands-on."

"Alright, hit me with 'Hypnosis,'" Johan said, relaxing his body and signaling to Gastly.

"Ka-kah~~"

Gastly didn't hesitate. After several attempts, it was certain that its "Hypnosis" couldn't really affect Johan—he could always immediately recognize when he was inside a dream.

In truth, the real risk wasn't Johan being hypnotized—it was Gastly itself.

A few seconds later, Johan opened his eyes with a thoughtful expression.

"You've made progress, but it's still not enough. Try my method now. Remember, the fear of the unknown is the real fear. Once a fear becomes reality, it's something that can be adapted to..."

Having a Pokémon psychologist test "Hypnosis" on himself might be a one-of-a-kind experience in the entire Pokémon world.

Sinnoh Region, Celestic Town.

At the Rowan Research Lab.

A stern-looking man with a bushy mustache, graying hair slicked back with gel, and dressed immaculately in a shirt, blue vest, and tie, was carefully observing a few Combee in the garden, seemingly studying their evolution into Vespiquen.

Suddenly, a graceful figure hurried past him.

Golden hair that shone like sunlight cascaded down her back. A sleek black coat hugged her figure, accentuating her curves, and her sharp eyes gleamed beneath a flawless face.

Walking by her side was a shark-like Pokémon, Garchomp, who kept pace with her every step.

"Cynthia?" The elderly professor, Rowan, called out, surprised to see her in such a rush.

It wasn't often that Cynthia, usually calm and composed, showed such urgency. Normally, she was the type to take her time with everything, even spending an hour deciding on an ice cream flavor.

"Professor Rowan," Cynthia stopped abruptly, bowing slightly in respect. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."

Professor Rowan waved it off, unconcerned, but curious. "I thought you had a battle today?"

"It's already over," Cynthia replied.

Hmm?

Rowan glanced at his watch.

11:33 a.m.

The battle had started at 11:00 sharp. Considering half an hour for travel and miscellaneous things like entering and exiting the stadium... the whole battle had lasted two minutes? Or just one minute?

A 3-on-3 battle?

He looked at Cynthia's Garchomp again, shaking his head.

No, it was probably a 1-on-3.

"What's this about?" Rowan's attention finally landed on the basket Garchomp was holding.

Inside were several gleaming, translucent Apicot Berries.

"Well..."

Cynthia briefly explained how she had consulted with a Pokémon psychologist online named "Grain in the Field" about treating her Feebas's insecurity.

"Oh?"

Professor Rowan was intrigued.

As Sinnoh's foremost Pokémon professor, he had never heard of a treatment for Feebas's insecurity.

A Feebas that wasn't insecure—would it even be a Feebas anymore?

Curiosity piqued, Rowan followed Cynthia to a small pond in the research lab's backyard.

The clear water was home to many Pokémon: Piplup, Bibarel, Shellos, Poliwag, Marill, and more. But in the corner of the pond, a lone Feebas floated quietly, its expression dull.

Noticing Cynthia's presence, the Feebas's eyes lit up briefly, but upon seeing Rowan nearby, it quickly lowered its head again.

Cynthia had caught this Feebas during her first journey as a child, back when her Garchomp was still a Gible.

Many had advised her to give up on training Feebas, but Cynthia remained steadfast in her decision.

Over the years, she'd tried various ways to "treat" Feebas's insecurity, but no one could provide a real solution.

So when she heard from "Grain in the Field" about a potential treatment, she couldn't wait to try it out.

Her opponent from this morning's battle had suffered greatly as a result.

"Don't be afraid," Cynthia spoke softly, kneeling down and pulling out an Apicot Berry.

"Try this."

"Bloop bloop—"

Under Cynthia's gentle encouragement, the Feebas slowly emerged from the water, blowing a few bubbles before taking a small bite of the berry.

The tart flavor immediately filled its mouth, causing it to shudder.

"It might taste a little bitter, but stick with—"

Cynthia's voice trailed off as her eyes widened in surprise.

Feebas, usually timid and reluctant, actually appeared pleased by the berry's flavor. It even took another small bite of the sour Apicot Berry.

Could this really be working?

Cynthia glanced at Professor Rowan for confirmation.

The professor looked deep in thought.

Sensing her gaze, Rowan finally spoke:

"For now, I can't say whether this will completely 'cure' Feebas's insecurity. But it's clear that Feebas doesn't dislike the Apicot Berry—on the contrary, it seems to enjoy it. Plus, it already seems more lively."

As a renowned expert in Pokémon evolution, Professor Rowan's assessment was always precise and measured.

But even he couldn't hide his surprise.

Could it be that Apicot Berries had the power to treat a Pokémon's insecurities?

Or...

He wasn't entirely sure.

However, after Feebas finished the entire berry, its newfound energy was undeniable.

This change was already a significant improvement for Cynthia, dispelling any lingering doubts or skepticism she might have had.

"Oh, right," Professor Rowan suddenly said, "what was the name of that person you consulted with?"

"Grain in the Field. They recently published a paper that even Professor Oak commented on," Cynthia explained.