When it came to Mega Evolution, the first thing Aiden thought of was actually the three Legendary Pokémon from Hoenn...
Strictly speaking, Groudon and Kyogre didn't count as Mega Evolution but rather a more special phenomenon called Primal Reversion. Rayquaza's Mega Evolution couldn't be compared to conventional Mega either.
However, it was clear that in the Pokémon world's games, seeing the Hoenn trio would be unlikely.
On the other hand, a certain 'late game comeback' Pokémon with the highest base attack stat after evolving, which almost had no usable moves in actual battles, also dodged a bullet.
Apart from these memorable legendary Pokémon, mighty ones like Gengar, Kangaskhan, and Salamence were also incredibly powerful, each forming their own unique systems.
For instance, the legendary Los Angeles team had already achieved some mastery in the Showtime era, and after entering the Mega version, they completed the final piece of the champion's puzzle, achieving the fearsome reputation of "even my grandma could score 1800 points."
However, unfortunately, for the same reasons as the Hoenn trio, such an invincible lineup with cold perfection was something Aiden never got to use.
So, among the Pokémon with Mega Evolution, were there any interesting ones?
Yes, brothers, there are.
Aiden's gaze quickly locked onto a highly renowned Pokémon.
Charizard!
As one of the starter trio from the first generation and the absolute mainstay in many people's childhood memories of Ash in the Indigo League, Charizard's popularity in his previous life was undoubtedly very high.
Generally, early-appearing Pokémon mostly suffered from the drawbacks of their time, gradually fading from trainers' sights as stronger Pokémon emerged later.
But Charizard was clearly not in this category.
Because whether it was the Dream World abilities in the Black and White era, Mega Evolution in the X and Y era, or Dynamaxing in the Sword and Shield era, this old-timer with a Pokédex number in the top ten kept up with the times, always active on the front lines...
Moreover, it was one of only two Pokémon with two different Mega Evolution branches, making it extremely "lucky."
While Mega Charizard X was undoubtedly very cool, especially with its outstanding performance in the anime, Aiden's target this time was Mega Charizard Y.
Mega Charizard Y, a Pokémon that could be said to be the captain of the Sunny Day team.
After Mega Evolution, some Pokémon temporarily changed their abilities, allowing them to use some special tactics.
For example, by timing the Mega Evolution upon entry, they could stably gain the initiative in weather control, a classic usage.
Mega Charizard Y's ability was Drought, which changes the weather to harsh sunlight.
Torkoal? Not even close!
Although the Mega Evolution system hadn't officially launched in Pokémon Champion yet, it was obviously just a matter of time.
Thinking of this, Aiden quickly finalized today's teaching lineup.
From basic type matchups to synergy, control, and rotation, he had already taught the students the more foundational content through practical battles.
Now, it was time to step up the intensity and introduce a systematic approach.
So...
Sunny Day team, let's go!
...
At 6:30 PM, it was time for Aiden's live stream.
Because the last few weeks' live streams were all about doubles, many viewers waiting ahead of time began to complain—
[You guys, do you think Teacher Azure is addicted to doubles? Although it's indeed fun, I feel like a lot of what we learn isn't very practical in real battles!]
[The upstairs doesn't get it; Teacher Azure's tactics are super important for us Kanto folks!]
[I heard Mega Evolution is about to be released in the game soon; I wonder if Teacher Azure knows about it. It seems no Mega Stones have been found in Paldea yet?]
[Is it possible that Teacher Azure's Sunshine Gym badge is made from a Mega Stone? So I feel like it shouldn't be too hard for him...]
As the barrage discussed enthusiastically, the previously pitch-black live room suddenly lit up, and Aiden's voice quickly reached countless viewers' ears.
"Good evening, everyone~"
[What's Teacher Azure going to play today? Anything less tactical?]
[It's time for my favorite mealtime show again!]
[Teacher Azure, forever the god!]
Once the live stream started, the viewership skyrocketed like a rocket, quickly reaching six figures, and the trend showed no signs of slowing down.
"I've shared several double battle lineups with you over the past few weeks. Since I heard Mega Evolution is coming to the game soon, today we'll return to singles to warm up for the new version."
After a brief introduction, Aiden quickly opened Pokémon Champion.
"In the past, I might have focused more on introducing tactics for a single Pokémon, but today I'm going to switch styles and introduce a relatively simple tactical system."
"That is—Sunny Day team!"
With this statement, the chat immediately exploded.
[Oh oh oh oh oh oh! Is Teacher Azure finally stepping up the intensity?]
[I haven't seen Teacher Azure use weather teams much, except for once when he guided Lurina before, and there was nothing afterward, right?]
[Do you really think Teacher Azure doesn't know how to use a Sunny Day team? I feel like there's no tactic Teacher Azure doesn't know!]
[Hurry up and serve it, I can't wait anymore!]
"..."
Sometimes Aiden felt his reputation was a bit absurd. Both online and offline challengers praised his teaching without reservation.
Even for the Sunny Day tactics he had never used before, most of the chat eagerly anticipated it without hesitation.
But why, despite being so beloved, did his gym receive so many bad reviews...
This was something Aiden couldn't quite understand, though now clearly wasn't the time to dwell on it.
He was still live streaming, and with only an hour, daydreaming would barely allow him to start a few games, let alone teach.
"The so-called Sunny Day team is a team built around the core of harsh sunlight."
Aiden quickly shook his head and began explaining.
"We all know that weather is a significant factor in Pokémon battles. Harsh sunlight, rain, hail, and sandstorm each have their own advantages."
"And in my opinion, the biggest advantage of the Sunny Day team is—"
"Straightforward and aggressive!"
"This is a team with ample offensive firepower that's easy to pick up. The core tactic is to keep attacking fiercely, making it hard for opponents to withstand, and ultimately securing an easy victory."
Since this was the first time explaining a systematic tactic, Aiden considered the pros and cons and ultimately chose the less brain-burning Sunny Day team.
And the audience's reactions were exactly as he expected.
[Great! I can't learn Teacher Azure's predictions and commands, so simple tactics are the best!]
[Wake up! The "simple" Teacher Azure refers to might not be the simplicity you're thinking of~]
[Teacher Azure: I'm teaching such mindless tactics, and you still can't learn? Is it my fault for teaching poorly?]
[However, I never expected Teacher Azure to have a hidden Sunny Day team. Is Teacher Azure secretly a weather master?]
As the chat scrolled wildly, a flash of golden light suddenly appeared before Aiden's eyes, and a message quickly popped up in the lower-left corner of the screen.
[User "Will of Fire" tipped 10 Master Balls!]
Will of Fire...
Was it Flint?
Seeing the unfamiliar boss's name, Aiden was momentarily stunned before quickly realizing.
I almost thought I'd wandered into the wrong live stream.
"Thanks to Elite Four Flint for the tip, you're too generous! Hope all your wishes come true~"
Aiden smoothly thanked the gift as usual while noticing the conspicuous message he sent.
[Will of Fire: Teacher Azure, please teach me how to counter Trick Room teams with a Sunny Day team. Preferably something simple and easy to learn! I'll definitely reward you generously if it works!]
"..."
Aiden's eyebrows instantly shot up.
In his mind, he automatically filled in the hints Flint didn't say aloud.
So you want to learn how to beat Lucian from me?
Aren't you and Lucian supposed to be lifelong buddies in Sinnoh? Why are you quietly targeting him?
Flint, you devious guy, I didn't expect you to be so scheming!
"Whether or not we counter Trick Room teams, I hope today's Sunny Day team lesson will be helpful to Champion Flint."
Aiden smiled faintly, uttering the formulaic polite response.
The Sinnoh region's Elite Four were indeed like half-family to him, but he had never met Flint...
What if things went south? Wouldn't that be awkward?
Though the probability of failure was indeed low, in the chaotic environment at the beginning of the season, it was certainly not zero.
This was Aiden's precious experience from years of battling.
As he spoke, Aiden had already opened the team builder and dragged a humble Torkoal into the lineup.
At the same time, he quickly continued:
"Since today's team is a Sunny Day team, let's briefly discuss the two methods of setting up the weather."
"The first method, and the most common one, is using moves to manually set the weather. The advantage is that it's not picky about Pokémon; basically, as long as the typing is correct, every lead can actively set the weather."
Aiden had been playing Pokémon Champion for quite some time and often encountered opponents using weather teams.
But generally, their weather teams were rather rigid.
Perhaps because they didn't know much about Pokémon, only using the ones they were familiar with, or maybe they simply liked those Pokémon?
In any case, in Aiden's view, it was indeed necessary to educate them on some basic, versatile concepts.
"However, I still recommend the second method."
"That is, using a Pokémon's ability to immediately set the weather upon entry."
"Torkoal's ability is Drought, which quickly changes the nearby weather to harsh sunlight as soon as it appears."
"This way, not only do we not need to command it, but it also makes the opening choices more diverse."
"Especially for Torkoal, starting with harsh sunlight means it has potential as an attacker, sometimes catching the opponent off guard."
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