Satoshi began his journey from Pallet Town in Kanto at age ten, receiving Pikachu from Professor Oak. His father remained largely absent due to extensive travels, while his mother, Delia, managed their home. Before his official journey, he attended Professor Oak's Pokémon Summer Camps, including an incident where he aided a young Serena after she injured her leg in a forest. During his Sinnoh journey, Satoshi wore a white short-sleeved shirt under a black sleeveless vest with a white collar and yellow stripe, blue cargo jeans, black-and-red sneakers, and a red hat featuring a blue Poké Ball symbol. His hair appeared slightly shorter with larger lightning-bolt cheek markings. Personality-wise, Satoshi exhibited increased maturity and battle skill in Sinnoh. He mentored companion Hikari, encouraging her during Contest challenges, and demonstrated reduced impulsiveness while retaining fervor for Pokémon battles and opposition to Pokémon mistreatment. He showed greater receptiveness to advice and enhanced patience. Conflicts with companions or rivals became infrequent, with disputes resolved swiftly. His primary rivalry was with Shinji, stemming from opposing training philosophies. Shinji emphasized strength and dismissed weaker Pokémon, while Satoshi prioritized trust and emotional bonds. This clash culminated in a decisive full battle at the Lily of the Valley Conference; Satoshi's victory earned Shinji's respect, establishing a tenuous mutual understanding. Additional rivals included the hyperactive Jun, who imposed monetary penalties for lateness; Nando, who pursued both Contests and Gym Battles; and the strategically cunning Kōhei. Satoshi maintained friendly rivalries with all except Shinji initially. Satoshi's Sinnoh team comprised: - Staraptor: Captured as Starly to find Pikachu, evolving through battles and frequently transporting smaller Pokémon. - Torterra: Caught as Turtwig after rescuing Pikachu from Team Rocket, adapting to reduced speed upon evolving into Grotle by mastering energy-managing techniques. - Infernape: Originally Shinji's abandoned Chimchar, it joined Satoshi, evolved into Monferno, overcame trauma-induced "Blaze" ability loss of control, and achieved full evolution battling Shinji's Electivire. - Buizel: Obtained via trade with Hikari for her Aipom, reflecting both Pokémon's preferred battle styles. - Gliscor and Gible: Later additions, with Gliscor mastering aerial combat techniques and Gible training to perfect Draco Meteor. In the Sinnoh League, Satoshi reached the Top 4, his highest advancement in any regional league at that time. His most notable feat was defeating two Pokémon—including the legendary Darkrai—belonging to the eventual champion, Takuto. Beyond training, Satoshi demonstrated latent aura manipulation abilities, using them to locate and protect Riolu during a crisis, a capability historically linked to the hero Aaron. Satoshi collaborated closely with companion Hikari, exchanging Pokémon to accommodate their goals and providing mutual support during Gyms and Contests. His enduring friendship with Takeshi continued, with Takeshi offering strategic battle insights and culinary support. Professor Rowan provided academic guidance, while Satoshi also formed connections like the friendly rivalry with Nanako at the Pokémon Summer Academy.