In fact, Route 7 in the Kalos region has many notable locations besides the Connecting Cave and the Berry Orchards.
For example, the largest breeding facility in the Kalos region is constructed at the intersection of Route 7 and Coumarine City.
It is situated adjacent to a vast orchard.
The distribution of berry trees in the orchard is directly coordinated with several breeders working in the breeding house.
The berries harvested in the orchard are promptly supplied to the breeding facility, establishing a mutually beneficial relationship between the two.
Although this breeding house operates independently and is not officially affiliated with the Breeder's Guild, it still maintains some connections.
As a breeder recognized by the Breeder's Guild as one of the most promising talents among the next generation, Aoki can leverage these connections.
After all, if someone wishes to establish a breeding facility, the breeder's credentials of its owner are crucial, as they determine how many trainers are willing to entrust their Pokémon to them.
Therefore, they must maintain some degree of association with the Breeder's Guild—at the very least, their breeder certification must be officially assessed and approved by the Guild.
The owner of such a large-scale breeding facility must at least hold the rank of Senior Breeder.
Individuals of this caliber are recorded in the Breeder's Guild's registry.
It's possible that the establishment of this breeding house is closely tied to the Breeder's Guild's influence in the Kalos region.
This doesn't necessarily mean the Breeder's Guild is expanding into Kalos, but it does indicate a level of cooperation.
Aside from the breeding facility, Aoki is particularly interested in the Battle Chateau located on Route 7.
This is a training ground established by the Kalos League with the purpose of strengthening the battle prowess of trainers in the region.
It bears some resemblance to the Battle Frontier in Hoenn but operates under a different system.
The Battle Chateau follows a single battle format, but its objective aligns with that of the Battle Frontier—to enhance the skills of local trainers.
The key difference lies in its ranking system.
The Battle Chateau employs a unique nobility-based scoring method, inherited from ancient traditions, to classify trainers based on their strength.
There are six noble ranks: Baron, Viscount, Earl, Marquis, Duke, and Grand Duke.
Nearly every Gym Leader in Kalos, as well as members of the Elite Four and even the Champion, holds a title within the Battle Chateau.
Moreover, when facing challengers in the Chateau, Gym Leaders do not use their standard Gym teams—they deploy their true main battle Pokémon.
Here, their opponents are all of comparable skill, eliminating any need for restraint.
The rank of Gym Leaders in the Battle Chateau typically falls within the Earl or Marquis tier.
This varies due to differences in experience among Gym Leaders.
For example, an elder like Ramos, the Grass-type Gym Leader of Coumarine City, is one of the oldest participants in the Battle Chateau. Despite his modest talent, decades of training have strengthened his Pokémon considerably. Judging by his signature Gogoat, he likely possesses Champion-level strength.
Thus, someone like Ramos, even if newly ascended to Champion-tier, would hold the rank of Marquis in the Battle Chateau.
Younger Gym Leaders, such as Korrina of Shalour City, who is at the pseudo-Champion level, may also hold the rank of Marquis.
However, these titles are not automatically granted based on a trainer's strength—they must be earned through consecutive victories.
The only exception is when a trainer demonstrates overwhelming power, prompting the Chateau's officials to fast-track their rank to an appropriate level.
The Kalos Champion holds the highest title in the Battle Chateau—Grand Duke.
They are the sole individual to have achieved this distinction.
Even Elite Four members only hold the rank of Duke.
This is because their strength has reached its peak—to advance further, they must face opponents of equal standing.
But how many trainers can even reach the Duke rank?
Most high-ranking trainers are rarely present in the Battle Chateau, making title progression exceedingly difficult.
Thus, the higher the rank, the stronger the opponents one may face—but the longer the wait for suitable challengers.
It's worth noting that the Battle Chateau has strict entry requirements.
To obtain the lowest rank of Baron, a trainer's Pokémon must at least be Level 30 or possess Elite-tier strength.
For most trainers, earning the Baron title is already a significant achievement.
Those who reach Elite level may remain Barons if their skills are average, while stronger trainers may ascend to Viscount.
This also depends on matchmaking—whether the Chateau assigns an opponent of similar strength, slightly weaker, or (if fortunate) one with a type disadvantage.
Battles at this level occur frequently within the Chateau, so trainers rarely face long waiting periods.
Of course, the most active participants are those without titles, striving to earn their first rank.
They are the most diligent and persistent group within the Battle Chateau.
Winners of each battle receive rewards from the Chateau, with higher-tier battles yielding greater prizes.
Since all Chateau battles are broadcast live on television, the facility generates substantial revenue.
A portion of this income is redistributed to trainers, fulfilling the League's goal of fostering stronger challengers.
Among the countless trainers competing for higher ranks, a select few will inevitably rise to prominence.
These individuals are precisely what the Kalos League hopes to cultivate.
Aoki's current journey to Route 7 will undoubtedly include a visit to the Battle Chateau.
This is the ideal training ground for his Blaziken and Pupitar at this stage.
However, before heading to the Chateau, he plans to explore the Connecting Cave and the Berry Orchards first.
Since the Battle Chateau lies beyond the orchard, he can complete his other objectives before engaging in battles there.