Pokemon: Spiritual Master

Sunset dusk.

Rustboro Pokémon Academy, special training grounds.

In the ravaged training field, the little ones had various expressions, their excitement not yet completely faded.

And the new ranking for Johan's team was officially announced.

In order: Gengar, Ninetales, Tinkaton, Dragonite, Urshifu, Ceruledge, Tyranitar, Indeedee-F, Snivy, and Rotom.

What surprised Johan most was undoubtedly Gengar.

Maybe it had accumulated enough, or maybe after fighting Kyogre, it had gained massive "experience."

After a good sleep, it had actually achieved a major breakthrough in strength.

Legendary!

Successfully crossing the Champion threshold and reaching a completely new height.

If using game levels as a "setting," then Gengar's current level was probably... ninety!

You had to know that in the games, even Red when he first became Champion only had Pokémon around level eighty-five.

Of course, a team of eighty-five versus one at ninety was quite different conceptually.

However, "levels" were just Johan's own vague estimates for measurement, satisfying his little quirk as a "gamer."

In any case.

Gengar had reached "Legendary" level in one leap!

Even in its normal state, it could probably wrestle with Bewear now.

And Gengar's major breakthrough naturally secured its position as leader of the "outlaw squad."

Next was Ninetales.

After obtaining auras from Alola's four islands plus the "Fairy Plate," Ninetales' strength entered a rapid growth phase.

However, both the aura power and "Fairy Plate" had only been acquired recently, plus with many matters in the Alola region, Ninetales hadn't had time to properly digest and convert them.

Currently, without using the "Fairy Plate," its strength was somewhere between... above ordinary Champion ace Pokémon but not yet reaching "Legendary" level.

Perhaps.

These few days, plus the tempering of the "Champion Road," could let it advance further!

Then Johan would truly wield dual "Legendary" Pokémon!

Combined with their respective enhancements.

Even "first-tier gods," perhaps even those fully powered "first-tier gods," might be worth challenging.

Of course, while Ninetales temporarily ranked second in strength, in family hierarchy it was equal to Gengar, even able to suppress Gengar.

Who told Gengar to always feel somewhat intimidated by Ninetales?

As for third-place Tinkaton and fourth-place Dragonite.

Actually, Dragonite was slightly stronger than Tinkaton. Even without activating "Outrage" mode, it still had "Extreme Speed" - wait no, Outrage.

But unfortunately.

As a Fairy and Steel-type Pokémon, Tinkaton naturally countered Dragonite.

Moreover, Dragonite barely qualified as a "big bird."

It met all the criteria.

So Dragonite could only temporarily rank behind Tinkaton.

But if Dragonite had Johan's assistance and activated "Outrage" mode, or even went berserk with double "Outrage," its strength could even threaten Ninetales!

Even though Ninetales was Fairy and Ice-type.

After all, Dragonite's luck in battle really made Johan think he was blessed by fortune each time.

However, in team battles.

Everyone fought without real intensity, and without enhancements, comparing only normal strength.

Ultimately.

Enhancements and going berserk weren't unique to Johan and his Pokémon - what you had, others had too.

Tinkaton's strength had somewhat plateaued temporarily.

But no matter.

Once Ninetales figured out the "Fairy Plate," Tinkaton would also benefit considerably.

As for Master Bear...

Dragonite was at a type disadvantage against Tinkaton, but had a major advantage against Urshifu.

Similarly.

Urshifu also had type advantage when facing Ceruledge.

Moreover.

Ceruledge's "one-strike style secrets" were personally taught by Master Bear.

They were too familiar with each other, too understanding.

However, Ceruledge had also improved. Sparring swordsmanship with Kartana had enhanced Ceruledge's strength.

Combined with "life fire" recovery.

Ceruledge withstood pressure from the "reserve" Tyranitar.

Speaking of Tyranitar, it was really threatening the "first team."

Its strength had already reached Champion level!

Combined with "Precipice Blades," it nearly caused Ceruledge to stumble.

This made Johan quite pleased.

Though consuming so many diamonds, meteorites, and ores was indeed excessive, Tyranitar's strength improvement was visible.

If paired with "Mega Evolution," even if Ceruledge switched to "cannon form" plus Johan's aura assistance, victory remained uncertain.

Especially with Tyranitar having type advantage.

Only because Ceruledge was too familiar with Tyranitar's sandstorms, plus Ceruledge mastered aura - otherwise the sandstorm alone would be very troublesome.

Tyranitar's progress and pursuit once again made Ceruledge and Urshifu feel pressure.

Indeedee-F was quite surprising to Johan.

Under Mewtwo's guidance, Indeedee-F's strength had indeed improved greatly, especially its psychic control.

If Indeedee-F's psychic power was ten, it could previously only use about six.

But after Mewtwo's guidance, Indeedee-F could now use eight or even nine!

Moreover.

Years of continuous high-quality energy cube nurturing, plus after Johan learned Indeedee-F's wishes, he provided many materials helpful to Psychic-type Pokémon.

Indeedee-F's strength now exceeded ordinary Elite Four main Pokémon level, just short of ordinary Elite Four ace Pokémon.

A real surprise.

As for Snivy...

The little one was indeed working hard.

But unfortunately it hadn't evolved yet, creating an innate gap.

Fortunately, the non-combat "photographer" Rotom was at the bottom, preventing proud Snivy from ranking last.

However, this first participation in "team ranking battle" made Snivy realize its shortcomings.

Just from its expression, Johan felt its determination to become stronger.

It also made Snivy develop some anticipation for "evolution" for the first time.

Originally, Snivy was indifferent about evolution.

After all, evolved or not, its former opponents couldn't beat it.

Even against Serperior, whom it once considered a rival, it maintained the attitude of... I don't need to evolve to beat you.

But after joining the team and witnessing Johan's Pokémon and partners' strength, its mindset changed.

Especially after several major events where everyone could help while it barely had chances to appear, further stimulating its pride.

Therefore, its indifferent attitude toward evolution gradually became more positive.

Johan could sense this.

Though Snivy didn't say so, if a trainer couldn't sense this much, Johan wouldn't be qualified as a Pokémon psychologist teaching Pokémon psychology.

However, the "Forest's Blessing" that Calyrex mentioned made Snivy's evolution much more difficult than other Pokémon.

So Johan decided.

To help Snivy, during this "Champion Road," whenever within Snivy's limits, he'd let it battle more.

Intensive training.

As for Rotom.

It was more like "making up numbers."

The little one had no thoughts about ranking last.

It just hoped to capture more good scenery and photos, trying to reduce Gengar's interference.

Small as it was, its thoughts were small too, very easily satisfied.

Team ranking battle ended.

Overall.

Besides Gengar's breakthrough and Indeedee-F's strength display, nothing much exceeded Johan's expectations.

As a trainer, he had clear understanding of his Pokémon's abilities and strength.

Team battles served two purposes.

First, letting everyone become more familiar with each other.

Second, slightly adjusting the little ones' mindset.

With "Champion Road" approaching, a few days to adjust to optimal condition was sufficient.

Clap clap!

Johan clapped, drawing the little ones' attention.

"I've made a simple 'seven-day sprint' plan. Come listen - I'll make arrangements."

These seven days, besides tree planting, would probably be spent in training grounds.

Some respect was due to the "Champion Road."

Time passed busily and fulfillingly.

During these days.

Though the Hoenn League's announcement of Teacher Johan's "Champion Road" challenge sparked intense online discussion.

And as the "Champion Road" opening approached, discussions became more heated, but this didn't affect Johan's rare complete focus on training.

His various friends, students, and seniors.

Though concerned, none called or visited to inquire.

Giving Johan sufficient time and space.

Until the day before "Champion Road" opened, Elite Four Drake representing the Hoenn League came to escort him to the "Champion Road."

"Why did you come personally, sir?"

In the café.

Johan handed Drake hot tea - Drake didn't like coffee.

"This is wild tea I picked in Alola, roasted myself. Please try it."

Hearing it wasn't Gengar-brewed tea, Drake sighed in relief.

"How's preparation going?" Drake asked, taking a small sip with brightening eyes. "Not bad."

Johan smiled.

"Honestly, if you hadn't come, I'd have almost forgotten the time."

"Hahaha—"

Drake laughed heartily, clearly in excellent spirits.

Or rather, he'd been in good spirits lately.

Finally.

Finally he could confidently pass the burden to young people. He was gratified and satisfied.

The only shortcoming was not knowing when Steven would take office, so he could confidently set down his burden completely and sail off adventuring!

"I came for two reasons: bringing you there, and explaining 'Champion Road' precautions."

"Oh?"

Johan raised an eyebrow.

The "Champion Road" had precautions?

Wasn't it just fighting all the way through until defeating all Elite Four?

Drake then briefly explained.

Originally, "Champion Road" opening would have many top trainers participating, first requiring tournament-style rounds, with only qualifiers earning access.

Because it wasn't just for Champion position, but also Elite Four positions.

But this "Champion Road" was opened specifically for Johan alone, so that stage was skipped.

However, this eliminated a "consumption" stage.

"There's that too..."

"So to shut some people up, the 'Champion Road' will be entirely livestreamed." Drake smacked his lips.

"Livestream?" Johan was startled.

"You needn't worry about that." Drake waved dismissively, showing a teasing smile. "Anyway, some 'surprises' have been prepared for you."

Johan's expression turned strange.

Surprises?

Hopefully not shocks.

You couldn't move legendary Pokémon to the Champion Road, surely?

"There are some rules to tell you."

Drake cleared his throat, setting down his teacup.

"First, after entering 'Champion Road,' usable recovery items will be limited in quantity."

Actually, "Champion Road's" original purpose wasn't just selecting a Champion, but letting trainers and Pokémon truly experience their limits.

"However, there will be temporary Pokémon Centers in some locations where Nurse Joy can help with recovery. But after entering the 'Elite Four Territory,' there won't be any, so save recovery items for then."

"Second, each Pokémon can only use one type of item."

After pausing, Drake looked at him:

"You might not know - recently, headquarters classified 'Mega Evolution Stones' as Pokémon items."

Limited recovery items meant nothing to Johan.

You could limit recovery item quantities, but could you limit Pokémon food?

His energy cubes inherently restored condition and stamina, just with slower effects and speed.

Moreover, with Indeedee-F accompanying, its "Heal Pulse" move was a mobile "simple Pokémon Center."

Plus Ninetales' 'Fairy Aura,' Ceruledge's "life fire," Snivy's 'Forest's Blessing' - recovery really wasn't concerning.

As for classifying "Mega Evolution Stones" as items...

Johan's expression turned strange.

Felt like the League was "targeting" him.

But acceptable.

Within acceptable range.

Anyway, the "Fairy Plate" was also an item, right?

"Finally, Pokémon numbers..." Drake looked at Johan, stopping mid-sentence.

"Hm?"

"Forget it." Drake waved his hand. "For you it's the same, and there are temporary Pokémon Centers along the way for switching anyway. Bring however many you want."

Johan smiled.

Limit to six Pokémon?

Where there's policy, there are countermeasures.

How many Pokémon he brought really wasn't anyone's business.

"Are there move restrictions?" Johan asked.

"Moves?"

Drake was puzzled, then said: "What move restrictions would there be? Except some special tournaments limiting move numbers, normally there wouldn't be move restrictions..."

"I mean, moves." Johan emphasized again, looking seriously at Drake.

Drake finally understood, his expression becoming strange.

Illegal moves, huh?

"Currently, no such regulation." Drake said.

You think everyone's Pokémon are like yours with so many illegal moves?

"Then it's fine."

"Johan, remember the request Glacia and I made before?" Drake suddenly asked.

"After the Twin Gods incident?" Johan was puzzled why Drake mentioned this.

"Good you haven't forgotten." Drake showed a meaningful smile.

Drake's smile seemed strange somehow.

Johan turned: "Gengar, Drake's tea is finished. Quick, pour tea."

"Ka-kaah~"

Gengar cheerfully responded.

Floating over.

Holding the Sinistea teapot, pouring tea for Drake.

"This, this teapot?" Drake clearly recognized the Sinistea, face stiffening.

"No problem, Sinistea is very safe, and makes tea more flavorful. You found the taste good too, right?"

Drake's mouth twitched. "...Why don't you have some?"

"I prefer coffee." Johan showed a mischievous smile.

That's what you get for being mysterious with me, old man.

Drake: "..."

August 24th, Friday.

Hoenn region, Ever Grande Island.

The Hoenn League headquarters sat at Ever Grande Island's northernmost point, while "Champion Road's" beginning was at the southernmost point - Ever Grande City.

Golden sunlight spread throughout Ever Grande City's Ever Grande Stadium.

This was where the Hoenn region held League Conferences.

According to League rules, any League Conference champion could challenge the "Champion Road" - hence the stadium's location.

Conference champions just needed to register their teams and climb the stairs behind to enter "Champion Road."

However.

Conference champions were still just conference champions. Winning conferences didn't guarantee strength for "Champion Road."

Therefore, except for very few who challenged "Champion Road" immediately after winning conferences, most conference champions postponed this qualification.

Waiting until they had stronger power and confidence before challenging.

Today.

No League Conference was held, but the stadium was packed, with tsunami-like cheers rising wave after wave from the circular venue.

These were spectators here to watch Teacher Johan challenge the "Champion Road."

In the stadium center, no battle field or referee remained - only a huge screen focused on one person.

Black tailored suit, black hair and eyes, refined golden monocle.

Under countless gazes, he stepped up the stairs.

"Teacher Johan!!"

"Johan-baby, go for it!!"

"Sweep the 'Champion Road,' become Champion!"

"Johan-baby, when will you be Hoenn Champion? Right now!"

"..."

Countless cheers and shouts expressed support for Johan.

Numerous helicopters, Magnemite cameras, Rotom drone cameras circled in the air around Johan.

Johan walked relaxedly to the stairway top.

After turning to wave at all his supporters, he stepped through the gate.

The "Champion Road" officially began!

The first stage.

Walking from Ever Grande Stadium to the "Elite Four Fortress" established by League headquarters.

During this.

Countless powerful wild Pokémon would become Johan's greatest obstacles.

"It's started!"

"Finally started!"

"Livestream! Where's the director? Switch cameras quickly! Do you know how?"

"..."

Whether live spectators or online viewers, all stared intently at screens.

"Champion Road" had a five-day time limit. Failing to reach the "Elite Four Fortress" from Ever Grande Stadium within five days meant challenge failure.

With "Champion Road's" opening, the League's official website forum exploded with heated discussion.

"I heard 'Champion Road' wild Pokémon are all strong?"

"Strong? You probably still lack clear understanding of 'Champion Road.' It's not just strong - it's dangerous!"

"Moreover, 'Champion Road' wild Pokémon often aren't alone, but live in groups - encountering one might mean facing many!"

"And they're extremely vicious with strong territorial awareness. Though maybe not as dangerous as Mt. Silver, it's close."

"Supposedly, though these wild Pokémon can be caught, most cases make bonding with trainers very difficult."

"More than that - some forcibly caught Pokémon even attack and injure trainers they consider weak before returning on their own!"

Some "experts'" comments made many without accurate "Champion Road" concepts realize this place's danger.

Didn't they see that even during the Twin Gods incident, when Kyogre awakened from the sea, it directly detoured around Ever Grande Island to enter Hoenn?

If even Kyogre had to detour, imagine the danger level.

Perhaps to verify these "experts'" words, the director very "thoughtfully" switched to footage of wild Pokémon clashing on "Champion Road" while Johan had just entered without battles yet.

A extremely fierce Salamence facing a Mightyena that accidentally entered its territory directly unleashed an unreasonable Hyper Beam.

Rumble!!!

The massive commotion and move power made many spectators gasp.

"Holy crap!"

"That strong? I feel like if I went in... I might not survive five minutes."

"This is just the tip of the iceberg. Why else call it 'Champion Road'?"

Maintaining such an area required countless Rangers from the League.

Even Elite Four work specifically included "maintaining Champion Road."

Johan had previously helped handle one of its troublesome matters.

And the League allowing powerful trainers to train in "Champion Road" was itself a maintenance method.

"Champion Road."

Johan exited the stadium, looking at this "primeval forest" before him, clicking his tongue.

According to Drake's intelligence.

Hoenn region's Ever Grande Island "Champion Road" could mainly be divided into several key areas.

What he now entered was the "Ascending Forest."

As the name suggested.

This was an uphill path.

"Give intelligence but not detailed?"

Johan pouted, throwing out Poké Balls.

"Snivy~"

Snivy appeared at his feet in red light.

Along with Indeedee-F.

"Indeedee~"

Upon appearing, Indeedee-F's psychic power spread from its body, covering surroundings to prevent sudden danger while curiously exploring this strange environment.

"Snivy?"

Seeing this towering primeval forest, Snivy was briefly stunned.

From this forest, it sensed the purest and most vigorous "forest aura" it had ever faced.

Unconsciously.

Its breathing seemed to sync with the forest's "breathing."

Even Snivy's body was covered in faint green luminescence.

Hm?

Noticing Snivy's change, Johan was somewhat surprised.

So "Forest's Blessing" still needed to return to forests.

Next opportunity, he could take Snivy to the Tree of Beginning to see what happened.

"Let's go."

Johan waved.

"Five-day limit - aim to reach the destination in two days."

Camping overnight in such a place felt unsettling.

Not unsettling about personal safety, but unsettling for the wild Pokémon inside.

One more night meant one more day of suffering for them.

"I'm so kind..."

"Indeedee~"

Hearing this, Indeedee-F followed Johan closely while psychically floating out a plate.

On it sat freshly brewed hot coffee and exquisite small pastries.

"Thank you, Indeedee."

Johan smiled, taking the coffee and pastries, eating while entering "Ascending Forest."

This scene left spectators stunned.

Wait.

Teacher Johan, are you here to challenge "Champion Road" or go on a picnic?

So well prepared?

This really wasn't Johan's arrangement, but Indeedee-F's own preparation.

In its view.

Taking care of Johan was its duty.

This made Johan somewhat regretful.

Regretful he hadn't brought Indeedee-F earlier - life would have been so much more comfortable.

Compared to "troublemaker" Gengar's group, Indeedee-F was truly... too considerate!

"This kid..."

Through the screen, in the "Elite Four Fortress," Drake, Glacia, Sidney, and Phoebe sat in the lounge watching the livestream.

Seeing Johan so leisurely, Drake couldn't help complaining.

Looking at the fruits on the table, they suddenly seemed less appetizing.

Who exactly was challenging the "Champion Road"?

"When will Teacher Johan arrive? I'm getting nervous..." Phoebe rubbed her palms.

Elite Four being nervous about "Champion Road" challenges was a first.

"About to enter Heracross territory?" Glacia also wanted Mauville City cakes but still asked.

"Yes."

A nearby staff member quickly responded.

As soon as he spoke.

Movement appeared in the livestream.

From the forested slope ahead came roaring.

"Heracross—!!!"

With heavy footsteps, a Heracross emerged from the forest - armored in hard carapace, extremely robust limbs, especially massive horns gleaming ominously, clearly formidable.

"Ah, sorry for disturbing your meal."

Johan politely greeted and apologized, then took out cake: "Want some?"

"Heracross!"

But Heracross showed no communication intent, unlike gentle Heracross from other regions. It directly attacked.

Its massive horn aimed at Johan like a bulldozer, causing slight ground tremors as it charged.

"Tsk."

Johan remained calm.

"Indeed, 'Champion Road' wild Pokémon are hard to communicate with, let alone capture and bond."

"Champion Road" Pokémon retained wild Pokémon's purest ferocity, like ancient times when humans couldn't yet capture Pokémon.

"Indeedee~!"

Standing with Johan, Indeedee-F called softly as a strange field emanated from it, rapidly spreading outward.

Surrounding leaves and bushes seemed covered in light purple gauze.

Psychic Terrain!

"Indeedee, Psychic." Johan bit into cake, speaking calmly.

"Indeedee!"

Blue light appeared in Indeedee-F's eyes as it raised its palm, pale blue psychic power bursting forth.

Bang!!!

Heracross's Megahorn seemed to hit a hard, solid wall, producing a dull thud.

"Expanding Force."

"Indeedee!!!"

Indeedee-F's voice rose excitedly.

As its palm fell from above, invisible psychic force poured down from Heracross's head.

Thud—

Directly pressing it into the ground, even embedding it in soil.

Heracross looked shocked at the seemingly gentle Pokémon opposite.

What power was this...

Bang! Bang! Bang!

However.

Not just this Heracross - forest Heracross that hadn't appeared but entered Psychic Terrain were all pressed to the ground by powerful psychic force.

Unable to battle!

"This, this, this is over already?"

"Holy crap, one raise, one press - not just this Heracross, but all forest Heracross not yet visible were pressed down!"

"If I hadn't just seen those wild Pokémon battles showing their power, I'd almost think I could do it too."

"Feels like numbers are meaningless against Indeedee..."

As Johan resumed his journey, defeating the Heracross group marked the true beginning of this "Champion Road" challenge!

"Snivy!" Snivy puffed its cheeks.

Johan chuckled.

"Alright, next time you go first."

Just starting, just warm-up - no rush.

He looked forward to the "surprises" Drake mentioned.

----------

Powerstones?

For 20 advance chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates