Pokemon: Spiritual Master

"Elder."

Johan called off his little ones and bowed slightly.

Regardless, he should show some respect to elders and seniors.

Moreover, from the Zarude's reactions, it wasn't hard to see that this elder held a significant position among the Zarude clan.

For Zarude who preferred to speak with fists, a relatively wise "sage" was quite valuable.

If he could get what he wanted through peaceful means, Johan wasn't someone who liked violence.

His aura power spread out, releasing his goodwill.

"Zarude?"

Feeling Johan's aura and the goodwill within it, the elder was stunned.

Looking at Johan, this handsome young man clearly looked like a "good person"...

So why had he fought with the Zarude in the clan?

Oh~

The elder understood.

It knew the temperament of these Zarude in its clan best—they definitely provoked the other party first, then fought, discovered they couldn't win, ganged up and still couldn't win...

But this was just the Zarude's usual style, which it understood.

However, this approach was fine against some people or Pokémon they could "bully," but if they kicked an "iron plate"...

The elder approached with young Zarude supporting it.

The other Zarude surrounded them, watching Johan warily.

Though Papa Zarude wanted to do the same, considering it had already left the Zarude clan, it ultimately didn't.

Moreover... it had noticed Coco following all the way.

While showing helplessness in its eyes, it immediately ran over and protected Coco behind it.

"Zarude!"

What are you doing here! Didn't I tell you not to follow? Don't you know how dangerous this is?!

"Zarude~ Zarude~" Coco gestured explanations while looking at Johan with curiosity.

I, I was worried about you, Papa.

Who, who is this guy?

Young Coco discovered that he seemed more similar to this person than the difference between himself and Zarude was much greater.

Regarding whether he was a Zarude, as he grew older, Coco increasingly doubted it.

Papa Zarude's expression immediately tightened upon noticing Coco's expression.

Was what he most feared about to happen?

"Za, Zarude!" Papa Zarude forcibly explained.

He, he is a very powerful Zarude! Very dangerous!

"Zarude?" Coco looked at Johan with deeper confusion.

He's also a Zarude?

I see... so there really are Zarude who look like this!

Coco immediately changed from confusion to delight.

Papa Zarude secretly sighed in relief, gently wiping its forehead.

You're the Zarude, your whole family are Zarude!

"Listening" to their exchange, Johan rolled his eyes irritably.

However, he didn't expose Papa Zarude's words.

As a Zarude who could take on fatherly responsibilities and raise Coco to this size, Johan still admired it.

The elder, supported by young Zarude, had already approached.

"Zarude." The elder's staff struck the ground heavily, stopping the Zarude's calls, then bowed slightly to Johan.

Powerful being, I wonder... what brings you here...

See, without showing your fists, how could they speak properly with you?

Johan suddenly remembered something a celebrity from his past life said—"I study martial arts so that some people can speak properly with me."

This point was particularly effective when applied to Zarude clans.

Johan showed a warm smile. "Elder, I have no malicious intent. It's just that my partner Serperior sensed that your 'Sacred Tree' might help it. Could we possibly go in and take a look?"

Sacred Tree?

The elder's expression immediately tensed.

This concerned their entire Zarude clan's lifeline.

Johan quickly explained: "Don't worry, Elder. We're not here to destroy the Sacred Tree, nor will we cause any permanent damage to it. You... forget it, Serperior."

Speaking, he gave Serperior a look, indicating it should demonstrate its abilities.

"Sni." Serperior curled its lip, somewhat disapproving of the Zarude elder.

However, since Johan said so, it still took a light breath and tried to resonate with the "Sacred Tree" using the feeling it had when interacting with the "Miracle Berry" tree.

Hum—

A peculiar, light cyan energy aura spread from Serperior's body.

Rustle rustle rustle—

The leaves on the "Sacred Tree" began swaying rhythmically.

Numerous surrounding trees, as if summoned by some power, also began swaying their leaves.

Momentarily, the entire forest sea rippled with waves.

Moreover, the light cyan glow on Serperior became more obvious, and its aura visibly strengthened.

Forest's Blessing!

"Zarude?!"

Seeing this scene, the elder's eyes widened, nearly pulling out its beard.

This, this is... a Child of the Forest?!

Not just the elder—the other Zarude, upon seeing this scene and feeling the thick forest aura from Serperior, all showed shocked expressions.

Even Papa Zarude was the same, staring blankly at Serperior, feeling... something inside its body stirring restlessly.

Only Coco looked confused, not understanding what was happening.

"Sni."

After "demonstrating" for a while, Serperior restrained that power.

Previously, it didn't even know it possessed "Forest's Blessing," much less how to use it.

But as its abilities strengthened, evolved, with Calyrex's guidance, and after multiple "interactions" with the "Miracle Berry" tree, Serperior gradually mastered some techniques for invoking this power.

When it called to the forest, the forest would respond.

"Zarude, Zarude..."

I see, I see...

The elder paced back and forth excitedly.

The Zarude prided themselves as "blood of the forest"—their existence made the forest more vibrant.

But clearly, Serperior was more favored by the forest than they were.

More importantly... a Serperior with such power wouldn't destroy the forest or Sacred Tree without reason.

Taking a deep breath, the elder stepped aside slightly and made a welcoming gesture to Johan and Serperior's group.

The nearby Zarude opened their mouths as if wanting to say something, but remembering the power Serperior had just displayed and seeing the elder's prohibitive gaze, they held back.

What else could they do?

The other party had shown their purpose, demonstrated sincerity, and most importantly, displayed strength!

Even if they refused, with the opponent's and those Pokémon's strength, they could completely enter the Sacred Tree without their permission.

Johan smiled and said "Let's go," carrying the increasingly "restless" Jirachi and leading his little ones toward the "Sacred Tree."

Though the Zarude no longer opposed them, they still followed with fierce expressions.

Johan didn't mind these Zarude.

What a joke—with so many "tough guys" beside him, would he fear them?

However, Papa Zarude and Coco were stopped by several Zarude.

"Zarude."

Let's go, Coco.

Knowing it could no longer enter the Sacred Tree, Papa Zarude tactfully beckoned to Coco and turned to leave.

Coco watched Johan walking toward the "Sacred Tree."

For some reason, even though Papa said that guy was also a Zarude, Coco felt that person and himself seemed to be the same species.

Moreover... the elder and other Zarude had clearly said that "Zarude" like himself who couldn't even use vines could never gain the "Sacred Tree's" recognition or enter it.

So... why could that guy do it?

Clearly, he didn't seem to have vines either.

"Zarude!"

Coco, keep up!

Learning from earlier, Papa Zarude immediately called when he saw Coco wasn't following.

Inside the Sacred Tree.

Among the intricate branches and twigs, light purple water flowed from the Sacred Tree's crown center, forming streams that flowed downward.

Here, even just taking a breath felt...

"Sni..."

The closer to the "Sacred Tree," the more Serperior could feel the powerful energy contained within it.

"Zarude."

This is the place.

The Zarude elder stopped. Before Johan's group appeared a pool of light purple spring water, with the spring source connected to the giant tree's thick trunk.

"Here?"

Johan was slightly stunned.

They weren't going inside the Sacred Tree?

Seeing the Zarude's matter-of-fact expressions, Johan understood.

It seemed the Zarude, out of absolute reverence for the "Sacred Tree," wouldn't live inside it.

However, this should be enough.

"Serperior?" Johan looked at Serperior—it was still up to its decision.

"Sni."

Serperior nodded, walked to the spring water, had leaves fly from the forest to gather into a small platform before it, and sat on it.

Then the leaves floated, carrying Serperior to the spring source in the water's center.

It slowly closed its eyes.

"Zarude?"

The nearby Zarude looked at Serperior at the spring source, exchanging glances.

Why did they have a feeling... the "Sacred Tree" seemed very welcoming of its approach?

"To show gratitude, I'll treat everyone to food."

Meanwhile, Johan smiled and took out quite a few Energy Cubes—average quality but quite delicious.

"Zarude."

Initially, the Zarude were very disdainful of these cube-shaped things.

This was supposed to buy them off?

Were they better than their berries?

But when they smelled the Energy Cubes' aroma, when Jirachi showed off by waving Energy Cubes in front of the Zarude, they realized they seemed wrong.

When one Zarude began trying them and was immediately "captured" by the Energy Cubes' taste, the other Zarude were all conquered.

"Ka-kaah~"

Gengar beckoned lightly to Dragonite.

"Draa?"

While the Zarude were immersed in Energy Cubes, Gengar and Dragonite came to the spring water.

"Ka-kaah?"

Do you think if Johan drank this stuff, would he become immortal?

Gengar asked quietly.

"Draa?" Dragonite spread its little chubby hands.

I don't know.

Gengar rolled its eyes.

"Sacred Tree," "Healing Spring"—it had heard these terms when listening to the Zarude communicate earlier and understood the "Healing Spring's" effects.

A few breaths could help injured Pokémon recover.

Such miraculous spring water extending lifespan would be normal, right?

Anyway, there was so much here... taking a few tons back wouldn't be noticed—cough, no one would dare object, right?

Then, giving Johan a cup daily—it'd be hard for him to die!

"Ka-kaah~"

Help me—let's collect a tiny bit of spring water for Johan.

"Draa~"

Oh.

Dragonite nodded.

However, just as Gengar and Dragonite prepared to collect water—

Hum—

The spring water suddenly rippled.

Then, under all the Zarude's shocked gazes, Serperior sitting by the spring source glowed with light blue aura, and the crown's spring water rippled accordingly.

The next second, amid countless "rustle" sounds, abundant green light like scattered stars formed stream-like flows toward Serperior, entering its body through its back.

Hmm?

Seeing this scene, Johan was also stunned.

How was this somewhat like the Zarude clan's Jungle Healing?

Not exactly the same, but similar.

"Zarude..." The elder gripping its staff appeared excited, red eyes showing some crystalline glint—whether from excitement or something else.

Child of the Forest...

Worthy of an existence blessed by the forest.

The Zarude were also stunned.

Their clan had long-standing rumors that when a forest-protected Zarude appeared, it would gain the "Sacred Tree's" recognition and become "King of the Forest."

Unexpectedly, such an existence had indeed appeared.

But not within their Zarude clan.

Had their Zarude clan done something wrong...? The Zarude elder thought sadly.

Moreover, Lord Celebi hadn't appeared for a long time...

Johan gently rubbed his chin.

With such commotion, would Serperior evolve?

Though Serperior having "Forest's Blessing" was good, it also constrained it, making its evolution extremely slow.

As a Pokémon, though it could continue growing stronger, being unable to evolve to its final form had significant impacts from any perspective.

Hum—

The changes in Serperior came quickly and left quickly.

When all the glow faded, Serperior slowly opened its eyes, stood up, and bowed slightly to the "Sacred Tree."

"Sni."

Thank you.

Finished?

Thud—

Serperior jumped directly from the spring water to Johan, speaking somewhat embarrassedly.

"Sni..."

Couldn't evolve...

Though Johan didn't say it and it didn't mention it, actually both human and Pokémon had the same thought.

Perhaps the "Sacred Tree" could help Serperior/me evolve.

But the result was obvious.

Johan reached out and patted Serperior's head, saying with surprise: "Oh my! You seem taller? More beautiful?!"

"Sni! (∩)"

Even if you praise me like this! I won't be happy~~

Though saying this, the blush on its face and irrepressible smile betrayed it.

"Haha!"

Johan laughed twice.

Evolution or not... it didn't matter!

Things would happen naturally.

His and his Pokémon's happiness was most important.

"Elder, thank you. These things are a token of gratitude." Johan took out more Energy Cubes and said to the Zarude elder.

Then he led his Pokémon away from the "Sacred Tree."

The Zarude elder opened its mouth, reaching out to call Johan and Serperior back, but not knowing what excuse to use, just watched them leave and sighed softly.

"Zarude!!"

Suddenly a Zarude cried out.

What?

That Zarude pointed at the crown's central spring water.

Why was the spring water so much lower?!

"Faster than expected."

At the camp, seeing Johan return under cover of night, Cynthia said with some surprise.

"Encountered some minor trouble, but fortunately nothing major," Johan smiled.

Then asked: "Did you eat dinner?"

"Mm, ate," Cynthia looked at Johan expectantly. "But didn't eat enough."

Johan laughed helplessly and took out an apron. "Alright, I'll make something. I haven't eaten much either. What do you want?"

"Udon noodles!"

[Me too! Me too! Udon! Udon!]

Hearing this, Jirachi immediately shouted excitedly.

"Alright, alright."

Johan began cooking.

Serperior, looking hesitant, suddenly approached him.

"Sni..."

"What's wrong? You want some too?"

"Sni." Serperior shook its head.

After hesitating slightly, it began explaining.

Actually, earlier at the "Sacred Tree," it had felt it actually had a chance to evolve.

However... some mysterious feeling told it that if it chose to evolve using the "Sacred Tree's" power, perhaps... it could never leave the "Sacred Tree" again.

This was unacceptable to Serperior.

So it "refused."

The feeling wasn't strong then, but the further from the "Sacred Tree," the stronger the feeling became.

After hearing this, Johan's first thought was of Mew and the World Tree.

Like Mew and the World Tree?

Mew was one with the World Tree but also couldn't leave it...

"Do you want to stay?" Johan asked.

"Sni!" Serperior's head shook like a rattle.

How could that be?

Though it joined the team latest, it never thought of leaving Johan. It wanted to become stronger, but the premise was becoming stronger together with Johan.

"Then that's it."

Johan smiled, crouched down, looked directly into Serperior's eyes, and said softly: "Your choice and judgment were correct. We must become masters of power, not be controlled by it and become slaves."

Speaking, he vigorously rubbed Serperior's head.

The "Sacred Tree's" power obviously looked so strong—even if Serperior couldn't evolve, the benefits it gained should be greater than now.

Serperior's explanation made sense.

"It's fine, we have plenty of time."

"Sni! (▼皿▼)" Serperior bared its teeth, symbolically struggling twice to escape Johan's hand, but only symbolically.

"Ka-kaah!"

Gengar suddenly appeared, patting its round belly and laughing.

Right! We have plenty of time!

Hmm?

"Gengar, why is your belly so big?"

Hey!

Gengar grinned, suddenly having light purple liquid trickle from its mouth.

Johan: "..."

Instantly almost understanding Gengar's intention, Johan nearly cursed.

You purple fatty, you don't expect me to drink what you spit out, do you?!

Moreover, this "Healing Spring" actually lost its effects over time without special preservation methods after leaving the "Sacred Tree."

At worst... "Healing Spring" was just healing, right? Did it think it was "Rakua elements"?

It could even extend lifespan.

Johan rolled his eyes.

However... what if "Healing Spring" and "Rakua elements" were combined?

Mossui Town.

In a research facility.

"Dr. Jedo, we're here to help you."

"Help me?" Dr. Jedo, wearing a suit, looked at the young man lounging in the chair before him, especially the logo on his chest—Outstanding Inc.'s logo!

Though his research facility and company were sizeable, compared to Outstanding Inc. with business across multiple regions, they were far inferior.

Dr. Jedo just didn't understand why Outstanding Inc. would suddenly approach him.

"We've seen your 'Healing Spring' thesis, but research couldn't proceed due to inability to find the 'Healing Spring' in the vast forest."

The Outstanding Inc. young man grinned confidently:

"And we can help you find the 'Healing Spring' you want."

"Really?!"

Hearing this, Dr. Jedo became excited.

Researching the "Healing Spring" was his life's greatest dream.

He had even killed his two "good friends" for this!

"Of course." The Outstanding Inc. young man snapped his fingers. "Please trust Outstanding Inc.'s capabilities."

"However, since this is cooperation, please have Dr. Jedo sign this contract first."

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Powerstones?

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