Pokemon: Spiritual Master

"You..."

Looking at the Zarude kneeling on the ground, Johan opened his mouth.

"Zarude..." Zarude opened its mouth to explain but was stopped by Johan's raised hand.

"Wait, let me guess."

"Zarude?" Zarude looked confused.

Guess?

What... time was it for guessing?

But Johan said: "A group of people surrounded your 'Sacred Tree,' even destroyed it?"

Hearing this, Papa Zarude was stunned, looking at Johan in shock.

Johan continued: "The leader is an old acquaintance of Coco's parents, and they have a very powerful robot."

Papa Zarude looked completely bewildered, staring blankly at Johan who was rubbing his chin with a "mystic" air.

The reason Johan could guess correctly was mainly because...

This damn thing was exactly the plot from the movie "Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle"!

Johan now muttered quietly: "That's not right, logically this plot should wait for Ash..."

Though previous plots had "accidents," they were all within acceptable ranges.

But without Ash and Pikachu, how would Coco resolve his inner conflict?

"Zarude?" Papa Zarude snapped back to attention and couldn't help calling out.

If Johan hadn't entered the "Sacred Tree" last time without causing any damage, Papa Zarude would really start suspecting whether Dr. Jedo's group was arranged by Johan.

Otherwise, how could he know so clearly?

"Oh, it's fine." Johan came back to his senses, showing some confusion.

Logically speaking...

According to the movie's development, even if Dr. Jedo's group had a powerful robot, as long as the Zarude and wild Pokémon united, plus Papa Zarude's "awakening," it shouldn't be difficult to handle.

Though that robot was portrayed as very powerful in the movie, even having arena-like "energy barriers," as long as it sustained heavy attacks, the barrier would eventually give way.

With or without Ash and Pikachu, the result should be the same.

"You... can't defeat that robot?" Johan asked with confusion.

Papa Zarude didn't understand why Johan, clearly knowing about the robot and Dr. Jedo, would ask such a question.

But it still spoke with some reluctance:

"Zarude!"

If it were just that group and one robot, the Zarude naturally wouldn't retreat continuously—the main problem was another group!

"Another group?"

Johan was stunned.

Then asked with interest: "What people?"

Papa Zarude thought about it, not knowing how to explain since it didn't know who those people were either.

So after thinking, it tore off a small section of vine from its wrist, rubbed it into crystalline powder, and scattered it down.

Outlining several Pokémon silhouettes.

"Garganacl and... Aerodactyl?"

What kind of situation was this?

"What's wrong?" Cynthia asked.

"Something happened..."

Johan then briefly explained.

After hearing, Cynthia nodded. Though she also had doubts, she still called Garchomp over and said:

"Let's go."

"Go?"

Cynthia smiled: "What? A Pokémon has come asking for your help. With your personality, would you ignore it?"

Moreover... Cynthia glanced at Jirachi clenching its little fists.

This little one had sensed strong wishes from Papa Zarude.

Johan was speechless.

"True."

Not mentioning that Serperior had gained some benefits from the "Sacred Tree," just having a Pokémon come seeking help—when had he ever refused when capable?

Not to mention... this matter seemed to have no difficulty.

Much easier than fighting first-class legendaries.

Johan grabbed Gengar, pried open its mouth, and pulled out a black cape, draping it over his shoulders with a "whoosh."

His entire aura and feeling immediately underwent tremendous change.

"Then let's go!"

Now it was... Teacher Johan's Champion moment!

"Garganacl, Aerodactyl, Stone Edge!"

Onyx displayed his fierce side completely.

Though Rock-type Pokémon had no type advantage against Grass-type Zarude, he won because Onyx wasn't alone—he had an entire combat team for coordination.

Moreover, besides him, there was another "Explorers" executive—Agate!

Agate specialized in Psychic-type Pokémon, with a Medicham and Xatu as her main forces. Against Dark-type Zarude, she couldn't exert much combat effectiveness.

But Agate's greatest strength lay in her information gathering and analysis abilities.

Though encountering Zarude for the first time, after several clashes, Agate had figured out this Pokémon species' various strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths: powerful, agile, and very familiar with surroundings.

But corresponding weaknesses: too reckless in battle, decent experience but poor coordination, and most importantly—no helpers or backup.

"Their recovery ability is getting slower. Hold out a bit longer and we can break through," Agate said calmly.

"Zarude!"

"Zarude!"

"Zarude!"

The Zarude's roars rose and fell.

But besides roaring, they had no other options.

"Zarude!"

At this moment, Coco finally returned again, bringing quite a few wild Pokémon!

There were Flygon, Grapploct, Pangoro, Vileplume, and other relatively powerful Pokémon.

With these wild Pokémon joining, Dr. Jedo's group's advance finally slowed.

However, these wild Pokémon couldn't do much against Biotope Company's robot.

This was a robot Dr. Jedo had built at enormous cost, using Galar region stadium energy barrier technology. Wild Pokémon alone could hardly break through.

If the Zarude could coordinate with them, perhaps they could.

But the Zarude were being suppressed by Onyx, Agate, and others.

Seeing danger approach the "Sacred Tree" closer and closer...

Bang!!

The Zarude elder dropped its staff, blew its beard, and prepared to enter battle.

The elder was warming up!

Elder!

Elder!

Several young Zarude quickly stopped the elder.

Don't you know your own physical condition?

Not helping would be fine, but you might even become a burden!

The Zarude elder looked bitter, watching the robot approach closer as the "Sacred Tree" became more endangered.

"Zarude..."

Had their Zarude clan really committed some wrong to suffer consecutive tribulations...

Just then, the Zarude elder seemed to sense something, suddenly looking up with contracted pupils.

"Zarude..."

That is...

Agate also changed color, her calm demeanor immediately becoming extremely grave as she urgently shouted:

"Onyx, watch out!"

The next second—

"Draa—!!!"

A massive form wrapped in draconic energy descended at terrifying speed toward Onyx's Garganacl and Aerodactyl.

Dragon Rush!

Onyx's expression also changed drastically.

Boom!!!

"Eh?"

A voice with some surprise came from the air.

A young man in black suit with fluttering cape slowly descended from above.

"Shaka!!" Garchomp bared its teeth fiercely.

When did this guy get so good at showing off?

When Dragonite launched Dragon Rush, Johan lost his riding Pokémon and naturally grabbed its arm.

Garchomp had originally wanted to secretly pretend to accidentally drop Johan, but unexpectedly he let go himself.

Only little Jirachi, hugging Johan's arm and gritting its teeth, kept trying to pull him up.

Thud—

Johan landed smoothly.

"Teacher Johan!"

Agate recognized Johan almost immediately, her expression changing drastically.

Hearing this, Johan looked up and immediately noticed the logo on her clothing—Outstanding Inc.!

Recalling her identity, he immediately understood.

Explorers, executive, Agate and Onyx!

How had the Explorers gotten involved in this?

Could it really be as he thought—Outstanding Inc. wanted to use "Healing Spring" to alleviate "Rakua elements'" side effects?

Wait.

Had he accidentally set a flag?

Johan's appearance made Agate very nervous.

Precisely because she excelled at data collection and analysis, Agate knew how terrifying Teacher Johan was.

Without exaggeration, among current regional Champions, Teacher Johan was definitely in the front ranks, arguably at least top two!

How could such a person suddenly appear in this forest?

While Johan wondered why the Explorers appeared, the Explorers equally wondered why Johan appeared.

"Draa—"

Dragonite flapped its wings, flying back through the dust.

Onyx's two Pokémon—Aerodactyl directly lost fighting ability!

Though Garganacl hadn't lost fighting ability, its salt blocks became severely damaged with almost no fighting power remaining.

Actually withstanding Dragonite's Dragon Rush—this was why Johan had exclaimed "eh" in surprise earlier.

Johan wasn't satisfied with this result, but for Papa Zarude who had followed, it was pure shock.

So, so strong?

Back at the "Sacred Tree," the opponent was still holding back?

"So what if you're a Champion!"

Onyx looked at the fallen Aerodactyl, gritting his teeth viciously.

"Onyx, don't be impulsive..." Agate tried to stop him, but saw Onyx had already taken out a black sphere filled with energy.

Tera Orb!

"Release your power, Garganacl!"

Onyx threw the Tera Orb toward Garganacl.

Crack crack crack—

Terastallization power released as crystalline crystals built up from Garganacl's feet, completely enveloping it.

With a "bang," crystals shattered as Garganacl completed Terastallization!

And it was Tera Rock!

Seeing this, Agate angrily glared at Onyx.

This muscle-brained fool!

But Onyx had clearly shown his intention to fight Teacher Johan. Agate couldn't sit idly by.

After all... whether they fought or fled, they seemingly had to get past Teacher Johan first.

"Shaka—"

At this moment, Cynthia and Garchomp also landed.

"Two Champions?!" Agate's expression froze.

How was this playable?

A mere forest outside Mossui Town actually had two Champions?

"Cynthia, handle that side. Leave this to me," Johan said.

Dr. Jedo and Biotope Company's robot were getting closer to the "Sacred Tree."

Cynthia glanced at Onyx and Agate, nodding.

"Alright."

Without hesitation, she left with Garchomp.

As for worrying about Johan facing two opponents... he was Johan!

For Agate and Onyx, Cynthia's departure brought relief.

Fortunately, Champion Cynthia left.

Otherwise... no matter how confident they were, they couldn't face two Champions simultaneously!

But now... Agate immediately analyzed the situation clearly.

This was an opportunity!

Though Teacher Johan was very powerful, if they used all means, they might not be unable to hold out or even defeat one or two of his Pokémon.

Then, before Champion Cynthia returned, they'd quickly retreat!

Continue attacking the "Sacred Tree"?

Agate had abandoned such bold thoughts, now only thinking of minimizing losses while retreating.

Understanding this, Agate hesitated no more, immediately taking out her Tera Orb and throwing it toward Medicham.

"Be one with my mind, Medicham!"

With crystal condensation and scattering, Agate's Medicham also completed Terastallization—Tera Psychic!

Both enhanced their Pokémon's original types through Terastallization.

Seeing those two Terastallized Pokémon, Johan raised an eyebrow.

Daring to fight back?

Interesting...

He casually threw out two Poké Balls.

"Serperior, Tyranitar."

"Sni!"

"Bangi!"

One Grass-type, one Dark-type—quite respectful toward Onyx and Agate.

But Agate called out:

"Onyx!"

Onyx glanced at her, immediately understanding Agate's meaning.

Both looked grave, simultaneously taking out strange spheres resembling but not quite Poké Balls.

Hmm?

Then Agate and Onyx each threw these strange spheres toward Terastallized Garganacl and Medicham respectively.

Enhancement Orbs!

Click—

The spheres opened.

Pink mist drifted from within, inhaled by Garganacl and Medicham.

The next second, both Pokémon's expressions and states changed dramatically!

Their auras rapidly surged.

Seeing that pink mist, Johan's expression also changed slightly.

This was Rakua elements?!

"Enhancement Orbs" were Outstanding Inc.'s most secret research product—no, should be said as Spinel's exclusive research achievement, products Spinel had developed while hiding from "Explorers" leader Gibeon.

What they contained was indeed "Rakua elements"—improved and refined "Rakua elements."

They caused inhaling Pokémon's strength to surge greatly without completely losing reason, still able to follow trainers' commands.

However, these "Enhancement Orbs" were still experimental, only prototypes. Throughout Outstanding Inc. and the "Explorers," fewer than five people secretly possessed them.

All were closely related to Spinel, even considered confidants.

This was something even "Explorers" leader Gibeon didn't know.

Of course, Johan didn't know these details.

But Johan recognized "Rakua elements" and felt the changes in Onyx's Garganacl and Agate's Medicham.

Combined with the previous Walking Wake at the Dragon Tamer family...

He quickly reached a conclusion.

Walking Wake had indeed been used as a test subject by Outstanding Inc. or "Explorers," whether intentionally or not.

"Quick battle!" Agate said grimly.

Not hoping to completely defeat Teacher Johan—defeating his Serperior and Tyranitar would provide escape opportunity!

Agate knew Serperior and Tyranitar were among Teacher Johan's Pokémon that joined latest and were theoretically weakest.

The Champion's "arrogance" was their greatest chance.

So Agate and Onyx held nothing back.

"Medicham, Meditate!"

"Garganacl, Salt Cure!"

Both immediately acted with tacit coordination.

Agate and Onyx were both "Explorers" executives trained from childhood, very familiar with each other, so naturally they coordinated extremely well.

Garganacl positioned itself in front of Medicham, spraying abundant salt.

Medicham assumed meditation pose as its aura began surging again.

Johan recovered from his surprise at "Rakua elements," seeing this scene and couldn't help chuckling.

Champion's arrogance?

No!

This was a Champion's absolute confidence!

Did they really think they could compete with him using mere "Rakua elements"?

"Then let me show you what a 'Champion' is!"

Johan's eyes suddenly sharpened as he waved his hand.

"Serperior, Grassy Terrain!"

"Tyranitar, Dragon Dance!"

Good thing Garchomp was taken away by Cynthia...

"Sni—"

Glowing grass spread from Serperior's feet as surrounding forest leaves suddenly rustled. An aura belonging to the forest seemed to manifest on Serperior.

The salt scattered by Garganacl was almost instantly covered and disappeared under the grass.

"Bangi!!"

Tyranitar roared fiercely. Though it controlled the sandstorm without unleashing it, the Desert Tyrant's aura remained the same even outside deserts!

No!

I am the desert!

The intimidating terrifying aura made Agate and Onyx's breathing hitch.

Both suddenly felt... their judgment might be somewhat wrong.

Though commanding later, Johan and his two Pokémon's reaction speed was faster and... exceptionally fierce.

Quick battle?

Then he'd fulfill their request!

"Leaf Storm!"

"Stone Edge!"

Agate: "???"

The battle just started!

You're already using ultimate moves?

What about protecting the forest...

"Sni!"

Amid forest leaves' "rustling," stern-faced Serperior's tail immediately gathered massive forest leaves, unleashing an unprecedentedly huge leaf tornado.

The "Sacred Tree" being severely damaged didn't just anger the Zarude and wild Pokémon—the angriest was this vast forest itself!

And now, the forest's power was Serperior's power!

"Bangi!!"

Tyranitar roared skyward as the entire ground shook violently. Terrifying huge fiery rock spikes immediately erupted from the ground.

Those violent rumbling sounds were earth's roar, the Desert Tyrant's howl, the strongest response to opponents' contempt!

Looking down on Champions? Or Champions' Pokémon?

Then they'd use strength to tell them!

Johan becoming Champion was the result of every single one of them working together with Johan!

Boom!!!

Instantly, the leaf tornado devastated Garganacl while Stone Edge charged straight at Medicham.

The massive commotion and eclipse-like scene directly enveloped this area.

Not far away, Papa Zarude stared blankly at this scene, unconsciously swallowing.

Gulp—

Mercy!

Papa Zarude felt "mercy" from Johan for the first time.

If these two moves had been used at the "Sacred Tree" days ago, then probably...

Teacher Johan?

Papa Zarude recalled Agate and Onyx's address for Johan.

This was a "merciful" teacher...

Rumble—

The trembling continued for who knows how long.

When the massive commotion gradually subsided and leaves and dust slowly settled, Garganacl and Medicham had long since fallen in ruins, having lost fighting ability.

Agate and Onyx were also currently dazed.

For the first time, the proud pair understood the strength gap between themselves and Champions.

Even as "Explorers" executives, they seemed very small before the word "Champion."

Of course, this might also be their last time understanding this.

"Zarude, they're yours." Johan pointed at the two and numerous "Explorers" members, addressing Papa Zarude.

Other "Explorers" members had long since been "played" unconscious by Gengar.

Each foaming at the mouth with convulsing bodies.

"Ka-kaah..."

Gengar shook its head with an expression of "you guys are just this much, not good enough."

"Za, Zarude!" Papa Zarude snapped back and immediately nodded.

Just... why did it feel like Teacher Johan and his Pokémon's "destruction" of the forest was greater than those people combined?

An illusion, definitely an illusion!

Meanwhile, on the other side—

Boom!!

Garchomp emerged from flames, disdainfully curling its lip.

A robot?

If robots could truly completely suppress Pokémon, what would Pokémon be needed for?

Dr. Jedo stared blankly at Garchomp and the indifferently standing Cynthia with hands on hips.

Who, who was this person?

How did she suddenly appear, suddenly attack once, and the robot suddenly exploded?

The robot he'd invested so much funding and resources to create was just... gone like that?

"No! No! No!" Dr. Jedo's eyes turned red.

Seeing his life's goal about to be completed, just one step away, would it fail?

Right! That's it—there was still Al!

If he could capture Al!

Dr. Jedo looked viciously at Coco, when suddenly a twisted ghostly face appeared before him.

"Spiriii—"

"Para, paralyzed..."

Spiritomb showed a "proud" smile.

Finally learned a trick from Johan and Gengar!

Heh! Hehe...

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Powerstones?

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