Pokemon: Spiritual Master

"Let us congratulate contestant Johan for successfully defending his 'Master Ball Tier' throne!"

After confirming the results, the host's passionate voice spread throughout the entire arena.

The venue erupted in the most enthusiastic cheers.

This match not only showcased tactical confrontation but also the heated clash between trainers, Pokémon, and opponents—absolutely worth the ticket price.

Teacher Johan was as powerful as always.

As for N, though defeated, he also received tremendous recognition and approval.

"Though he lost, I acknowledge N's strength is truly formidable. His tactical reserves and tactical 'literacy' are excellent—worthy of being Teacher Johan's student."

"Six to one? Seemingly lost, but actually won big! Being able to score against Teacher Johan—that's something only Elite Four level could achieve, right?"

"Making Teacher Johan truly realize this is Master tier, not baby cup!"

"Teacher Johan—seemingly won but actually lost!"

Seeing various online comments, Johan wanted to laugh.

What did they mean?

Really wanted him to treat Master tier like baby cup?

These people seemed like haters individually, but "cut them open" and they'd all be his fans.

Black-to-fan confirmed.

Better than fan-to-black anyway.

Putting away his phone, Johan looked at the Black and White Dragons before him, eyes narrowing with slightly dangerous light.

"You two..."

[We just came to watch.]

Zekrom nudged Reshiram with its wing, indicating it was right, wasn't it?

[Yes! Yes!] Reshiram nodded seriously.

What a "just watching."

As a Dragon of Truth, when had you become so untruthful?

He naturally understood Reshiram and Zekrom's thoughts.

Weren't they just worried he and N would get too heated, causing the "tragedy" of the ancient Unova kingdom from a thousand years ago?

Wrong.

Such tragedy wouldn't repeat—it would definitely become Johan's one-sided crushing of N.

After all, in strength, ability, and connections, Johan maintained overwhelming advantages in all aspects.

Actually, as the Dragon of Truth, Reshiram might be fine since only Johan had gained its recognition.

But Zekrom would be difficult.

Not even considering who was stronger between Johan and N, as the Dragon of Ideals, it had to make a choice first.

An absolutely difficult dilemma.

Fortunately, Johan and N's relationship was clearly a very friendly mentor-student friendship.

Also, Galar region's Eternatus had been beaten into submission by Johan and was currently receiving "modification" under Professor Magnolia.

Who knew when it would be released.

The Sword and Shield duo, Zacian and Zamazenta, also had friendly warrior relationships with Johan and wouldn't react much to Zekrom and Reshiram's arrival.

"King of Galar" Calyrex needn't be mentioned—one of its beloved steeds was in Gengar's hands, having an even better relationship with Johan.

So Zekrom and Reshiram's appearance, besides causing some commotion, didn't create any destructive impact.

Otherwise... their trip to Galar region would conservatively require at least two or three battles.

"Since you're already here..."

Under Reshiram and Zekrom's slightly expectant gazes, Johan grinned:

"Just go back early."

Reshiram & Zekrom: "?"

Johan couldn't help but smile. "Just kidding. Since you're here, stay for dinner."

"Roar—"

"Roar—"

Zekrom and Reshiram looked at each other and called out happily twice.

Zekrom winked at Reshiram.

See? Told you there was no problem.

Reshiram nodded satisfactorily but soon paused, looking confused.

Wait? Am I the Dragon of Truth or are you the Dragon of Truth?

How do you seem more truthful than me?

"Come on, try this special blend."

In the villa garden in Wyndon City, Reshiram and Zekrom looked expectantly at the food Johan brought, eyes glowing.

[Special blend?]

Reshiram and Zekrom looked delighted.

Look how polite Johan was—they'd come all this way and he specially prepared food. So honored!

"That's right, 'Groudon Special.'"

Groudon Special?

This name... so domineering?

"Zekrom, you try first." Johan placed the plate before Zekrom.

Zekrom was overjoyed.

Not far away, Flint elbowed Lucian quietly: "See? Teacher Johan's going to give someone a hard time, right? From my experience..."

Lucian quickly distanced himself from Flint.

You know yet still say it?

Though normal people couldn't hear from this distance... was Teacher Johan normal?

Don't drag me down with your death wish!

The next second—

"Roar—!!!"

Zekrom roared, mouth spewing lightning mixed with red flames, even its black cheeks flushing slightly.

Reshiram beside it immediately stared wide-eyed.

When did you secretly learn my moves?

[So spicy, so spicy, so spicy!]

Zekrom's forehead sweated as its head turned frantically, seeking water.

"Here." Johan brought out pre-prepared milk. "Water won't help with spice—have some 'Moomoo Milk,' spice lover."

Glug glug glug—

After several bottles of "Moomoo Milk," Zekrom finally recovered, collapsing weakly on the ground.

Only then did Reshiram realize this wasn't Zekrom learning its moves but being overwhelmed by spice.

What level of spice could make a Thunder Dragon breathe fire?

Seeing Johan's smiling approach, Reshiram instinctively stepped back, swallowing.

[Jo-Johan, I, I, I...]

I'm your most "loyal" supporter!

"You won't eat?" Johan raised an eyebrow with a meaningful smile.

[Can, can I not eat?]

Reshiram stammered the question.

"Of course." Johan said meaningfully: "Just don't regret it."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zekrom collapsed on the ground suddenly sprang up, excitedly howling skyward.

[Exhilarating! So exhilarating!]

Hm?

Reshiram was stunned.

Exhilarating?

Weren't you about to lose control of bodily functions from the spice?

Zekrom drooled—not from hunger, but genuinely from the spice.

But how to put it... after the spice passed, that feeling of inner satisfaction and pleasure was really great.

Moreover, Zekrom felt its power seemed to have subtle changes.

This benefit was greater than Energy Cubes!

Johan smiled, then said irritably: "Alright, eat up. I said it was special for you two—would I trick you? Though spicy, spice has its benefits and unique flavors."

What a joke.

Give someone a hard time?

Was Old Johan someone who did that?

Besides, Johan didn't think Zekrom's actions were wrong—otherwise, should N be left alone and isolated?

Moreover, last time having Flint test it wasn't for nothing.

After Johan's adjustments, though still very spicy, it was actually much better than before.

Last time Flint ate just a small bite and maintained "red-braised pig head" appearance for three days.

If not for his distinctive explosion hair, he probably couldn't even register for the "Pokémon World Championships."

"Roar—"

After eating, Reshiram also couldn't help roaring and breathing flames—its flames were much more vigorous than Zekrom's.

However, Reshiram's spice tolerance was considerably better than Zekrom's. In just a moment, plus two bottles of "Moomoo Milk," it recovered.

[Exhilarating! Truly exhilarating!]

As a Fire-type Pokémon, Reshiram seemed to gain even greater benefits from the spicy "Groudon Special."

Seeing this scene, other Pokémon, plus Cynthia, Steven, Lance, N and others, all eagerly wanted to try.

Soon the courtyard filled with continuous "hiss-huff" sounds.

But in this "harmonious" atmosphere, some discordant voices always appeared, like...

"Spicy! Spicy! Spicy! Water! Milk! Quick! Quick! Quick—"

Flint's face was completely red, lips slightly swollen, sweating profusely like an ant on a hot pan, searching for water and milk.

But several bottles of "Moomoo Milk" provided no relief.

Everyone was amazed.

Though they also found it spicy, after eating they just needed a few gulps of milk. Their spice level was obviously much lower than what Reshiram and Zekrom ate.

Why was Flint's reaction...

Could it be because Flint simply couldn't handle spice?

"Ku?"

Infernape looked confused, taking a spoon to scoop a small half-spoonful from Flint's bowl into its mouth.

The next second—

"Ku—"

Infernape's entire body blazed with surging flames, head flames shooting skyward, body tense with arms spread, spewing scorching flames skyward.

Spicy!

Johan nearby acted "belatedly aware," slapping his forehead.

"Oops, seems I forgot to add spice-reducing ingredients for Flint."

Everyone: "..."

"Lucian, where are my ingredients? Did you see them?" Johan asked casually.

Lucian immediately broke into cold sweat. "Here, here they are, Teacher Johan. Probably because I took them here, you forgot to add them for Flint."

Mentally chanting: sacrifice friend not self—don't contact me anymore, Flint.

Johan showed "sudden realization": "So they're here."

"Oops, mistake, mistake. Lifetime reputation ruined in one moment."

Johan quietly put away the little drawing Jirachi had given him.

As a Fire-type Pokémon, after eating spicy blend, flame temperature surged at least seven or eight percent short-term.

Flint, as a Fire-type Pokémon specialist "humanoid Pokémon," theoretically... should be fine, right?

As trainers, one must understand Pokémon conditions...

The "Master Replacement Battle" continued intensely.

In the "Master Replacement Battle" stage, not every "Master Ball Tier" contestant could only accept one challenge.

Of course, losing in "Master Replacement Battle" meant only accepting one challenge.

So far, those who'd accepted two or more challenges included... Master Mustard.

Yes, Mustard was still struggling.

Today, there were two battles Johan found quite interesting.

First... Drake stubbornly challenged Pryce!

Though Pryce was just a Gym Leader, as one of the strong contenders for early "Pokémon World Championships" titles, Pryce's strength was unquestionably powerful.

He was only a Gym Leader purely because Pryce had lost much competitive spirit.

Otherwise, forget Johto League Elite Four—whether Lance could sit in the Johto League Champion position would be highly questionable.

More importantly... a Dragon-type Elite Four challenging Ice-specialist Pryce—what difference was this from "suicide"?

How was this different from Lance provoking Lorelei?

But according to Drake, this was their older generation's "grudge." With this appropriate occasion, they'd completely end this "grudge" here—afterward would be the young people's era.

Later, Johan learned from Champion Alder that Drake and Pryce's grudge began when they fought over the same girl in their youth.

This ignited Johan's gossip heart.

He also felt this battle should happen!

They should fight properly!

What fun was always watching young people's battles?

Older generation battles would definitely be more "brutal."

Drake's strength was formidable. If he didn't want Champion responsibilities and numerous duties, Hoenn League's Champion could have been his long ago.

Ace Salamence after Mega Evolution definitely had near-legendary strength.

And Pryce... was even more exaggerated.

Though Johan knew this world's Pryce wasn't the "Masked Man" Pryce he knew—not the one who could capture Ho-Oh.

But there were still similarities.

Like abnormally exaggerated strength.

He'd rarely acted in recent years, so few knew his true capabilities.

From Johan's understanding of Pryce, even if he suddenly brought out legendary-level Swinub or Delibird in competition, Johan wouldn't be particularly surprised.

Regarding Ice-types, even Lorelei, the rising Ice-type Elite Four star, had some gap compared to Pryce.

Besides this "Dragon vs Ice" battle somewhat "replicating" Lance vs Lorelei, another battle also drew Johan's attention.

Janine challenging "Gibeon"!

Regarding Janine, Johan knew she was Team Rocket's highest executive, one of three top executives.

Reportedly, Johto League intended to invite Janine to serve as Elite Four.

Janine's strength was indeed sufficient for Elite Four—after all, no Kanto League Gym Leader was weak.

Just... Champion was "poached" from Kanto League, Elite Four also from Kanto League—Johto League might as well completely take over Kanto.

As for watching this battle, Janine was just a minor reason. The bigger reason was "Gibeon."

Or rather, the Explorers executive named Spinel that Johan knew.

He wanted to know what the opponent intended by using "Gibeon's" name to participate in the "Pokémon World Championships."

Attract more attention from Geeta?

But with what Explorers and Outstanding Inc. had done... wasn't this like lighting lamps in toilets?

The events in Zarude Forest and the two Explorers executives—Johan had given everything to Geeta.

Probably Paldea League was already secretly investigating Outstanding Inc.

Moreover, theoretically, with the opponent's strength, it should be very difficult to maintain footing in "Pokémon World Championships'" "Master Ball Tier" competition.

Only because in "Master Replacement Battle," challengers were mostly people like Bruno, N, and Drake with specific challenge targets, so they wouldn't challenge the seemingly easiest target "Gibeon."

Fortunately, Janine was different.

Janine was obviously a "practical" person like Johan.

Challenge whoever had better winning chances.

Thus this battle occurred.

For Johan, understanding Spinel's purpose meant watching this battle wouldn't be wrong.

Besides him, Geeta was equally attentive.

Actually, if Janine didn't challenge, Geeta already planned to have Green challenge him.

Right, Paldea League's ultimate worker Green, with "Ultra Ball Tier's" 21st place—the challengers' last position—entered "Master Replacement Battle."

He never expected to qualify.

Mainly following Paldea League's intention to fight several matches daily.

Because there were prize money.

After fighting enough, he stopped.

Unexpectedly, he qualified.

So Green didn't care about winning in "Master Replacement Battle"—he just wanted to finish quickly, then use the "Master Replacement Battle" break to go home and lie flat.

"Drake has sent out his ace Salamence!!"

"While Gym Leader Pryce sent out... Delibird!"

Salamence VS Delibird!

"Old partner." Drake smiled, gently patting Salamence's neck. In his weathered eyes flashed scenes they'd experienced together. "Tell them that as men of the sea, mere ice and snow can't affect us at all!"

"Roar—!!!"

"Mega Evolution—Salamence!"

In brilliant light, Salamence was enveloped in evolutionary light, roars shaking the arena.

"Drake and his Salamence have Mega Evolved!!" the host hoarsely shouted.

"Hey!"

Pryce in his wheelchair exchanged glances with Delibird.

Old opponents indeed.

But with the emergence of enhancement methods like Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamax, Drake's strength had advanced further.

"But we haven't fallen behind either."

An Ice-type "Z-Crystal" appeared in Pryce's hand.

"Looks like Gym Leader Pryce chose Z-Moves!"

Mega Evolution VS Z-Moves!

Compared to Dynamax and Terastallization, Mega Evolution and Z-Moves obviously tested bonds between trainers and Pokémon more.

The upper limits of changes brought by these enhancement methods could almost be said to be determined by trainer-Pokémon bonds.

So Mega Evolution and Z-Moves were obviously more suitable for older generation trainers.

Of course, Pryce wouldn't need "dance" poses like other trainers to use Z-Moves. As a top-tier existence among the older generation, Pryce could manage this slight "change."

"Salamence, Hyper Voice!"

"Delibird, Subzero Slammer!"

Boom!!!

Afternoon.

Wyndon Stadium, highest viewing area railing, Johan leaned against it.

"Long time no see, Boss Giovanni." Johan didn't even turn his head, knowing who arrived.

Giovanni in a suit, hearing "Boss," showed barely perceptible amusement.

That Johan acknowledged him as "Boss" was enough.

"Been busy lately," Giovanni said flatly.

Indeed busy.

With Rose's fall and Macro Cosmos reorganizing with Galar League under Leon's leadership, some "blank areas" inevitably remained.

Rainbow Rocket seized opportunities to "absorb" part of Macro Cosmos's remaining holdings.

Of course, through legal, compliant means, at most... slightly using some force.

So Giovanni's participation in this "Pokémon World Championships" wasn't entirely just for competition and battles—it also meant helping "Rainbow Rocket" establish reputation and presence in Galar region.

"Mm." Johan nodded thoughtfully.

Giovanni glanced at him. "You get dividends too."

Having already arranged to entrust Team Rocket and Rainbow Rocket to Johan, Johan couldn't really be said to have dividends—calling Johan half-owner wouldn't be excessive.

"No, I mean..."

Johan glanced down briefly then quickly looked back up. "I'm not an undercover agent either. Next time we don't need to meet at such high places, right?"

"Hm?"

Giovanni obviously didn't understand Johan's reference.

"It's starting." Johan said.

Both turned attention back to the arena.

Janine and "Gibeon's" battle had begun!

Janine displayed the calm, composure, methodical approach a ninja should have, plus occasional brilliant tactics.

The opposing "Gibeon" also appeared very confident, quite strategically controlling everything with ease.

But this made Johan and Giovanni unconsciously frown.

"Are these Pokémon really his?" Johan questioned.

"Gibeon's"—or rather Spinel's—Pokémon differed greatly from Johan's impressions. Their fighting style seemed pre-planned and trained, lacking flexible adaptability. They showed slight delayed reactions to Spinel's occasional commands.

These details were naturally invisible to ordinary people, or most trainers.

But at Johan and Giovanni's level, they could sense abnormalities from small details.

"Who did you say he was last time?" Giovanni asked.

"Spinel, using Outstanding Inc. President and Explorers Chief Gibeon's name. Purpose temporarily unknown. As for strength..."

Bang!!

As soon as he finished speaking, Spinel's Skeledirge suddenly erupted, spewing terrifying flames that engulfed Janine's Ariados, catching Janine and Ariados completely off-guard.

Afterward, each Pokémon Spinel summoned had a sense of... getting stronger and more violent as battles progressed.

Giovanni watched his capable subordinate Janine being handled this way, expression becoming serious: "His Pokémon aren't right! Either injected or drugged!"

Hm?

Johan instinctively replied: "We will definitely win."

Giovanni turned his head.

?

"Cough cough, I mean the tournament has inspection systems. If he dares use it, he's not worried about being detected." Johan coughed twice.

Giovanni frowned.

"Rakua elements?" he asked.

Johan had mentioned this before.

"Most likely."

"Treating 'Master tier' as his testing ground?"

"I'm afraid... this is just his surface purpose," Johan said somewhat hesitantly.

"Surface purpose?"

Giovanni thought briefly and understood Johan's meaning.

Wasn't this putting himself under League's noses?

Even if League currently couldn't detect mysterious "Rakua elements," they'd eventually manage it. Then...

Not just Spinel, but probably the Explorers behind him and Chief Gibeon would also struggle...

Hm?

Thinking this, Johan and Giovanni exchanged glances.

This guy deliberately entered the game?

"Showing his 'value' to others? Expressing loyalty? Or 'inviting wolves in'?"

Johan indicated he couldn't see clearly.

Giovanni couldn't help but sneer: "Wasting thoughts on petty cleverness—can't achieve great things."

Bang!!!

On field, Janine lost another Pokémon.

The score was... three to four, Janine at disadvantage!

Honestly, Janine had skills—at least ordinary Elite Four strength, reaching average level.

But for Janine, this rigid, rule-bound fighting style wasn't her specialty.

As a ninja, poison expert, assassination, stealth, wilderness combat were her strengths.

At least unrestricted, unlimited battles would let her display abilities.

In formal battles, Janine's strength was constrained.

If this were wilderness, no matter how strong Spinel was or how much "Rakua elements" he used, he probably couldn't last ten seconds against Janine.

But this was a formal arena with formal competition.

"Go, Iron Treads!" Spinel smiled, summoning his fourth Pokémon.

Ground and Steel-type Paradox Pokémon—Pokémon from the future.

Iron Treads' appearance immediately caused significant commotion.

"Is, is this Donphan?"

"Why is it completely covered in metal? And the color seems different..."

"What Pokémon is this? Iron Treads? Never seen it!"

Paradox Pokémon—even Paldea League was still secretly researching without public announcement, not registered in Pokédexes. Naturally spectators didn't recognize such Paradox Pokémon.

Not just spectators—most contestants didn't recognize Iron Treads either.

"Janine's in trouble," Johan said grimly.

Now it was real trouble.

The opponent's targeting was too obvious.

Iron Treads' typing was Ground and Steel, making it difficult for Poison-specialist Janine to handle.

Not completely unmanageable.

Even with "Corrosion" ability specifically for Steel-types, Salazzle and Glimmora would be tricky since both were 4x weak to Ground.

Especially on this kind of arena—more troublesome.

Moreover...

"Show your true form, Terastallize Iron Treads!" Spinel threw his Tera Orb.

Regular Steel-type wasn't enough—Tera Steel too!

Logically, contestants only learned who challenged them on match morning.

Spinel was overly prepared.

"It's over."

Giovanni glanced at Iron Treads then turned to leave.

Though the match wasn't finished, Janine indeed couldn't win.

Being extensively pre-targeted, plus "Rakua elements" and Terastallization—Spinel's preparation thoroughness was staggering.

Janine... could only say Spinel might need to be careful on his way home.

On arena, Janine lost, but off-arena, three Spinels combined probably couldn't last a second against Janine.

Most importantly... Johan sensed some anger from Boss Giovanni.

Tsk tsk.

Though unsure of Spinel's purpose, simultaneously angering Boss Giovanni, Janine, Geeta—both sides...

His ending definitely wouldn't be good.

Enough.

No need to think about this guy anymore—he wouldn't go far.

Moment of silence, can't spare more.

Finally, Pryce and Spinel both successfully defended their "Master Ball Tier" positions.

Older generation battles were fascinating.

But Spinel's summoning of Paradox Pokémon Iron Treads also caused considerable commotion.

Never-before-seen Pokémon, not even registered in Pokédexes.

Could such Pokémon be allowed in Master tier competition?

Additionally, some sharp-eyed people also sensed something wrong with Spinel's Pokémon, strongly demanding League investigation.

In fact, League immediately investigated post-match, but the result...

This matter also led to long meetings among tournament organizers, primarily Galar League and Paldea League.

Spinel using some unknown enhancement method was almost certain.

But... undetectable.

Considering impact, League couldn't announce this undetectable enhancement method situation.

Otherwise... it wouldn't just appear in "Pokémon World Championships" but potentially all tournaments worldwide, large and small.

This risk must be prevented!

After discussion, the final decision:

Temporarily allow Spinel while secretly monitoring to ensure he couldn't escape the venue.

Once he was defeated, immediately arrest him!

After figuring out "Rakua elements" and Spinel's enhancement methods, then announce this matter.

As for losing to Spinel... League Masters should have sufficient methods to handle such small-time villains.

Just relying on petty cleverness.

Use absolute strength against him!

Spinel had caused public outrage.

Right, send that, that, that—send the most "tormenting" guy!

Him!

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Powerstones?

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