Pokemon: Spiritual Master

When Johan first met Cynthia, it was all because of an insecure Feebas.

And that former Feebas had now evolved into the most beautiful Pokémon in the Pokémon world—Milotic!

As half a "matchmaker" between Johan and Cynthia, Milotic actually didn't really want to battle Johan.

But as Cynthia's Pokémon, since Cynthia wanted to battle Johan with everything she had, it would naturally help Cynthia achieve her wish.

So after looking at Johan and Urshifu with slight apology, Milotic's expression became extremely serious.

Milotic was a pure Water-type Pokémon, so its resistances weren't bad—at least at an above-average level.

Furthermore, in terms of base stats alone, Milotic was a typical special defense-oriented Pokémon, belonging to the "special tank" category.

But because of its "Marvel Scale" ability, it could also become quite an excellent "physical tank." Combined, it was an extremely outstanding "water shield" with tremendous staying power.

[Marvel Scale: When afflicted with a status condition, the Pokémon's physical defense is greatly increased!]

"Garruu!"

Urshifu assumed its stance, eyes determined.

Everyone was so familiar with each other that it didn't really want to battle Cynthia either, but—

This concerned Johan's future position in the family hierarchy, so it had to fight!

Sorry!

"Battle begin!"

The referee's words fell.

Hiss—

Before either side had made any moves, a small flame appeared on Milotic's body, with some of its scales being burned to a fiery red color.

However, the flame was quickly suppressed by the water flow surging from Milotic's body.

But the status—

Milotic had entered the "Burn" status!

Its "Marvel Scale" ability triggered, greatly increasing its physical defense!

"It seems Cynthia's Milotic is carrying a 'Flame Orb,'" Leon, continuing as half a commentator, immediately explained the reason for Milotic's change.

Flame Orb!

The holder would be burned by the orb's heat, entering the "Burn" status.

Although the "Burn" status would lower a Pokémon's physical attack, Milotic wasn't a Pokémon that specialized in physical attacks anyway, so the impact wasn't significant.

As for the damage from the "Flame Orb"... the water flow circling Milotic's body was Aqua Ring, and combined with Milotic's water flow suppression, it could be completely ignored.

This method of using Aqua Ring plus its own water flow to suppress the "Flame Orb's" burn was actually a suggestion Johan had made when he and Cynthia were training together last time.

He never expected it would be used against him in battle now...

Johan's mouth twitched slightly.

However, Milotic's "Flame Orb" activation was only momentary, and their battle officially began!

"Milotic, Scald!" Cynthia placed one hand lightly on her slender waist and launched the first attack without hesitation.

"Oowu—"

Milotic opened its mouth slightly, and a stream of scalding water immediately surged out, accompanied by rising hot steam.

Scald was the only Water-type move that could inflict the Burn status on Pokémon. For Urshifu, a physical attack-oriented Pokémon, the "Burn" status posed an enormous threat.

"Urshifu!" Johan shouted. "Use Sucker Punch to dodge!"

"Garruu!"

Urshifu's eyes focused, dark light flickering around its body as it began running at high speed across the field.

"Cover the area!"

"Oowu—"

Milotic turned its direction and continued spitting scalding water, chasing after Urshifu.

Although it couldn't hit Urshifu directly, most of the field had already been covered by the scalding water flow.

This water flow endurance...

But while using Sucker Punch to run, Urshifu was also constantly getting closer to Milotic.

"Urshifu, Wicked Blow!"

"Garruu!"

Bathed in dark light, Urshifu roared explosively and charged toward Milotic at extreme speed with a clenched fist.

"Milotic, wrap yourself in water flow!" Cynthia immediately called out.

"Oowu~"

The scalding water wrapped around itself. With the protection of Aqua Ring, plus already carrying the "Flame Orb," Milotic wasn't worried about its own hot water burning itself.

Protect wouldn't work against Urshifu, but the water flow...

Seeing this scene, Johan could only sigh that it was truly worthy of being a "water shield."

For Urshifu to hit Milotic, it would have to pass through that ring of hot water, which risked being burned.

But if it didn't pass through the hot water, relying solely on Urshifu's special attack ability obviously wouldn't cause much substantial damage to Milotic.

So...

"Urshifu!" Johan took a deep breath and said sternly: "Continue!"

Urshifu understood Johan's implication. While approaching, it took a deep breath and closed its eyes.

Gurgle gurgle—

Water flow also surged from Urshifu's body, wrapping around its arms.

Aqua Jet!

Bang!!!

A tremendously powerful punch passed through Milotic's scalding water flow. Because of the barrier from its own water flow, Urshifu wasn't immediately burned.

Got you!

The next moment.

"Close Combat!!"

"Garruu!!"

Urshifu's eyes snapped open, and its fists rained down like a violent storm. Milotic was immediately sent flying out of its own condensed water flow, with Urshifu following close behind.

"Watch out!" Johan used his aura power to send a warning directly into Urshifu's mind.

Although Milotic was flying backward, its agile body allowed it to quickly regain balance.

"Water Pulse!" Cynthia immediately commanded.

"Oowu!!"

Its mouth bulged, instantly spitting out an extremely turbulent water column—not only to attack Urshifu but also to create distance from it.

As a "water shield," Milotic's specialty wasn't just dual defenses; its recovery ability was equally outstanding.

Aqua Ring, Life Dew, Recover, and other moves.

As long as it could maintain sufficient distance from Urshifu, it could immediately restore its stamina.

When it came to staying power, it was absolutely serious!

Johan, who understood this point equally well, naturally knew Milotic's characteristics. Therefore, once Urshifu launched a fierce attack, it absolutely couldn't stop. Otherwise, no matter how strong Urshifu's abilities were, as long as it couldn't defeat Milotic in one go, the result would be the same...

Even if Urshifu wasn't afraid of prolonged battles either, delays could lead to complications—

"Urshifu, Detect!"

At the most crucial moment, Urshifu's mind became unified. Facing the Water Pulse that Milotic spat out, confronting that continuous turbulent water flow, it threw another punch without hesitation.

One of the mysteries of the Rapid Strike Style was breaking through water!

Crack crack crack—

Punch after punch was thrown in a dazzling display. The Water Pulse instantly scattered like fireworks, and Urshifu's pursuit of Milotic not only didn't slow down but became even faster!

Cynthia frowned slightly, feeling the strong pressure from Urshifu's continuous attacks.

She clenched her fist slightly.

"Milotic, wrap yourself in Scald again!"

If she could make Urshifu enter the "Burn" status, even at the cost of significant stamina, it would be acceptable!

The Water Pulse stopped, and the landing Milotic spat out Scald again. Urshifu instantly appeared before it, eyes half-closed, stance ready.

Quite the... Domain Expansion appearance.

"Urshifu," Johan called out. "Use Wicked Blow!"

"Garruu!!"

Some water flow appeared on Urshifu's fist again—not the water from Aqua Jet, but the water remaining on its body from Milotic's Water Pulse, as well as the water vapor floating in the air after the water splashes scattered!

Water Breaking! Strike Breaking!

The stationary Urshifu displayed fighting techniques to their peak, stepping forward with its lower body, concentrating all power into its fist.

Boom!!

In an instant.

The hot water wrapping Milotic exploded apart. This time Milotic didn't fly backward but was heavily slammed into the ground.

Critical hit!

"Oowu..." The fallen Milotic struggled to look at the majestic Urshifu once, then spirals appeared in its eyes as it collapsed.

"Milotic is unable to battle!" The referee waved the flag and announced the result.

So fast!

Cheers erupted in the stadium.

The first match between Teacher Johan and Miss Cynthia had no lovey-dovey moments—only both sides using their full arsenal without reservation.

Fast! Exciting!

"Garruu..." Urshifu lowered its fists, looking apologetically at the fallen Milotic.

Milotic's defense had been excellent, and Scald had once made it feel very troubled, but—

"Gururu~" Master Mustard, hands in pockets, nodded approvingly. "The combination of Rapid Strike and Single Strike mysteries is becoming increasingly smooth, gururu~"

Cynthia recalled Milotic and pressed her lips together.

Milotic had done very well. After all, it was a Pokémon built for defensive counterattacks. If it could have withstood Urshifu's continuous fierce assault, the result would have been different.

But Johan's Urshifu, after combining the mysteries of Single Strike and Rapid Strike styles, had explosive power that was too strong. Once the defense failed, it would become the current situation.

After thinking briefly, she took out her second Poké Ball.

"Please, Spiritomb!"

White light flickered, and an ancient keystone fell onto the field. A ghostly face covered in emerald green light points emerged with a cold aura.

"Sii, siipaa—"

Upon seeing Johan, Spiritomb immediately blushed, its misty ghostly face curling up with pleasing eyes.

It had to... to face Johan?

Such a difficult opponent...

But feeling Cynthia's gaze from behind, Spiritomb's body trembled slightly. Its curled ghostly face spread out, and an aura filled with coldness and chill immediately swept over.

No!

Serious battle!

This was both Cynthia's wish and respect for Johan!

The corners of Johan's mouth curved slightly.

We have our "undercover agents" too.

Taking out a Poké Ball.

"Teacher Johan takes the first lead, but he recalls Urshifu and substitutes—Alolan Ninetales!"

Ice Ninetales!

Whether Milotic or Spiritomb, both were very typical "shield" class Pokémon with strong targeting against opponents who specialized in physical attacks.

And Spiritomb, as a Dark and Ghost-type Pokémon, had even more obvious advantages against Fighting-type Urshifu—whether it was Ghost-type immunity to Fighting moves or the counterforce from its mastered move "Foul Play."

This was an important reason why Johan recalled Urshifu.

There was another reason...

Cough cough.

Although Urshifu had broken through Milotic's Scald, Coach Bear's paws were already red from the heat. If it didn't go rest soon, they might end up enjoying a "roasted bear paw" meal together.

Furthermore.

Spiritomb was a Pokémon with quite excellent type combinations—not only immune to Normal, Fighting, and Psychic types, but only weak to Fairy-type.

Considering everything comprehensively, Ice Ninetales was obviously the best choice.

Since he had promised Cynthia not to hold back, Johan would stand on the side of the most correct choice.

"Oowoo~~"

As soon as Ice Ninetales appeared, the temperature in the huge stadium dropped sharply, and large snowflakes began falling.

As one of Johan's ace Pokémon, Ice Ninetales' appearance also caused quite a stir.

"Ice Ninetales?! This is the first time Teacher Johan has sent out Ice Ninetales since participating in the Master Tournament!"

"Good grief! Light touches against Chairman Nemona, heavy punches against his girlfriend, is that it?"

"Tsk tsk, Teacher Johan has prepared to go home and kneel on the washboard tonight!"

Seeing Ice Ninetales, Spiritomb's ghostly face couldn't help but curl up again.

"Siipaa... (//▽//)"

"Spiritomb, Confuse Ray!" Cynthia struck first.

Since Johan had switched Pokémon, the initiative remained in her hands.

"Siipaa—"

The alerted Spiritomb immediately put away its little thoughts. From its ghostly face floating with irregular emerald green spots, several light points glowing with pale green fluorescence immediately drifted out, floating toward Ice Ninetales from all directions.

"Ninetales!"

"Oowoo!"

Crack crack crack—

Layer upon layer of ice crystals quickly built up around Ice Ninetales. Spiritomb's Confuse Ray hit the thick ice walls and immediately disappeared.

When it came to "shields," our Ice Ninetales was also the "strongest shield"!

"Watch behind you!" Johan suddenly shouted.

Ice Ninetales seemed to have sensed it already and immediately leaped forward gracefully, avoiding the black shadow-like tentacles that emerged from its shadow behind it.

Night Shade!

Just as Johan understood Cynthia's Pokémon well, Cynthia naturally also understood Johan's Pokémon well.

She knew exactly what Ice Ninetales was like and had already prepared some strategies for dealing with it before the match began.

It was just unfortunate that Johan and Ice Ninetales seemed to have predicted it.

She couldn't give Spiritomb more opportunities to "probe." Otherwise, whether it was Pain Split, Destiny Bond, or other moves, they would all make her and Ice Ninetales feel uncomfortable.

So...

"Ninetales!" Johan said sternly: "Moonblast!"

"Oowoo!!"

Ice Ninetales, having avoided Night Shade, moved like a spirit in the wind and snow, its nine tails spreading out as the power of moonlight descended from high above under its guidance.

At the same time.

On Ice Ninetales' body, one could faintly see a palm-sized pink stone plate, barely visible, emanating a soft glow.

Pixie Plate!

At this moment, the aura emanating from Ice Ninetales could truly be called "Pressure." All the audience felt their breathing freeze, as if the entire moon was about to fall!

Leon in the commentary booth gripped the microphone tightly and spoke in a deep voice:

"Legendary!"

Two words represented everything.

Ice Ninetales' strength had already reached legendary levels in its normal state!

The moonlight fell on Spiritomb.

Boom!!

It was like a meteorite crashing down. The ground where Spiritomb was located immediately collapsed, churning up rolling waves of smoke.

"Oowoo—"

Ice Ninetales' pale blue eyes quietly watched the scattering dust and snow.

When it dispersed.

"Siipaa..." Spiritomb's eerie ghostly face retreated into the keystone and fell silent.

"Spi-Spiritomb is unable to battle!" The referee swallowed and announced the result again.

Whoaa—

The entire venue immediately erupted in an uproar.

"It-it one-shot it?!"

"Holy crap! Is this Teacher Johan's true strength? A legendary-level Ice Ninetales?"

"What-what item was it carrying? That explosive power is too terrifying..."

"Hiss—I really admire Teacher Johan's courage. This time, kneeling on the washboard won't solve it when he goes home, right?"

Many people admired Teacher Johan's "courage."

Having lost two Pokémon, Cynthia remained relatively calm, showing little emotional change on her face.

In fact, seeing Johan truly battling without reservation, she felt somewhat gratified.

Finally showing some real skill.

At the same time, Cynthia was also somewhat emotional.

When she first met Johan, he didn't even have much desire to become a trainer. Now...

He had clearly become one of this world's top trainers. Even she could feel the strength gap between herself and Johan.

However—

If she was expected to give up her fighting spirit just from this, that was impossible!

Cynthia threw out her third Poké Ball.

"Miss Cynthia's third Pokémon is—Lucario!!"

"Luca!"

The majestic Lucario appeared on the field with flowing mane, pale blue aura power surging around its body like a tangible substance.

Ice Ninetales had a quadruple weakness to Steel-type. For dealing with Ice Ninetales, Lucario was undoubtedly the best choice.

Moreover, Lucario's nearly tangible aura power would undoubtedly allow it to better lock onto Ice Ninetales.

While Cynthia's other Pokémon might have various emotions when facing Johan, Lucario wouldn't.

It wasn't that its relationship with Johan was bad, but as a fighter, Lucario clearly understood what it was doing now and what it needed to do.

Cynthia had already lost two Pokémon. It had to make a breakthrough!

"Oowoo!"

Ice Ninetales suddenly let out a low cry, a muffled sound coming from its body as black mist accompanied by eerie laughter rose, its momentum visibly decreasing.

Hm?

Seeing this scene, Johan was stunned.

Spiritomb's parting gift?

He could tell what the black mist rising from Ice Ninetales was, but he hadn't expected when Spiritomb had given Ice Ninetales this parting gift.

No wonder Cynthia hadn't reacted much when seeing Spiritomb get one-shotted by Ice Ninetales...

[Memento: At the cost of losing the ability to battle, greatly reduces the opponent's special attack and physical attack abilities.]

This was why Johan said Ghost-type Pokémon like Spiritomb would be very troublesome if not dealt with quickly.

Cynthia immediately raised her hand.

"Lucario, Extreme Speed, Meteor Mash!"

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Powerstones?

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