Pokemon: Spiritual Master

"Just received information!"

Since everyone was unfamiliar with Porygon2, the commentator received information about this Pokémon through his earpiece and immediately announced it.

"Porygon2, a Normal-type Virtual Pokémon, is the evolution of Porygon. It's said to be an evolution of an artificial intelligence Pokémon!"

Artificial intelligence Pokémon?

That meant...

This was a human-created Pokémon?

Human creation was one thing...

But it could even evolve?!

Information about Porygon, Porygon-Z, and Porygon2—these Pokémon active in networks—couldn't be hidden by Team Rocket alone; the League would always discover them.

Moreover, with Team Rocket's current transformation and the "honeymoon period" between Team Rocket and the League, there was no need to hide such information.

More importantly...

Because of Porygon's powerful abilities, Team Rocket's research team had figured out methods for breeding them, even though... they were genderless artificial Pokémon.

Giovanni's Porygon2 was one of the descendants of that original Porygon-Z!

Seeing the evolution chain of Porygon, Porygon2, and even Porygon-Z displayed on the big screen, the audience immediately felt... educated.

"Artificial Pokémon can evolve—you can only say Pokémon are truly amazing."

"Wait, if Porygon evolving to Porygon2 requires special 'Upgrade' data, that's understandable, but how does Porygon2 evolve to the final Porygon-Z? It actually needs... needs..."

"Needs 'Teacher Johan's psychological counseling'?!"

"What kind of bizarre evolution condition is this? Must have Teacher Johan's 'psychological counseling'? Such strict requirements?"

"Hey? But isn't Teacher Johan right there on the field?"

No wonder people were dumbfounded.

They'd seen strange evolution conditions before—like landing so many critical hits or using moves so many times—but this was the first time seeing a requirement for a specific person's so-called "psychological counseling."

Especially when that specific person was currently on the field.

Johan's expression was also somewhat odd seeing the information on screen.

The birth of the first Porygon-Z was indeed related to him, but...

Surely Team Rocket hadn't still not figured out the "Dubious Disc" needed for Porygon2 to evolve into Porygon-Z?

However, compared to the final evolution Porygon-Z, the unevolved Porygon2 was actually stronger.

As the audience learned about Porygon2, the referee confirmed both sides were ready and immediately waved the flags, announcing:

"Battle begin!"

The final battle of the "Pokémon World Master Tournament" officially began!

Johan and Giovanni immediately set aside their respective thoughts and commanded their battles.

Right from the start, large amounts of sand dust rose on the field, with yellow sand rolling everywhere, obscuring vision.

"Porygon2, Trick Room!" Giovanni, unaffected by Tyranitar's sandstorm, was first to command.

Hum—

The seemingly cute Porygon2 wasn't slow to react. Upon receiving the command, it immediately spread a transparent, eerie barrier centered on itself, instantly covering the entire field.

At the same time, a peculiar wave emerged from Porygon2's body, boosting its special attack ability.

Ability: Download!

[Download: When the opponent's Defense is lower than Special Defense, own Attack increases by one level. When the opponent's Defense is higher than Special Defense, own Special Attack increases by one level!]

Tyranitar's physical defense was obviously stronger than its special defense.

This wasn't the most important part—the most important was...

Trick Room!

When he heard Giovanni's first command and saw Porygon2 release Trick Room, Johan sighed softly.

As expected.

Sandstorm Trick Room!

This was probably... the tactic Giovanni was prepared to "play" today.

It matched his overall team composition...

Very well.

This made Johan's opening choice of Tyranitar not very good—it could even be said to be quite poor...

Originally, Johan's plan was to have Tyranitar test whether Giovanni would use a sandstorm team, with a "if you don't use it, I will" mentality.

He just hadn't expected Giovanni to open with Trick Room. Tyranitar's raised sandstorm... actually ended up helping Giovanni, completing the preliminary setup for Giovanni's "Sandstorm Trick Room" tactic all at once.

From the opening, he had fallen into a disadvantage.

"Tyranitar, Iron Defense!" Johan took a deep breath, making various calculations in his mind while commanding.

"Tar!!"

Tyranitar spread its arms and roared. Its dark green armor rubbed against the surrounding sand with a "rustling" sound. Whether it was metallic luster or not, it gleamed on Tyranitar's body, appearing very heavy.

"Iron Defense to start? When did Teacher Johan become so conservative?"

"Iron Defense for Trick Room? Feels... not profitable..."

Giovanni looked at Johan and Tyranitar with a half-smile.

Others didn't know Johan's reasoning, but he could somewhat guess.

Whether Porygon2 or Porygon-Z, they were actually... somewhat similar to Spiritomb, specializing in defensive counterattacks.

Moreover, in special situations, Porygon2 was even trickier than Spiritomb.

The moves Conversion and Conversion 2 meant one couldn't casually launch strong attacks against Porygon2. Otherwise, Conversion combined with Conversion 2 could immediately gain an advantageous type against Tyranitar.

Additionally, Porygon2 could master Foul Play. As long as it wasn't one-shotted, Porygon2's counterattack damage was definitely not to be underestimated.

As for why the seemingly fragile Porygon2, which hadn't even evolved to its final form, couldn't be one-shotted...

That was because Johan was certain Giovanni's Porygon2 was carrying "Eviolite."

[Eviolite: If the Pokémon holding this item can still evolve, that Pokémon's Defense and Special Defense increase by 50%!]

Combined with moves like Recover...

Porygon2 was truly a "tank divine beast"!

Therefore, although it wasn't as excellent as many other Pokémon as a Trick Room setter, various factors combined made its overall quality quite good.

So.

Rather than probing, Johan decisively chose Iron Defense to strengthen Tyranitar.

A "tank" type opponent?

Then be more "tank" than the opponent!

Of course, this was "gameplay" between the two of them that others couldn't understand. Not only ordinary audience members, but even people like Cynthia, lacking understanding of Pokémon like Porygon2, would find it hard to immediately comprehend.

However, Johan not attacking didn't mean Giovanni would allow Tyranitar to strengthen freely.

After completing Trick Room, Porygon2 had already gained some speed advantage.

"Porygon2, Lock-On!"

Countless data-like waves appeared in Porygon2's eyes. After high-speed analysis and calculation by artificial intelligence, it locked onto Tyranitar's position.

This was forcing Johan and Tyranitar into action.

The Lock-On move seemed useless, but it greatly improved move accuracy—perfect assistance for high-power, low-accuracy moves.

If Tyranitar still didn't act, then...

What awaited it would be Porygon2's frenzied assault.

After all, Iron Defense strengthened Tyranitar's physical defense, while Porygon2 specialized in special attacks, and the earlier "Download" ability had also enhanced special attack.

Porygon2: I specialize in defense, but I also know a bit about offense.

Johan smiled.

This was his first time encountering someone... eager to have his Tyranitar attack fiercely.

In that case...

"Tyranitar, as they wish—Body Slam!"

"Tar!"

Using the sandstorm for cover, Tyranitar's massive body displayed speed that didn't quite match its size, charging toward Porygon2 wrapped in tremendous sand dust.

Iron Defense, Body Slam!

I see.

Many audience members gained some "understanding" when they saw Tyranitar charging at Porygon2.

No wonder Teacher Johan had Tyranitar use Iron Defense for strengthening first, rather than Dragon Dance or Swords Dance to boost physical attack.

Giovanni's eyes flashed.

Using the primarily defensive move Body Slam could somewhat avoid Foul Play counterattacks based on physical attack ability.

It had to be said, Johan's choice and judgment were impeccable even to Giovanni.

But—

"Conversion!"

Hum—

Porygon2's body suddenly emanated another wave of psychic power. On its balloon-like round body, psychic patterns rippled...

The move Conversion!

Porygon2's type changed from Normal to Psychic!

Bang!!

Tyranitar's Body Slam sent Porygon2 flying directly, but Porygon2 had used Conversion to change its type to Psychic, based on the previously used Trick Room!

Originally double weak to Fighting as Normal-type, it became double resistant to Fighting as Psychic-type—back and forth, Body Slam's power was reduced by nearly three-quarters.

Combined with Porygon2's "Eviolite" item, the damage was obviously not fatal.

But Johan was waiting for this moment.

"Tyranitar, Pursuit!" Johan called out almost immediately after Tyranitar sent Porygon2 flying.

"Tar!!"

Tyranitar roared and charged toward Porygon2 again.

Since Porygon2 could use Conversion and Conversion 2 to change its type, then guide it to change to the type he wanted.

Tremendous Dark-type energy surged from Tyranitar's body, forming rich black light like a menacing ghostly face, enveloping Porygon2.

Giovanni's expression changed slightly, realizing he had unknowingly fallen into Johan's rhythm.

So he made a decisive decision.

"Return, Porygon2."

A red beam shot from his Poké Ball.

"Tyranitar!" Johan's eyes flashed.

"Tar!"

Tyranitar's steps suddenly quickened, reaching Porygon2 in one stride and heavily slapping out its palm.

Bang—

Rather than being recalled by the Poké Ball, Porygon2 seemed more like it was slapped back by Tyranitar.

For a moment, whether the commentator or referee couldn't quite tell if Porygon2 had lost battle ability and been recalled, or been switched out.

However.

Taking advantage of this gap, the audience and commentator, with professional explanations (from Leon) in a speculative manner, understood what had just happened and Johan's reasoning for various choices.

"Conversion? There are moves like that..."

"Looking at it this way... Teacher Johan really understands Pokémon like Porygon."

"'Eviolite'? I see, no wonder he chose Porygon2 over its final evolution."

"By the way, did that Porygon2 lose battle ability?"

"Why did Tyranitar's speed become so fast in that last moment?"

Because Dark-type energy briefly tore through Trick Room's restraint on Tyranitar, so Tyranitar's final strike was so fast.

As for whether Porygon2 had lost battle ability...

The answer was no.

However, with Porygon2's current condition, even if it mastered Recover, it wouldn't have a chance to use it upon re-entering. Johan definitely wouldn't give it that opportunity.

Giovanni glanced at Johan and threw out his second Poké Ball.

"Mr. Giovanni's second Pokémon is—Ground-type Bone Keeper Pokémon, Marowak!!"

Marowak?

Johan half-closed his eyes, his gaze immediately falling on the bone club spinning in Marowak's hands.

Thick Club!

An item exclusive to Marowak—doubles attack power when held!

Slow speed was Marowak's weakness, but with Trick Room and "Thick Club," Marowak became an excellent main damage dealer for "Sandstorm Trick Room" tactics.

Johan had often used Alolan Marowak for Trick Room team tactics. The exclusive "Thick Club" item provided much stronger boosts than Life Orb, plus the "Lightning Rod" ability and Ghost typing could achieve immunity to three types with excellent defensive synergy.

While regular Marowak might not have the excellent defensive synergy of Alolan Marowak in terms of typing, but...

It was definitely more suited for "Sandstorm Trick Room teams."

Now.

Both Trick Room and sandstorm were active!

"Marowak, Bonemerang!"

Although Giovanni was switching Pokémon, his switch was fast, and due to Trick Room's existence, Marowak hadn't completely lost initiative.

"Cubone!!"

Marowak gripped the ground with its feet, exerting full force as the thick white bone wrapped in heavy Ground-type energy flew spinning toward Tyranitar.

This was almost equivalent to an "enhanced version" of Dragon Darts.

"Tyranitar, watch carefully," Johan wasn't rushing to have Tyranitar attack. Partly because speed had no advantage under Trick Room, and partly because—

Bang—

Despite Tyranitar's efforts to dodge, the Bonemerang still hit it.

It made a sound like something striking metal.

The earlier Iron Defense played its role here.

Additionally.

After taking the Bonemerang attack, Tyranitar's momentum immediately soared, and the already flying sandstorm became even more violent.

"Weakness Policy" activated!

This was also why Johan initially chose Iron Defense enhancement over physical attack enhancement. With "Weakness Policy" and numerous "weaknesses," Tyranitar would eventually gain massive physical attack boosts through the "Weakness Policy" item.

Buzz buzz buzz—

But Bonemerang was called a boomerang because it was a two-stage attack move, spinning back after passing Tyranitar.

"Knock Off!"

Johan, who hadn't let Tyranitar move randomly earlier, immediately called out.

"Tar!"

Tyranitar, having spotted the returning bone club's trajectory, immediately swung out its palm.

Bang!!!

Marowak's "Thick Club" was directly slapped to the ground.

But at this moment...

Marowak, having already thrown its bone club, had actually reached close to Tyranitar!

Like Dragon Darts, after throwing the bone club or Dreepy, it didn't significantly affect the Pokémon's own mobility.

It didn't mean that after throwing the bone club, Marowak had to stand in place waiting for the bone club to return.

So while Tyranitar was guarding against the bone club, Marowak had already reached Tyranitar's front.

"Double-Edge!"

Boom!!

Marowak charged with all its might, its head heavily slamming into Tyranitar. The skull on its head gave it an extremely hard head.

Ability: Rock Head!

After sending Tyranitar flying, Marowak stepped forward and picked up the "Thick Club" that Tyranitar had knocked to the ground.

Seeing this, Johan couldn't help but complain internally. No wonder hardly anyone used Knock Off...

In games, Knock Off was a "divine skill," directly making opponents lose items, but in the real world...

Just find a way to pick it up after dropping it.

"Tar!"

The sent-flying Tyranitar lightly dusted off its chest.

Heh, I... don't... hurt... at all!

Johan rolled his eyes but didn't stop moving. Taking advantage of Marowak picking up the "Thick Club," he immediately said sternly:

"Tyranitar—"

"Precipice Blades!"

Crack crack crack—

The field immediately cracked with fissures, and the entire stadium began trembling. Marowak's expression immediately changed. As a Ground-type Pokémon, it could naturally sense the earth's changes.

These changes... shocked it.

It had never felt such tremendous earth energy fluctuations.

Giovanni's expression also changed slightly.

But he didn't panic, nor did he try to defend like others might. He chose...

"Marowak, Stomping Tantrum!"

"Cubone!!"

Hearing Giovanni's voice, Marowak immediately calmed down and without hesitation slammed its bone club toward the ground.

The next second.

Rumble rumble—

Massive fiery red rock pillars rose from the ground as Marowak took the full frontal piercing from the magma rock pillars.

"Here it comes! Teacher Johan's Tyranitar's most unreasonable Precipice Blades!"

"This is just unreasonable—how can ordinary Pokémon use legendary moves?"

"Tyranitar: Unreasonable? Do you think my Precipice Blades aren't sharp enough?"

"Should this field be replaced?"

Rustle rustle rustle—

From the shattered ground, a bone club shot out, striking Tyranitar's skull.

"Tar!!"

This time Tyranitar didn't tank it because...

It really hurts!!

The big guy covered its head, nearly brought to tears.

Johan's mouth twitched.

If Tyranitar hadn't received Iron Defense enhancement, that final Stomping Tantrum from Marowak probably... could have one-shotted Tyranitar, right?

"Marowak is unable to battle!"

Finally.

The first Pokémon to lose battle ability appeared!

Marowak dimmed on the big screen, the score changed, and Teacher Johan took the first victory. The stadium immediately erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

Regardless.

From this opening, whether Giovanni or Johan, both had displayed quite "excellent" trainer qualities...