Jujutsu Kaisen: I Have A Gardevoir

Hokkaido.

A mystical and one-of-a-kind place.

Its geography is something else.

It's the only "Dō" among Japan's 47 prefectures, the northernmost top-tier administrative region. Beyond Honshu, it's Japan's largest island and ranks as the 21st biggest in the world, just a smidge smaller than Ireland.

But its history? That's where the real Jujutsu sorcery kicks in.

Back in the day, Hokkaido was known as Ezo, duking it out with Honshu for years—let's not even get into that rivalry. It was also the spot with the tightest ties to the "Land of Blooming Flowers" (a nod to ancient China). At one point, it even became a vassal state, paying tribute like a loyal Pokémon to its trainer. Sadly, those days are long gone, faded into history like a defeated Gym Leader.

Some of that influence lingers, though. According to Gojo Satoru, the jujutsu techniques of the Ezo-born Jujutsu Clan trace their roots closer to the mainland of Blooming Flowers. They've even got a "Lord Guan Temple" dedicated to Guan Yu—talk about old-school cursed energy vibes.

No surprise then that Hokkaido and Honshu have always been like Pikachu and Meowth—technically on the same team, but not exactly besties.

Sure, it's not part of Japan's Big Three metropolitan circles, but that's by design, a move from the Honshu-led government. Even so, Hokkaido's carved out its own turf, with Sapporo as the fourth major hub—a real Psychic-type powerhouse in its own right.

And the mystical side? Don't even get me started. Branches? Subdivisions? The Jujutsu Clan here couldn't care less about the Jujutsu Alliance's rules. When Geto Suguru was stirring up trouble, Gojo went to the clan for backup, only to get hit with, "Sorry, man, my hands are tied." Classic dodge.

But when the Jujutsu Clan runs into trouble? Oh, the Alliance has to send reinforcements. Why? Because Hokkaido's got that special "Spiritual Field" status—think of it like a rare Legendary Pokémon spot.

Naturally, with Gojo popping in every now and then, he's built a pretty solid bond with the clan.

When Akira stepped off the plane, the Jujutsu Clan sent someone to pick her up—not just anyone, but the high-ranking Sky Priestess, a big deal in the organization. They'd even set up a barrier to keep regular folks out, ensuring Akira's Pokémon stayed hidden and safe.

Though, in Akira's eyes, this Sky Priestess was totally thirsting after Gojo's looks and charm.

Her first words upon seeing Akira? "Wait, it's not Gojo? That jerk, how dare he avoid me!"

Listen to that tone—straight-up scorned wife energy.

Given her status and the slim (like, Zubat-slim) chance she might end up as Akira's future mentor's wife, Akira figured it was best to smooth things over. "Teacher's been promoted recently—vice head of the Tokyo branch. He really couldn't get away."

"Vice head?" The Sky Priestess wasn't impressed. "He should at least be the head! Honestly, he oughta just flip the whole Alliance upside down and take over as the top Elite Four himself."

Akira inwardly gasped.

No wonder they're Ezo folk—times may change, but that wild, Ursaring-level boldness hasn't.

She sneaked a peek behind the priestess… and there it was: a massive brown beast, weighing over 500 kilos.

Akira had to double-take. That's a bear, right? A freaking Ursaring!

And the saddle on its back? You're telling me she rode that thing here?

So the legend of the Bear Priestess was real?

No wonder some say Ezo's roots trace back to Russia—this was an eye-opener worthy of a Pokédex entry.

Hayami was right—Japan's way too small for all this craziness.

The Sky Priestess caught Akira staring and said, "If you're curious about Little Little, just say it. We're not like those stuffy old geezers in the Alliance—we don't mess around with fake vibes."

"I'm interested, sure, but I'm scared you'll slug me if I'm honest," Akira admitted, a little sheepish.

A 500-kilo Ursaring? Fine. But this Sky Priestess was barely taller than a Pancham.

The height gap was unreal—put her next to Gojo's 1.9-meter frame, and it's like a Grovyle standing beside a Snorlax.

Akira had a sneaking suspicion the "Big" in Big Priestess and the "Little Little" name for the bear were intentional—some kind of overcompensation for her stature.

"No surprise you're Gojo's student—same annoying vibe," the priestess said, seeing right through Akira's thoughts with a raised brow and a glare.

"How about this? Since you're so into Little Little, wanna spar with her?"

Whoa, lady, that's a forced segue if I've ever heard one.

Obvious revenge bait.

But with Hokkaido's straightforward, rugged charm, showing off a bit to set the scene felt necessary. Akira didn't back down.

"Guess I can't say no to that. Like you, I'm a Trainer-type too, so I won't take advantage. Pick one of my crew—your choice."

The second she said it, her team piped up.

"Maru maru~" (Marill)

"Dilu~" (Delcatty)

"Tang tang~" (Tangela)

No way was Akira tackling her first Special Grade mission solo.

Aside from her Dratini (1.8 meters long and picky about habitats) and her Pangoro, who was chilling with Noctowl Masamichi as a sidekick, she'd brought her full Pokémon squad.

Stepping off the plane was a spectacle—left hand holding a yellow-tinted Serperior, right hand gripping a sky-blue Swablu.

A Pignite led the charge, with Gardevoir as the loyal follower.

She was basically a Pokémon version of a rich kid on a hunting trip.

And that's not counting Darkrai, who lurked in the shadows unless absolutely needed, or Porygon, chilling in its digital space.

The Sky Priestess clocked the flashy lineup but didn't flinch. Her bear outweighed Akira's whole team combined.

"My Softie's taken down Grade 1 sorcerers before. Sure you want me to pick?"

The Ursaring reared up, swinging its paws with audible gusts of wind and ripples of cursed energy—clearly no ordinary beast.

But Akira's Pokémon weren't pushovers either.

"It's just a friendly match—someone's gotta win, right? Pick away."

Elite battles are all about the elites.

"You asked for it." The priestess tilted her head high, waving a tiny hand. "Softie, you choose. Show off, and I'll throw in extra chow tonight."

"Huff~"

The Ursaring snorted, flashing a smug, human-like sneer.

You little punks think you can take me?

But extra food? Fine, twist my paw.

Its massive paw pointed lazily.

You're the tallest—let's go. Hurry up, I've got dinner waiting.

"Garde~?" Gardevoir blinked.

With Pangoro absent, she was the tallest.

Akira blinked too.

Of all the picks, she chose the strongest? This wasn't just Grade 1—this was Special Grade territory.

"Since she picked you, go for it. Keep it light, okay?"

"Garde~"

The most humanoid Pokémon nodded gracefully, stepping forward with elegance.

The Ursaring kept its cocky vibe. Keep it light? Please, can your twiggy frame even take one swipe?

Turns out, not only could she take a swipe—she flipped the whole bear.

Two steps in, the Ursaring felt its body lift off the ground, higher and higher.

Wait… since when can I fly?

Its limited brain sparked with confusion as the world flipped upside down, then righted itself, over and over.

Soon, it was seeing stars, foaming at the mouth.

By the time it hit the ground, it couldn't even stand—truly living up to "Softie" now.

Meanwhile, Gardevoir hadn't lifted a finger.

Only after Softie collapsed did she bow politely, as Hayami had taught her, before gliding back to Akira's side.

And then—

"Garde~" (I did it!)

"Yoshi yoshi yoshi yoshi yoshi~"

Head pats, head pats, head pats.

A classic moment reborn!