Pokemon: Spiritual Master

Sinnoh Region

"Whoa! That Charcadet's flames are incredible!"

Riley reclined casually on the couch, one arm draped over the backrest, his expression alight with excitement.

He'd heard plenty about Johan. Especially from Cynthia and Volkner during their conversations, where Johan's battles were a frequent topic of discussion. Riley had even caught some of Johan's performances during the Indigo League broadcasts.

"Man, when's he coming to Sinnoh? I'd love to have a battle with him!"

Riley smacked his lips, speaking as if to himself.

Charcadet's fiery display had ignited his enthusiasm.

He envisioned a fierce clash with Johan—one where their battle would serve as a test of resolve and strength, full of heart-pounding action.

From a single-seater sofa nearby, Lucian calmly closed his book, adjusted his glasses, and threw a discreet glance toward Cynthia, seated at the other end of the couch.

Riley, you really don't read the room, do you?

Haven't you noticed how Cynthia's smile deepens every time you mention challenging Johan?

But Riley had always been laser-focused on battles, oblivious to trivial matters like that.

What he also hadn't realized was that Johan wasn't just any trainer—he was a mentor to an extraordinary student and had strong ties with Kanto's Lance, Lorelei, and Cynthia herself.

"Alright, I've decided!"

Riley sprang to his feet. "I'm heading to our Battle Frontier! Let's see who can clear it faster—Johan or me!"

Hands in his pockets, he laughed with unmistakable self-satisfaction at his self-declared competition with Johan.

"Roarrr!"

Cynthia's Garchomp snorted twin puffs of white air, giving Riley a disdainful side-eye.

Hey, afro guy—why not spar with me first?

Though Riley couldn't understand Garchomp's growling words, he'd fought Cynthia often enough to recognize that challenging look in her Pokémon's eyes.

His own eyes lit up.

"Garchomp, are you offering to help me train?"

Lucian sighed and rubbed his forehead.

You can't read Cynthia's expressions; fine. But even Garchomp's simmering rage and vengeful glare go right over your head?

Garchomp grinned, its teeth gleaming dangerously.

"Rooarr!"

It nodded firmly.

Perfect. Watching Johan's speed runs through the Battle Frontier had left it itching for action, and now Riley had practically volunteered to be its personal punching bag.

What a great guy.

"Awesome! Hahaha!" Riley burst into laughter.

"Once I've cleared the Battle Frontier, I'll challenge the Elite Four! It's my turn to claim the title!"

He marched outside with a swagger, radiating overconfidence.

Ten minutes later.

Aaron strolled past the garden outside and spotted Riley hanging from a tree. Scratching his head, he asked, "Hey, Riley, practicing tree climbing again?"

Hoenn Region, Battle Frontier.

After lunch, Charcadet gleefully accepted a cup of energy root tea from Kubfu. Following Kubfu's example, it sipped delicately.

Bitterness exploded in its mouth.

Charcadet scrunched its face in a comical grimace.

"Kuu~"

Kubfu patted Charcadet's shoulder in an elder sibling-like gesture, taking another sip.

"You'll get used to it," it seemed to say.

"Ka-kaah~"

Gengar, lounging nearby, quipped, "You don't get used to it—it just numbs your taste buds after a while."

Hearing this, Charcadet shrank back.

Then, an idea struck. Its eyes lit up as it fished out a lump of charcoal. Taking a hearty bite, it crunched off some bits before sipping the tea again.

Its face relaxed into a look of satisfaction.

"Goka!"

Yep, that hit the spot.

Johan couldn't help but marvel.

Using charcoal as a side dish for energy root tea? Only Charcadet could come up with that.

Meanwhile, Ninetales, Tinkaton, and Dragonair gathered at a table, happily munching on treats and energy cubes.

Energy root tea? Not a chance.

Flannery, watching the scene unfold, rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

"Teacher... did you seriously have me buy charcoal as food for Charcadet?"

"Why not?"

Flannery was at a loss for words, question marks practically floating above her head.

Charcoal was supposed to boost Fire-type moves, not be eaten!

"When did charcoal become a snack?"

Johan gave a sheepish laugh.

"Well, it's a Fire-type Pokémon, so isn't eating charcoal reasonable?"

Charcadet, essentially being a living chunk of charcoal itself, seemed to think so.

That afternoon, the group headed to the Battle Arena, the fourth facility in Johan's Battle Frontier challenge.

The arena resembled a traditional dojo, designed to test both trainers and their Pokémon. Victors were awarded the Guts Symbol.

The Battle Arena emphasized three attributes: heart, skill, and body—continuous attacks, critical hits, and remaining stamina, respectively. Points, rather than knockouts, determined the winner.

Kubfu, who entered the arena with Johan, gazed at the stone-paved courtyard where rows of trainees practiced their punches.

The sight reminded it of Master Mustard's dojo back on the Isle of Armor.

Kubfu clenched its fists.

It had grown and improved so much since leaving the Isle. It wondered if the clever, sweet-talking wild Pokémon back there missed it.

"Johan!"

As soon as they stepped inside, the Battle Arena's leader, Greta, came rushing out to greet them.

Her small fists clenched in excitement, and she bowed deeply.

"Teacher Johan! It's an honor to finally meet you!"

Johan was taken aback.

"Wait, what? Teacher?"

Greta stood straight, her expression both eager and reverent.

"I've been waiting for this chance to learn from you!"

Johan realized that Greta, like many others, must have been inspired by his reputation.

Still, wasn't this supposed to be a challenge?

"I'm here to battle, not to teach," Johan clarified.

"Oh!" Greta nodded but called out to her students, "Everyone, clear the courtyard! Teacher Johan is here to demonstrate his techniques!"

"...What?"

Johan sighed. He'd somehow gained a reputation as a martial arts mentor among trainers.

"Oh well," he thought, signaling to Kubfu.

"Let's give them a little shock, Kubfu."

"Ku~~!"

Kubfu stepped forward, its determination shining through.

It was ready to show them all what a true master-in-training could do.

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Powerstones?

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