Pokemon: Spiritual Master

5 bonus chapter's coming out at 11 AM EST. So I ask that you save you're powerstones until then.

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Kubfu vs. Heracross!

Heracross, renowned as one of the strongest Bug-type Pokémon, could easily rank in the top three for raw power among its kind.

While victory wasn't the sole determinant of success in the Battle Arena—as high enough scores in the other two categories could still lead to passing the trial—losing yet passing could give off the wrong impression.

And with so many people watching, winning decisively was the better way to dispel any doubts about fairness.

This battle wasn't just about winning; it was also about showcasing skill.

As the two trainers and their Pokémon prepared themselves, the apprentice referee raised their voice.

"Battle—begin!"

The referee's announcement had barely echoed when:

"Heracross, Aerial Ace!"

"Kubfu, Aerial Ace!"

Both trainers called out at almost the same time, their commands overlapping. For a brief moment, they paused, exchanged glances, and smiled knowingly at each other.

In the Battle Arena, one of the scoring criteria, "Technique," awarded higher points for moves that hit critically or were super effective. Even a successful hit, even without a critical, would score some points.

For Kubfu, a Fighting-type weak to Flying moves, and Heracross, doubly weak to Flying, Aerial Ace—known for its guaranteed accuracy—was the ideal choice.

Heracross's back carapace opened, revealing gossamer wings that buzzed as it launched itself forward, its horn cutting through the air.

At the same time, Kubfu tightened its headband-like fur and leaped forward, meeting Heracross head-on.

Boom!

Heracross's horn collided with Kubfu's fist, and the impact sent both Pokémon skidding back.

"This feels more like a battle between Flying-types than Fighting-types!"

"Who doesn't know Aerial Ace at this point?"

"Is this some kind of martial artist telepathy?"

For both Pokémon, this initial clash was more of a test, a way to gauge their opponent's strength. The true heart and skill of the battle would come next!

"Heracross, Close Combat!"

Greta, the Battle Arena leader, called out with a commanding gesture.

Heracross buzzed its wings again, its eyes gleaming with determination. Its red-tinged horn surged forward, aiming straight for Kubfu's chest.

But Kubfu, unfazed, sidestepped nimbly, letting Heracross's horn miss by a narrow margin.

As Heracross stumbled slightly, Kubfu crouched and aimed a sharp strike at Heracross's elbow joint.

The moment Kubfu's fist landed, it sensed Heracross subtly adjust its stance, absorbing the blow and retreating just enough to prepare its next move.

This Heracross... isn't bad at all, Kubfu thought, a hint of surprise flickering in its eyes.

Heracross, too, was caught off guard.

This little bear... its fighting skills are extraordinary!

Heracross retaliated by swinging its head downward, aiming to slam Kubfu with its horn, while simultaneously bringing its left arm upward like a hammer.

Kubfu, undeterred, shifted its stance. Twisting its body sideways, it countered with a shoulder block aimed at Heracross's right arm joint.

Heracross, sensing danger, rolled to the left and attempted a sweeping kick.

But Kubfu, anticipating the move, performed a backflip to dodge.

Greta watched the exchange with wide eyes.

These moves... Heracross's Close Combat was completely neutralized by Kubfu!

Though the sound of impacts filled the air, Greta could tell none of Heracross's strikes had truly landed.

So this is one of Johan's Pokémon... No wonder he's known as a martial arts master!

The Battle Arena trainees were equally stunned.

Heracross and Kubfu's clash of techniques was an exhilarating spectacle.

"This little bear just nullified Heracross's Close Combat?!"

"I can't follow everything they're doing, but it's incredible to watch!"

"This is peak martial artistry!"

If Tinkaton embodied raw power and Charcadet represented fiery passion, then Kubfu showcased the pinnacle of combat technique.

Kubfu stood confidently, its face calm.

But through their shared aura connection, Johan could sense Kubfu's nerves—though it held its ground, it knew one misstep could mean taking the full brunt of Heracross's Close Combat.

Johan's expression turned slightly amused.

"Ahem. Kubfu says..."

"Kuu! (▼皿▼)σ"

"Watch closely—I'm only showing this once!"

In the next instant, Kubfu leaped forward, its body radiating red energy.

Close Combat!

Compared to Heracross's earlier assault, Kubfu's Close Combat seemed lighter, swifter, and far more precise.

Bam!

Heracross tried to block, but Kubfu anticipated the move. It slid under Heracross with a sudden feint and landed behind it.

Then came a series of seamless attacks:

Sweeping kick.

Hook punch.

Low lunge.

Elbow strike.

Knee strike.

Rolling flip.

Leg lock...

Kubfu's unrelenting onslaught overwhelmed Heracross.

At first, Heracross managed to counter a few moves. But as the attacks grew faster and stronger, it could no longer keep up.

To Heracross, Kubfu's relentless strikes felt like crashing waves—each more powerful than the last.

Wham!

Heracross was flung into the air before crashing to the ground.

With Kubfu's unyielding flurry of strikes, the Heart category score maxed out!

"This... Is this the Art of Rapid Strikes?!" Greta gasped.

Johan's Kubfu had clearly mastered techniques passed down by Mustard, the Isle of Armor's legendary master.

"Heracross, show your determination! Get back up!"

"Herraaa!"

Heracross groaned, shakily pushing itself off the ground.

Greta grinned triumphantly.

"Mega Horn!"

"Herraa!"

Heracross charged forward, its horn glowing with immense power.

"Kuu!"

Kubfu's eyes lit up with excitement. Planting its feet firmly, it spread its arms wide, summoning a powerful aura.

Johan raised an eyebrow.

Focus Energy?

Kubfu clearly wanted to test its mettle in a head-on clash.

"Alright... Kubfu, Focus Punch!"

Both Pokémon gathered their strength—Heracross's horn radiating green energy, Kubfu's fists glowing white-hot.

BOOM!

The collision sent shockwaves rippling through the arena, even knocking over a few of Greta's trainees.

When the dust cleared, Heracross lay unconscious on the ground, and the Critical Hit category was maxed out!

"Heracross is unable to battle! In all categories—Heart, Skill, and Body—Kubfu is the winner!"

Greta was momentarily stunned before bursting into applause.

"That was amazing!"

She rushed over to Johan and Kubfu, her admiration plain to see.

Johan gave a modest smile.

Greta couldn't help but ask, "Can Kubfu combine Rapid Strikes and Single Strike techniques?"

Johan glanced at Kubfu, who stood tall and serious.

"For now... not quite."

Kubfu wasn't yet able to blend both styles while awake. But with enough training, it could master such a feat even without entering its calmest state during sleep.

As Greta handed over the Guts Symbol, she remarked, "Even without its strongest form, Kubfu is incredible!"

With four Battle Frontier symbols now in his possession, Johan couldn't help but reflect:

Am I already strong enough to trounce ordinary Gym Leaders?

If so...

Maybe it's time to set my sights on the Elite Four—or even... a Battle Frontier head as strong as them.

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Powerstones?

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