After experiencing the crushing embrace of Ursaluna in the Eternal Forest, enduring the bitter cold of the Snowy Forest, and braving the humid heat of the Tropical Rainforest, Kubfu had finally returned to the wooden cabin at the heart of Sunset Forest.
Yet, despite everything it had been through, its expression was one of pure excitement. At first, it had assumed that Sunset Forest was just another typical woodland. But after today's exploration, it had discovered that this place was far more diverse than expected—just as vast and challenging as the Isle of Armor.
"How do you feel, Kubfu?" Summer asked.
"Kubfu!"
The little bear responded enthusiastically. It was amazing! But… it would be even better if there were more types of terrain—like canyons, caves, and wetlands.
Summer chuckled. "Who knows? Maybe someday those will be added too. By the way, Kubfu, there's something I want to ask you."
Hearing the sudden shift in tone, Kubfu immediately straightened its posture, becoming completely serious.
"No need to be so tense," Summer reassured. "And you don't need to answer right away—just think about it carefully."
Kubfu nodded, listening intently.
Summer's voice was calm but filled with purpose. "Kubfu, what do you believe is the meaning of martial arts? Why do you seek strength? Is it to protect others? To surpass your limits? To achieve victory? There is no right or wrong answer. Whatever you truly believe in… that is your own Way of the Warrior."
Kubfu's potential, "Warrior," required it to understand its own martial path before it could fully awaken. But to Summer, this was more than just unlocking hidden power—it was about guiding Kubfu toward finding purpose. Strength without purpose was dangerous. If unchecked, it could lead one down a destructive path, where power became an end in itself rather than a means to something greater.
Before Kubfu could answer, a voice spoke up first.
"Jangmo-o!"
Jangmo-o stepped forward, its golden scales gleaming under the sunlight. "My reason for growing stronger is to protect those who are weaker than me! To ensure that no one suffers at the hands of the powerful!"
This was Jangmo-o's path—perhaps shaped by its own nature as a Dragon, or perhaps by the influence of Summer and the team. Even though it was still small and weak, it had been nurtured by strong companions who had always looked after it. Now, it wanted to repay that kindness. To be a shield for those who could not defend themselves. To be a protector. To be strong.
Kubfu thought carefully about Jangmo-o's words. Do I want to be strong to protect the weak?
No.
Kubfu's heart gave a firm answer. It had never seen itself as strong, nor had it ever viewed others as weak. It had grown up surrounded by other Kubfu, all striving to become stronger. To it, everyone had the potential to grow. Strength was not something one "had" or "lacked"—it was something that could be attained. The difference between strong and weak was not absolute. Perhaps all that separated the two was time, talent, or effort.
"I see… So Jangmo-o fights to protect those who cannot fight for themselves…" Kubfu thought. "But for me… that's not it."
Ogerpon suddenly joined in, grinning playfully. "Pon! My Way of the Warrior is to protect those I care about! Whether they're strong or weak doesn't matter! As long as they're important to me, I'll fight for them!"
Kubfu nodded, absorbing this new perspective. Ogerpon's path was not based on strength or weakness, but rather on personal bonds. And… considering how warmly she had welcomed him into the team, Kubfu felt a sense of relief. He had already become one of the ones she cherished.
"Rillaboom."
This time, it was Rillaboom who spoke up. Its voice was calm and steady, yet its words carried unwavering conviction.
"My strength exists to protect those who matter to me, but also this entire forest. Because Summer is the guardian of Sunset Forest… I, too, will protect everything within it. If he values it, I will fight for it."
Ogerpon puffed up her cheeks in protest. "Pon!! That's not fair, Big Bro Rillaboom! In that case, I want to change my answer! Because Summer is the most important person to me too!"
Summer couldn't help but laugh as the two playfully bickered, each trying to outdo the other.
Kubfu, meanwhile, listened quietly, its mind racing. Everyone's answers had been deeply personal. Strength meant something different to each of them.
So what about him? Why did he want to become strong?
Memories surfaced.
Back when Kubfu had been training in the mountains, it had lived in a place where only the strong survived. Yet, despite the harshness of its environment, their training grounds had always been peaceful—a sanctuary where young Kubfu could grow without fear of outside threats.
Until one day—
A Garchomp and Salamence had clashed over food, their battle quickly spiraling out of control.
Enraged, they tore through the mountainside, their reckless violence destroying everything in their path. The other Kubfu—who had once been proud warriors-in-training—were forced to flee, unable to stand against such terrifying power. Kubfu had been among them. Helpless. Powerless.
Until—
A towering figure had descended from the cliffs.
Urshifu.
With a single clenched fist, the master warrior had leapt into the sky and struck Garchomp to the ground. Then, in an instant, Salamence followed suit.
Both dragons—who had moments ago been blinded by rage—stared up at Urshifu with newfound fear. Without a word, Urshifu simply split the food in half and placed it in front of them.
Garchomp and Salamence exchanged glances… and then silently accepted their shares, taking to the skies without further conflict.
That image had been burned into Kubfu's heart ever since.
A warrior so strong that their mere presence could end conflict before it even started.
That—was the kind of strength Kubfu sought.
Not to fight for the sake of fighting.
Not to destroy.
But to bring an end to battle itself.
[Kubfu has realized its true path, unlocking the potential: "Warrior (Peacekeeper)."]
[Effect: When facing two or more opponents engaged in conflict, all of Kubfu's abilities are strengthened. If it defeats them, their hostility toward each other will significantly decrease.]
Summer smiled knowingly. He had felt the moment Kubfu's resolve solidified.
"Looks like you've figured it out," he said. "That's your path, Kubfu. Hold onto it, and never waver."
Kubfu beamed, fists clenched in determination.
Yes.
This was the warrior it wanted to become.
And it would never stop striving for that ideal.