Alola region, Melemele Island, Alola Pokémon School.
"Class dismissed!"
Johan announced with a smile.
The little kids below looked reluctant.
In just a few more days, Johan would return to the Kanaz Pokémon Academy in the Hoenn region.
Although they hadn't spent much time together.
They had gotten along very harmoniously, and Johan's teaching methods were very special, giving them a feeling that was both painful and happy.
The painful part was that Johan seemed to really enjoy tests and assessments - a small test every day, a big test every three days, and an ultimate mega test every five days.
The happy part was that everyone could feel their own growth and progress, even feeling it every day.
Now Kiawe and Gladion could already use Z-moves together with their Pokémon.
In terms of battling, Kiawe was indeed quite talented. His personality was somewhat similar to that explosive-haired guy who played with fire, so he had more passion and desire for battles.
Although he was still inferior to Ash, he was adequate as a temporary "rival" for Gladion.
Sure enough, after school each time, Kiawe would challenge Gladion.
And although Gladion was initially disdainful, he gradually came to recognize Kiawe's persistence in battling, often... beating him until he couldn't find north.
However, under the influence of Kiawe, Mallow, Sophocles, Lana, and even Lillie, Gladion had become increasingly childlike in Johan's view.
At least he wasn't always posing and acting cool.
"Where would you like to go today?" Johan asked.
This was when the little ones were happiest - Johan's outdoor mini-classroom!
Although Professor Kukui also taught well, Professor Kukui never took them to experience real wild environments.
Moreover, Professor Kukui had been increasingly busy lately and had even less time for outdoor classes.
Only Johan not only took them to "dangerous" wild environments, but even had an exciting outdoor camping trip once, letting the little ones properly "taste" a night of excitement mixed with tension.
Although some "accidents" seemed to occur more or less every time they went out, because Johan was watching over them, all the "accidents" ultimately led to better outcomes.
This also gave the little ones more interaction with wild Pokémon in the outdoors.
Whether battling, cooperating, or helping each other, it gave them more understanding and knowledge of wild Pokémon.
Now, at least if they got lost in the wild when going out alone, they wouldn't panic and do nothing.
"Let's go to the forest!" Mallow was first to shout.
"Let's go to the beach." Lana also boldly expressed her opinion.
"We haven't been to the beach in a while. Today's weather seems especially suitable for beachcombing..." Sophocles fiddled with his latest invention, the "Tide Meter."
"Beachcombing?"
Johan's eyes lit up slightly.
Beachcombing, forging, horseshoeing - the three great "internet" speed bumps.
"Alright, then get ready. We'll go beachcombing later!" Johan announced.
"Hooray!"
"Long live Johan!"
The little ones immediately cheered. Even Mallow, who had suggested the forest, wasn't opposed to the beach and beachcombing at all.
Collect some shells, scallops and such, and tonight she'd make everyone a pot of pineapple seafood soup!
On the morning beach, with the tide receded, Johan led Gladion and the other kids, carrying their little buckets, to Kala'e Bay on Melemele Island.
When it came to beachcombing, Johan was also a novice. Among them, Lana was the most experienced.
"Before, my dad often took me and my sisters beachcombing together..."
Lana reminisced, "My dad's fishing skills are amazing, but he never catches any fish. He says you absolutely can't go home empty-handed on a trip - beachcombing is the 'angler's' final stubbornness!"
"Ka-kaah~"
Gengar covered its mouth with one hand and tugged at Johan's clothes with the other.
Isn't this talking about you?
But Johan nodded seriously with complete agreement.
Anglers never return empty-handed!
Lana's father was truly admirable.
"My dad says if you're beachcombing for the first time without experience, it's recommended to search near the rocks where it's easier to find things. If you're experienced... you can look for holes in the sand on the beach."
Lana began explaining details, "But be careful - some holes are quite dangerous and might hide Pokémon like Cloyster, Krabby, or Staryu. Actually, you need to be careful near rocks too - you might encounter Barbaracle or even Barbaracle!"
Everyone nodded seriously.
If this were the Paldea region, you might even encounter Wiglett and Wugtrio, which were quite dangerous.
"Anyway, everyone can beachcomb but don't leave my sight. If you encounter danger or anything uncertain, notify me immediately." Johan instructed seriously.
Just as he finished speaking, his phone suddenly rang.
The caller ID showed Cynthia.
Seeing the name, Johan couldn't help but smile.
He pressed the answer button.
Seeing his expression, the little ones immediately started teasing:
"Is it our teacher's wife?"
"Johan is smiling so happily, it must be our teacher's wife!"
"Good morning, teacher's wife!"
Johan immediately waved his hand in annoyance, "Go, go, go beachcomb by yourselves."
The little ones were tactful enough to run away with giggles after their teasing.
"You're taking them beachcombing? So energetic." Cynthia's laughter came through the phone.
Johan also smiled, "My summer vacation is almost over. I'm letting them have one last wild time."
"What about you? Getting ready to rest?"
Due to time differences, the day-night difference between the Alola and Sinnoh regions was quite significant.
"Almost."
Cynthia's voice sounded somewhat languid and tired, but her mood seemed pretty good.
"Almost?"
Johan keenly heard something different in Cynthia's words, as if...
"Mm, I'm ready. I can challenge the Champion's Road now."
Champion's Road!
Since the end of the World Coronation Series, Cynthia had been preparing for the Sinnoh League's "Champion's Road."
Now, nearly half a year later, she was finally ready!
Johan's spirits lifted.
Only those who had been through the "Champion's Road" understood just how difficult it truly was.
Even Johan himself could have failed if he hadn't been sufficiently prepared.
However, Johan's preparation time had actually been quite short, even somewhat rushed.
That's why Cynthia, Lance, Steven and others were afraid of disturbing and affecting him, so they didn't bother him until he finished the "Champion's Road."
Since Cynthia had prepared for a long enough time, there was no need to worry about this.
Johan didn't ask meaningless questions like whether she was confident.
With Cynthia's strength and abilities, she had definitely adjusted herself and her Pokémon to their best condition, and her confidence had absolutely reached its peak.
So.
There was no need to worry about her confidence.
But as her boyfriend...
Johan half-closed his eyes and coughed lightly: "What about Flint and the others? Are they there with you?"
Cynthia seemed to vaguely guess what Johan wanted to say and smiled: "They're just about to leave."
"Help me make an appointment with them." Johan's voice carried a slightly hoarse tone.
"Johan, what do you want to do?" Cynthia had put it on speaker, and Flint's voice came through.
Johan chuckled coldly, "What do I want to do? A battle appointment. Don't you love battling me the most? I'm challenging you now - all three of you, together!"
Lucian smiled bitterly, "I don't need to participate, right?"
"No, all three of you together. Let's have a fight - the kind where you can't get out of bed for a month!"
Lucian: "..."
"I'm outta here!"
Lucian grabbed Aaron and dragged Flint away.
Too terrifying.
Too protective of his cub.
No wait, too protective of his wife.
He didn't even dare imagine what they'd become if they let the big sister get hurt on the "Champion's Road"...
Johan chuckled coldly again, "Heh, think you can run? I'll have Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina find you one by one!"
"Alright, they've already run away." Cynthia's voice was gentle as she smiled.
"Lucky they ran fast."
Johan pouted, then quickly asked: "Did I scare them?"
"Definitely." Cynthia said: "With that tone and content you just used, even legendary Pokémon would be scared."
"Nah." Johan waved his hand, "I have good relationships with legendary Pokémon."
"Mm," Cynthia smiled sweetly.
She knew Johan was joking, deliberately helping her relax and reduce psychological pressure.
After a moment of silence, she said softly: "Johan, you don't need to do this. I'm confident."
"You don't understand, my little Cynthia."
Johan used a tone like an experienced person:
"Once you decided to challenge the 'Champion's Road' and they became the Elite Four, the 'war' between you had already begun. I have more experience in this area than you."
Like when he challenged the Hoenn League's "Champion's Road," each one of them - whether Elite Four Glacia or Elite Four Drake - all acted like "you should hurry up and take office."
But when it came to the actual "Champion's Road" battles?
When they really got into it and got heated, each one was more "ruthless" than the last, as if dragging down one or two of your Pokémon would be good.
Hmph.
"This is called 'psychological warfare.' Give them pressure first. Even if they're not afraid, as long as they hesitate even a little bit during battle, that's an opportunity, that's win rate!"
Although she knew Johan was joking, honestly, even when joking, this guy spoke in sets, looking completely serious.
Cynthia said with some teasing: "No wonder people say psychology students are all 'dirty.'"
"Saying that about me really hurts my feelings..."
The two chatted for half an hour until Johan felt Cynthia was getting tired, then said:
"Don't worry, I'll come to the venue to cheer you on, in a way that... can put pressure on people."
"Good..."
Cynthia didn't refuse.
Honestly.
As a "strong woman," suddenly enjoying this feeling of being protected... was actually quite nice.
"Good night."
"Good night... hoo, hoo—"
After saying this, even breathing sounds came from the other end of the phone.
Johan smiled and hung up, putting away his phone.
Turning around, he saw.
The little ones had already collected a large amount of seafood, while his Gengar was teasing - no, messing with - a Toxapex that had appeared on the beach at some point.
Toxapex looked like a spiky dome tent covered in spikes - this was its protective posture. However, to spy on the outside world, its two front tentacles would usually open, revealing the purple body hidden inside.
Toxapex was a Poison and Water-type Brutal Star Pokémon. Johan wasn't unfamiliar with this kind of Pokémon, as he had used it quite often when playing Pokémon battles before.
Moreover, in the Pokémon anime, James had a Mareanie, whose evolved form was Toxapex.
It was said that Toxapex's body contained large amounts of powerful toxins. Even if Wailord was stung by Toxapex's spikes covering its entire body, it would suffer for three days and nights.
If humans were accidentally stung by Toxapex's poisonous spikes, even with timely treatment, there was a high probability of leaving aftereffects.
It was precisely because he was worried that Gladion and the others might accidentally touch dangerous Pokémon like Toxapex and Mareanie with strong toxins that Johan had Gengar "clean up."
Who knew...
Toxapex's powerful toxins had instead become Gengar's... little snacks.
He saw that the Toxapex had lowered all its tentacles, presenting itself like a tent or bunker.
This was exactly Toxapex's signature move and one of the moves that once made it popular in Pokémon battles - Baneful Bunker!
[Baneful Bunker: Blocks the opponent's attack while poisoning opponents who make contact!]
This move was similar to Protect, Detect, and other moves, except it had the additional effect of poisoning the opponent.
Combined with its signature ability "Merciless," the combination with "Baneful Bunker" became extremely frightening.
[Merciless: When attacking an already poisoned opponent, attacks will always hit critical spots!]
It was like having auto-aim as a "sniper."
However.
Such a capable Pokémon, when facing Gengar...
Tap tap tap—
Gengar put its head against Toxapex's "fortress" exterior, making "tap tap" sounds like knocking on a door, completely ignoring the poisonous spikes on Toxapex's folded tentacle shell.
"Ka-kaah?"
Hello? Hello? Is anyone home?
Sensing danger, Toxapex's poisonous spikes immediately released intense toxins.
The result...
Gengar had been waiting for exactly this, opening its mouth on the side to catch it. When the toxins shot out, it swallowed them all without spilling a drop.
The taste was actually pretty good!
Then Gengar continued repeating this action.
Tap tap—
What had Gengar done wrong?
It was just hungry. Consider the psychological trauma area of Toxapex at this moment.
"Johan!"
Gladion suddenly ran over carrying his bucket.
"Hm?"
Just when Johan thought something had happened, Gladion suddenly shouted seriously: "Please battle me!"
Johan: "?"
So sudden and spontaneous?
But it seemed... this spontaneity was something he had taught...
This boomerang had finally come back to hit him.
Johan sighed inwardly.
Looking at Gladion's eager gaze, then at Type: Null beside him, Johan suddenly realized.
Indeed, it was about time.
As a teacher, he shouldn't be stingy with this help.
"Since you want to battle so much, then let's do it." Johan took two steps back on the beach, creating distance from Gladion.
Hearing this, Gladion was stunned.
He seemed not to have expected Johan to actually agree.
After brief surprise, his expression immediately became serious and stern.
He also stepped back a few paces with Type: Null, ensuring enough space for battle, and clenched his fists.
Although Johan had told him to think more like a child.
But after the "Ultra Wormhole" incident ended, his mother seemed to have become somewhat obsessed, constantly talking about knowing their father's situation and wanting to bring him back.
Gladion wanted to help.
He didn't think wanting to help would make him anxious and worried - this was his most genuine inner thought and desire.
And now.
He would work hard toward this goal!
Nearby.
When Kiawe and the others learned Gladion was going to battle Johan, they immediately put down what they were doing and gathered around.
"Go for it, Gladion!" Mallow cupped her hands like a megaphone and shouted.
"Big brother, go for it!" Lillie quietly cheered.
"Gladion, I admit you're quite strong, so... go for it!" Even his "rival" Kiawe was cheering for Gladion.
Johan touched his glasses frame.
How come he felt like the big bad guy?
Thinking this, he threw out a Poké Ball.
"Go, Servine."
Among his Pokémon... it seemed only Servine had even a slight chance of battling Type: Null.
As for Rotom...
Rotom had already switched to its Rotom Referee "equipment."
"First, never act impulsively! Second, never miss judging any bad deed! Third, always referee fairly and beautifully!"
Red and blue flags "whooshed" in its hands.
"Servine!" Servine glared at Johan in annoyance.
You want me to handle this kind of battle?
Even it might not be able to hold back.
Johan conveyed through aura: "No choice, you're more gentle."
Gentle, gentle?
Servine's cheeks turned slightly red, but quickly showed a fierce expression.
"Servine! (#`皿′)"
Just, just because you complimented me doesn't mean I'll hold back! Hmph!
After speaking, it took a battle stance in front of Johan, ready for combat.
When it saw Gladion and Type: Null's expressions, its previous contempt completely disappeared.
Although Servine felt it had a significant strength advantage, Gladion and Type: Null's eyes - their eagerness and seriousness toward battle - made Servine feel they could be called opponents.
"Servine!"
Come on! Let me see where your confidence comes from!
Johan also waved his hand: "If you're ready, then attack."
Gladion and Type: Null looked at each other, shouting: "Johan, be careful!"
With these words.
Type: Null's limbs suddenly moved, kicking up large amounts of sand as it charged straight at Servine.
Good eyes, good fighting spirit!
"Type: Null, X-Scissor!"
"Roar!!"
Pale blue light emerged from the huge axe on Type: Null's head, as if some power was gathering.
Then its claws became like blades, slashing toward Servine.
Making "cross"-shaped strikes!
"Servine." Johan half-closed his eyes, "Vine Whip."
"Servine!"
Two slender but tough vines shot out from behind Servine. One coiled into a shield-like shape in front of it, while the other quickly pierced through the air from another angle, striking Type: Null.
Bang!!
Suddenly hit in the waist, Type: Null's body uncontrollably flew to the side.
"Type: Null!"
"Roar!!"
But even while being knocked away, it still executed X-Scissor, even if... it only left scratches on Servine's vine.
Bang—
Type: Null slid through the sand for some distance before barely stopping.
There was a white mark on its waist where the pain made it squint.
Crack—
A slight sound came from under Type: Null's mask.
This movement was small - neither Gladion nor Type: Null itself noticed, but Johan, with his aura, caught it.
Still not enough...
"Type: Null, Tri Attack!" Seeing Type: Null steady itself, Gladion immediately waved his hand and shouted.
Hearing this, Type: Null showed no discouragement from being knocked away by the vine earlier. Instead, it became even more serious and full of fighting spirit.
Lightning, ice, and fire - three types of energy appeared on Type: Null's two claws and the axe on its head, fiercely attacking Servine.
Honestly.
This fighting style had no tactics or strategy whatsoever.
But it displayed the passionate fighting spirit of Gladion and Type: Null.
Since his student was like this, Johan waved his hand:
"Servine, Leaf Blade!"
"Servine!"
Servine didn't retreat but advanced, green fluorescence appearing on both arms, forming two verdant blades as it rushed toward Type: Null.
Clang!!
Claws and leaf blades made contact in an instant, sparking energy and sparks as Type: Null and Servine faced each other at close range for the first time.
"Roar—"
Type: Null roared with all its might.
It could feel Gladion's desire, could feel Gladion's goal, and all it wanted to do was help Gladion!
Its second claw swung out.
Bang!!
But it was blocked by Servine's other leaf blade.
Two claws against two leaf blades - you don't have a third one, do you?
The huge axe on Type: Null's head chopped down.
Servine's eyes gleamed.
Looking down on who?
"Servine!"
Servine's arms suddenly exerted force. Under Type: Null's stunned gaze, it directly knocked both claws aside, then struck with both blades.
Swoosh—
It seemed slow, but the contact between Type: Null and Servine was actually just an instant, after which they stood with their backs to each other.
"Servine."
Servine stood up expressionlessly, the leaf blades on its arms slowly retracting.
Crack!!
Type: Null's helmet made cracking sounds again.
This time it was more obvious than before - even Gladion heard it, but...
"Roar..."
Type: Null whimpered and collapsed to the ground with a "thud."
This left Gladion with no mind to pay attention to the sounds from Type: Null's body, his pupils contracting sharply.
"Type: Null..."
Is the gap with Johan so large?
Lillie and the others nearby also looked at this scene in surprise.
Among all of them, Gladion was definitely the strongest, but facing Johan... he was defeated so easily?
"No!"
Gladion clenched his fists, the shock and disappointment in his eyes instantly replaced by fire-like radiance.
"We're not finished yet! Stand up, Type: Null!!!"
Type: Null, lying on the ground, faintly heard Gladion's call and felt Gladion's persistence. Its originally somewhat scattered gaze instantly became clear.
"Roar!"
It struggled, gritted its teeth, staggered, and shakily stood up from the sand.
Witnessing this scene, Johan raised an eyebrow with an indescribable expression.
Isn't this... Ash's "health lock cheat" and "revival roar"?
Good, good, good.
Finally, he had "molded" Gladion into Ash's image.
He just wondered what exciting collision would occur when Ash came to the Alola region in the future and encountered such a Gladion.
"That's right, Type: Null! We're not finished yet!"
Boom!!
Type: Null responded to Gladion's call, and a powerful aura suddenly surged from its body, instantly scattering the surrounding sand.
Crack!!
This time the cracking sound was particularly obvious. A fierce crack appeared on Type: Null's helmet.
Moreover, more and more cracks began appearing.
"This is..." Mallow and the others all watched this scene in shock.
Only Lillie seemed to remember something.
"This is Type: Null's true appearance..."
"Roar—!!!"
The roar accompanied swirling air currents as Type: Null's heavy helmet completely shattered into numerous fragments, and the appearance hidden beneath was finally revealed.
Silvally!
This was Type: Null's - no, Silvally's true form!
Nicknamed - Little Arceus!
Gladion was also surprised by what was happening before him.
But he quickly reacted: "Well done, Silvally!"
"Servine?" Servine turned to look at this transformed opponent, vaguely sensing its difference.
"Synthetic Pokémon Silvally!"
Gladion suddenly got excited, producing a disc glowing with red light and throwing it toward Silvally: "Receive the Fire Memory!"
A disc storage slot suddenly opened beside Silvally's head, catching the red disc.
"Transform into a Fire-type beast, burn!!!"
"Roar!!"
Silvally's eyes lit up as it absorbed and used the Fire Memory's power, converting its type to Fire-type!
Moreover, its eyes, tail, and the tips of the hair on its head all turned fire-red.
"Fire Fang!"
Whoosh!!
Silvally's body immediately blazed with surging flames as it turned and pounced toward the somewhat stunned Servine.
"Watch out!" Johan reminded.
Bang—
Servine was knocked flying.
Landing on the sand, it slid for some distance.
Fortunately, its usual training had taught Servine never to underestimate any opponent and to always be ready for opponents to suddenly "lock health and make a comeback," so it avoided the most direct attack.
But burn marks still inevitably appeared on its vines.
"Ser! Vine!" Servine's body immediately surged with even more powerful green fluorescence.
It was angry...
Watching this scene, Johan opened his mouth, then decisively and rationally swallowed his words.
The reason Silvally was called "Little Arceus" was precisely because of its signature ability "RKS System," combined with corresponding "Memory" discs, it could change its type at any time like Arceus with its plates.
Moreover, when Silvally was created, it was modeled after Arceus.
This was why Silvally was called a "legendary Pokémon."
The Aether Foundation was also the only organization besides Team Rocket capable of creating legendary Pokémon.
Gladion and Silvally had ultimately overcome difficulties and completed their return to original form.
However...
"Servine!!"
Servine's tail swung.
A green tornado formed entirely of green leaves roared forth.
It directly swept up the newly Fire-type Silvally.
Leaf Storm!
"Ka-kaah~"
Gengar nearby put its hand to its forehead in an observing gesture, sighing as it clicked its tongue.
Except for Johan and Ninetales, not even it could calm down Servine's temper.
Silvally had really made Servine serious.
"Ka-kaah~ Ka-kaah~"
Gengar put one hand on its hip while shaking its head.
Difficult, difficult, this team is getting harder to manage~
Bang—
Silvally was actually carried through the air by the leaves for quite a distance before crashing down into a sand pit, eyes spinning.
"Silvally is unable to battle!" Rotom announced the result.
It was instantly defeated?
Kiawe and the others had just felt their blood boiling - Silvally's transformation, Gladion's excitement, and Silvally actually being able to change to Fire-type had made them feel like maybe... Gladion and Silvally could actually beat Johan.
The result.
Servine got serious and instantly defeated the Fire-type Silvally with one Leaf Storm.
Johan was still so strong...
"Servine!"
Servine turned its head, accepting Johan's "healing service."
Gladion still seemed not to have recovered from the earlier scene.
Johan explained: "Don't think Servine is just like this - it actually acknowledged you."
"Servine! (▼皿▼)"
I did not!
Gladion nodded: "We're fine, Johan."
Losing to Johan, this legendary-level battle Champion - what was there to be disappointed or discouraged about?
Instead, daring to challenge and helping Type: Null break free from its restraints to return as Silvally made Gladion more confident in himself.
"Another 'Champion seedling.'"
Johan was increasingly looking forward to Ash and Gladion meeting.
"Alright, alright, stop making a fuss. Continue beachcombing!" Johan stopped Kiawe, who also wanted to challenge.
If they didn't continue beachcombing, the low tide would end soon and they'd have gained nothing!
Going home empty-handed was absolutely not allowed!
Two days later.
Sinnoh region, Sinnoh League.
"Johan is here!!!"
"Champion Johan is here, run!!!"
"Quick! Quick, go get our [Cynthia's Young Lady]!"
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Powerstones?
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