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Galar Region, Outer Perimeter of the Isle of Armor Master Dojo
"Ri!"
Thank you for the lesson.
Riolu stood with both fists clasped together, looking down at the fallen Machoke.
Another excellent opponent—though its speed was somewhat lacking, still…
Its terrifying strength was truly astonishing, and Riolu had only barely won after a grueling battle.
It was a worthy opponent.
Standing opposite it, a man dressed in martial artist attire wiped away the fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
Just who exactly is this monster from whose house?
Machoke's attack didn't even have time to land before Riolu used its momentum against it, delivering a counterpunch that sent Machoke straight to sleep.
Isn't Counter supposed to require me to hit you first before I can be countered?!!
"Another one bites the dust. That makes ten already, right?"
"This Riolu doesn't even need a Trainer—it could probably beat us all effortlessly. Too crazy!"
By now, an entire circle of fighters of various styles had unknowingly gathered around Riolu, whispering amongst themselves.
"Ri!"
After Machoke's Trainer retreated, Riolu scanned its surroundings and issued a low growl as a challenge.
The Trainer was right—this place was truly its ideal training ground.
Not only were there countless powerful fighters to challenge, but it could also learn many different techniques and styles from them.
If it trained here for half a year, would its strength be enough to evolve?
Though catching up to Lucario, Big Sister Cynthia's Pokémon, would still be difficult, the gap should narrow further.
One day, it would face stronger opponents head-on and prevail!
With these thoughts, Riolu's gaze became increasingly sharp.
However, those who met its eyes involuntarily lowered their heads, seemingly resisting the idea of battling it.
What kind of joke was this? They came to the Isle of Armor Dojo to learn Master Mustard's advanced techniques and, if they were lucky, catch a glimpse of the legendary "Secret Armor".
They didn't come to be utterly crushed by a Riolu without a Trainer!
With so many cautionary tales before them, none of these Trainers were willing to embarrass themselves publicly anymore.
Time to retreat.
"Ri…"
Riolu felt a bit disappointed.
Those who feared defeat and avoided challenging strong opponents were destined to achieve little.
The crowd that had initially gathered gradually dispersed, and Riolu thought its training for today was over.
"Roar—!"
But just then, a powerful, imposing roar echoed through the air.
Startled, Riolu instinctively turned toward the source of the sound.
The tightly closed gates of the Isle of Armor Dojo had opened at some point, revealing a muscular, pitch-black bear-like Pokémon standing at the entrance.
The eyes of the two Pokémon—one large, one small—met.
---
Master Mustard's Dojo
An elderly man wearing a baseball uniform and hunched over descended the stairs, immediately greeted by a group of energetic apprentices.
"Master Mustard!"
From the way they addressed him, it was clear who this old man was.
Mustard, the Galar Champion for eighteen consecutive years, holder of the title "Battle Legend," and the pinnacle of the martial arts world.
As the founder and face of the dojo, it was because of this legendary master that the once-desolate Isle of Armor had been developed into what it was today.
Many martial artists were willing to pay exorbitant fees to study under him.
Passing through the training hall, Mustard arrived at the gaming room, sipped some fragrant tea, exhaled deeply, and relaxed leisurely.
"The weather's nice today—perfect for gaming."
A fierce martial artist in his youth, Mustard had gradually become addicted to video games after retiring, transforming into a "senior shut-in" who preferred staying indoors and playing games.
Especially the recently released game Pokémon Champions, which had quickly become his new favorite.
Thinking about being able to teach young players a thing or two using his experience from peak battles, Mustard's face lit up with a bold smile.
"But today is the day the dojo accepts new apprentices, isn't it?"
Just as Mustard prepared to turn on the console, a green figure suddenly appeared and pressed the power-off button.
"My game!"
The old man's eyes instantly widened in anger.
About to argue with the intruder, he froze upon seeing her face.
"I specifically told Urshifu to handle it himself…"
Mustard's voice softened, losing its usual confidence.
The only person who could make Mustard back down was, of course, his wife, Honey.
"No, no, you're the face of the Isle of Armor Dojo. Everyone comes hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary Master Mustard."
"…."
Mustard sighed and got up from the couch.
She was right—if he lazily brushed off challengers, it would be disrespectful to martial arts.
Besides, it was a good opportunity to stretch his aging bones; if he didn't practice soon, his body might fall apart completely…
Under Honey's encouraging gaze, Mustard left the room.
In the main hall, his two longtime companions were already waiting.
To win eighteen consecutive championships, aside from Mustard's own formidable strength, his two Urshifus, each with distinct fighting styles, played a significant role.
Mastering Mustard's ultimate techniques, they were unstoppable in battle.
But today, besides his two old friends, there was also an unfamiliar little guest?
"Roar!"
Upon noticing Mustard's arrival, one of the Urshifus immediately let out a roar.
"So you've already acknowledged this little one's strength?"
After years of partnership, Mustard could roughly understand their intentions through the tone of their roars.
Mustard narrowed his eyes.
Noticing Riolu sandwiched between the two Urshifus, Mustard's cloudy eyes began scrutinizing it from top to bottom.
Soon, a smile spread across his face.
"A rather interesting little guy."
"However, if you want to undergo the trial, take off all that extra weight first. Let me see your true strength!"
"Ri!"
Riolu's expression instantly shifted to astonishment, instinctively reaching for the wristbands strapped to its joints.
Could this elder truly see through its deeply hidden secret on their first meeting?
This old man was definitely no ordinary figure!
---
[Due to Riolu's outstanding performance, it caught the attention of a powerful Pokémon!]
[Riolu encountered the legendary Pokémon Urshifu!]
[Urshifu has acknowledged Riolu!]
[Under Urshifu's guidance, Riolu begins its challenge at Master Mustard's Dojo!]
"???"
In just a few short minutes, the rapid flashes of text left Aiden utterly bewildered.
It was true that Mustard's two Urshifus were indeed on the Isle of Armor, and he did have the intention of letting Riolu learn some martial arts techniques…
But was Riolu's luck really this absurd? To be noticed by Urshifu on its very first visit?
Was this the legendary grandpa encounter?
So Riolu was actually the true protagonist of this team…
Wait?
You didn't actually learn the styles did you?!
Aiden's mind was flooded with endless question marks as another line of text flashed before his eyes.
[Riolu has begun challenging the Dojo Master, Mustard!]
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