Pokemon: Spiritual Master
Chapter 720: Champion, Johan! (Two-in-One - )

Chapter 720: Champion, Johan! (Two-in-One Chapter)

Drake hadn’t reached "Legendary" level.

Though Drake was from the older generation, and his abilities and experience in battle weren’t inferior to Professor Oak, Mustard, or Alder, compared to them, Drake still fell somewhat short.

His shortcoming was that Drake hadn’t become a Pokémon trainer very early.

Initially, Drake was actually a sailor like the young Captain Stern, dreaming of conquering the seas.

But due to an accident - a maritime incident - Drake survived only with a Dragonite’s help.

From then on, he felt the unconditional kindness from Pokémon, so he resolved to become a trainer, a Dragon-type Pokémon trainer.

Therefore, compared to those others, Drake started relatively late.

However, though Drake hadn’t reached "Legendary" level, that didn’t mean he hadn’t seen it.

Master Mustard from Galar region, hailed as the strongest Champion in history with eighteen consecutive years undefeated, was Drake’s friend.

And Master Mustard had "Legendary" level powerful Pokémon in his youth.

Seeing this again.

After initial shock, Drake’s expression became somewhat gratified.

Legendary was good, legendary was perfect...

If Hoenn League’s Champion was a genuine battle legend, then Hoenn League would have no worries for decades to come.

Hm?

Then Drake noticed a palm-sized pink stone tablet emanating strange misty radiance floating from Ninetales’ body.

An item?

What item was this?

It felt filled with sacred, holy aura and extremely strong life force.

Having never seen Arceus and the Plates, Drake couldn’t immediately recognize this "Fairy Plate."

Actually, even those who’d seen Arceus and the Plates might not recognize it.

After all, the current "Fairy Plate" differed considerably from the Plate appearance in some people’s memories.

More importantly.

Who could imagine that a trainer, an ordinary Pokémon, could possess and use Plates that supposedly only the legendary Creator God could have!

Legend said those were condensed power from this world’s universal origin.

"Ninetales—"

Johan adjusted his glasses, gently raising his hand: "Moonblast!"

"Oowoo—"

Ninetales raised its head and sang, in the vast blizzard, a bright moon suddenly hung high, brilliant moonlight blooming pure radiance.

Hum—

A beam of bright moonlight fell down.

Directly striking Duraludon.

Next second.

Boom!!!

Where Duraludon stood, massive rumbling erupted, terrifying shockwaves spreading outward.

The misty blizzard scattered completely.

Duraludon let out a heavy, pained cry, its massive body swaying violently before crashing heavily to the ground.

Thud—

Eyes swirled.

Unable to battle!

Roar!!!

Seeing this, audiences rose, uproarious sounds connecting.

"One-shot? K.O.?!"

"Elite Four Drake’s Duraludon wasn’t even weak to Fairy-type, yet was one-shotted?!"

"That Duraludon was so strong though..."

"Leg-Legendary? Elite Four Drake just said ’Legendary,’ right?"

"Above Champion, Legendary?!"

Everyone showed shocked and stunned expressions.

Galar region, Isle of Armor.

"Legendary?!"

Leon watched the TV screen, intense shock in his eyes.

As Mustard’s disciple, Leon was naturally familiar with the "Legendary" level, having seen his master’s true strength.

So he clearly knew "Legendary" was existence above Champion, a more difficult height to reach.

"Little Johan’s really excellent~"

Mustard cheerfully drank tea. Though long retired, watching this battle between Elite Four Drake and Johan, his heart actually stirred with restless feelings.

How many years since this feeling appeared?

"Master!"

Leon suddenly looked intensely at his master Mustard, calling out.

"Hmm?" Mustard turned.

"After watching this match, please battle me for special training!"

Seeing Leon wasn’t discouraged but instead more motivated, Mustard was briefly stunned then showed a gratified smile.

"Alright, Leon."

This was his proud disciple - accepting defeat but not giving up.

"The future belongs to the young generation~" Mustard muttered with some sentiment.

Sinnoh region, Mt. Coronet.

Inside a temporarily built ice shelter.

"Holy crap! Teacher Johan is awesome!"

Flint made a huge fuss, staring intently at the livestream on his phone screen.

To avoid affecting Teacher Johan’s "Champion Road" preparation, he, Cynthia, Lucian, and Aaron, though concerned, hadn’t disturbed Johan.

Instead, they’d gathered at Mt. Coronet where Cynthia trained to watch the "Champion Road" livestream together.

"Teacher Johan has left us behind..."

Nearby Lucian pushed his sunglasses, quite sentimental.

Besides some envy, he felt no jealousy.

After all, that was Teacher Johan. If it were someone else - like Flint - Lucian might feel indignant, but toward Teacher Johan, he couldn’t feel jealous, only admiration.

Cynthia also watched the screen silently, just with a slight smile.

The stronger Johan was, the happier she naturally felt.

But beyond happiness, Cynthia also felt some pressure.

Not only caught up to by Johan but surpassed by him - as a strong woman, she was also unyielding.

Lucian suddenly felt inexplicable chills rising from his tailbone.

Slightly turning his head.

Noticing the boss’s expression.

His heart immediately tightened, forcing a smile: "Cough, boss, the Mt. Coronet signal has gotten better..."

"Recently construction crews have been installing signal bases throughout Mt. Coronet range." Cynthia said casually.

"Legendary! Teacher Johan is amazing!" Aaron suddenly jumped up.

The three were used to this - today his reaction was actually fast.

"I see." Lucian understood. "That construction team is impressive, working on Mt. Coronet."

Mt. Coronet, Sinnoh region’s highest mountain, nearly dividing the entire Sinnoh region in half.

Supposedly.

In ancient times, before continental plates moved, Mt. Coronet and the Mt. Silver range in Kanto-Johto were actually the same mountain range.

Mt. Silver’s danger was well-known - even Champion Red chose to train there.

Mt. Coronet’s danger level was imaginable.

Otherwise Cynthia wouldn’t choose Mt. Coronet for special training.

Moreover, Mt. Coronet currently had many unexplored areas.

Being able to work in such dangerous, complex, extremely cold conditions showed this construction team’s capability.

Cynthia lightly brushed her golden hair, smiling.

"After Johan’s ’Champion Road’ ends, you’ll accompany my special training."

"We? Us?" Lucian looked at Flint, then pointed at himself.

Cynthia nodded slightly.

"All three of you, together."

Lucian: "..."

Looking up.

At the white snow falling outside.

Really want to work overtime - overtime makes me happy.

Johto region, Blackthorn City.

"Johan’s pulled ahead!" Lance wore his crimson cape, also watching Hoenn League’s "Champion Road."

Clair pouted, muttering: "Monster..."

Clearly a year ago when Johan battled her, she only needed to send second-string Pokémon.

But after one year...

She probably couldn’t even beat Johan’s second-string Pokémon now.

She’d thought her cousin Lance was impressive enough, but then appeared an even more abnormal "monster."

"You’re planning to train in Dragon’s Den depths?" Clair probed.

"No."

Lance smiled and shook his head.

Dragon’s Den’s deep Dragon-type Pokémon were certainly formidable, but...

Facing only Dragon-types couldn’t satisfy his "needs."

You had to know.

Though Kanto League’s Champion position was also undecided with Elite Four handling most affairs, if he wanted to challenge the "Champion Road" as one of Kanto League’s Elite Four, he’d only face three people.

But whether Elite Four Agatha or Elite Four Bruno, none were easily defeated.

Not to mention Lorelei, who quite countered him.

"I’m planning to travel with Bruno." Lance said.

Meeting more formidable trainers, seeing more powerful wild Pokémon, enriching his and his Pokémon’s battle experience while possibly catching some appealing Pokémon.

"I’ll go with you!" Clair said.

"Don’t be ridiculous." Lance reached to pat Clair’s head. "You’re Blackthorn Gym’s Leader, how can you easily..."

Slap!

Clair directly knocked Lance’s hand away.

"Hmph!"

Standing up.

"Yes yes yes, you’re Elite Four, you’re impressive, hmph!"

After speaking, she walked away huffily, leaving Lance helplessly behind.

Kanto region, Viridian City, Team Rocket base beneath Viridian Gym.

After treating his chronic illness, Giovanni’s mood and mentality had improved considerably.

Recently he’d either been quietly observing son Silver’s changes or handling Team Rocket reforms and "Rainbow Rocket Corporation" matters.

Eating cookies from his desk while watching TV broadcasts.

"Legendary?"

Giovanni’s face couldn’t help showing a smile.

He was naturally familiar with Legendary level.

Because among his Pokémon, some were "Legendary."

"Faster than expected. Is it that item? But it should be soon..."

A successor with "Legendary" Pokémon strength - Giovanni felt more confident about Johan.

Moreover, thinking about Johan’s future identity as both Hoenn League Champion and Team Rocket’s secret director was quite interesting.

Who knew what the League would think later.

However.

Using Johan’s identity and strength, Team Rocket could better reform.

Perhaps soon, Team Rocket and its members could openly appear in sunlight...

But this was destined to be a long, difficult path. Due to identity issues, he could only complete part of it. Final reforms would definitely need someone with official League identity, high status, and sufficient influence.

Johan was undoubtedly the best choice.

Giovanni pressed the desk button.

A video call screen appeared.

"Matori, after ’Champion Road’ ends, transfer the ’Corporation’s’ dividends and bonuses to Johan’s account first."

"Understood!" Matori immediately responded.

Her cheeks slightly reddened as she carefully asked: "Boss, are the cookies good?"

Giovanni was stunned, glancing at the cookies in his hand, slightly nodding:

"Not bad."

Bang!!!

"Flygon, unable to battle!"

Rotom referee lowered its flag, announcing the result.

Duraludon being one-shotted by Ninetales was partly due to Ninetales’ strength, partly because Elite Four Drake was somewhat surprised by Ninetales’ displayed power.

So, taking advantage of Duraludon’s defeat to switch, Drake again summoned Flygon, attempting to seize weather control.

Though risky with low success rate, it was worth trying.

But the result was predictable.

Flygon failed and lost battle ability.

This was unavoidable.

Because Drake’s remaining two Pokémon were completely countered by Ninetales.

"Whew—"

Elite Four Drake exhaled.

Even he felt pressure.

But asking him to give up and surrender was impossible.

This wasn’t about so-called dignity, Elite Four bottom lines, or refusing to lose, but as a trainer’s respect and seriousness toward battle and confrontation.

If opponents were strong and one chose to give up and surrender, then many battles would be unnecessary.

What competitions, conferences - why bother?

Just compare trainers’ Pokémon strength directly then rank them!

Pokémon battles were places where miracles could erupt.

So many type-disadvantage victories, so many weak defeating strong - this was what made Pokémon battles truly appealing and thrilling.

Perhaps younger generation trainers were more "rational," but as an older generation trainer, Drake had his own persistence.

If one didn’t dare boldly challenge the stronger, how could one’s own strength become stronger?

Elite Four Drake smiled.

Surging battle intent rose in his heart.

He’d almost forgotten how long since he’d felt this excitement and anticipation when facing battles and challenges.

People age, but hearts don’t!

"Go, Salamence!!!"

After recalling Flygon, Elite Four Drake unhesitatingly threw his final Poké Ball.

"Roar—!!!"

Salamence, his old partner, could sense Drake’s inner turbulence.

And it itself wasn’t one to surrender easily.

So what if opponents were stronger? So what about type disadvantage?

This was exactly the situation to fight!

Crimson wings, azure skin, sharp eyes showing no fear of Ninetales.

Johan looked at the appearing Salamence, at the passionate Elite Four Drake, feeling somewhat infected by them.

Setting aside "Champion Road," setting aside elder status, purely from battle perspective.

This was absolutely a respectable opponent!

So facing such an opponent...

Johan took out his Luxury Ball, shooting red light to recall Ninetales after two battles.

"Must also give sufficient respect..."

Murmuring, Johan’s eyes sharpened, throwing out his ball.

"Gengar!"

"Ka-kaah~!"

Gengar immediately emerged from Johan’s shadow, after several flashes, landing on the field.

Finally my turn to appear!

From "Champion Road" start until now, this was Gengar’s first appearance.

"It’s Teacher Johan’s ace, Gengar!"

"Finally letting cute Gengar appear?"

"Teacher Johan really... shows no respect for elders..."

"Rather than respecting elders, Teacher Johan gave Elite Four Drake absolute respect!"

"Ace vs ace, no problem!"

Seeing Gengar appear, audiences immediately cheered excitedly.

Teacher Johan’s Ninetales had shown "Legendary" level strength - so as Teacher Johan’s "ace," what was Gengar’s strength?

"Legendary!"

Seeing Gengar, Drake took a deep breath, solemnly speaking.

Indeed!

If Ninetales reached "Legendary" level through the "Fairy Plate," then Johan’s Gengar was naturally "Legendary"!

Two Legendary-level Pokémon!

This already... had the style of Mustard, the "strongest Champion in history."

"Good! Excellent!"

Elite Four Drake’s face was flushed, captain’s coat fluttering, gently pressing his hat brim.

"Salamence—"

"Roar—!!!"

Salamence fearlessly roared, sound waves rolling up snow, wings beating as it soared skyward.

"Mega Evolution!"

Hum!!!

Bond power opened by Key Stone, converted by Mega Evolution Stone, brilliant rainbow light enveloping Salamence, its appearance changing in evolution light.

"Bonds..." Johan murmured watching this scene.

Decades of partnership and companionship - the bond depth between Salamence and Elite Four Drake needed no words.

This was power absolutely not inferior to most Pokémon and trainers, and Salamence’s momentum wildly climbed during evolution.

If Elite Four Drake’s Salamence previously was just short of ordinary Champion ace Pokémon level, then now...

Solidly Champion peak!

"Roar!!!"

Crimson crescent wings spread wide, brilliant light completely dispersing, Mega Evolution symbol flashing briefly.

This moment.

Whether surrounding snow, falling snowflakes, or the room’s magnificently carved pillars, all were dyed blood red.

As if a blood-colored moon had risen high.

Mega Salamence!

"Roar—!!!"

Roaring shook the entire venue.

Fierce winds dispersed the last blizzard.

"Ka-kaah..."

Gengar gaped, watching this scene, couldn’t help smacking its lips.

This guy’s kinda handsome...

"Come, Johan!" Elite Four Drake and Mega Salamence were completely united in will, staring directly at Johan, seriously saying:

"Let us see your true strength!"

True strength?

Johan’s expression was slightly strange.

Then don’t limit enhancement methods and usage...

Though thinking this internally, out of respect for Elite Four Drake, Johan’s hand already gripped his Key Stone.

"Elite Four Drake, as you wish!"

Hum—

"Gengar—" Johan shouted, coat tails fluttering.

"Ka-kaah~!"

Gengar grinned mischievously.

Toward mid-air Mega Salamence, it gently wagged its finger.

I admit you’re kinda handsome, but compared to me... you’re still lacking!

Johan and Gengar’s expressions seemed to overlap.

"Mega Evolution!!!"

"Ka-kaah!!!"

Rainbow light connected Johan and Gengar.

Speaking of bonds, Gengar and I are confident we won’t lose to anyone!

Hum—

Suddenly.

Thick black mist spread from Gengar’s feet, black fog mixed with thunderous roars, black lightning and mist raging around like disaster descending.

Mega Gengar!

Black clouds instantly spread.

Covering the blood moon scene Mega Salamence’s evolution had created, black mist completely enveloping and wrapping this place!

"This is Mega Evolution?!"

"Unknowing people would think some legendary Pokémon descended!"

"Is this Teacher Johan’s true strength?"

"Too exaggerated..."

Audiences watched the livestream scene in shock.

Elite Four Drake and Mega Salamence, directly facing Mega Gengar, felt the greatest pressure.

Was "Legendary" level Pokémon Mega Evolution this exaggerated?

"Ka-kaah!!!"

When all commotion quieted, Mega Gengar winked at Mega Salamence.

See? I’m explosively handsome!

"Salamence!" Though Drake felt pressure, he could still battle, even unhesitatingly attacking first.

"Hyper Voice!"

"Roar—!!!"

Mega Salamence roared, rolling sound waves becoming layered sound waves, instantly unleashing.

Normal-type move Hyper Voice theoretically couldn’t damage Ghost-type Mega Gengar at all.

But after Mega Evolution, Salamence’s ability became the rare "Aerilate"!

[Aerilate: Normal-type moves become Flying-type with increased power!]

"Ka-kaah!"

Gengar plugged its ears, grimacing.

Your voice is too ugly!

Hearing this, Mega Salamence’s cheeks reddened, anger flashing in its eyes.

Who’s comparing voice beauty with you?!

If you’re so good-sounding, then try it!

For a moment, Mega Salamence increased Hyper Voice output.

"Ka-kaah?"

Mega Gengar put hands on hips, looking unconvinced.

Johan, mind-connected, immediately rejected its idea.

"No using Perish Song!"

There weren’t just two people and two Pokémon present - there was also Rotom referee!

If the referee got knocked out, who would announce results?

Moreover.

Johan seriously suspected.

Gengar’s Perish Song might even affect livestream audiences through the broadcast.

After all, Perish Song’s sound waves would be captured by livestream and transmitted to all audiences.

If that happened...

It would probably cause the biggest "disaster" since League "Champion Road" existed.

Mega Gengar’s eyes rolled.

Can’t use Perish Song?

I have other methods!

Hmph!

Mega Gengar put hands on hips, puffing its round belly, taking a deep breath, then cupping hands like a megaphone, similarly shouting loudly.

"Ka-kaah—!!!"

Psychic power became substantial sound waves, accompanied by extremely harsh noise, vibrating outward.

Psychic Noise!

Mega Salamence’s eyes widened.

That’s it?

Still competing whose voice sounds better?

"Salamence, now’s the chance - Double-Edge!" Drake waved grandly.

Taking advantage of Mega Gengar using Psychic Noise, forcefully break through and close in - this was their only chance to win.

Gengar was typically high special attack, high speed but poor stamina, and physical defense wasn’t outstanding.

While Mega Salamence had both physical and special attack but favored physical attack.

Closing distance for physical breakthrough was the only way to possibly bridge their raw strength gap.

Only by forcing close to Gengar could they have continued fighting chances.

Otherwise...

Long-range attack trading, Mega Salamence definitely wasn’t the opponent.

Moreover, Drake had some understanding of Johan’s Gengar - that super-large Shadow Ball was very troublesome.

"Roar—!!!"

Mega Salamence beat its wings, suddenly wrapping in pale blue energy, charging toward Gengar at extreme speed like a jet.

"Get serious." Johan’s expression became stern. "Ice Punch!"

Get serious?

Ice Punch?

Audiences were confused.

This sentence seemed fine at first glance, and against Dragon and Flying-type Mega Salamence, Ice-type move Ice Punch could indeed achieve four times effectiveness, but...

The target was Gengar!

But soon.

Audiences realized their shallow knowledge.

Crack crack crack—

The extremely cold field temperature granted Mega Gengar faster Ice-type move execution speed, its spike-covered palm immediately covered in frost.

Facing directly charging Mega Salamence, Mega Gengar unhesitatingly swung its punch.

Bang!!!

The frost-covered fist solidly struck Mega Salamence’s head, ice fragments immediately flying.

"Hold on Salamence, charge through!" Drake shouted fiercely.

"Roar!!!"

Mega Salamence’s eyes filled with bloodshot veins, violent, frenzied aura bursting from its body, blood-colored airflow intertwining with pale blue Flying-type energy, enveloping its entire body.

Outrage!

Rage brought absolutely powerful strength. Mega Salamence endured discomfort and pain, withstanding Ice Punch’s attack, again erupting power.

Bang!!!

A blood-colored arc flashed.

Mega Salamence had already reached behind Mega Gengar.

Unlike the violent Mega Salamence, Mega Gengar’s expression seemed somewhat dazed.

"Suc-succeeded?!"

Most people couldn’t help thinking this.

But Elite Four Drake frowned.

Something was wrong...

Bang—

Suddenly.

"Mega Gengar" suddenly exploded and dispersed like black mist, merging into surrounding darkness.

Shadow?

Wait!

How could shadows use moves?

Teacher Johan, this... isn’t legal, right?

"Ka-kaah?"

From nearby shadows, Mega Gengar mischievously poked out its head.

Johan’s face also showed a cunning smile.

Combining with Gengar’s will, influenced by Gengar again.

"Elite Four Drake, I have no intention of holding back..."

This was respect for Drake!

Though his Gengar indeed liked punching, in this level of battle, it obviously wasn’t a good occasion.

But if just for confusing opponents, no problem.

Gengar was a Ghost-type Pokémon, tactics emphasized cunning changeability and unpredictability. Johan and Gengar developed this to the extreme.

"Gengar!"

Johan’s expression became truly serious this time.

Just as he’d be influenced by Gengar, Gengar would also be influenced by him. Mega Gengar immediately put away its playful, mischievous expression.

"Maximum power, Shadow Ball!"

"Ka-kaah!!!"

Mega Gengar shouted, raising both hands.

The shadows and black mist enveloping and covering the entire battle room seemed attracted by a black hole, frantically gathering toward Mega Gengar’s hands.

Finally condensing at extreme speed into a substantial black orb.

"Salamence!!! Double-Edge!!!"

Drake and Mega Salamence were also united in will, actually using their stubborn will to briefly suppress Outrage’s negative effects.

Carrying anger and violence, Mega Salamence suddenly turned, crying out as it soared skyward.

The massive black orb.

Mega Salamence wrapped in blue-red energy.

At the field’s mid-air.

They collided.

Rumble—!!!

Instantly.

Massive impact aftershocks spread like an earthquake, the battle room’s reinforced pillars, walls, dome, and floor were all shaken apart and overturned.

The commotion made the already-finished Glacia, Phoebe, and Sidney appear, each summoning Pokémon to use moves against the aftershocks, reducing "Elite Four Fortress" damage.

Rotom referee turned pale, hiding in a corner trembling.

"These two guys..." Glacia’s face darkened.

Screen-watching audiences had all stood up, holding their breath, staring intently at screens.

Until the "rumbling" noise gradually faded, and Salamence, having shed its Mega Evolution energy, lay in the ruins with rolled eyes.

"Sal-Salamence unable to battle, so the winner is—challenger Johan!" Rotom referee tremblingly floated out, announcing the final result.

Silence.

Silence.

Still silence.

After a very long silence.

Boom!!!

The stadium, livestream, forums... instantly exploded.

"Teacher Johan—"

"Teacher Johan is awesome (voice crack)!!!"

"Champion! Champion!!!"

"We are—Champions!!!"

Drake walked over helplessly.

"You kid don’t know to go easy on elders."

Though saying this, his face was full of smiles.

Johan coughed lightly: "Cough, that... Elite Four Glacia told me to do this."

Glacia: "???"

Both looked at each other and smiled, knowing it was a joke.

"Congratulations, Johan." Elite Four Drake extended his hand, quite gratified.

Johan was about to speak when Drake immediately changed his words:

"No, congratulations, Champion."

Champion?

Johan inevitably was stunned, looking at his Gengar.

Just became Champion?

When he first came to the Pokémon world, that seemingly unreachable place was finally reached?

"Hello, please register your team information in the Hall of Fame."

A prepared staff member led Johan to the device in the deepest part of the "Elite Four Fortress," registering Pokémon information.

Originally only six Pokémon could be registered, but at Johan’s request, all his Pokémon information was registered.

Gengar, Ninetales, Tinkaton, Dragonite, Urshifu, Ceruledge, Tyranitar, Servine, Indeedee-F, Rotom!

Simultaneously, Johan and his Pokémon completed photos together.

The stadium and online erupted again.

Registering Hall of Fame information also meant—

Officially becoming Champion!

Hoenn League, Champion, Johan!

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Powerstones?

For 20 advance Chapters: /michaeltranslates