Pokemon: Spiritual Master
Chapter 721: Champion Duties (Two-in-One - )

Chapter 721: Champion Duties (Two-in-One Chapter)

A new Hoenn League Champion was born!

Under the attention of all, using the most orthodox method, challenging the "Champion Road" and defeating the Elite Four!

In just under two days, this feat was accomplished.

And this would be viewed in the future as the key turning point, or rather starting point, of "the younger generation taking over League responsibilities"!

Of course, that was for later.

At this moment, Johan, having completed Champion information registration in the Hall of Fame, received the Champion’s cloak from Elite Four Drake under the gaze of Glacia, Phoebe, Sidney, and numerous Hoenn League officials.

Rustle—

The cloak fell upon his shoulders.

Hoenn League Champion, Teacher Johan, officially took office!

Besides online excitement, audiences at Ever Grande Stadium, also the Champion inauguration ceremony venue, gave their greatest cheers.

Bang!!!

Fireworks and celebratory displays bloomed in brilliant colors.

"Teacher finally became Champion."

Steven, who’d come to the scene, rarely showed some excitement, applauding with everyone.

Steven naturally knew his teacher’s "go-with-the-flow" personality, never having much desire for Elite Four or Champion positions.

Though Steven always felt his teacher completely qualified and capable of becoming Elite Four or Champion, with teacher not expressing interest, he as a student couldn’t say much.

Now.

Seeing teacher finally become League Champion, shouldering the important burden of protecting all of Hoenn region, he suddenly felt... like his wish for teacher’s success had come true.

He felt genuinely happy.

"We’re Champion students now! Roxanne, we’re Champion students!" Flannery appeared much more excited than Steven and Roxanne.

Of course, the happiest were definitely Kanaz Pokémon Academy’s leadership, especially Principal Martin.

Having specially come to the scene, he was so happy he couldn’t control himself, while envious, jealous looks from other school colleagues filled him with pride.

Our academy’s teacher is Champion!

Question.

In the entire Pokémon world, what school could have such "faculty strength"?

Even the historic Orange Academy in Paldea region only had an Elite Four art teacher at most - how could it compare to our Kanaz Pokémon Academy?

"The next person wanting to challenge the Champion will have to seriously consider their abilities." Roxanne, holding books, replied.

Next person to challenge the Champion?

In Flannery’s mind appeared scenes of consecutively challenging Elite Four, then challenging Teacher Johan...

No, the scene was too "bloody" - didn’t dare think about it.

Could anyone really accomplish such a feat?

Previously many said Kanto League’s "Champion Road" was the most difficult in all Leagues.

But now it seemed... Hoenn League would probably take the "most difficult" position.

"But I think Teacher Johan might not serve very long." Wallace smiled.

Noticing looks from Flannery and Roxanne, he explained:

"Just my guess."

But somehow, hearing him say this, whether Steven, Flannery, or Roxanne, all felt... it really might be like that.

Perhaps in two or three years, Teacher Johan might announce retiring from Champion position.

At this moment, Johan under the spotlight, while maintaining a standard smile and taking commemorative photos with League officials, was thinking—

When would be appropriate to choose retirement?

He might be the only person who, just becoming Champion, was already considering retirement.

League work was visibly that much - detailed down would definitely be more, too complex. He definitely wasn’t "official" material.

Johan had self-awareness.

Meanwhile.

His Pokémon on his Poké Ball belt were communicating across Poké Balls or shadows.

"Ka-kaah~" Gengar hung upside down in its Luxury Ball.

Became Champion, but why doesn’t it feel that exciting? Could it be... my mentality has grown again!

"Oowoo~" Ninetales lay gracefully.

Feel like I can improve further, combining "Nature’s Madness" with Ice-type power...

"Cha!" Tinkaton polished its hammer’s smooth surface.

Precious hammer, precious hammer, who’s the world’s best ’smith’? Aha! It’s me!

"Dragonite~" Dragonite squinted, patting its round belly.

In that final battle facing so many Dragon-type Pokémon, yet didn’t get battle time? Really shouldn’t have slept...

"Garruu~" Urshifu sat cross-legged, hands on knees, muttering.

Nature hasn’t given gifts for so long...

"Goka!" Ceruledge suddenly opened its eyes, golden firelight flashing in its eye sockets.

Recovered!

"Indeedee~" Indeedee hummed a little tune.

This time finally had "battle satisfaction"~

"Servine!" Servine puffed its cheeks, eyes proud and haughty.

This doesn’t count! Next time I’ll clear it again!

"Tyranitar?" Tyranitar yawned and sat up, scratching its head.

Eh? Still not dinner time?

"Vii~"

"Marsha~"

Victini and Marshadow stared at each other, then smiled and high-fived.

We’re too awesome~

Click click click—

Rotom Pokédex mixed into media frantically taking photos.

"Commemoration! Must commemorate, Rotom!"

People gradually left, still excitedly discussing previous battles and Teacher Johan’s record of consecutively defeating four Elite Four members.

Johan also continuously received many congratulatory messages and calls.

Including one from Cynthia.

"Congratulations, Champion~" Cynthia teased.

"Haha—" Johan laughed awkwardly. "You should be about ready too, right?"

Originally Cynthia had said she’d challenge Sinnoh League first, but Johan "overtook her," becoming Hoenn League Champion first.

"Mm, about ready." Cynthia said somewhat ambiguously.

After witnessing Johan’s "Champion Road," Cynthia substituted herself and found some strength gap between herself and Johan.

But this didn’t discourage her - instead made her more motivated.

So after finishing this call with Johan, she prepared to begin special training.

"I’ll come cheer you on in person!"

"Good!"

After chatting a while longer, Johan was called to receive prizes.

Actually rather than prizes, it was more like... Champion benefits.

As Hoenn League’s "financial manager," League treasury keys had always been in her hands.

"Champion, your prizes." Elite Four Glacia said teasingly.

Handing over a list.

The first line read—

"Master Ball?"

Johan was stunned scanning the list.

"This thing really exists?"

He’d heard of Silph Company’s "Master Ball" more than once, but this was Johan’s first time seeing it personally.

Glancing at the tray’s purple-white colored ball with letter "M" carved in the center and red transparent glass structures on both sides, it was exactly like the Master Ball in his memory.

In games, without cheats, this was precious.

Only one obtainable per playthrough.

One of the most precious consumable items in the entire Pokémon world!

"Silph Company’s highest technological product, supposedly capable of 100% capture rate for all Pokémon, but specifically... unknown." Elite Four Glacia said.

"Unknown?"

Glacia shrugged. "Silph Company only produced so many. Though you’re not the first to get one, people have indeed used Master Balls to catch Pokémon before, but... too few samples."

True.

With limited Master Ball quantities, naturally couldn’t be used casually like regular Poké Balls.

The few existing usage records indeed showed no failures in catching Pokémon, but as Glacia said, too few samples to confirm true 100% success rate.

Actually.

Most who obtained Master Balls... treated them as "collectibles."

So precious, unless absolutely necessary, no real meaning in using them.

Collection value might exceed actual value.

"Supposedly Professor Oak has one too. If you get the chance, you could discuss with him." Glacia said.

Professor Oak’s Master Ball?

Vision continued down.

"Sacred Ash?"

Another good item!

For actual battle item use, "Sacred Ash" had similar effects to "Max Revive" and "Revival Herb."

The difference was "Sacred Ash" not only restored full HP but also all status conditions.

"Max Revive" only restored HP, while "Revival Herb" additionally lowered Pokémon-trainer intimacy due to bitterness.

But "Sacred Ash’s" true purpose was actually outside battles.

As everyone knew.

Pokémon losing battle ability in combat was just exhaustion, fatigue, or demoralized will.

Through special medicine, items, or Pokémon Center healing, full recovery was possible.

But "Sacred Ash" could restore vitality and rejuvenate Pokémon truly facing death!

Supposedly.

When Ho-Oh revived the three Pokémon in "Brass Tower," what scattered was "Sacred Ash," thus creating the three legendary beasts Raikou, Entei, and Suicune.

Of course, Ho-Oh’s "Sacred Ash" effects couldn’t compare to trainer-used "Sacred Ash."

But this was definitely a life-saving "divine item."

True life-saving!

"Hoenn has such good stuff?" Johan was quite surprised.

Elite Four Glacia looked pained, saying irritably: "Only one!"

"Won by a predecessor from Johto League’s tournament."

"Won?"

Johan was puzzled.

"What competition? Such amazing rewards?"

Casually pocketing the small bag of "Sacred Ash," Johan asked with some interest.

Glacia looked at him meaningfully: "You’ll know soon enough."

Why... such an ominous feeling?

Additionally.

One "Ice Z," one "Poison Z" - two precious Z-Crystals total.

"Considering you already have Mega Evolution Stones for Gengar and Tyranitar, two Z-Crystals as substitutes." Glacia said.

"Not bad."

Johan happily accepted.

At least twenty million Pokédollars worth.

And both were Z-Crystals his Ninetales and Gengar could use.

When truly short on money, selling these two could provide some relief.

"Do you want to rest a day, or hold the ’Elite Four Meeting’ as Champion today?" After giving "benefits," Glacia crossed her arms, asking.

Elite Four Meeting?

Johan’s expression was strange.

Already having him convene this level of meeting?

Felt so high-level, seemingly unreachable.

But Johan knew this couldn’t be postponed.

Didn’t Glacia say - either rest a day or convene now.

Rest a day?

Round trip to Kanaz City wouldn’t leave much time.

What must come will come.

Taking a deep breath, then slowly exhaling, Johan said helplessly: "Then now."

Glacia suddenly stood, seriously: "Yes, Champion!"

Johan: "..."

Hoenn League Headquarters, top floor, Elite Four Meeting Room.

"Stop playing, Gengar. This thing can save lives at crucial moments."

Johan, sitting in the head seat, looked at the purple fatty crouching in the corner and said irritably.

"Ka-kaah?"

Gengar turned around sheepishly, hands behind its back, pouting and starting to whistle.

But white dust was obviously stuck around its mouth.

Johan’s cheek twitched.

"You little rascal, you didn’t eat the ’Sacred Ash,’ did you?"

"Ka-kaah~ Ka-kaah~"

Gengar waved its hands repeatedly, gesturing "just a little bit."

No way, I just wanted to see if it was really that effective, hehe...

Johan: "..."

Shaking his head.

"Enough already, don’t really use it all up, then when I need it I’ll find it empty."

"Ka-kaah!"

Gengar immediately stuffed the small bag of "Sacred Ash" into its shadow, then drew a "cross" on its chest and clasped hands slightly bowing - a funny appearance of swearing to both God and Buddha.

It just wanted to see why "Sacred Ash" could save truly dying Pokémon.

If it could figure out "Sacred Ash’s" principle, it might even replicate it - then Johan wouldn’t need to worry about "dying" casually!

Though Johan didn’t know exactly what this shifty-eyed purple fatty was thinking, he could roughly guess.

Just about to speak when the meeting room door was pushed open.

Elite Four Drake, Elite Four Glacia, Elite Four Phoebe, and Elite Four Sidney - Hoenn League’s four Elite Four members successively entered.

Around the small round table sat five chairs.

Johan as Champion sat at the head, the other four naturally representing Hoenn League’s four Elite Four.

"Hey, an ’Elite Four Meeting’ with a Champion - really the first time." Lively Phoebe couldn’t help sighing as soon as she sat down.

Such words.

But Drake, Glacia, and Sidney all smiled.

With a Champion, whether Hoenn League or this "Elite Four Meeting" was finally "complete."

In the future, even if the sky fell, there’d finally be someone taller to hold it up.

However, Johan had just become Champion and wasn’t familiar with Hoenn League and "Elite Four Meeting" procedures, so Glacia temporarily continued hosting duties.

"We mainly need to discuss ’Champion Celebration’ arrangements, ’Champion-Elite Four work redistribution’ matters, and—"

"Wait, wait!"

Johan quickly straightened.

No way.

Champion-Elite Four work redistribution?

Starting with such "heavy" topics?

How eager were they to redistribute work after his appointment?

"That, cough, I’m not familiar with our League’s systems and situations. Let me have a few days?" Noticing four people’s looks, Johan coughed lightly.

Drake, Phoebe, and Sidney were manageable, but Elite Four Glacia’s eyes immediately sharpened.

Right after he finished speaking, Glacia directly produced a thick stack of documents, placing them before him.

"This contains our Hoenn League’s systems and some simple current Elite Four task and work distribution lists." She said expressionlessly.

Johan subconsciously scanned it.

Elite Four Phoebe’s responsibilities: Managing archaeological teams, research teams, and all major matters related to Ghost-type Pokémon.

Though less work, no real problems.

After all, Phoebe was typically capable but naive, with only some archaeological foundation.

But she was willing to work - with a few more years of training, she’d definitely become another "expert" comparable to Elite Four Glacia.

Elite Four Sidney’s responsibilities: Guarding Mauville City Game Corner and managing Hoenn region "thug organizations."

Hm?

Johan thought he’d misread, couldn’t help scanning again for confirmation.

After confirming he hadn’t misread... silently produced a Slowpoke-style question mark above his head.

?

Elite Four Drake’s responsibilities: Handling any major incidents.

At first glance, seemed like a "firefighter" - going wherever problems arose, showing Drake shouldering great responsibility.

But thinking carefully revealed...

How to define "major incidents"?

Did only events like Groudon and Kyogre’s chaos count as major, or what qualified?

If these "major incidents" were determined by Drake himself, then wouldn’t that be...

Johan silently took a breath.

Looking at Elite Four Glacia’s final responsibilities:

Financial manager, Hoenn League Gym assessment, Hoenn League Investigation Department coordination, Hoenn League Special Mobile Unit command, Hoenn League meeting coordination, Hoenn League tournament preparation and management...

Holy... crap?

Johan couldn’t help producing another question mark.

The simple task distribution on one page - Drake, Phoebe, Sidney each had one line, while Elite Four Glacia occupied... most of the page.

He looked at Elite Four Glacia imperceptibly, inevitably showing deep "sympathy" in his eyes.

This was really...

The capable work harder!

Then Johan reacted.

This wasn’t "Champion-Elite Four work redistribution" at all - this was Elite Four Glacia desperately seeking someone to "share the burden."

No wonder the other three looked teasing.

Johan lowered his eyes, thoughts flashing.

This was more thrilling than Pokémon battles.

Quickly.

Johan casually flipped through the thick stack of documents, coughed twice, and said:

"That, I can’t possibly read all these documents at once, and I need time to understand these affairs, so... cough cough, what I mean is—"

Slap—

Elite Four Glacia’s hand pressed on the documents, making a sound.

Drake, Phoebe, and Sidney instinctively shuddered.

Drake, who’d been sitting boldly upright, straightened his posture. Sidney, who’d been casually crossing his legs, lowered his feet. Phoebe hung her head, stuck out her tongue, then quietly winked at Johan with a "take care" look.

Johan: "..."

Good grief.

This was the Hoenn League head steward’s "authority"!

Glacia said expressionlessly, only uttering two words.

"Deadline."

"I—"

Johan also straightened.

"I’m still International Police Inspector, promised to help handle some homeless UB issues in Alola region. Let me finish handling Alola’s UB incidents first."

A decent excuse.

Glacia stared at him for a while before slowly saying:

"Fine."

Having "persisted" so many years, didn’t matter a few more days.

"Second matter, Champion Celebration." Glacia said again.

For any region and League, Champion appointment was extremely important.

Previously, when networks and communications weren’t so developed, regional residents only knew through "Champion Celebrations" - oh, the Champion changed.

But now...

"Skip the Champion Celebration." Johan said.

"Time-consuming, labor-intensive, and would cost considerable League funds. It’s not decades ago anymore - just announce on the League website."

Glacia, Drake, and the others exchanged glances, all somewhat surprised.

"Champion Celebrations" concerned a Champion’s "honor" - exclusive Champion "treatment."

Teacher Johan was so understanding?

While Johan’s thoughts were...

He probably wouldn’t serve as Champion for many years - then hold another "Champion Celebration"?

He couldn’t help thinking.

What about Champions who served only minutes?

"You’re sure?" Glacia asked again.

Johan lowered his voice, leaning slightly sideways.

"That, can it be converted to cash?"

Glacia’s expression darkened while Drake, Phoebe, and Sidney smiled.

"No!"

"Then I’m sure." Johan shrugged.

Wouldn’t do time-wasting, money-wasting things.

"What do you think?" Glacia looked at the other three.

"Johan’s quite responsible. Since he doesn’t care, the League shouldn’t waste money." Drake said.

Phoebe and Sidney naturally had no objections.

"Fine then."

Glacia, still serving as "head steward," decided again.

"One more thing."

After pausing, Glacia produced another document, placing it before Johan.

"This is?"

While asking, he curiously opened the document.

Seeing a title - Pokémon World Championship!

Immediately closed the document.

Looking questioningly at Elite Four Drake.

Drake smiled and nodded, raising an eyebrow: "When I and Glacia approached you, you personally agreed."

Johan: "?"

He recalled after the Kyogre-Groudon incident ended, Drake and Glacia had visited him together, hoping he’d do something.

Hadn’t thought much of it then.

Never expected... they’d buried this trap until now?!

"You two..." Johan said somewhat through gritted teeth: "Really long-term vision..."

Glacia seemed not to hear the "sarcasm" in Johan’s words, saying flatly: "Weren’t you curious where our ’Sacred Ash’ came from? That was a prize from the World Championship hosted by Johto League."

Good grief.

"So this World Championship venue is Galar region?"

"Not entirely correct." Drake replied.

"Hm?"

Drake explained:

"At the last general League meeting, applications by Galar League Chairman Rose and Paldea League Chairman-Champion Nemona were approved."

"So this Pokémon World Championship will be held in both Galar and Paldea regions."

Two regions?

Dynamax versus Terastallization showdown?

"Good things" really came one after another...

"As our Hoenn League’s representative, you not participating wouldn’t make sense." Drake added, teasing openly.

Johan’s mouth twitched.

Still Hoenn League’s representative.

Believe it or not, I’ll write a "resignation letter" when I get back?

"Each League will have at least one representative - except Alola League still uncertain, totaling eight people, called ’Eight Masters.’" Glacia also said.

So this was the Eight Masters system...

Alola region was truly pitiful.

But understandable.

Alola League was currently just a makeshift organization with Champion and Elite Four positions still undetermined.

"Of course, the Pokémon World Championship doesn’t limit participants - anyone can register, just need to raise their score to ’Great Ball Class’ to qualify for tournament advancement."

The so-called "Eight Masters" were just eight people in "Master Ball Class."

Before competitions began, there’d be "Master Replacement Battles" where some "Great Ball Class" contestants could challenge the eight "Eight Masters."

Differed from Johan’s memory of "Eight Masters Tournament" but not by much.

Eh?

Suddenly.

Johan thought of something.

If he used "preparing for Pokémon World Championship" as an excuse, couldn’t he "delay" Elite Four work redistribution again?

After the World Championship ended, he might have arranged affairs and could retire, passing to Steven.

He gently rubbed his chin.

But this way, Elite Four Glacia might explode.

After brief consideration, he had another idea.

Could first have Steven "familiarize" himself with business.

Steven was still only "reserve Elite Four" - as his student, handling teacher’s affairs as proxy was reasonable, right?

The only trouble might be Drake’s long-awaited retirement having to be postponed again.

No choice.

Could only trouble Drake again.

Thinking this.

Johan couldn’t help giving Drake a "sympathetic" look, making Drake uncomfortable.

"You little rascal, what bad ideas now?"

"Only Boss Giovanni truly knows my heart!"

Hoenn League Headquarters building, Champion’s office.

Johan sat in the comfortable Champion’s chair, looking at transfer information just received on his phone, mood immediately brightening.

"Rainbow Rocket Corporation" dividends, special advisor salary.

Total fifty million Pokédollars!

This was just dividends from "Rainbow Rocket Corporation’s" or rather its dangerous construction division’s startup stage, already so much.

"Today, let’s splurge!"

Johan waved grandly.

"Ka-kaah?"

Pokémon throughout the spacious Champion’s office, touching and examining various novelties, all looked over.

Especially Gengar, immediately floating to Johan’s side, rubbing its palms expectantly.

Big dinner tonight?

"Right!" Johan said proudly.

The little ones gathered around, chattering about where to eat and what to eat.

Johan smiled "boldly": "League Headquarters Staff Cafeteria Grand Hotel!"

Gengar’s black mist surged, silently producing a dark question mark.

"?"

"Hahaha—"

Johan rubbed the little fatty’s head, dispersing its condensed question mark.

"Just kidding."

He walked toward the only quiet spot in the office - Ceruledge sitting cross-legged on the ground with flames flowing around its body.

During the battle with Glacia, Ceruledge’s "Blessed Fire" had changed.

Still hadn’t fully awakened.

Crouching before Ceruledge, he immediately felt rushing heat waves.

But these heat waves had little burning sensation, instead... contained vibrant life force.

Unlike the "Fairy Plate’s" natural-seeming, refreshing life energy, this was...

As if it would first burn you completely, then grant life force for rebirth.

Precisely Ho-Oh’s signature Blessed Fire!

Seeming to sense Johan’s attention, or perhaps having absorbed enough, Ceruledge opened its eyes with flame flickering in its pupils.

"Goka?"

"How do you feel?" Johan asked.

"Goka..."

Ceruledge scratched its head, indicating... didn’t feel much different, just that its recovery ability might be stronger.

If injured in battle or stamina consumed, recovery speed would be faster.

The more severely injured, the more stamina consumed, the faster recovery speed, and flame power... might also increase.

Johan’s eyes brightened hearing this.

Blaze ability?

Self-recovery version of Blaze?

Hadn’t expected Ho-Oh’s "Blessed Fire" could be strengthened after being given to Ceruledge through Entei.

This meant "Blessed Fire" completely belonged to Ceruledge, fully "digested" and transformed into its own power.

However, according to Ceruledge’s description.

Its "Blessed Fire" only affected itself - for others, it only had burning effects.

"Bit inferior to Entei’s ’Blessed Fire,’ but enough!"

Johan was very satisfied with this result.

His Pokémon’s illegal abilities had grown stronger again.

"Let’s go."

Johan patted Ceruledge’s shoulder, solid armor clanging.

Tinkaton had forged Ceruledge’s armor quite well, just that after real battles, the armor always cracked.

Fortunately, Tinkaton was skilled at armor repair.

"Time for a real feast!"

"Ka-kaah!"

"Tyranitar!"

Gengar, Tyranitar, and other little ones immediately cheered.

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Powerstones?

For 20 advance Chapters: /michaeltranslates