Pokemon: Spiritual Master-Chapter 698: You Said One Step Behind, But It Came Right to My Face? (Two-in-One - )

Chapter 698: You Said One Step Behind, But It Came Right to My Face? (Two-in-One Chapter)

On the playground of Alola Pokémon School.

Lillie, Kiawe, Sophocles, Lana, and Mallow—five students stood in a row.

"Let’s start with simple self-introductions," Professor Kukui said.

Among the five, Lana and Mallow already knew Johan. They had met him at the fishing contest in Canalave City in the Sinnoh region and had exchanged contact information.

Energetic girl Mallow was about to introduce herself first when dark-skinned Kiawe rushed to the front, clenching his fists with flames seemingly burning in his expression.

"Teacher Johan! I’m Kiawe from Akala Island, and I want to battle you!"

Kiawe’s gaze burned intensely, showing no trace of fear.

Sophocles and Mallow behind him immediately covered their foreheads.

"This guy, here he goes again..."

Johan looked at Kiawe with interest.

First he saw the Alola form of Professor Oak, now he was seeing the Alola form of Flint?

The Alola region truly was a magical place.

"Sure." Johan nodded.

"Eh?" ×4

The other four exclaimed in surprise in unison.

Even Professor Kukui looked at Johan with some surprise.

Johan smiled: "How should I put it... As a teacher, well, it’s been a long time since a student challenged me."

He beckoned to Kiawe.

"Come on."

With his current strength, let alone teaching an ordinary trainer, even Gym Leaders could be taught.

On a whim, having a battle was no problem.

Kiawe didn’t notice Professor Kukui’s strange expression and immediately took out a Poké Ball, throwing it with full momentum.

"I’m counting on you, Turtonator!"

Turtonator, the Blast Turtle Pokémon, Fire and Dragon-type. It looked like a turtle, but the shell on its back and the plates on its head were both star-shaped, red and yellow, as if burning.

A Fire and Dragon-type Pokémon...

Johan’s finger slid across the Poké Balls at his waist, finally grasping Snivy’s Poké Ball.

That would be it. His other Pokémon seemed... a bit too much of a bully.

"Go, Snivy!"

"Sni~!"

Compared to the large and heavy Turtonator with its appearance of blazing flames, Snivy’s entrance... seemed somewhat "weak."

"A Grass-type Snivy!" Mallow’s eyes lit up.

"It’s the starter Pokémon from the Unova region, the initial form of Serperior..." Professor Kukui "thoughtfully" provided simple introductions for Kiawe and the others, though his expression became even stranger.

There were rumors online that Teacher Johan deliberately kept an initial-form Pokémon specifically for baby cup matches.

Now it seemed...

Snivy? Grass-type?

Kiawe looked at Johan with some surprise.

He didn’t understand why Teacher Johan would summon such a "weak" Pokémon, and a Grass-type at that. Was he... going easy?

This immediately made Kiawe feel dissatisfied, feeling he was being underestimated.

"Sni!"

Snivy crossed its arms, turned sideways and glanced at Kiawe and Turtonator with disdain, its face full of arrogance, as if it looked down on Kiawe and Turtonator. This made Kiawe even angrier.

Damn it!

Being looked down upon right from the start?

"Turtonator, Flamethrower!" Kiawe felt the anger in his heart about to become real.

Looking down on him and Turtonator, they had to make Teacher Johan pay the price for underestimating them—

Whoosh—

The next second.

Countless leaves swept in with a tornado, and Turtonator’s Flamethrower was instantly swallowed by the hurricane and leaves.

Only then did Johan’s calm voice reach them.

"Leaf Storm."

Boom!!

Leaves blocked out the sky, hurricanes howled endlessly. Kiawe and Turtonator seemed to be in a green ocean.

Those seemingly delicate leaves could leave marks on Turtonator’s shell with just a casual slash.

Kiawe: "..."

The leaves scattered.

Kiawe’s Turtonator was already lying on the ground with swirling eyes.

"O-one move KO? Grass-type beating Fire-type?" Sophocles cried out.

"Kiawe’s Turtonator has 4× resistance to Grass-type moves, right?" Mallow shrank her neck and said quietly.

"Sni~"

Snivy curled its lip, flicked its tail twice lightly, and glanced sideways with disdain.

That’s it?

Making such a loud noise, I thought it would be impressive.

Kiawe: "..."

"Don’t be discouraged." Johan patted Kiawe’s shoulder, smiling: "After all, I’m uh, I’m also your teacher."

He had originally wanted to say he was Champion-level, but considering he didn’t actually have the Champion title yet, the teacher identity was more reliable.

Smack—

Lana nearby hit her palm with her fist, suddenly understanding:

"Kiawe, Teacher Johan treated you like a baby."

Kiawe: "..."

"Cough cough." Johan choked on air, quickly saying: "It’s okay. I did this to make you understand that Pokémon battles aren’t just about attacking. Sometimes defense is more important than offense."

It was just that Turtonator had too many openings earlier. Otherwise... even if Snivy combined Leaf Storm with Twister, it wouldn’t have KO’d it so easily.

"Defense?" Kiawe repeated in a daze.

A fist gently tapped his chest.

"Cheer up, Kiawe."

Kiawe looked up to meet Johan’s encouraging gaze. After being stunned, fire lit up in his eyes again.

Teacher Johan was instructing him! Helping him find his shortcomings! This was the way to become stronger.

"Yes! I will, Teacher Johan!" Kiawe clenched his fists and called out energetically.

Johan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Just now, he had really treated Kiawe like the Alola form of Flint, losing control of his strength. Fortunately, Kiawe really had some of Flint’s never-give-up spirit.

So...

It was all Flint’s fault!

Right, another mark against him.

Little Sophocles shrank his neck.

Worthy of someone who could beat his cousin Molayne in competition. His strength was truly terrifyingly powerful. Just an unevolved starter Pokémon, even with 4× resistance, could KO Kiawe’s Turtonator.

Noticing Professor Kukui’s gaze fall on him, Sophocles immediately stepped forward:

"I’m Sophocles, um, I like computers and electronic devices. This is my partner Togedemaru—a great buddy!"

Speaking, Sophocles held up the electric mouse Togedemaru with both hands, regaining some composure.

Johan nodded, his voice gentle: "I know you. Your cousin Molayne and I are good friends."

Hearing this, Sophocles immediately relaxed, subtly patting his chest. ƒгeewebnovёl_com

Good, another "acquaintance." No problem then.

"Teacher Johan, I’m Mallow." Mallow still had her energetic appearance, smiling brightly: "My dream is to inherit the family restaurant and make food that makes everyone happy!"

"Then we should definitely discuss that together when we get a chance." Johan smiled.

Another somewhat absurd existence. If nothing unexpected happened, Mallow would adopt a Shaymin that Giratina was obsessed with.

"I..."

When it was Lana’s turn, although she was the most familiar with Johan among them, she still couldn’t help being shy and timid.

"My dream is to catch Kyogre!"

Lana mustered her courage, shouting out her dream in front of so many people for the first time.

Everyone was stunned.

That was Kyogre!

The legendary super-ancient beast, representative of the ocean.

But when everyone thought Lana was joking, Johan quite seriously confirmed:

"You can do it. If it’s you, you definitely can."

Lana’s face immediately turned red.

Getting Teacher Johan’s recognition made the nervousness in her heart dissipate somewhat while also making her more confident.

Johan felt that Groudon lost arguments with Kyogre every time because Groudon’s inability to fly was always exploited and attacked by Kyogre.

He believed Groudon would be happy to give Kyogre an indelible stain, like... being caught by a little girl with a fishing rod.

At least that would make them even.

Mm.

Johan nodded secretly.

Indeed, after meeting Zygarde, he increasingly understood the "way of balance."

Lillie didn’t need much introduction afterward, having been introduced before.

Actually, Lana and Mallow didn’t need it either, but Mallow was lively, while Lana wanted to take this opportunity to express her dream.

"Alright."

After introductions, Professor Kukui clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention, then said:

"You all get acquainted with Teacher Johan first. Remember to come to Iki Town tonight for the festival."

"Okay!" ×5

"Festival?" Johan was stunned, looking questioningly at Professor Kukui.

He scratched his head, smiling embarrassedly: "I forgot to tell you. Today is actually our Melemele Island’s ’Full Moon Festival,’ to thank the ’Moon God’ for watching over the Alola region."

The so-called "Full Moon Festival" was actually an ancient ritual in the Alola region to summon the "Moon God" Lunala.

Lunala’s title "Emissary of the Moon" actually came from this.

However, as time passed and history changed, Lunala was never seen again, but this ritual was preserved, becoming today’s "Full Moon Festival."

After listening to Professor Kukui’s simple explanation, Johan showed a thoughtful expression.

"For the festival celebration, battles will naturally follow, and that guy really likes excitement." Professor Kukui added.

"Battles?"

The five little ones looked confused.

Professor Kukui didn’t explain much, just saying:

"I’ll go make arrangements now."

With that, he quickly ran off.

Melemele Island.

Azure seawater lapped the shore, palm trees rustled.

"I say... is it really okay to go this way?"

James stopped at the forest edge, looking at the dense, deep forest ahead that seemed like a gaping maw, swallowing before asking.

"We finally rushed over after quickly finishing location scouting. This time we must make good money at the ’Full Moon Festival’!"

Jessie looked full of energy.

"No, what I mean is..."

James pointed to the sign in front of the forest that read—Beware, Bewear Habitat!

Meowth held some unknown navigation device: "This is the shortest route to Iki Town. If we don’t go this way, we definitely can’t make the festival, meow~"

"Sona~nsu~! ∠(°ゝ°)"

"Wobbuffet isn’t afraid, so what are you afraid of? It’s just bears. How evil can they be compared to us? We’re the evil Team Rocket!" Jessie took the lead, swaggering toward the forest path.

James shrank his neck.

Despite his heart full of worry, he couldn’t resist Jessie’s "tyranny" and could only quickly follow.

"The boss wants Team Rocket to expand new business. If we can earn enough funds to open a shop in the Alola region..."

"Promotion! Salary increase!"

"What a great feeling~!"

"Sona~nsu~!"

Melemele Island, Iki Town.

A town located in the center of Melemele Island with a long history.

Although Hau’oli City was the most developed and prosperous city on the island, when it came to festivals, pilgrimages, and other ancient customs, Iki Town was Melemele Island’s first choice.

Crackle—

Orange sparks danced in the bonfire, the dim yellow glow dispelling darkness and reflecting with the bright moon in the night sky.

Thump thump! Thump thump thump—

Two Alolan Marowak waved bone clubs burning with blue flames, beating drums with rhythmic beats that made people want to dance.

Abundant fruits were piled on the festival stage in the town center. Melemele Island residents held hands, singing and dancing, celebrating the "full moon’s" arrival and worshipping the great "Moon God."

Of course.

Since it was modern times, besides the festival stage, the entire town square was filled with various stalls—goldfish scooping, ice cream, cotton candy, etc.

Wasn’t this exactly what his Pokémon loved most?

"Don’t cause trouble."

Johan instructed Gengar and the others not to mess around, not imposing too many restrictions.

He spread his aura across the entire festival stage.

Tapu Koko was interested in festivals; perhaps he could find it now.

But obviously Johan was overthinking. His aura didn’t detect Tapu Koko’s presence.

"Oowoo~"

Ninetales’ tail curled, passing him an ice cream.

"Thanks." Johan smiled and petted it twice.

"Oowoo~"

Ninetales’ other tail also passed ice cream to the very restrained Lillie behind them.

The festival was full of Pokémon everywhere. For someone like Lillie who feared Pokémon to appear here already took all her courage.

Suddenly seeing Ninetales offering ice cream and its extended tail, Lillie froze in place again.

Johan patted Ninetales and took the ice cream before personally handing it to Lillie.

Ninetales looked at Lillie with some confusion, seeming to realize she was afraid of it, so it obediently walked away.

Only after Ninetales had moved a good distance away did Lillie slowly relax, accepting Johan’s ice cream and saying quietly:

"Th-thank you."

"Don’t mention it." Johan smiled gently.

Lillie silently licked her ice cream, suddenly saying: "Teacher Johan, am I useless?"

"How so?" Johan also bit his ice cream, thinking... this taste was quite different from what Team Rocket trio made.

"I-I’m afraid of Pokémon." Lillie’s head drooped.

Actually, Johan had a very straightforward and simple way to help "cure" Lillie’s condition.

That was through hypnosis, forcibly making Lillie forget that traumatic experience.

But this method had implications of controlling others, violating Johan’s principles.

Human growth came from overcoming difficulties, not erasing them. Otherwise, even if they got through this time, there would definitely be next times. Johan couldn’t always stay by Lillie’s side.

"Many people like Pokémon, and many people don’t. Since you’re afraid of Pokémon, just avoid contact." Johan said gently.

Hearing this, Lillie was stunned, staring blankly at Johan.

"What?" Johan smiled.

Lillie shook her head.

"Nothing, it’s just... Teacher Johan, you’re the first person to tell me this. Others... all think I can try to make contact and overcome my fear..."

"What do you think?" Johan asked.

"I..."

Before Lillie could say much, Johan walked while giving the "answer":

"I imagine you actually like Pokémon quite a bit. Otherwise you wouldn’t become Professor Kukui’s assistant or get perfect scores in basic Pokémon knowledge."

Lillie fell silent.

Honestly, she was confused too.

As Johan said, if she didn’t like Pokémon, she could completely avoid anything related to Pokémon, let alone become Professor Kukui’s assistant and work hard studying Pokémon knowledge.

But... she just couldn’t overcome that instinctive fear when Pokémon approached.

Lillie’s condition was actually post-traumatic stress response.

If she had received family support and comfort immediately after the incident, it might not have become so severe.

But Faba’s concealment and her mother Lusamine’s indifference gradually amplified this trauma until it became uncontrollable.

Johan spoke again.

"Actually, I can help you. But first you need to clarify whether you like Pokémon but instinctively fear them, or if you dislike Pokémon from inside out."

Lillie stopped walking.

Standing in place, her face full of struggle.

Her gaze swept across the festival venue, seeing the cute Togedemaru, gentle Ninetales, happily galloping Tauros, serious-faced Gumshoos...

Suddenly raising her head, face flushed, looking directly into Johan’s eyes, she said very seriously:

"Teacher Johan, I like Pokémon! Very much!"

She had almost no hesitation before reaching a very accurate and firm answer.

She wanted to ride Pokémon and gallop, she wanted to hug cute Pokémon intimately, she wanted to share her joys and sorrows with Pokémon...

She envied others, truly envied them.

So she knew what she wanted.

Johan smiled.

"Let’s go, the festival battle is starting."

On the festival stage, trainers had already begun battling.

Every festival must have battles—this wasn’t just in the Alola region but throughout the entire Pokémon world.

Coming to the festival stage side.

Two young trainers were battling on stage.

"Not bad." After watching for a few seconds, Johan nodded approvingly.

"That’s Hau, Master Hala’s grandson." Professor Kukui smiled as he introduced.

Hau?

Johan understood.

This was the person who replaced Professor Kukui as the second Champion of the Alola League in the Ultra Sun/Moon games.

Although it was the Alola region, being able to serve as Champion undoubtedly marked him as extremely talented.

Soon, Hau had won the battle.

Professor Kukui looked at Johan: "Teacher Johan, are you ready?"

Johan looked up, meeting Island Kahuna Hala’s gaze across from him, smiling slightly:

"Of course."

Professor Kukui grinned and strode onto the stage.

"Everyone!"

His voice attracted everyone’s attention.

"Next, let’s welcome our Melemele Island’s Island Kahuna, Kahuna Hala!"

Roar!!

The audience immediately erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

Island Kahuna was an island’s representative, a powerful existence protecting the entire island. Their popularity was obvious.

"Kahuna Hala is actually taking the stage at this festival?"

"Worth it! This time was worth attending—we get to see Kahuna Hala in action! Just don’t know who can be Kahuna Hala’s opponent..."

"Could it be Ilima? I heard he recently returned to Alola."

"Ilima? That’s not impossible, just don’t know how long Ilima can last against Kahuna Hala..."

Ilima was also a famous genius on Melemele Island. As the first graduate of the Pokémon School, after traveling and challenging abroad, he had gained considerable fame and strength.

Professor Kukui soon announced the "answer."

"Next, let’s welcome, from the Hoenn region... Teacher Johan!"

The townspeople were stunned, then began discussing quietly, while Johan’s five students immediately cheered.

"Teacher Johan?!" Hau opened his mouth wide, elbowing the boy with a book beside him.

"Ilima, is that the Teacher Johan you mentioned? The one who crushed legendary Pokémon?"

Ilima, who had recently returned to Melemele Island, nodded seriously.

"That’s right!"

He had once fought Johan before.

He just didn’t know how big the gap between him and Teacher Johan had become after all this time.

Hau clicked his tongue: "We’re in trouble. Grandpa’s going to suffer."

Ilima looked at his good friend.

Was that any way to talk about your grandfather?

Hala and Ilima somewhat knew Johan, but most townspeople knew little about this "Teacher Johan."

Information in the Alola region was still too delayed.

Johan and Kahuna Hala stood on opposite sides of the arena, smiling and nodding respectfully at each other.

"Hahaha, Teacher Johan, I never expected to battle you, a fighting master. This old man is full of energy!" Hala laughed heartily, his eyes squinting into slits.

"Kahuna Hala, it’s also my honor to battle an Island Kahuna." Johan bowed slightly, showing respect for the older generation trainer.

"I heard you want to meet Tapu Koko?"

"Yes."

Hala’s smile grew broader: "That guy is indeed easily attracted by intense battles."

Johan chuckled: "We might not even need a battle."

"Hm?" Hala was stunned.

In Johan’s spreading aura, he had already faintly sensed a mysterious power moving at extreme speed that even aura couldn’t easily capture.

Who else could it be but Tapu Koko?

"In that case, let’s celebrate the ’full moon’!"

Hala shouted loudly while throwing his Poké Ball.

"Show your power, Crabominable!"

Johan’s Luxury Ball was thrown at the same time.

"Your turn, Urshifu!"

Two red lights immediately flashed.

Appearing before Hala was a Pokémon covered in white fur that looked like a crab, waving giant pincers—Crabominable!

This was Crabrawler’s evolution. It was said that Crabrawler aimed to reach the summit but mistakenly climbed a snowy mountain. To fight the mountain’s cold, it grew thick white fur.

Bang bang—

Two strong, powerful giant pincers collided, producing dull sounds.

"Garruu zzZ"

Urshifu closed its eyes, its snot bubble growing and shrinking, but its movements weren’t slow at all. It immediately took a fighting stance upon entering.

Only those proficient in martial arts could see that although Urshifu appeared to be sleeping, its current posture had almost no openings!

When Urshifu appeared, the townspeople fell silent again.

What Pokémon was this?

How did it seem to still be sleeping?

Fortunately Professor Kukui was present to give simple introductions about Urshifu to the townspeople.

"A legendary Pokémon?!"

The entire venue was in uproar.

Actually a legendary Pokémon from the distant Galar region.

This made many townspeople who had no impression of Teacher Johan unconsciously give him a "powerful" label, making them more excited about this festival battle.

Since they wanted to use battles and curiosity to attract Tapu Koko, the rarer the Pokémon, the better the effect.

Moreover, Hala was a famous fighting master specializing in Fighting-type Pokémon. No Pokémon was more suitable than Bear Sensei.

"Crabominable, be careful—the opponent is strong!" Old man Hala grinned, his fighting spirit high while reminding his Pokémon.

Bang bang!!

Crabominable waved its fists, showing its determination to climb Mount Lanakila.

The battle officially began in their mutual understanding!

"Crabominable, Close Combat!" Hala shouted loudly, his palms like overwhelming mountains, launching the first attack with full momentum.

Crabominable’s fists immediately flashed with bright white light, charging straight at Urshifu with unstoppable force, its fists seeming to split mountains and crack stones!

"Urshifu, Detect!" Johan also commanded calmly.

"Garruu zzZ"

Facing the charging Crabominable, Urshifu didn’t retreat at all. Although it seemed to be sleeping, its aura had already spread, making Crabominable’s attacks completely visible under its aura.

Bang!

Deflecting upward, knee blocking, side-stepping, advancing and pressuring...

A series of dazzling postures and reactions actually managed to block and dodge all of Crabominable’s storm-like Close Combat.

The townspeople’s eyes couldn’t keep up, only hearing "bang bang" sounds without knowing if anything hit.

"Exquisite fighting technique!" Hala couldn’t help praising, but his commands didn’t stop.

"Stomp!"

With Close Combat completely blocked by Urshifu, Stomp’s power would be doubled!

It seemed like being at a disadvantage with Close Combat blocked, but the follow-up Stomp put Urshifu in further passivity.

No escape possible.

Then no need to escape!

"Close Combat!" Johan said in a deep voice.

Counter-attack!!

"Haha! Well done!" Hala was delighted. It had been long since he encountered an opponent who made his blood boil like this.

Boom!!!

In an instant.

The festival stage exploded, accompanied by violent ground trembling and countless scattered rocks.

This time it really wasn’t us who broke the venue... Johan thought fleetingly. Urshifu took Stomp directly while its fist also landed on Crabominable.

Bang!!

Just one punch made Crabominable feel incredibly intense pain and strong impact.

Yet this was only the first punch of Close Combat!

This full Close Combat combo—Crabominable definitely couldn’t withstand it!

Both Johan and Hala understood this clearly.

But since he chose to trade blows, he was naturally prepared.

"Crabominable, show our full power!"

Hala’s laughter became more hearty. He spread his stance, his squinting eyes suddenly opened, extending his palms, gripping, closing, punching—all in one fluid motion.

The Z-Ring on his wrist immediately burst with golden light, instantly enveloping him.

Whoosh!!

The entire venue immediately erupted in intense cheers.

It was the Island Kahuna’s Z-move!

They didn’t know how long it had been since they witnessed an Island Kahuna fighting at full strength.

The golden aura enveloping Hala rushed into Crabominable’s body, immediately bringing out more of Crabominable’s power.

Fierce light surged around its fists!

Hala roared: "All-Out Pummeling!!"

In an instant.

Urshifu’s descending fist was blocked by the surging aura, and Crabominable’s pincers deflected its punch.

Having a Z-Ring versus not having one, dance moves versus no dance moves—Z-moves felt quite different when performed...

Johan’s eyes sharpened as he called: "Urshifu!"

Pop—!

The snot bubble burst, and Urshifu’s closed eyes suddenly opened, an equally unstoppable momentum surging wildly.

"Garruu!!"

The fist deflected by the pincers immediately flowed like continuous water—cutting water with a blade only makes it flow more!

But besides the endless flow of water, it added the momentum of unstoppable force.

"A combination of Rapid Strike Style and Single Strike Style secrets!" Hala’s eyes flashed brightly. Only as a martial artist could he understand the difficulty of combining these two styles.

No, besides Hala, there was another person who could see clearly—Professor Kukui.

"Secret Art: Rapid Strike Single Strike Style?"

He clicked his tongue in amazement while sighing: "Teacher Johan could almost start his own school, right?"

"Crabominable, show your spirit!" Hala clenched his fists.

"Defeat it, Urshifu!" Johan’s emotions were also stirred.

Boom!!

Fists met, and the ground immediately exploded under both Pokémon’s feet. Auras surged wildly, seemingly forming two opposing currents.

Actually evenly matched?!

However.

This move was Crabominable’s all, but for Urshifu, this punch was just the beginning.

The next second.

Bullet-like fists fell like a storm, and Urshifu’s aura continuously surged.

Bang!!!

The final punch struck.

Crabominable flew backward, crashing heavily into the ground and losing consciousness!

This scene was too shocking—everyone opened their mouths, unable to make a sound.

"Ha-Kahuna Hala lost?"

"Those terrifying fists..."

Hala, after a brief moment of surprise, laughed heartily again:

"Hahaha—amazing, truly amazing! The combination of Rapid Strike and Single Strike styles is astounding. This old man lost!"

He very frankly accepted defeat.

"Garruu!!" Urshifu spread its arms wide, roaring and shocking the entire venue.

Such a battle should be able to—

Hm?

Johan’s expression changed slightly.

Under his aura, he sensed an abnormal spatial fluctuation. Following the disturbance, he immediately looked in that direction.

He saw a twisted black hole slowly appearing.

Johan: "..."

He didn’t wait for Tapu Koko but got an Ultra Wormhole instead?

What happened to disasters always being one step behind me?

It came right to my face?

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Powerstones?

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The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l