Amid the audience’s cheers.
The Elite Four battles of the "Champion Road" officially began!
After Hoenn region’s four Elite Four mbers - Sidney, Phoebe, Glacia, and Drake - made their initial appearance and completed the "eting ceremony" between challenger and gatekeepers with Johan.
Three Elite Four mbers withdrew while Sidney walked to the opposite side of Johan’s field.
Bright lights completely illuminated the entire battlefield. Magnemite caras and Rotom drones had all withdrawn, as the venue had comprehensive built-in caras covering every angle.
"Teacher Johan, I’ve actually been looking forward to battling you for a long ti." Sidney, with his mohawk hairstyle and hands in his pockets, looked quite like a small-ti punk.
In fact.
Sidney had indeed once been a delinquent youth who played rock music, later reford and worked hard, now becoming one of Hoenn region’s Elite Four!
His preferred tactics and fighting style was all-out offense.
He believed offense was the best defense.
"Co on, Elite Four Sidney!"
Johan was actually quite familiar with all four of Hoenn League’s Elite Four, so no excessive small talk was needed.
Let’s battle!
Battle was the best form of communication between Pokémon trainers!
Hearing this, Sidney smiled happily and satisfiedly.
This was the battle he anticipated, and what he believed a Champion should possess.
Fearless of everything, facing everything head-on, respecting opponents tactically while strategically looking down on them, displaying the confident disdain befitting a Champion.
In the quiet first room of the "Elite Four Fortress," under brilliant lights, the atmosphere gradually intensified.
A Rotom flew from the room, holding red and blue flags, announcing loudly:
"The battle follows 6-choose-4 singles rules. When one side has four Pokémon unable to battle, the match ends!"
Rotom had beco increasingly common nowadays.
Johan’s Rotom Pokédex had, to so extent, promoted the spread of "Rotom technology."
The 6-choose-4 singles battle differed slightly from Johan’s expected rules, but the impact wasn’t significant.
"First, Elite Four Sidney, summon your Pokémon!" Rotom referee raised its flag.
As the "gatekeeper," Sidney threw a Great Ball without hesitation. "Go, Grimmsnarl!"
Red light flashed as a troll Pokémon appeared on the field - just as its na suggested, covered in thick dark purple fur with exposed parts showing striking green, humanoid in appearance with an exceptionally robust and defined physique.
Grimmsnarl?
Johan’s eyebrow twitched.
He wasn’t unfamiliar with Hoenn League’s four Elite Four mbers, but he didn’t recall Sidney having a Grimmsnarl.
It seed the Elite Four might all have hidden trump cards...
Looking at the sowhat "ugly" Grimmsnarl with particularly prominent muscles, information about this Pokémon species flashed through Johan’s mind.
Grimmsnarl, the Bulk Up Pokémon, Dark and Fairy dual-type, first registered in Galar region’s Pokédex, only male, corresponding to the female-only Hatterene.
Johan wasn’t unfamiliar with this Pokémon.
Because Grimmsnarl’s abilities and moves had once made it comparable to "annoying cotton," perfectly matching Johan’s preferred tactical style.
After brief consideration, Johan threw his Poké Ball.
"Go, Urshifu!"
"Garruu~"
With a roar, the similarly thick-furred Urshifu appeared on the field.
In terms of presence alone, Urshifu surpassed Grimmsnarl by more than a notch.
The muscular Grimmsnarl felt considerable pressure seeing the equally muscular Urshifu.
"Champion-level battle power right from the start?" Sidney imdiately felt intense pressure.
"Battle begin!" Rotom referee’s flag dropped.
"Grimmsnarl, Fake Out!" Sidney struck first.
With the priority move Fake Out’s boost, Grimmsnarl moved incredibly fast, strange energy bursting from its body as it imdiately appeared beside Urshifu and quickly struck.
Clap!
Fake Out could cause opponents to temporarily "flinch."
"Grimmsnarl, Thunder Wave!"
Seeing Fake Out take effect, Sidney imdiately called out again.
Zzzzt—
Fluffy golden electric currents quickly ford in Grimmsnarl’s hands, flying rapidly toward Urshifu.
If hit by Thunder Wave, Urshifu would enter "paralysis" status, potentially losing bodily control in certain situations.
However.
Johan half-closed his eyes, suddenly shouting: "Wake up!"
Urshifu’s tightly closed eyes suddenly snapped open with sharp pupils, surging montum coursing through its entire body, fur flowing as its aura completely changed between one second and the next.
If the closed-eyed Urshifu was like a towering wave ready to crash down wave after wave.
Then the open-eyed Urshifu was an erupting volcano, no superfluous movents - pure volcanic eruption from the start.
"Sucker Punch, dodge!"
Urshifu suddenly stepped forward, dark aura appearing as it actually dodged the fluffy golden current just before Thunder Wave could hit.
Sidney’s pupils contracted slightly, looking sowhat surprised.
Breaking free from "flinch" status so quickly?
And actually avoiding Thunder Wave...
You had to know his Grimmsnarl’s ability was Prankster!
When using status moves, it gained "priority" boosts, making moves faster like the earlier Fake Out.
But this wasn’t a ga after all.
Priority didn’t represent absolute speed advantage, especially with the distance between them providing considerable margin for error.
Most importantly...
Urshifu’s strength exceeded Grimmsnarl’s by far!
"Close in!"
Using Sucker Punch to avoid Thunder Wave, Urshifu quickly advanced toward Grimmsnarl under Johan’s direction.
Witnessing this scene, audiences imdiately began discussing.
"Whoa! Prankster Grimmsnarl - I seem to see Teacher Johan’s shadow in Elite Four Sidney."
"Yeah, and I see Elite Four Sidney’s shadow in Teacher Johan too!"
"These two are switching fighting styles?"
Everyone knew Teacher Johan was famously "dirty," with mind-numbing tactics erging endlessly.
And Sidney?
His battle philosophy was "offense is the best defense."
But look now.
Elite Four Sidney was using underhanded tactics while Teacher Johan and Urshifu launched an offensive - weren’t they like they’d switched identities?
While audiences discussed, the battle didn’t pause at all.
"Grimmsnarl, Reflect!" Sidney’s expression beca serious. Though Thunder Wave missing surprised him, his tactical direction remained unchanged.
But shockingly.
Before Sidney could give commands, Johan’s voice already rang out.
"Brick Break!"
To others’ ears, they heard Brick Break before Reflect.
"Here it cos! Teacher Johan’s signature prediction!"
"Directly predicting Elite Four Sidney was preparing Grimmsnarl to use Reflect?"
"Too familiar - can only say Teacher Johan knows these tactics too well!"
"Using ’dirty tactics’ in front of a ’dirty person’ - isn’t this totally giving away predictions?"
The audience imdiately erupted.
Predictions, read switches... these similar predictive judgnts and commands undoubtedly demonstrated tactical ability and were awe-inspiring highlights in battles.
That said.
Predicting an Elite Four mber was still sowhat exaggerated.
But for Johan, it wasn’t difficult.
Prankster Grimmsnarl had low possibility as a main damage dealer, more likely serving as disruption and support.
Facts proved the Fake Out into Thunder Wave was indeed disruption/support tactics.
Crack—
Grimmsnarl’s just-erected Reflect was shattered by Urshifu’s palm strike.
The falling palm didn’t stop.
It struck Grimmsnarl’s body.
Bang!!!
Powerful, unreasonable force sent Grimmsnarl flying directly.
At this mont, Sidney truly felt the pressure of actually battling Teacher Johan.
This was completely different from spectating.
But Elite Four were still Elite Four - Sidney’s ability was unquestionable as he imdiately changed tactical strategy.
"Wrap around it, Play Rough!"
Mid-flight Grimmsnarl’s fur grew rapidly, quickly wrapping toward Urshifu. Its flying form stopped abruptly under the fur’s pull.
Even the flying force and montum could make Urshifu lose balance, while Grimmsnarl used this pulling force to counterattack.
Play Rough!
A Fairy-type move.
Four tis super effective against Urshifu!
Even with a strength gap, this Play Rough definitely wasn’t sothing Urshifu could easily withstand - it would certainly pay a significant price.
But then.
Urshifu actually closed its eyes.
The next second.
Surging water currents appeared around it!
Aqua Jet!
The water’s impact broke free from Grimmsnarl’s fur restraints!
Seeing this, Sidney’s heart jumped, knowing Grimmsnarl and his tactics were completely seen through, imdiately deciding without hesitation.
"Grimmsnarl, Parting Shot!"
Play Rough interrupted, distance briefly opened, Grimmsnarl gave Urshifu a stream of Pokémon language "output," making Urshifu laugh angrily before transforming into black light and returning to its Poké Ball.
[Parting Shot: Lower opponent’s Attack and Special Attack, then switch with own Pokémon!]
Combined with Prankster, Grimmsnarl’s Parting Shot was no different in speed from moves like "Bug resistance" or "Water resistance."
This was also the final conclusion of Prankster Grimmsnarl tactics.
Unfortunately.
In Sidney’s tactical planning this ti, besides the initial Fake Out and final Parting Shot working normally, all interdiate tactics and strategies were dismantled one by one by Teacher Johan.
"Indeed, competing in tactics with a ’tactical master’ really feels like showing off before experts." Sidney said self-deprecatingly, holding his Great Ball.
Then he imdiately rallied his spirits.
He’d use what he excelled at most!
Throwing the Great Ball.
"Mightyena!"
"Howl—!!!"
In red light, the fierce Mightyena appeared and roared mightily.
Intimidate!
Grimmsnarl’s Parting Shot plus Mightyena’s "Intimidate" ability - if both took full effect, they’d directly lower Urshifu’s Attack by two stages!
Equivalent to halving Attack.
However.
Johan’s family Pokémon feared montum and psychological attacks like "Intimidate" least of all.
In terms of spirit and psychology... Johan’s family had no cowards!
"Garruu—!!!"
Urshifu’s eyes opened again, facing Mightyena’s roar without any retreat, roaring back as faint blue aura power flowed around its body.
"Urshifu, Bulk Up!"
No switching ant gaining initiative.
Urshifu tensed its entire body, quickly calming the irritation caused by Grimmsnarl’s Parting Shot, recovering its fallen montum.
This ti, Sidney remained unaffected with resolute will and attitude.
"Mightyena, Play Rough!"
What Urshifu feared most was still Fairy-type moves.
"Howl!!!"
Mightyena’s four limbs moved powerfully, showing fierce fangs as it pounced directly at Urshifu.
Anyone could imdiately sense Sidney’s tactics and fighting style had changed.
Becoming more suited to himself.
This was the true Dark-type Elite Four Sidney!
Head-on collision?
Johan’s mouth curved slightly.
Head-on collision was also what they liked!
"Urshifu, Close Combat!"
Urshifu feared Fairy-types, but Mightyena also feared Fighting-types.
Let’s see.
Who would give in first!
"Garruu!"
Urshifu’s eyes sharpened. Facing the charging Mightyena, it didn’t retreat or dodge, counter-charging instead.
Bang!!!
Both sides instantly clashed.
Sharp fangs bit while powerful claws struck.
Fists, knees, elbows... the entire body was a weapon as Urshifu completely ignored Mightyena’s attacks, only unleashing its power with Close Combat in overwhelming, continuous waves upon Mightyena!
Secret Art - Rapid Strike Style!
Bang bang bang—
Intense collisions accompanied dazzling movents. With Urshifu’s final Surging Strikes, Mightyena flew backward, rolling several tis on the ground before barely stopping.
"Howl..."
Mightyena swayed, struggling to stand.
But finally.
Eyes rolling back, it still "thudded" to the ground.
Roar—!!!
Spectators in seats, at venues, and watching screens leaped up with gaping mouths.
"One-shot? K.O.?"
"Earlier Grimmsnarl still seed to be trading blows evenly, though at disadvantage, but..."
The three Elite Four watching from behind had completely different attitudes from the audience, full of praise and nodding continuously.
"Sidney returned to himself."
Drake’s attitude differed completely from audiences’, full of approval.
Glacia also nodded. "The opponent is Johan after all - better to be yourself than use unfamiliar thods."
Phoebe looked at her two seniors sowhat confused.
Drake smiled, explaining: "Mightyena losing is normal - the raw strength gap can’t be ignored, plus type disadvantage."
One was Elite Four level, one Champion level, plus type disadvantage - wasn’t a K.O. normal?
"The key is Sidney’s collision wasn’t without effect." Glacia continued, pointing at the panting Urshifu on screen.
Though not STAB, Play Rough still damaged Urshifu.
Phoebe had so realization.
Right.
That was Teacher Johan, the "Champion Road" challenger. What they needed to do was never defeat Teacher Johan, but weaken and wear him down as much as possible.
Thereby making him display even stronger power.
The best result would be forcing him to desperation for higher, stronger outbursts.
Also to let the Elite Four better understand their "Champion’s" strength.
In terms of attrition, what Sidney and Mightyena just did was actually quite good.
Phoebe looked at Drake again.
She’d heard Elite Four Sidney was once a delinquent who went astray, ultimately pulled back personally by Drake and, under Drake’s encouragent, step by step reached his current Elite Four position.
Though no longer a delinquent, so temperant remained.
What was a "delinquent’s" temperant?
Persistent harassnt!
You could beat him, but he’d definitely bite off a piece of flesh from you!
Though using this to describe Elite Four Sidney now wasn’t quite appropriate, it perfectly fit the current situation.
"You did well, Mightyena." Sidney recalled Mightyena, switching Poké Balls without hesitation and throwing again.
"Roar—!!!"
A dark blue shark suddenly appeared on the field.
Sharpedo!
Sidney’s third Pokémon was Water and Dark-type Sharpedo. Upon appearing, water currents wrapped around it, granting agile movent ability on the field.
"Leer!"
Fierce eyes glared with chilling gaze.
"Attack, Urshifu!"
Johan was also completely imrsed in battle, mind connected with Urshifu.
"Sucker Punch!"
"Garruu!!!"
Urshifu’s eyes turned red as it roared, stepping forward like a cannonball charging out.
Its resolute attacking attitude was intimidating.
Secret Art - Single Strike Style!
But this didn’t include Sidney and Sharpedo.
"Sharpedo, Take Down!"
Wrapped in water currents, Sharpedo’s speed was equally fast, leaping out and rolling forward like a tsunami.
Another direct collision!
Audiences clenched their fists watching.
Boom!!!
Fist and Sharpedo’s head collided most directly.
Massive impact made Sharpedo grit its teeth in pain.
Urshifu also unconsciously frowned.
Several cuts opened on its fist.
Those were wounds from Sharpedo’s "Rough Skin."
Rough Skin - when receiving contact moves, the attacker takes rebound damage from the skin.
Johan had already perceived Sidney’s ntality change and tactical shifts.
So he had so guesses about Sharpedo’s ability.
With "Rough Skin" ability, every attack on Sharpedo would inevitably suffer rebound damage from that skin.
The more tis, the more self-damage accumulated.
This was why Johan didn’t have Urshifu use Close Combat to directly overwhelm it.
Otherwise, a full Close Combat combo might let Urshifu K.O. Sharpedo again, but it would inevitably suffer unavoidable rebound damage.
Now.
His guess was confird.
So...
"Grab it, Urshifu!" Johan’s eyes focused.
Sidney was stunned.
Grabbing Sharpedo at this mont?
"Garruu!!!"
Urshifu grabbed the flying Sharpedo’s fins, pressing it hard toward the ground.
"Sharpedo, Aqua Jet!" Sidney called urgently.
The water wrapping Sharpedo instantly beca fierce.
But Urshifu seed to ignore everything, its palm scraped painfully by "Rough Skin" showing no intention of loosening.
"Just like that, Dynamic Punch!" Johan shouted.
Urshifu roared and bellowed, gripping the fin tightly as terrifying waves erged from its palm, grabbing Sharpedo and pressing toward the ground.
Boom!!!
Instantly.
The entire field’s ground let out a wail, shaking violently once before suddenly collapsing.
Spider web-like cracks appeared, raising clouds of dust.
"Garruu!!!"
Urshifu released its grip, arm movents stirring airflow to disperse dust.
In the ruins, Urshifu stood among the wreckage, looking down disdainfully at the grounded Sharpedo, ignoring the vicious scratches on its palms and back.
Drip, drip—
Blood drops fell into water, creating ripples reflecting Urshifu’s silhouette.
Suddenly clenching its fist.
Arms spread, roaring!
"Garr—uu!!!"
Montum and fighting spirit had reached their peak.
Sidney’s Sharpedo, though not reaching Champion level, was at Elite Four level’s peak!
Ordinary Elite Four ace Pokémon’s strength level!
Just one step from Champion level.
Much stronger than the previous Grimmsnarl and Mightyena.
But...
Still a K.O.!
Dominating K.O.!
Since your "Rough Skin" would cause more rebound damage with more hits, then... one move to finish you!
In just dozens of minutes.
Urshifu consecutively defeated three Pokémon, growing braver with each battle!
"Whew—"
Even Sidney was inevitably affected by Urshifu’s montum, taking several deep breaths before slowly recovering.
"So Teacher Johan’s strength has reached this level..."
This was just one Pokémon, yet it nearly swept through three...
But he quickly rallied.
If a trainer with such strength beca Hoenn League Champion, it would be Hoenn League’s fortune, Hoenn people’s blessing!
What he needed to do.
Was display his true Elite Four strength.
And show everyone Teacher Johan’s power!
"It’s up to you, Absol!"
In the venue, the "Disaster Pokémon" Absol moved gracefully, fluffy fur flowing like wings as it landed on the field.
Seeing Absol, Johan imdiately understood.
He’d thought Sharpedo would be Sidney’s ga ace, so he had Urshifu work hard to K.O. Sharpedo.
Partly because of "Rough Skin," partly because of ga Evolution speculation.
Now it seed...
"Absol—"
Sidney regained montum, lifting his eyes as he turned the electric guitar on his back to his chest, fingers dramatically strumming the strings.
Clang—
Electric sounds exploded.
The Key Stone embedded within burst with brilliant rainbow light.
"ga Evolution!!!"
"Absol!!!"
In the long cry, evolution’s rainbow light instantly scattered, the ga Evolution symbol flashing briefly.
Inverted white fur like wings, scattered fur "puffed" open - ga Absol!
Champion level!
ga Absol possessed solid Champion-level Pokémon strength!
Just this ga Absol alone showed Hoenn League’s Elite Four had real ability.
Johan looked at Urshifu.
"Garruu!"
Urshifu’s montum didn’t diminish at all, its battle desire even stronger.
This made Johan understand Urshifu’s will.
It still wanted to fight!
Johan’s mouth curved.
Though if Urshifu won again, it might achieve a complete Elite Four sweep, Master Bear was clearly battle-addicted.
As a trainer, what else could he do?
Naturally indulge it.
"Absol!" Sidney called out. "Perish Song!"
"Absol—"
The "Disaster Pokémon" issued its final "ultimatum," declaring "disaster’s" arrival!
Light, bell-like sounds rang out, making one feel as if in a dreamlike world.
This song would gradually make listening Pokémon lose battle will, ultimately losing battle ability and falling.
Johan’s eyebrow twitched.
Actually opening with Perish Song directly?
Losing battle will...
Urshifu?
"Heh." Johan grinned, then suddenly called out sternly: "Urshifu, crush through - Close Combat!"
Let’s see whether their Master Bear loses battle desire first, or ga Absol falls first!
"Garruu!"
Bang—
The ground exploded.
Urshifu burst forward, swinging punches upward!
"Absol, Double Team!"
Hum—
Shadows separated from Absol’s body, creating convincing illusions making it difficult to distinguish real from fake.
"Urshifu, focus!" Johan called.
Urshifu’s eyes closed and opened, faint blue light flashing briefly.
Aura!
Invisible aura force swept across all doubles.
Found it!
ga Absol’s heart jumped.
"Disaster beast" instinct made it realize it might... be "seen through" by Urshifu!
Sure enough.
As soon as this thought arose.
It saw Urshifu charging toward it.
ga Evolution connected Sidney’s and Absol’s wills - what ga Absol perceived, Sidney already knew.
While marveling at Teacher Johan’s and Urshifu’s strength, he quickly reacted.
Since dodging was impossible, then collision!
Protect-type moves were useless against Urshifu.
"Absol, Sucker Punch!"
"Absol!"
ga Absol’s shadows all vanished as it faced Urshifu directly, suddenly pouncing.
Bang!!!
Claws and fist collided head-on.
Boom—
A terrifying shockwave imdiately spread.
All sand and dust scattered completely.
ga Absol felt Urshifu’s terrifying current power and surging battle desire.
Urshifu also felt ga Absol’s strength, understanding this was the strongest opponent encountered this round.
But...
Strong was perfect!
Strength only increased the desire to overco!
"Garruu!"
Urshifu growled low as power suddenly exploded.
Secret Art - Single Strike Style!
Under ga Absol’s surprised gaze, Urshifu’s fist pushed aside its claws.
Next second.
Urshifu advanced instead of retreating, closing in.
Secret Art - Rapid Strike Style!
Close Combat fists imdiately fell like violent storm.
Bang bang bang—
"Garruu!!!"
Splash—
Water silently wrapped around fists.
Secret Art - Rapid Strike Single Strike Style!
An entire Close Combat combo unleashed without reservation, the final punch striking hard.
Boom!!!
ga Absol flew like a cannonball, instantly passing by Sidney and crashing into the wall behind him.
For a mont.
Whether the battle scene or audiences watching the livestream, all fell silent.
ga Absol stayed on the wall for one second, then slid down with a "thud."
Crack—
On that wall, centered on the crater ga Absol created, spider web-like cracks rapidly spread.
If not for the "Elite Four Fortress’s" reinforced walls and fields, it would have collapsed by now.
ga Evolution energy dispersed like unraveling silk.
Sidney stood in place, stunned for a while before slowly accepting reality.
Sighing: "Worthy of Teacher Johan... I lost."
Though Grimmsnarl theoretically had so stamina left, facing such an Urshifu... it was aningless.
He frankly accepted defeat.
Looking at the heavily panting, sweat-covered Urshifu, he couldn’t help showing amazent again.
One Pokémon.
Just one Pokémon had directly swept through his four Pokémon as an Elite Four mber.
"Congratulations, Teacher Johan."
Sidney recalled Absol and walked to the field center, shaking hands with Johan.
"I hope Teacher Johan won’t hold back in subsequent battles either."
Hearing this, Johan smiled slightly, seemingly seeing through Sidney’s "thoughts," nodding: "Of course, this is the ’Champion Road’!"
"Heh." Sidney also smiled, showing "relief."
If this was the kind of Champion, he Sidney would be the first to acknowledge it.
Thud!!!
Battle ended. In the broken wall’s "wail," the door to the second room opened.
"Teacher Johan, you can rest briefly before entering." Sidney said.
"Good."
Johan didn’t refuse.
He simply helped Urshifu treat its injuries.
Though Urshifu had swept four opponents, ga Absol’s appearance made Johan not dare underestimate the Elite Four at all.
Teacher Johan passing the "Elite Four Fortress’s" first checkpoint caused massive waves outside.
The focus wasn’t on defeating Elite Four Sidney.
After all, he was soone expected to beco Hoenn Champion - if he couldn’t even beat the first Elite Four mber, there’d be no need for any "Champion Road."
The focus was that Teacher Johan had only sent out Urshifu to sweep Elite Four Sidney’s four Pokémon!
"A complete sweep?"
"I, I originally thought... Teacher Johan liked fighting ’baby cups,’ but now it seems..."
"Good grief! Did Teacher Johan treat the ’Champion Road’ like a ’baby cup’?"
"I! Silver Conference Runner-up, Guderian!"
"Damn! ’Guderian’s Boorang’ is back - its value is still soaring!"
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