Pokemon: Spiritual Master

"Espe!!"

The entire field was covered in Psychic Terrain.

So although it didn't know when Gengar had gotten behind Red, when movement appeared behind Red, it had already reacted.

It cried out loudly.

Psychic power surged.

The woven psychic force immediately fell when Gengar appeared, with speed and reaction time matching Gengar's perfectly.

Expanding Force!

On Psychic Terrain, this was the fastest psychic move in terms of action and reaction speed.

Red's reaction speed was also very quick.

After all, he had been tempered between life and death many times.

Counting carefully, since becoming a trainer, Red had experienced two freezings, one petrification, and two near-drownings.

So when Gengar appeared, rather than dodging, he immediately threw a punch at Gengar.

Seeing this, Gengar laughed.

A fist?

Against me?

With flesh and blood?

But seeing this, Johan's heart jumped as he hurriedly said: "Gengar, retreat and dodge!"

"Ka-kah?"

Dodge?

Gengar thought Johan was definitely making a big deal out of nothing. Did he really think everyone was like him, able to catch it?

That Espeon's psychic power was strong, but it wasn't like Gengar hadn't seen stronger ones...

But thinking was one thing, complaining was another. Gengar still trusted Johan's judgment completely and immediately withdrew and retreated.

Sizzle—

Golden lightning actually burst from Red's thrown punch, flashing like thunder and lightning, quite dazzling.

"Ka-kah?"

Gengar, having retreated some distance, immediately stared wide-eyed.

This human... something's not right!

How can a human control lightning?

If it hadn't been in perfect sync with Johan just now, being even slightly slower would have been bad.

Of course—

Ultimately, Johan and Gengar had held back. Otherwise, with just Espeon's Expanding Force and Red's lightning, it wouldn't have posed an absolute threat to Gengar.

Moreover, when Gengar went to pat Red's shoulder, it could have already acted.

It's just—

Although these were wild battle rules, they weren't enemies or mortal foes. Scaring was enough—no need to actually leave someone bedridden for a month.

This was why when Espeon directly attacked Johan earlier, it hadn't used full force either.

Additionally, Gengar had a vague feeling—

Even if it really acted, it might not necessarily leave Red paralyzed.

This feeling was very strange.

Could there really be someone like Johan?

Johan would definitely give Gengar a good "education" afterward about what the first generation "Super Rookie" meant.

Gengar avoided Red's "Thunder Punch." When the lightning dissipated, it finally saw clearly—

Red was actually holding a Poké Ball, and the earlier lightning came from the Pokémon inside that ball—a Pikachu!

Good grief!

Ball-stored electricity was one thing, but now electricity could be directly discharged from Poké Balls?

Johan looked at Red's insulated gloves with envy.

Lt. Surge's insulated gloves were really amazing...

Next time he went to Kanto, he'd have to ask Lt. Surge for a few pairs!

"Vee!" Red immediately called.

"Espe~!"

Espeon leaped up, transforming into red light and returning to Red's Poké Ball on its own.

Simultaneously, Red quickly distanced himself from Gengar. With a flick of his wrist, a Poké Ball opened, and a robust Pokémon immediately appeared before Red.

"Saur!"

Before Red, countless vines quickly took root and grew, roaring angrily at Gengar.

Venusaur!

Undoubtedly one of Red's aces.

"Venusaur!" Red called sternly: "Mega Evolution!!"

Rainbow light burst simultaneously from Red and Venusaur. Terrifying energy surged wildly in the evolution light. That raging power actually made this desert rapidly sprout grass and grow branches.

Even the sand left by Tyranitar's earlier sandstorm became solid under the tangled roots of numerous plants.

Venusaur's appearance also changed considerably. The flower on its back became much larger, its limbs like sturdy tree trunks firmly rooted in the ground.

The current Mega Venusaur looked more like a thriving plant. A red flower bloomed on its forehead, its gaze sharp. Several extremely tough and thick vines extended from its back, wildly lashing toward Gengar.

Frenzy Plant!

The desert land had already birthed a small oasis under Mega Venusaur's power, with trends of continuous spreading and even greater vitality.

This was the power of Red's ace Venusaur—despite being an ordinary Pokémon, it possessed godlike ability to change environments.

Legendary without question.

Since the Pokémon world had no reference standards for legendary-level Pokémon, no so-called first, second, third tier divisions, otherwise Red's Mega Venusaur's strength would be easier to define.

But even without tier divisions, Red's Mega Venusaur was definitely among the top tier of legendary level.

"Power Whip!"

"Saur!"

Plants on the ground grew wildly. Dense vines like mountains and seas lashed toward Gengar.

"Gengar, Phantom Force!"

"Ka-kah!"

Seeing those impenetrable vines lashing toward it, Gengar quickly opened a "zipper" in front and dove into the void.

When it reappeared, it was back beside Johan.

Patting its chest with a "that scared me" expression.

Seeing this, Red couldn't help raising an eyebrow.

Spatial power?

Was this why Gengar had silently appeared behind him?

"Ka-kah~"

Gengar turned to Johan, pointing at the large flower on Mega Venusaur's back.

That flower looked very tasty... no, very powerful!

Johan was speechless.

He said irritably: "Stop chattering and get on with it. Dark Void!"

"Ka-kah!"

Hearing this, black mist immediately spread from Gengar's feet, covering the ground. Black holes formed from nothing and flew toward Mega Venusaur, continuously approaching and growing larger.

"Venusaur!" Red saw Power Whip fail to stop Gengar's retreat and showed no hesitation.

"Frenzy Plant!"

Frenzy Plant—one of the ultimate Grass-type moves. The grass covering the ground from Venusaur's earlier appearance all became "menacing," with countless thick branches growing wildly.

If Johan were spectating rather than battling, he would definitely complain: "Holy shit, Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!"

"Saur!!"

The desert instantly became lush and green. Plant coverage spread wildly. Even Cynthia and others watching from a distance had grass shoots growing at visible speeds under their feet.

Even the black mist Gengar had spread earlier was now pierced and shattered by branches.

Red had trained with his Pokémon deep in Silver Mountain. What resonated most with the entire Silver Mountain was undoubtedly his Venusaur, and what had grown most was naturally Venusaur too!

Rumble rumble—

Hundreds of branches broke through the trembling ground, not only enveloping Gengar but completely wrapping the entire area, making escape impossible.

"Holy shit..." Flint's eyes widened.

The power of this move was comparable to legendary Pokémon's ultimate attacks, right?

Only now did he and Lance understand that when Red had battled them earlier, despite all that passionate shouting, he had actually been holding back.

Even Gengar and Johan couldn't help gasping when seeing this.

Cheating?

Rumble rumble—

Branches carried fierce winds, lashing down wildly.

"Gengar!!"

Johan called out with a stern expression.

"Ka-kaah!!!"

Under overwhelming might, brilliant evolution light burst from Gengar's body.

Hm?

No Key Stone, no Mega Stone?

Bond power?

Red was stunned.

He was naturally a free-spirited person. Though surprised, hadn't he been surprised enough today?

He quickly recovered.

The power of bonds...

Could the bond between him and Venusaur possibly lose to others?

"Venusaur!!"

"Saur!!"

Frenzy Plant showed no delay despite Gengar's Mega Evolution.

But just then—

The black mist pierced and shattered by vegetation quickly converged.

Neigh neigh—

For a moment, Red thought he was hallucinating. He seemed to hear horse neighing from that black mist?

Clop clop, clop clop—

The sound of hoofbeats made Red realize he wasn't hallucinating.

In the rolling black mist, a horse with luxurious mane ran out.

A black horse?

Spectrier?

"Ka-kah!"

Seeing its old partner, Mega Gengar immediately grabbed the reins and mounted up.

Ghost-horse fusion!

This...

Although he'd been surprised enough today, seeing Mega Gengar grab reins and mount Spectrier still left Red somewhat confused.

This wasn't reasonable!

He wanted to say it was two Pokémon appearing together, but looking carefully, he found—

The two Pokémon had become one, their auras unified.

Just like... just like Calyrex!

"Gengar." Johan took a deep breath, slowly clenching his raised fist. "Shattered Psyche!"

"Ka-kah!!"

"Neigh neigh—"

Facing those hundreds of falling branches, Gengar and Spectrier simultaneously gathered power. The previously contracted black mist completely condensed in Gengar's palm, with starlight within—manifestation of power concentrated to the extreme.

Boom!!!

Terrifying explosion sounds and branch-falling commotion swept the entire area.

"Careful!"

Caitlin immediately erected psychic barriers, protecting everyone behind her. Huge impact aftershocks swept and struck. Caitlin's psychic power trembled and shook like a small boat in the sea under the assault.

This was just aftershock impact...

"Exaggerated," Flint said awkwardly.

He felt like he wasn't watching a battle between two trainers but a collision between two legendary Pokémon.

Look—even the legendary Pokémon busy eating nearby couldn't help but glance over.

Mewtwo's expression was especially serious, as if ready to charge in the moment Johan gave the order.

The rumbling vibrations gradually faded.

"Saur..."

Venusaur, having lost its Mega Evolution, staggered and nearly fell, staring at Gengar mounted on Spectrier with disbelief.

Such a powerful move...

Could really be used by an ordinary Pokémon?

"Ka-kah!"

Gengar holding the reins also looked surprised.

This move hadn't even one-shotted Venusaur?

This guy... was really strong...

I like it!

While Gengar admired the opponent's strength, weren't Red and Venusaur feeling the same?

So strong!

At this moment, Red truly understood what "there's always someone better" meant.

There really were many, many amazing people in the world.

Then came intense excitement.

Battling strong opponents, this pressure in battle and confrontation made Red's blood boil.

"You worked hard, Venusaur!"

Red recalled the struggling Venusaur.

"Ka-kah!"

The Shadow Ball Gengar threw at Venusaur actually changed direction—

And went toward Red.

Naturally, Red, skilled at split-second timing, wouldn't panic. He pressed his cap with one hand while holding a Poké Ball with the other.

Before the Shadow Ball arrived, he opened the Poké Ball in his hand.

Rumble—

The moment the Poké Ball opened, terrifying lightning shot out.

Classic ball-stored electricity!

"Pika—"

Red called:

"10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt!!"

"Pika!!"

Pikachu burst from the Poké Ball without pause. Facing the Shadow Ball right before it, lightning like a spear pierced forward!

10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt?

Wasn't this Pikachu's exclusive Z-Move?

Boom!!

Black light and golden radiance collided violently. The Ghost-type energy stored in the Shadow Ball exploded, black mist like nightfall covering everything.

But under the "night," golden lightning tore through, then countless lightning washed over, tearing all the black mist to shreds.

Everyone was horrified.

They thought Red's Mega Venusaur was strong enough, but there was actually... another Pokémon no weaker than Mega Venusaur!

10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt?

Did Pikachu have such a move?

In everyone's eyes reflected the terrifying scene of lightning tearing through the night.

Boom!!

Not only tearing through the night but also like a long snake, heading straight for Gengar.

"Gengar!"

"Ka-kah!"

Under Bond Evolution, Johan and Gengar no longer needed words, but Johan still spoke as reminder—couldn't underestimate this.

Gengar naturally knew.

How strong its Shadow Ball was after "ghost-horse fusion" it knew clearly. To be shattered like this...

Neigh neigh—

Gengar pulled tight the reins. Spectrier immediately stepped forward, treading on air.

Lightning passed by Gengar, shattering the long black shadow clouds it and Spectrier had left behind.

But it didn't hit Gengar.

"Teacher Johan!" Red suddenly called.

"Mm?"

Johan looked over.

"Pika." He saw Red raise his arm. The just-landed Pikachu climbed up his arm to his shoulder, looking at Johan and Gengar together.

Gengar also rode Spectrier to Johan's side, looking across at Red and Pikachu together.

Red pressed his cap brim and grinned:

"How about just this one move?"

Johan was stunned, then also smiled.

Just one decisive move?

His peripheral vision swept the surroundings, then understanding dawned.

If they continued fighting, they might not determine victory quickly, but the destruction to this area...

Their battle so far had already left this region completely devastated. If they kept clashing, Poni Canyon might need renaming.

Moreover—

They had indeed fought to this point...

"Alright!"

Johan responded loudly.

Red showed his white teeth, making eye contact with Pikachu on his shoulder.

"Pika!"

Pikachu also smiled. Its tail flicked up, lifting Red's red cap, then leaped to catch the hat and put it on its own head.

Red's hair swayed in the wind as he took out a uniquely shaped golden crystal.

Z-Crystal!

Exclusive Z-Crystal!

Watching this scene, Johan felt somewhat dazed, as if seeing Ash's shadow.

But thinking again—

That was right.

In some worlds, Ash and Red were the same person.

"Pika!!" Red took his stance. After high-fiving with the hat-wearing Pikachu, he called:

"10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt!!"

This was his and his Pika's exclusive Z-Move!

An exclusive Z-Move performed in Alola, this land surging with Ultra aura!

"Ka-kah?"

Gengar looked at Pikachu wearing Red's hat with envy, eyes wandering before settling on Johan, or rather on Johan's monocle.

Johan: "..."

Then Gengar seemed to think of something, pounding fist into palm as it pulled out sunglasses, put them on, and beckoned to Pikachu with a finger.

"Ka-kah! (▼皿▼)σ"

Then—

Johan and Gengar simultaneously adjusted their glasses.

Showing identical smiles.

A pitch-black Z-Crystal appeared in Johan's hand.

Just as he was about to speak—

He suddenly felt the Ultra aura on Poni Island fluctuating.

Looking toward the disturbance—

He saw the four Island Guardians had gathered together, and Poni Island's Ultra aura surged again.

The Z-Crystal in Johan's hand actually rapidly transformed from diamond-shaped to round and plump under the Ultra aura's influence.

This was—

Everyone including Johan was stunned.

Red was especially shocked.

Others printed cards on the spot—Teacher Johan hand-crafted exclusive Z-Crystals on the spot?!

That round, deep purple Z-Crystal seemingly imprinted with Gengar's smile was clearly—Ghostium Z!

"Gengar!"

Johan quickly recovered and immediately called without regard for anything else.

"Ka-kah!"

Bond Evolution plus exclusive Z-Move?

In an instant—

The blazing sun seemed to vanish as night suddenly fell. Gengar's trademark "hehe" laughter filled the entire field, as if countless Gengars had suddenly appeared within.

Another collision between "night" and "lightning."

Only this time, both sides seemed to have received tremendous boosts.

No tremendous commotion, no expected fierce battle—everything seemed to fall into eerie silence.