Pokemon: Psychic Master

Advancing to the Top 32 with yet another 3-0 sweep, Johan's reputation soared to new heights.

Of course, as the Indigo League Tournament progressed, the level of competition would only get tougher. A flawless victory would not be so easy to achieve moving forward.

Meanwhile, Johan had become a hot topic on the internet.

"I heard Johan defeated the former Galar Champion, Master Mustard!"

"Really? But Mustard hadn't lost in 18 years before that."

"Where do you think his Kubfu came from?"

"Well, Mustard is getting old..."

"Old or not, a champion is a champion!"

While rumors about Johan ranged from him owning the Legendary Birds to wielding mythical Pokémon, most of them had been playful exaggerations. But when the story of him defeating Mustard spread—backed by Kubfu as "evidence"—more people began to take his strength seriously.

Some even speculated that Johan's skill might rival the Elite Four—or perhaps even surpass them.

Returning to the Pokémon Center after healing Dragonair, Johan couldn't help but feel amused as he scrolled through the chatter online.

I defeated Mustard? Sure, but does anyone know what Pokémon he actually used during that match?

Johan was convinced that the rumors had been exaggerated—likely thanks to either his old principal or the academy's vice-principal, Martin.

Well, they'd better give me a raise next semester.

That afternoon, Johan followed Gengar to an unfamiliar location.

"Victory Road?"

He gazed at the massive white pillars lining the path, the intricate sculptures resembling Poké Balls, and the majestic white staircase that led to a towering building at the top.

His lips twitched.

"Are you kidding me, Gengar? You brought me here?"

Victory Road was the path leading to the Elite Four. Climbing these steps marked the beginning of a formal challenge to the League, requiring a trainer to defeat all four members consecutively without rest or outside aid.

And only after defeating the current Champion would one earn the title of Champion themselves.

This is a bit premature, don't you think?

Though there were alternative ways to become a Champion—such as receiving unanimous endorsement from the Elite Four and the reigning Champion—Victory Road remained the primary and most respected path.

In regions like Hoenn, Wallace had succeeded Steven without following this path. But in Kanto, where tradition ran deep, defeating the Elite Four and Champion was the only way.

Even Lance, who would one day become the Champion, had struggled to earn the approval of Kanto's Elite Four—especially Lorelei and Agatha, the latter of whom had been particularly adamant in her resistance.

"Gengar," Johan muttered, staring at the imposing staircase.

"Ka-kah?"

"Don't you think we're a bit early for this?"

Suddenly, a chilling aura filled the air. Ice-blue flames flickered around them as Nine Tails' tails fanned out protectively, its sharp gaze scanning the surroundings.

"So, this is your trainer?"

A raspy voice echoed from nearby.

An elderly woman, hunched over a cane, emerged from the shadows. Her wild gray hair framed a face marked by age, but her sharp, piercing eyes betrayed her immense power.

It was Agatha, one of Kanto's Elite Four.

Johan tensed instinctively.

Oh, great. What has Gengar gotten us into now?

"Ka-kah~ Ka-kah~~"

Gengar waved cheerfully, utterly unfazed by Agatha's menacing aura.

"Good morning, Grandma!"

Agatha's lips twitched upward slightly before returning to their usual stern expression. Her gaze settled on Johan, cold and appraising, sending a shiver down his spine.

"You're the one who gave Lance those scrolls and fought Bruno, aren't you?"

Her eyes narrowed.

"Tell me... what's your relationship with him?"

Johan's heart sank.

Of course, she means Professor Oak...

Agatha jabbed her cane toward Gengar.

"Yesterday, this little imp and that useless Rotom Dex came poking around. Don't tell me you're tied to that old fool."

Johan glanced at Gengar, who scratched its head sheepishly.

Great. So Gengar really was livestreaming yesterday.

Agatha's suspicion was well-founded. In the Pokémon Adventures manga, she had once captured Green after recognizing his Pokédex as one of Oak's creations.

Her disdain for Oak stemmed from their shared past as childhood friends. The two had once dreamed of exploring the world together, but Oak had ultimately abandoned their ambitions to pursue Pokémon research. Agatha saw this as a betrayal, and her resentment festered for decades.

"Are you going to answer, or should I assume the worst?"

Her voice grew colder, and the ghostly energy surrounding her intensified.

Nine Tails crouched defensively, its psychic aura flaring, while Gengar stepped in front of Johan, its grin replaced by a grim determination.

"Ka-kah!"

If Agatha dared harm Johan, Gengar would fight her with everything it had.

"Stand down," Johan said gently, patting Gengar's shoulder.

Despite Agatha's intimidating demeanor, Johan was certain she didn't intend to harm him—not yet, at least.

If she really wanted to fight, I'd already be toast.

Taking a deep breath, Johan met Agatha's gaze and offered a sheepish smile.

"Professor Oak?" he asked, feigning ignorance.

Agatha's expression darkened, but Johan pressed on.

"Professor Oak actually speaks highly of you."

She raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.

"Oh? And what does that fool say about me?"

"Uh, well, he mentioned that you're a bit strict but also incredibly talented and... um... adorable?"

Agatha froze, her cane hovering mid-air.

Adorable?

Behind Johan, Nine Tails and Gengar struggled to stifle their laughter.

Agatha's sharp eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a cold smirk.

"Flattery won't get you far, boy. That old fool has always had a way with words—never with actions."

She turned away, but not before tossing a scroll toward Gengar.

"Your Gengar has potential. Don't waste it."

With that, she began to shuffle toward a shadowy path leading to a small, decrepit house.

"If you have questions, you can find me there... if you dare."

Johan exhaled slowly, clutching the scroll.

"Thank you, Agatha," he called out.

She paused, her back to him.

"Is there anything you'd like me to tell Professor Oak?" he asked.

For a moment, Agatha said nothing. Her figure seemed to waver, caught between defiance and something softer.

Finally, she let out a low growl.

"Tell him... to quit smoking."

And with that, she vanished into the shadows.

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Powerstones?

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