Pokemon: Psychic Master

The Next Day.

The Indigo Conference Semifinals were about to begin.

Yesterday's intense matches had pushed the tournament's popularity to unprecedented heights. It wasn't just the Kanto and Johto regions tuning in anymore—people from all over the Pokémon world were now following the event closely.

Particularly after Johan's Ninetales pulled off a one-vs-six sweep, fans couldn't stop speculating:

What kind of new tricks would Johan pull out in the semifinals or finals?

Of course, Johan wasn't the only one keeping the conference hype alive.

After his match with Mélanie, Paul from Sinnoh had delivered a spectacular performance in his quarterfinal match.

Paul's opponent was the only other first-time participant to reach the quarterfinals besides Johan. The result?

6-2.

Paul defeated his opponent while only losing two of his own Pokémon.

Although it wasn't as exhilarating as Johan's one-vs-six sweep, it was still impressive enough to earn him plenty of attention.

And today?

The semifinal bracket had lined up a clash between two title favorites—Johan and Paul.

Whether it was fate or sheer luck, the tournament's two most talked-about trainers were set to face off early.

According to rumors, Paul had previously competed in both the Lily of the Valley Conference and the Cyllage Tournament, where he reached the quarterfinals and runner-up positions, respectively.

This time, Paul had come to the Indigo Conference with his sights set on the championship.

However, Paul's personality was often criticized.

Known for being arrogant and condescending, he never hesitated to trash-talk weaker opponents. He was also rumored to have abandoned Pokémon he deemed unworthy during his travels.

Despite his reputation, Paul still had a loyal fanbase who admired his "no-nonsense" attitude and raw talent.

The moment the semifinal matchup was announced—Johan vs. Paul—the discussion never stopped.

"So, Teacher, what's your plan for not being human today?"

On the way to the main arena, Flannery couldn't help but tease Johan.

Johan shot her a sideways glance.

What kind of question is that?

"You need to watch how you talk," Johan said. "I'm a responsible teacher, not a villain from a horror story."

"Besides..." He adjusted his glasses and smiled.

"We're just here to enjoy the competition."

Flannery raised an eyebrow.

Sure, sure. Enjoy the competition.

Except... everyone knew Johan had been sweeping the tournament like an absolute beast.

Meanwhile, Roxanne offered a more serious comment.

"Paul is strong. He's no pushover."

Steven chuckled at her remark.

Strong? Sure.

But that doesn't mean Johan will need more than a fraction of his strength.

Suddenly, Ash pointed excitedly toward a figure in the distance.

"Hey, look! It's Paul!"

Walking toward the arena alone, hands in his pockets, was none other than Paul himself. His cold, aloof demeanor made heads turn.

Ash's loud voice caught Paul's attention. He stopped and glanced toward Johan.

"Johan," Paul said in an icy tone, "I hope you give it your all. I don't want to win the championship without a challenge."

The bystanders collectively gasped.

Was that... trash talk?

Flannery couldn't hold back her anger.

"You! Want to battle me first?!"

Paul gave her a dismissive glance and walked away without a word.

"Ugh! That guy is insufferable!" Flannery fumed.

Even Steven and Roxanne frowned at Paul's arrogance.

Meanwhile, Ash rolled up his sleeves.

"I'll take him on right now!"

Johan reached out, holding Flannery by the arm and pressing his palm to Ash's head.

"Calm down, Ash," Johan said with a chuckle.

"You'll cross paths with his little brother someday."

As for Paul's provocation?

Johan remained calm.

He adjusted his glasses and smiled.

"As a teacher, I can't put 'beating people up' on my to-do list."

Some passing spectators overheard Johan's words and couldn't help but admire his professionalism.

This is why Johan-sensei is so respected!

But if anyone knew Johan well—like his Gengar—they'd spot the mischievous glint in his eyes.

"He asked for a serious match?"

Johan smirked.

"Well, I'll just have to take him seriously then."

Gengar cackled.

"Ka-kah! Finally, it's my time to shine, right?"

The Main Arena.

The stadium was packed to capacity, and the crowd's excitement had reached a fever pitch.

The first semifinal match was coming to an end.

In a decisive final moment, Goodrian from Unova commanded his Feraligatr to finish off his opponent's Meganium with a powerful Crunch attack.

6-4.

Goodrian had made it to the finals.

As the crowd roared in approval, the announcer's voice echoed through the stadium:

"Next up—the second semifinal match!"

"Johan vs. Paul!"

The anticipation was palpable.

For many, this match wasn't just a semifinal. It was the real championship battle.

Whoever won today would likely go on to claim the Indigo Conference trophy.

Across the Pokémon world, people gathered to watch.

At the Rustboro Pokémon Academy, students and teachers filled the lecture hall to catch the live stream.At the Sunlight Café, the Indeedee siblings worked tirelessly to serve the bustling crowd.In Unova, Cynthia and Caitlin watched intently from their villa.On Isle of Armor, Mustard put down his game console and called his wife and students over to watch.

Back in the arena, the announcer's voice boomed:

"Let's welcome our next competitor—Johan from Rustboro City, Hoenn!"

The crowd erupted into deafening cheers as Johan stepped out of the tunnel, dressed in a sleek black suit and wearing his signature monocle.

"Johan-sensei! Go get 'em!!"

"Johan-sensei, destroy him!!"

The sheer volume of support made it clear—Johan's fanbase far outnumbered Paul's.

Paul, however, remained stone-faced.

"I want a real battle," he said coldly as he locked eyes with Johan.

"As you wish." Johan's gentle smile never wavered.

Paul threw his first Pokéball.

"Go, Honchkrow!"

The Big Boss Pokémon emerged in a flash of light, its dark feathers gleaming under the stadium lights.

The crowd murmured in recognition.

Paul's Honchkrow had already earned a reputation for its impressive one-vs-three sweep earlier in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Johan didn't throw a Pokéball.

Instead, a shadow stretched out from his feet and slithered onto the battlefield.

"Ka-kah!! (▼皿▼)"

Wearing sunglasses, Johan's Gengar emerged from the shadows with a wicked grin.

Removing its shades, Gengar glared at Paul's Honchkrow.

"It's time for Gengar-sensei to start class."

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Powerstones?

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