Pokemon: Psychic Master

"How do you feel?"

Gengar took a deep breath, then let out a long sigh, giving Johan a thumbs-up.

"Ka-kah!"

Feeling great!

"Haha." Johan chuckled.

While Gengar was in high spirits, it was clear that not everyone shared the same sentiment.

Still, how could anyone think Gengar had bad intentions?

All it wanted was a good battle.

And besides, wasn't that what the opponent had asked for?

Gengar: I've never heard such a request before! Ka-kah!

A 6-0 sweep was purely incidental — enjoying the battle was the real goal.

But now...

"Let's get out of here!" Johan urged.

He could already sense the audience getting restless. They were heading toward him — though he wasn't sure if it was to celebrate or to give him a beating.

Unfortunately, he wasn't fast enough to escape.

A swarm of reporters had already gathered at the exit of the players' passageway.

Johan had been outmaneuvered for once.

Microphones were shoved toward his face from every direction.

Meanwhile, Gengar slipped on its sunglasses and stood behind Johan like a bodyguard, striking a pose.

Johan sighed in exasperation.

Thankfully, stadium staff arrived to keep the reporters at bay while allowing a few questions.

"Johan, how do you feel about making it to the finals?"

The first question drew immediate glares from the other reporters.

Really? That's your question?

Johan scratched his head.

"Huh? I'm in the finals already?"

Pffft—

The audience, who had also found the question boring, burst out laughing at Johan's response.

Goodness.

This was classic Johan.

The reporter who had asked the question shot Johan a grateful look.

"Johan, you've only used one Pokémon in almost every round. Five of your Pokémon have battled so far. Will we see your sixth Pokémon in the final?"

Before Johan could answer, the reporter added:

"Could your sixth Pokémon be a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon?"

Johan gave him a look.

"I don't think that's funny at all."

Legendary? Mythical?

Sure, I'd love one — if only I had one!

"Johan, Gengar's unpredictable strategies today shocked everyone — especially Paul. Do you have a personal grudge against him?"

Johan rubbed his forehead.

Careful, that sounds like slander.

"I believe giving it your all in battle is the greatest sign of respect for your opponent. Besides, Paul specifically asked me not to hold back."

"Did you hold back?"

Johan gave a serious look.

"I don't think I did."

"Johan, why do you treat the Indigo League like a children's tournament?"

Johan's eyes widened.

"What nonsense is that? The Indigo League has incredibly strong Trainers. How could it be a children's tournament? Besides, I'm just a rookie Trainer."

"Will you participate in tournaments in other regions?"

Tournaments in other regions?

"Probably..."

He had initially planned to say no, but then he thought better of it.

What if the prize money in other regions was really good?

"Ahem. It depends."

After being bombarded with questions, Johan finally couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed Gengar and bolted.

Soon, news of the interview spread across various media outlets.

Kanto News: "Johan Says Reaching the Finals? No Big Deal!"

Johto Evening Post: "Legendary or Mythical Pokémon May Appear in the Finals!"

Sinnoh Chronicle: "Johan: I Barely Tried, and My Opponent Fell!"

Unova Entertainment Headline: "Johan Might Join the 'Kids' Cup' in Unova!"

When Johan saw these headlines, he nearly spat out his drink.

Seriously?

These reporters just ask questions and then write whatever they want?

"Pachira, I won't forget this."

At the Indigo Plateau's player village, more familiar faces had gathered.

Not only were Steven, Roxanne, Flannery, and Ash there, but some defeated competitors had also come to celebrate Johan's success.

Among them were Daida and Melanie, who had both lost to Johan. They weren't too dejected — instead, they found solidarity in their shared experiences.

Daida: "You're strong."

Melanie: "You're not bad yourself."

The two exchanged smiles, their rivalry turning into mutual encouragement.

Right now, it's Johan's time to shine. But the future belongs to us!

They shared this belief.

After all, whether it was Daida, who lost in the first round, or Melanie, who made it to the quarterfinals, they both suffered the same fate:

They got swept by Johan.

Even Paul, who reached the semifinals, wasn't spared.

So, logically speaking...

Daida = Melanie = Paul.

Flawless logic.

"Lance? What are you doing here?"

Johan was surprised to see Lance arrive on his Dragonite.

Weren't you supposed to be undercover with Team Rocket?

"I couldn't miss your final match, especially since it's right here at the Indigo Plateau," Lance said with a grin.

Then he lowered his voice.

"The mission hasn't started yet. They gave us time off for the holidays."

Johan's eyes widened.

What?

Team Rocket gives holiday breaks?

They even give gifts?!

Lance laughed.

"Yep. Can't complain."

Johan smacked his lips.

No wonder Jessie, James, and Meowth are so loyal to Team Rocket...

At that moment, Johan felt a chill.

He turned around to see an icy glare.

It was Lorelei.

Oops.

I forgot to tell Lance that Lorelei's here too.

Lorelei's expression grew even colder when she saw Lance.

Lance, oblivious, greeted her with a teasing grin.

"Well, well. Didn't expect to see you here, old lady."

Bam!

Lorelei slammed her hand on the table, her icy demeanor shattering.

"You've got guts, Lance. Care to join me on the training field?"

Lance crossed his arms.

"I go by Lance the Dragon Tamer, thank you. What did you say? I didn't quite catch that."

Johan: ...

Lance, you're digging your own grave.

Meanwhile, Ash and the others were watching with wide eyes.

"Why does Lorelei seem like a different person when she sees Lance?" Roxanne whispered.

"Lance too," Steven added with a sigh.

The last time these two crossed paths, they almost came to blows.

Lorelei's hand reached for her Poké Ball.

"Come outside if you're a man."

Seeing the tension escalate, Johan quickly intervened.

"Lorelei, wait! The training field's occupied."

"Occupied?"

"Yeah. Ash and Bruno are sparring."

What?

Everyone looked confused.

Ash?

Bruno?

Together?

Johan's face twitched.

"They're... having a hand-to-hand combat session."

The room fell silent.

Until Professor Oak cleared his throat with an awkward laugh.

"Ahem. Looks like Ash has some talent in martial arts too."

Oak then pulled Johan aside.

"Johan, a word?"

Johan sighed.

"Professor Oak, is this about Lady Chrysa again?"

Oak chuckled, pulling out a photo.

"Not this time. But could you deliver this to her?"

Johan rolled his eyes.

"You keep a photo of her on you?"

"Let's focus. I have a favor to ask."

Oak's expression grew serious.

"After the tournament, if you have time, visit Snowpoint City. Elder Martin has taken a liking to your Ninetales. He believes he can help it grow even stronger."

Johan nodded thoughtfully.

"I'll consider it."

Just then, his phone buzzed.

It was a message from Cynthia.

[Eevee Eats Cabbage]: Come to the front door.

At the door, Johan opened it with a smile —

Only to be greeted by a menacing Garchomp.

The Land Shark Pokémon growled, its sharp teeth grinding audibly.

Behind it, Cynthia waved with a sweet smile.

"Long time no see, Johan."

Beside her, Caitlin crossed her arms with a smirk.

"Surprised?"

Johan broke out in a cold sweat.

"Gengar! Help me!"

"Rooaaar!!"

Garchomp snarled.

I dare you not to run!

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Powerstones?

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