CHAPTER 713: CHAMPION ROAD, OFFICIALLY BEGINS! (TWO-IN-ONE CHAPTER)

Sunset dusk.

Rustboro Pokémon Academy, special training grounds.

The little one had no thoughts about ranking last.

But this "Champion Road" was opened specifically for Johan alone, so that stage was skipped.

Snivy appeared at his feet in red light.

The only shortcoming was not knowing when Steven would take office, so he could confidently set down his burden completely and sail off adventuring!

Along with Indeedee-F.

However, both the aura power and "Fairy Plate" had only been acquired recently, plus with many matters in the Alola region, Ninetales hadn’t had time to properly digest and convert them.

Seeing this towering primeval forest, Snivy was briefly stunned.

Not just this Heracross - forest Heracross that hadn’t appeared but entered Psychic Terrain were all pressed to the ground by powerful psychic force.

Compared to "troublemaker" Gengar’s group, Indeedee-F was truly... too considerate!

Surrounding leaves and bushes seemed covered in light purple gauze.

Surprises?

Indeedee-F’s voice rose excitedly.

A real surprise.

Limit to six Pokémon?

Until the day before "Champion Road" opened, Elite Four Drake representing the Hoenn League came to escort him to the "Champion Road."

"Moreover, ’Champion Road’ wild Pokémon often aren’t alone, but live in groups - encountering one might mean facing many!"

You couldn’t move legendary Pokémon to the Champion Road, surely?

Elite Four being nervous about "Champion Road" challenges was a first.

Though consuming so many diamonds, meteorites, and ores was indeed excessive, Tyranitar’s strength improvement was visible.

You had to know that in the games, even Red when he first became Champion only had Pokémon around level eighty-five.

"Sweep the ’Champion Road,’ become Champion!"

Fortunately, the non-combat "photographer" Rotom was at the bottom, preventing proud Snivy from ranking last.

"Feels like numbers are meaningless against Indeedee..."

Who told Gengar to always feel somewhat intimidated by Ninetales?

Noticing Snivy’s change, Johan was somewhat surprised.

"Finally, Pokémon numbers..." Drake looked at Johan, stopping mid-sentence.

Floating over.

Johan’s expression turned strange.

"Snivy!" Snivy puffed its cheeks.

Black tailored suit, black hair and eyes, refined golden monocle.

"And they’re extremely vicious with strong territorial awareness. Though maybe not as dangerous as Mt. Silver, it’s close."

Intensive training.

"Finally started!"

"How’s preparation going?" Drake asked, taking a small sip with brightening eyes. "Not bad."

To help Snivy, during this "Champion Road," whenever within Snivy’s limits, he’d let it battle more.

What power was this...

"Then it’s fine."

Limited recovery items meant nothing to Johan.

Johan pouted, throwing out Poké Balls.

According to League rules, any League Conference champion could challenge the "Champion Road" - hence the stadium’s location.

In the café.

Bang!!!

"Good you haven’t forgotten." Drake showed a meaningful smile.

After turning to wave at all his supporters, he stepped through the gate.

Blue light appeared in Indeedee-F’s eyes as it raised its palm, pale blue psychic power bursting forth.

But unfortunately it hadn’t evolved yet, creating an innate gap.

Conference champions were still just conference champions. Winning conferences didn’t guarantee strength for "Champion Road."

The "Champion Road" had precautions?

"Indeedee, Psychic." Johan bit into cake, speaking calmly.

Wasn’t it just fighting all the way through until defeating all Elite Four?

Johan exited the stadium, looking at this "primeval forest" before him, clicking his tongue.

During this.

You could limit recovery item quantities, but could you limit Pokémon food?

As soon as he spoke.

However, this first participation in "team ranking battle" made Snivy realize its shortcomings.

That’s what you get for being mysterious with me, old man.

"I’ve made a simple ’seven-day sprint’ plan. Come listen - I’ll make arrangements."

But unfortunately.

"Expanding Force."

Once Ninetales figured out the "Fairy Plate," Tinkaton would also benefit considerably.

"Teacher Johan!!"

Anyway, the "Fairy Plate" was also an item, right?

Johan turned: "Gengar, Drake’s tea is finished. Quick, pour tea."

"Give intelligence but not detailed?"

He looked forward to the "surprises" Drake mentioned.

In the ravaged training field, the little ones had various expressions, their excitement not yet completely faded.

Moreover, Dragonite barely qualified as a "big bird."

Just starting, just warm-up - no rush.

So Johan decided.

"Indeedee~"

Unconsciously.

And the new ranking for Johan’s team was officially announced.

"There’s that too..."

With "Champion Road’s" opening, the League’s official website forum exploded with heated discussion.

"Champion Road."

"Johan, remember the request Glacia and I made before?" Drake suddenly asked.

Drake’s smile seemed strange somehow.

"Heracross!"

Hearing this, Indeedee-F followed Johan closely while psychically floating out a plate.

"Five-day limit - aim to reach the destination in two days."

Plus Ninetales’ ’Fairy Aura,’ Ceruledge’s "life fire," Snivy’s ’Forest’s Blessing’ - recovery really wasn’t concerning.

Even in its normal state, it could probably wrestle with Bewear now.

"I came for two reasons: bringing you there, and explaining ’Champion Road’ precautions."

"Supposedly, though these wild Pokémon can be caught, most cases make bonding with trainers very difficult."

Urshifu also had type advantage when facing Ceruledge.

"This kid..."

As for Rotom.

Combined with their respective enhancements.

Tyranitar’s progress and pursuit once again made Ceruledge and Urshifu feel pressure.

Actually, Dragonite was slightly stronger than Tinkaton. Even without activating "Outrage" mode, it still had "Extreme Speed" - wait no, Outrage.

And the League allowing powerful trainers to train in "Champion Road" was itself a maintenance method.

Johan smiled.

Years of continuous high-quality energy cube nurturing, plus after Johan learned Indeedee-F’s wishes, he provided many materials helpful to Psychic-type Pokémon.

Successfully crossing the Champion threshold and reaching a completely new height.

It just hoped to capture more good scenery and photos, trying to reduce Gengar’s interference.

So well prepared?

Drake was puzzled, then said: "What move restrictions would there be? Except some special tournaments limiting move numbers, normally there wouldn’t be move restrictions..."

Though concerned, none called or visited to inquire.

"..."

Ceruledge’s "one-strike style secrets" were personally taught by Master Bear.

As for third-place Tinkaton and fourth-place Dragonite.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

After obtaining auras from Alola’s four islands plus the "Fairy Plate," Ninetales’ strength entered a rapid growth phase.

A nearby staff member quickly responded.

"Holy crap!"

What he now entered was the "Ascending Forest."

Dragonite was at a type disadvantage against Tinkaton, but had a major advantage against Urshifu.

No League Conference was held, but the stadium was packed, with tsunami-like cheers rising wave after wave from the circular venue.

"Johan-baby, when will you be Hoenn Champion? Right now!"

Johan smiled, taking the coffee and pastries, eating while entering "Ascending Forest."

"Hahaha—"

Currently, without using the "Fairy Plate," its strength was somewhere between... above ordinary Champion ace Pokémon but not yet reaching "Legendary" level.

"Hm?"

However, this eliminated a "consumption" stage.

Who exactly was challenging the "Champion Road"?

Drake: "..."

"Forget it." Drake waved his hand. "For you it’s the same, and there are temporary Pokémon Centers along the way for switching anyway. Bring however many you want."

"About to enter Heracross territory?" Glacia also wanted Mauville City cakes but still asked.

Everyone fought without real intensity, and without enhancements, comparing only normal strength.

Gengar had reached "Legendary" level in one leap!

"That strong? I feel like if I went in... I might not survive five minutes."

"I’m so kind..."

First, letting everyone become more familiar with each other.

His various friends, students, and seniors.

Upon appearing, Indeedee-F’s psychic power spread from its body, covering surroundings to prevent sudden danger while curiously exploring this strange environment.

Johan had previously helped handle one of its troublesome matters.

His energy cubes inherently restored condition and stamina, just with slower effects and speed.

Hm?

However, in team battles.

Ultimately.

With heavy footsteps, a Heracross emerged from the forest - armored in hard carapace, extremely robust limbs, especially massive horns gleaming ominously, clearly formidable.

"Honestly, if you hadn’t come, I’d have almost forgotten the time."

Psychic Terrain!

If even Kyogre had to detour, imagine the danger level.

Even "first-tier gods," perhaps even those fully powered "first-tier gods," might be worth challenging.

Drake laughed heartily, clearly in excellent spirits.

Johan could sense this.

Johan waved.

Team ranking battle ended.

Drake’s mouth twitched. "...Why don’t you have some?"

After pausing, Drake looked at him:

As for Master Bear...

Heracross’s Megahorn seemed to hit a hard, solid wall, producing a dull thud.

Of course, while Ninetales temporarily ranked second in strength, in family hierarchy it was equal to Gengar, even able to suppress Gengar.

"Livestream! Where’s the director? Switch cameras quickly! Do you know how?"

"So to shut some people up, the ’Champion Road’ will be entirely livestreamed." Drake smacked his lips.

Johan chuckled.

Moreover.

Under Mewtwo’s guidance, Indeedee-F’s strength had indeed improved greatly, especially its psychic control.

Holding the Sinistea teapot, pouring tea for Drake.

Originally, "Champion Road" opening would have many top trainers participating, first requiring tournament-style rounds, with only qualifiers earning access.

"Oh?"

Even Elite Four work specifically included "maintaining Champion Road."

Hoenn region’s Ever Grande Island "Champion Road" could mainly be divided into several key areas.

Standing with Johan, Indeedee-F called softly as a strange field emanated from it, rapidly spreading outward.

Where there’s policy, there are countermeasures.

How many Pokémon he brought really wasn’t anyone’s business.

"I heard ’Champion Road’ wild Pokémon are all strong?"

Combined with "life fire" recovery.

Rumble!!!

Johan smiled.

In order: Gengar, Ninetales, Tinkaton, Dragonite, Urshifu, Ceruledge, Tyranitar, Indeedee-F, Snivy, and Rotom.

Therefore, except for very few who challenged "Champion Road" immediately after winning conferences, most conference champions postponed this qualification.

"Let’s go."

"No problem, Sinistea is very safe, and makes tea more flavorful. You found the taste good too, right?"

However, Ceruledge had also improved. Sparring swordsmanship with Kartana had enhanced Ceruledge’s strength.

"If I hadn’t just seen those wild Pokémon battles showing their power, I’d almost think I could do it too."

Similarly.

"You needn’t worry about that." Drake waved dismissively, showing a teasing smile. "Anyway, some ’surprises’ have been prepared for you."

"This is just the tip of the iceberg. Why else call it ’Champion Road’?"

What surprised Johan most was undoubtedly Gengar.

"Are there move restrictions?" Johan asked.

A extremely fierce Salamence facing a Mightyena that accidentally entered its territory directly unleashed an unreasonable Hyper Beam.

"Snivy~"

Its massive horn aimed at Johan like a bulldozer, causing slight ground tremors as it charged.

This really wasn’t Johan’s arrangement, but Indeedee-F’s own preparation.

In its view.

"Snivy?"

Maybe it had accumulated enough, or maybe after fighting Kyogre, it had gained massive "experience."

As a trainer, he had clear understanding of his Pokémon’s abilities and strength.

Tinkaton’s strength had somewhat plateaued temporarily.

Combined with "Precipice Blades," it nearly caused Ceruledge to stumble.

Originally, Snivy was indifferent about evolution.

"Strong? You probably still lack clear understanding of ’Champion Road.’ It’s not just strong - it’s dangerous!"

Drake then briefly explained.

"Holy crap, one raise, one press - not just this Heracross, but all forest Heracross not yet visible were pressed down!"

As for classifying "Mega Evolution Stones" as items...

Next was Ninetales.

"Tsk."

Perhaps.

After all, Dragonite’s luck in battle really made Johan think he was blessed by fortune each time.

Regretful he hadn’t brought Indeedee-F earlier - life would have been so much more comfortable.

This scene left spectators stunned.

"Champion Road" had a five-day time limit. Failing to reach the "Elite Four Fortress" from Ever Grande Stadium within five days meant challenge failure.

Johan clapped, drawing the little ones’ attention.

Countless powerful wild Pokémon would become Johan’s greatest obstacles.

Perhaps to verify these "experts’" words, the director very "thoughtfully" switched to footage of wild Pokémon clashing on "Champion Road" while Johan had just entered without battles yet.

The massive commotion and move power made many spectators gasp.

"This, this teapot?" Drake clearly recognized the Sinistea, face stiffening.

And as the "Champion Road" opening approached, discussions became more heated, but this didn’t affect Johan’s rare complete focus on training.

However.

Teacher Johan, are you here to challenge "Champion Road" or go on a picnic?

Speaking of Tyranitar, it was really threatening the "first team."

Conference champions just needed to register their teams and climb the stairs behind to enter "Champion Road."

Even though Ninetales was Fairy and Ice-type.

Gengar cheerfully responded.

Small as it was, its thoughts were small too, very easily satisfied.

The little one was indeed working hard.

If Indeedee-F’s psychic power was ten, it could previously only use about six.

Team battles served two purposes.

These seven days, besides tree planting, would probably be spent in training grounds.

From the forested slope ahead came roaring.

From this forest, it sensed the purest and most vigorous "forest aura" it had ever faced.

Even Snivy’s body was covered in faint green luminescence.

These few days, plus the tempering of the "Champion Road," could let it advance further!

But after joining the team and witnessing Johan’s Pokémon and partners’ strength, its mindset changed.

"Indeedee!"

"Livestream?" Johan was startled.

August 24th, Friday.

These were spectators here to watch Teacher Johan challenge the "Champion Road."

This made Johan quite pleased.

"More than that - some forcibly caught Pokémon even attack and injure trainers they consider weak before returning on their own!"

"Currently, no such regulation." Drake said.

Finally he could confidently pass the burden to young people. He was gratified and satisfied.

After all, evolved or not, its former opponents couldn’t beat it.

Powerstones?

"I prefer coffee." Johan showed a mischievous smile.

Its strength had already reached Champion level!

If paired with "Mega Evolution," even if Ceruledge switched to "cannon form" plus Johan’s aura assistance, victory remained uncertain.

Time passed busily and fulfillingly.

However, the "Forest’s Blessing" that Calyrex mentioned made Snivy’s evolution much more difficult than other Pokémon.

Countless cheers and shouts expressed support for Johan.

"Indeedee~"

"However, there will be temporary Pokémon Centers in some locations where Nurse Joy can help with recovery. But after entering the ’Elite Four Territory,’ there won’t be any, so save recovery items for then."

Its breathing seemed to sync with the forest’s "breathing."

"This is wild tea I picked in Alola, roasted myself. Please try it."

But after Mewtwo’s guidance, Indeedee-F could now use eight or even nine!

So "Forest’s Blessing" still needed to return to forests.

It met all the criteria.

Though Snivy didn’t say so, if a trainer couldn’t sense this much, Johan wouldn’t be qualified as a Pokémon psychologist teaching Pokémon psychology.

You think everyone’s Pokémon are like yours with so many illegal moves?

Especially after several major events where everyone could help while it barely had chances to appear, further stimulating its pride.

"There are some rules to tell you."

Johan handed Drake hot tea - Drake didn’t like coffee.

Ceruledge withstood pressure from the "reserve" Tyranitar.

But if Dragonite had Johan’s assistance and activated "Outrage" mode, or even went berserk with double "Outrage," its strength could even threaten Ninetales!

"..."

"Why did you come personally, sir?"

"Johan-baby, go for it!!"

Whether live spectators or online viewers, all stared intently at screens.

So Dragonite could only temporarily rank behind Tinkaton.

Giving Johan sufficient time and space.

Or rather, he’d been in good spirits lately.

"Thank you, Indeedee."

"Indeed, ’Champion Road’ wild Pokémon are hard to communicate with, let alone capture and bond."

Thud—

"Indeedee!!!"

"First, after entering ’Champion Road,’ usable recovery items will be limited in quantity."

Felt like the League was "targeting" him.

They were too familiar with each other, too understanding.

"Moves?"

Didn’t they see that even during the Twin Gods incident, when Kyogre awakened from the sea, it directly detoured around Ever Grande Island to enter Hoenn?

"Yes."

Seeing Johan so leisurely, Drake couldn’t help complaining.

But no matter.

Just from its expression, Johan felt its determination to become stronger.

Clap clap!

----------

Camping overnight in such a place felt unsettling.

Actually, "Champion Road’s" original purpose wasn’t just selecting a Champion, but letting trainers and Pokémon truly experience their limits.

Johan politely greeted and apologized, then took out cake: "Want some?"

And Gengar’s major breakthrough naturally secured its position as leader of the "outlaw squad."

With "Champion Road" approaching, a few days to adjust to optimal condition was sufficient.

In the stadium center, no battle field or referee remained - only a huge screen focused on one person.

Movement appeared in the livestream.

Hopefully not shocks.

Second, slightly adjusting the little ones’ mindset.

Next opportunity, he could take Snivy to the Tree of Beginning to see what happened.

The first stage.

Unable to battle!

Indeedee-F was quite surprising to Johan.

Walking from Ever Grande Stadium to the "Elite Four Fortress" established by League headquarters.

Heracross looked shocked at the seemingly gentle Pokémon opposite.

Moreover, with Indeedee-F accompanying, its "Heal Pulse" move was a mobile "simple Pokémon Center."

Enhancements and going berserk weren’t unique to Johan and his Pokémon - what you had, others had too.

Today.

Not unsettling about personal safety, but unsettling for the wild Pokémon inside.

Besides Gengar’s breakthrough and Indeedee-F’s strength display, nothing much exceeded Johan’s expectations.

Maintaining such an area required countless Rangers from the League.

Because it wasn’t just for Champion position, but also Elite Four positions.

After a good sleep, it had actually achieved a major breakthrough in strength.

"Ah, sorry for disturbing your meal."

Taking care of Johan was its duty.

"You might not know - recently, headquarters classified ’Mega Evolution Stones’ as Pokémon items."

This made Johan somewhat regretful.

However.

The "Champion Road" officially began!

"Indeedee~!"

"Champion Road" Pokémon retained wild Pokémon’s purest ferocity, like ancient times when humans couldn’t yet capture Pokémon.

"When will Teacher Johan arrive? I’m getting nervous..." Phoebe rubbed her palms.

Numerous helicopters, Magnemite cameras, Rotom drone cameras circled in the air around Johan.

Johan raised an eyebrow.

Golden sunlight spread throughout Ever Grande City’s Ever Grande Stadium.

Moreover.

Looking at the fruits on the table, they suddenly seemed less appetizing.

Then Johan would truly wield dual "Legendary" Pokémon!

"After the Twin Gods incident?" Johan was puzzled why Drake mentioned this.

"I mean, moves." Johan emphasized again, looking seriously at Drake.

But acceptable.

Overall.

Johan remained calm.

Only because Ceruledge was too familiar with Tyranitar’s sandstorms, plus Ceruledge mastered aura - otherwise the sandstorm alone would be very troublesome.

"This, this, this is over already?"

According to Drake’s intelligence.

Waiting until they had stronger power and confidence before challenging.

"Second, each Pokémon can only use one type of item."

Therefore, its indifferent attitude toward evolution gradually became more positive.

Even against Serperior, whom it once considered a rival, it maintained the attitude of... I don’t need to evolve to beat you.

Some respect was due to the "Champion Road."

Especially with Tyranitar having type advantage.

But Heracross showed no communication intent, unlike gentle Heracross from other regions. It directly attacked.

Some "experts’" comments made many without accurate "Champion Road" concepts realize this place’s danger.

"Ka-kaah~"

Finally.

On it sat freshly brewed hot coffee and exquisite small pastries.

Drake cleared his throat, setting down his teacup.

This was where the Hoenn region held League Conferences.

Through the screen, in the "Elite Four Fortress," Drake, Glacia, Sidney, and Phoebe sat in the lounge watching the livestream.

Of course, a team of eighty-five versus one at ninety was quite different conceptually.

As the name suggested.

"It’s started!"

)

This was an uphill path.

One more night meant one more day of suffering for them.

As for Snivy...

As a Fairy and Steel-type Pokémon, Tinkaton naturally countered Dragonite.

Though the Hoenn League’s announcement of Teacher Johan’s "Champion Road" challenge sparked intense online discussion.

It was more like "making up numbers."

Hearing it wasn’t Gengar-brewed tea, Drake sighed in relief.

Johan’s expression turned strange.

Indeedee-F’s strength now exceeded ordinary Elite Four main Pokémon level, just short of ordinary Elite Four ace Pokémon.

As Johan resumed his journey, defeating the Heracross group marked the true beginning of this "Champion Road" challenge!

Directly pressing it into the ground, even embedding it in soil.

The Hoenn League headquarters sat at Ever Grande Island’s northernmost point, while "Champion Road’s" beginning was at the southernmost point - Ever Grande City.

Under countless gazes, he stepped up the stairs.

However, "levels" were just Johan’s own vague estimates for measurement, satisfying his little quirk as a "gamer."

Drake finally understood, his expression becoming strange.

"Heracross—!!!"

In any case.

Wait.

Within acceptable range.

During these days.

As its palm fell from above, invisible psychic force poured down from Heracross’s head.

Johan walked relaxedly to the stairway top.

"Alright, next time you go first."

If using game levels as a "setting," then Gengar’s current level was probably... ninety!

Legendary!

Illegal moves, huh?

It also made Snivy develop some anticipation for "evolution" for the first time.

Hoenn region, Ever Grande Island.

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