Pokemon: Spiritual Master-Chapter 354: Johan: Oh No, I’m the Main Fighter?!

Candice had already expected to lose; she simply wanted to fight with all her strength. At the very least, she wanted to see just how large the gap between her and Johan was.

What she didn't expect was to lose so decisively.

But there was no denying the benefits—she had learned a lot.

"Johan, this is proof of your victory over Snowpoint Gym. Though you don't need proof of anything, I imagine this might still be useful if you plan to challenge the Lily of the Valley Conference."

Candice handed over a badge, shaped like a shard of ice.

"And this—TM Ice Breath. It might be of some use to you."

From her words and tone, it was clear just how much respect she had for Johan.

Ice Breath? A move that always lands a critical hit—not only perfect for his Ninetales but also highly compatible with a one-hit KO style.

After a brief thought, Johan accepted it without hesitation.

"Thanks, Candice."

"You're too kind—I should be the one thanking you."

A smile spread across her face. This battle alone would give her plenty to think about and train with for a long time.

Fighting strong trainers really was the best way to grow.

Johan couldn't help but reflect on that as well.

To be honest, compared to other regions, the Gym Leaders in Sinnoh tended to be weaker on average.

It couldn't be helped—Sinnoh's League was established later than others due to the influence of ancient Hisui's history.

But he also noticed a trend—Sinnoh was actively pushing for younger trainers to take up leadership roles.

Candice was one example, as were Maylene in Veilstone, Gardenia in Eterna, and Byron's son, Roark, in Oreburgh.

Even beyond the Gym Leaders, the Sinnoh League was making a deliberate effort to pass leadership to a younger generation.

That was one of the reasons why, in the future, figures like Flint, Aaron, and Lucian would rise to become the Elite Four.

Of course, that didn't mean they were weak.

Once Cynthia took the Champion's seat and the Elite Four lineup solidified, Sinnoh's League would be one of the strongest across all regions.

And that was, in part, thanks to this youth-oriented strategy.

"Johan."

As he turned, he saw Flint and Aaron approaching, their expressions unusually serious.

Johan's heart skipped a beat.

Their faces said it all.

He had a bad feeling.

Still, he forced a smile and turned to Candice.

"Candice, we should get going."

She nodded, sensing the shift in atmosphere.

"If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. I'll do my best."

"We'll keep that in mind."

With that, Johan, Flint, and Aaron left quickly.

As soon as they stepped out, Johan checked his phone.

A message from Lucian.

"The volcano is acting up."

Sinnoh, Snowpoint Temple

Cynthia, Lucian, and Professor Carolina were already there.

"You're here," Cynthia greeted them, her expression grim.

"What's going on with the volcano? Wasn't it stable yesterday?" Johan asked.

"In just one night..."

Professor Carolina shook her head. "The previously calm volcano is now boiling over, as if someone poured oil on a fire."

Johan frowned. "Shouldn't we call in reinforcements from the League?"

"We already have," Lucian said, adjusting his glasses. "But..."

Right now, the Sinnoh League was in the middle of cracking down on the largest Pokémon poaching ring in the region.

That gang was cunning—almost as if they had insider knowledge of the League's movements. The League had already poured too much time and manpower into this operation.

Now, they had a difficult choice to make.

They could either abandon months of effort to respond to the volcanic threat, or they could gamble on Snowpoint's situation not spiraling out of control.

To make matters worse, Snowpoint was at the northernmost point of Sinnoh, while the League HQ was in the far southeast. Even if they mobilized immediately, it would take time to get there.

Simply put—no one was prepared for how quickly this situation escalated.

"Bertha is on her way," Lucian added.

Sinnoh's Ground-type Elite Four member—Bertha!

At least they would have one Elite Four-level fighter coming...

To be honest, though, if Regigigas truly woke up angry, the League's forces might not make a difference.

They were talking about a Pokémon that dragged entire continents.

If Cynthia hadn't reached her prime yet, there was no one in Sinnoh who could go toe-to-toe with Regigigas.

Maybe—just maybe—Jesse, James, and Meowth could take a few punches for them.

But Johan sighed in relief.

At least, for now, the team was strong.

Lucian, Flint, Cynthia, and Aaron—four of Sinnoh's future strongest figures.

They had this covered.

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...Right?

Then he noticed something strange.

They were all looking at him.

Johan stiffened.

Wait. What?

In their minds:

Cynthia: Johan might be able to calm Regigigas. No—he definitely can. Lucian: No need to panic. Johan is basically an elder in this situation. Flint: Johan is stronger than me. I'll just follow his lead. Aaron: Wait, why are volcanoes and Regigigas even related?

Johan twitched.

Oh no. I'm the main fighter?!

He muttered, "Am I supposed to be the head of this operation...?"

"Huh?"

The others didn't hear him clearly.

"Johan, do you have a plan?" Lucian asked.

A plan?

A plan?!

Johan wanted to scream.

The only plan I have is getting on a plane and flying home!

He rolled his eyes, but before he could answer, Professor Carolina returned from a phone call.

"The League just appointed me as the temporary commander for this crisis," she said.

Then she turned to Johan, completely serious.

"But I don't know Pokémon like you do. I think you should take charge."

Johan pressed his hand to his forehead.

I'm just a guy from Hoenn...

But seeing their expectant expressions, he had no choice.

"First, we need to confirm whether the volcano's eruption will actually cause a disaster."

RUMBLE.

They all felt the ground shake violently.

From the peak of Snowpoint Mountain, they could see lava and smoke rising into the sky.

"Uh..." Aaron blinked. "It kinda looks like it's about to erupt."

Johan: "..."

He took a deep breath.

"Then we need to confirm whether the eruption will actually wake up Regigigas."

RUMBLE.

A deep, ancient tremor echoed from within the mountains.

In the distance, snow-covered peaks began to collapse, avalanches roaring down the slopes.

Then, a low metallic hum reverberated through the air—an overwhelming presence pressing down on them.

Like an ancient deity slowly awakening from its slumber.

Lucian gulped.

"Johan, could you not say things out loud?"

Everything he said just kept coming true.

Johan scowled.

Like I'm doing this on purpose?!

"Hey," Aaron said suddenly. "Johan, what if you just say, 'Regigigas went back to sleep'? Maybe the crisis will be over."

Flint's eyes lit up.

Johan glared at them.

You actually believe that?!

Carolina sighed. "It looks like the eruption really did wake Regigigas."

This could either save them—or doom them.

"Professor Carolina, start evacuating Snowpoint," Johan ordered.

"Will we have time?" she asked.

He glanced at the volcano. It was still building up.

They had some time.

"Yes," Johan said firmly.

"Alright."

Carolina sped off in her jeep.

Johan turned to Flint.

"Flint, the real powerhouse is waking up. You go first."

"Yes! ...Wait, me?!"

Flint instinctively agreed, then did a double take.

He swallowed hard and looked toward Snowpoint Temple.

Could he win?

Johan chuckled.

He was just messing with him.

At least now, everyone was a little more relaxed.

Then he pulled Cynthia and Lucian aside to discuss a battle plan.

They needed to prepare for the worst.

Hopefully, Bertha would arrive in time.

If not...

Johan glanced at the shadows.

Marshadow had been following them for a while now.

If things went south...

Maybe it could stall Regigigas for a few seconds.

In the darkness, Marshadow shivered.

Why did it suddenly feel like it was being targeted?

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