Johan: I Alone Can Take You All On! (BONUS)

Johan gently placed his hand on Alcremie's head.

"Y-Mai~ (≧▽≦)"

S-So comfy!

Feeling Johan's Aura, Alcremie was instantly overwhelmed by a sensation of pure bliss.

Sensing that something was off, Thorne immediately suggested:

"As Trainers, Johan, we should settle this in the way of Trainers!"

The way of Trainers?

Johan exchanged a glance with Gengar.

Then both of them grinned.

—

The Seven Stars Restaurant Tag Battle Tournament was taking place at Lake Valor's shores.

Since the number of participants wasn't always an even number—

And even when it was, randomly pairing Trainers might prevent them from performing at their best—

The tournament had a flexible rule:

The default format was tag battles. However, a single Trainer could enter alone—as long as they controlled two Pokémon at once.

—

"You're already in Canalave City?"

Holding his phone, Johan looked stunned.

Had Fitzwilliam already reached Canalave City?

No wonder…

No wonder Fitzwilliam had left early in the morning, while Johan and the others had only set out in the afternoon.

And on the other end of the call—

Fitzwilliam, who had just realized that Johan wanted to team up with him for the tournament, was absolutely regretting his life choices.

This could've been a free win!

Why had he rushed off so fast?!

He could've stayed back, teamed up with Johan, and completely steamrolled through the competition…

And maybe even bullied Flint a little in the process.

Huge mistake.

"Forget it," Johan sighed.

"Looks like I'll have to go solo."

He turned to look at his Pokémon.

Even though teaming up with Fitzwilliam would've been a solid strategy—since their battle styles were quite compatible—

The guy had run off, so there was no helping it.

"Ka-kaah!!"

Gengar, brimming with fighting spirit, rallied the entire team.

For food!

The moment the word "food" was mentioned, Johan swore he could see their eyes literally ignite with passion.

Even Marshadow, who rarely made an appearance, stepped forward to hype up the squad.

—

When the contestant list was officially announced—

It immediately caused an uproar.

"What?! Johan, Volkner, Jasmine, Maylene… Is this an all-star lineup?!"

"I never thought I'd see so many elite Trainers at a restaurant tournament!

"Johan defeated Brandon! If he's here, does that mean…"

"Relax! Volkner, Jasmine, and Maylene are all strong too! And besides—Johan is competing alone!"

"Yeah! He might be strong, but can he really beat all of us before his stamina runs out?"

"…"

Standing amid the excited chatter, Flint let out a deep sigh.

Seriously?

Am I really that irrelevant?

I'm supposed to be the future strongest Fire-type Trainer, and I don't even get a mention?

Even though this was a restaurant tournament, the competitors—aside from the Gym Leaders—weren't weak at all.

Seven Stars Restaurant was the most prestigious dining establishment in Sinnoh.

Naturally, only skilled Trainers would even make it past the preliminary requirements to enter the battle-for-food challenge.

Even Jasmine and Maylene had to team up to secure their free meal.

That alone spoke volumes.

Every contestant here had at least competed in one League Conference and achieved respectable results.

Some were seasoned veterans who had competed in multiple tournaments.

Of course—

There were exceptions.

Like—

Thorne and his fiancée, Chloe.

The definition of "bad at battling, but addicted to it."

—

In the end, eight teams and fifteen contestants entered the tournament.

Johan was the only solo participant.

—

Under the Seven Stars Tournament Rules:

Winning a single round would grant a free meal. Higher placements (Champion or runner-ups) would earn special luxury rewards from Thorne and Chloe.

With such a star-studded lineup—

The spectators' enthusiasm was sky-high.

As the crowd roared, the tournament officially began.

—

The first match featured Jasmine and Maylene—aka the Hungry Duo.

Their opponents?

A random mountaineer and an equally random bug catcher.

Though their Pokémon weren't weak—

They were still no match for Jasmine and Maylene.

"Success!"

After winning, Maylene excitedly hugged Jasmine—ecstatic that they had secured their free dinner.

Meanwhile, Jasmine—shy as ever—blushed furiously.

—

Then—

It was Johan's turn.

His opponents?

Thorne and Chloe.

Johan instantly realized—

This tournament was rigged.

But—

It actually worked in his favor.

This wasn't just about the free meal—

It was also a battle for "employee rights"!

—

"Ka-kaah~!"

Gengar cheered from the audience, holding two bouquets of who-knows-where-they-came-from flowers, playing the cheer squad.

Beside Gengar—

Alcremie, happily waving its own set of flowers.

And in Alcremie's shadow, barely visible—

Marshadow.

It sat motionless, eyes locked on the battle—

But if you looked closely, you'd notice—

Its gaze kept wandering toward Alcremie.

After a long internal struggle—

Marshadow finally made a move.

It stealthily extended a hand—

Swiped a tiny bit of Alcremie's cream—

And instantly popped it into its mouth.

"Marsha~! (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)"

Delicious!

…Wait.

As a proud "Guide of Shadows", could it really leave such a weak Pokémon unprotected?

Marshadow's eyes sharpened.

It turned to Johan with determination.

"Chosen One"—win this battle, or else!

—

On the battlefield—

"Johan, please go easy on us," Thorne and Chloe said in unison, performing a noble bow before releasing their Pokémon.

A Snorlax.

And a Munchlax.

"Ka-Mii~"

"Ka-Bii~"

Seeing the massive, sleepy Snorlax and the smaller, but equally chubby Munchlax—

Johan's expression turned… odd.

Who enters a tag battle with a Snorlax and a Munchlax?

Was this a buffet battle?!

Aside from being adorable, this duo had zero synergy.

But since they were the owners, the audience still cheered enthusiastically.

Johan chuckled.

"Rotom, wanna give this a shot?"

"Me? Loto?"

Hovering beside him, Rotom looked stunned.

Johan smiled.

"Just asking."

"…Can I?" Rotom hesitated.

It never really enjoyed battling—

But after watching so many fights alongside Johan, it had definitely felt the urge to try.

Back in Volkner's Gym, Rotom had already been tempted to join—

It just hadn't realized it at the time.

Johan had noticed.

And that's why he asked.

This was the perfect chance.

"Of course."

Johan patted Rotom and gently encouraged it with his Aura.

"Go for it."

"Lo… Loto!"

Rotom took a deep breath—

And floated onto the battlefield.

Then, Johan sent out his second Pokémon.

"Charcadet, you're up."

"Goka!"

—

"Johan… you only have one body."

"There's no way you can take us all on!"

Johan smirked.

"One body is enough."

"I can take every single one of you."

Flint, Volkner, Jasmine, Maylene—bring it on.

Jasmine & Maylene: ??? We didn't even say anything?!

—

Above Lake Valor, a faint shadow flickered.

A powerful will had been ignited.

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Powerstones?

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