Pokemon: Psychic Master

Simple, direct, and violent.

The issue with the rampaging Salamence was immediately straightened out by Johan.

The speed, the decisiveness, and the sheer brutality left everyone dumbfounded.

Even Norman, despite his experience, couldn't help but sigh in admiration by the end.

"Johan-sensei truly lives up to his reputation…"

"Haha!" Johan chuckled meaningfully.

Let's just take that as a compliment.

However, after the Salamence was healed, Norman made another request.

"Could I trouble you, Johan-sensei, to have a battle with me?" Norman asked, his expression serious.

Hmm?

Hearing this, Johan instinctively took a step back.

Why did he feel like this was Norman's real reason for coming here?

Noticing Johan's reaction, Norman smiled helplessly and explained:

"It's because of those two kids…"

Both men turned their gazes toward Ruby and May, standing not far away.

"Although Ruby managed to defeat the Salamence, I sense a change in his attitude toward battling. I don't know if it's good or bad, but as a father, I feel I must respect his choices."

It seemed Norman had picked up on Ruby's growing aversion to Pokémon battles.

Norman sighed deeply.

"But as a father, I also have a duty to show him what a real Pokémon battle looks like."

As for May…

Norman explained that when May was younger, she went swimming in the sea and was suddenly surrounded by a swarm of Tentacool.

Wearing a blue swimsuit and cap, she called for her parents to save her. However, her mother mistook her for a Tentacool and tried to capture her with a Poké Ball.

Since then, May developed a psychological fear of Pokémon and trainers.

For a powerful trainer like Norman, having both his children develop issues with Pokémon and battles was quite frustrating.

After hearing Norman's story, Johan fell into deep thought.

I get it…

But…

"Mr. Norman, you know Steven, right? I feel he might be more suitable for a battle like this."

But Norman quickly gave Johan an irrefutable reason.

"They're both your fans. If they see you battle, they'll understand better."

Johan pursed his lips.

Well…

But Mr. Norman, are you sure watching me battle won't traumatize them further?

"Should we script the battle?" Johan asked cautiously, considering the kids' psychological states.

But Norman shook his head resolutely.

"No, it has to be a real battle. Only by seeing a genuine battle will they understand. Whatever choice they make afterward, I'll respect it."

Norman's strict reputation was well-known.

But…

A real battle.

Johan frowned slightly.

Who was Norman?

The strongest Gym Leader in Hoenn!

He was practically Hoenn's next Elite Four member in waiting!

If not for his lack of interest, he would already be in the Elite Four by now.

In the Pokémon Special manga, Hoenn had three Champion-level trainers: Steven, Norman, and Wallace!

Norman's Slaking even held its own against Rayquaza for a time!

But these three… none of them were interested in holding Champion titles.

Steven was busy digging for stones.

Wallace was preoccupied with the Pokémon Contests.

And Norman? He was busy raising his kids.

Then there were others, like Cynthia investigating ruins, Diantha focusing on acting, Alder wandering aimlessly, and Professor Kukui expanding the League.

In comparison, only Lance and Leon seemed like responsible Champions.

Leon, who even appeared in advertisements… truly a model Champion!

"If I ever get a chance to become Champion…" Johan's thoughts drifted.

"I'll definitely develop Pokémon psychology as a major field!"

Refocusing his thoughts, Johan realized that battling Norman in a real match was practically asking to get crushed.

Seeing Johan's hesitation, Norman quickly clarified:

"It'll be a balanced battle."

"This will be a 2v2 doubles match. Each side can only use two Pokémon."

Roxanne stood as referee.

"When both of a side's Pokémon are unable to battle, the match ends. Any objections?"

"Is Johan-sensei finally setting his sights on the Hoenn League?"

Flannery whispered.

"Huh?" Steven glanced at her, confused.

Flannery shrugged.

"Maybe I should tell my grandpa to be ready. Johan-sensei might come for our Gym next."

Steven's eyes widened.

Was Johan planning to challenge the Hoenn League?

For a moment, Steven felt tempted to join in.

Should I… participate too?

Meanwhile, Ruby and May, sitting nearby, looked excited.

On one side was their father, whom they admired.

On the other side was Johan, the Champion they idolized after watching the Indigo League.

This battle was bound to be thrilling!

Johan pondered which two Pokémon to use for the doubles battle.

Gengar was a must.

Norman specialized in Normal-types, and Gengar's Ghost-type would be immune to their moves. Plus, Norman's Pokémon often knew Fighting-type moves, which Gengar could handle.

But the second Pokémon…

Johan's gaze swept over his team: the elegant Ninetales, the hammer-wielding Tinkaton, the eager Dragonair, the enthusiastic Kubfu, and the fiery Charcadet.

Why did he feel any of them would wreck the battlefield?

It was his backyard, not a tournament arena. If it got destroyed, no one would repair it for him…

Ah!

Johan's eyes sparkled.

There's no better Pokémon for doubles than this one!

"Alright, I've decided on my two!"

Norman, now fully in battle mode, released his Pokémon.

First was the hyperactive Vigoroth, hopping excitedly.

The second was the sleek, brown-furred Ursaring with piercing blue eyes.

"Ursaring, the Hibernator Pokémon. It's known for its strength, and the fur from its body makes premium shaving brushes!" the Rotomdex explained.

Norman didn't summon Slaking, which made Johan breathe easier.

Meanwhile, Johan made his choice.

"Go, Gengar and Indeedee!"

"Ka-kah~! ┌(▼▼メ)┘"

Gengar emerged immediately.

The female Indeedee paused in surprise but then smiled warmly when Johan addressed her.

"Will you help me in this battle?" Johan asked gently.

Seeing his trusting gaze, Indeedee's eyes glistened with emotion.

She nodded firmly.

"Indeedee! (≧≦)"

Gengar gave her a thumbs-up.

"Ka-kah! d(○)"

Indeedee blushed slightly, unsure whether it was from embarrassment or excitement.

"Seems like your Pokémon trust you a lot. That's impressive."

Norman nodded approvingly.

Then, without hesitation, he gave his first command.

"Vigoroth, use Thunder Wave!"

But the target wasn't Johan's Pokémon—it was Ursaring!

Golden static surged from Vigoroth's hands, wrapping around Ursaring and inducing paralysis.

Both Ruby and May were stunned.

But Johan immediately understood Norman's strategy.

Because Ursaring had the "Quick Feet" ability!

[Quick Feet: When afflicted by a status condition, the Pokémon's speed increases by 50%, and it ignores the speed reduction from paralysis.]

"Ursaring…"

Norman was about to give another command when Johan cut in:

"Indeedee, Fake Out!"

Indeedee's unseen hand clapped sharply against Ursaring, making it flinch.

"Gengar, Nasty Plot!"

"Ka-kah~ (★≧▽^))★☆"

Gengar's eyes gleamed with sinister intent.

At the same time…

Buzz—

Indeedee activated Psychic Terrain, enveloping the field in shimmering psychic threads.

Norman raised an eyebrow.

Controlled Psychic Terrain?

And that quick reaction… Did Johan already figure out Ursaring's ability?

"Vigoroth, Knock Off!"

Vigoroth darted toward Gengar, its hands cloaked in dark energy.

[Knock Off: A Dark-type move that removes the target's held item and deals extra damage if the target is holding an item.]

Dark moves were a major threat to both Gengar and Indeedee.

Norman's tactics seemed eerily familiar to Johan.

Opening with Knock Off?

This feels like battling myself from the past, Johan thought wryly.

Norman was clearly a seasoned tactician.

But there was one crucial thing Norman didn't realize…

The star of this doubles match wasn't Gengar—it was Indeedee!

"Indeedee," Johan said softly, "Look at me."

"Indeedee~~(｀)Ψ"

Indeedee gestured, taunting Vigoroth into attacking her.

Norman narrowed his eyes.

So long as Indeedee's Follow Me was active, his Pokémon couldn't target Gengar.

"Ursaring, use Double-Edge!"

"Vigoroth, use Brick Break!"

But Johan's next command left everyone speechless.

"Indeedee, Psych Up!"

Instead of dodging, Indeedee copied Gengar's boosted stats with Psych Up.

Both of Norman's Pokémon closed in.

But at the last second, Johan smirked.

"It's over."

"Gengar, Ally Switch!"

In an instant, Gengar and Indeedee swapped places.

Both Vigoroth's and Ursaring's attacks missed, rendering them useless against the Ghost-type.

Everyone watching—Ruby, May, Steven, Flannery, and Roxanne—gaped in astonishment.

Amazing!

Johan-sensei, you're incredible!

Johan grinned.

Just watch and learn.

Now with boosted special attack, Indeedee unleashed an overwhelming Expanding Force under Psychic Terrain.

The battlefield shimmered with psychic energy, engulfing Vigoroth and Ursaring.

Boom!

The battle ended in a decisive victory.

Even Norman was left in awe.

"Completely outmaneuvered…" Norman murmured.

Ruby, May, and the others could only stare.

Indeed, Johan wasn't just the Indigo League Champion.

He was also… the king of dirty tactics.

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Powerstones?

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