Pokemon: Spiritual Master-Chapter 504: Testing Cadres with a "Champion"?

Unova Region, Opelucid City.

As one of the major cities in the Unova region, Opelucid had a distinct charm of its own.

The entire city was split down the middle by the location of the Opelucid Gym, dividing it into two completely different styles: modern on the west side and classical on the east.

The western part of the city had asphalt roads, gridded blue lights on the ground, and blue light-trimmed eaves on buildings, all with a futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic.

In contrast, the eastern side had more greenery, stone-paved streets with uneven levels, and stone reliefs decorating the walls—a more traditional, classical atmosphere.

This contrast was a hallmark of Opelucid City, representing the residents' different attitudes toward life.

People in the west preferred innovation, while those in the east favored the depth of tradition.

Though it appeared to be a divided city, the residents embraced the duality with open arms.

It wasn't that classical enthusiasts couldn't accept modernity, or vice versa. They just had different lifestyles—and mutual respect for each other's choices.

At that moment, Johan was cycling through the heart of the city, right along the path that led straight to the Opelucid Gym.

To his left stretched the futuristic side; to his right, the timelessly elegant classical side.

Honestly?

The contrast was pretty refreshing—two wildly different views in a single glance.

If he had to choose, Johan figured he'd work in the modern west and live in the relaxed east. Fast-paced and slow-paced—balanced.

In fact, many locals lived this way.

"Ka-kaah?"

Gengar suddenly floated to Johan's side and murmured a warning.

Old man feels like someone's watching us.

Huh?

If Gengar spoke up, it meant the "watching" wasn't normal. Ordinary gazes wouldn't make him speak.

Could it be... Team Plasma?

Unlike Team Rocket in Kanto and Johto, who worked from the shadows, or Team Magma, Team Aqua, and Team Galactic in Hoenn and Sinnoh, who kept quiet until their plans unfolded—Team Plasma in Unova?

They were very public.

Their ideology—return Pokémon to nature—was well known and often visible in public campaigns.

Of course, the actual core members—the King of Plasma, the Seven Sages, etc.—stayed hidden.

Until their true intentions were revealed, the Unova League had no grounds to act against them.

Partly because Unova was a highly tolerant region. As long as a religious-like group didn't cause real harm, it could exist.

And partly because Team Plasma's ideals, while strange, had supporters.

As a result—

Running into Plasma grunts on the street wasn't exactly rare.

They weren't universally hated—yet.

"Ka-kaah."

Gone.

Gengar said the gaze had vanished quickly.

Meaning the person wasn't following them.

Maybe it was just a glance, Johan thought, and let it go.

He continued riding—

BEEP BEEP BEEP—

Suddenly, a loud honk caught Johan's attention. Others on the street also turned to look.

The sound came from Officer Jenny—looking unusually flustered.

Officer Jenny? Needing help?

Johan blinked.

And then spotted the man standing beside her: a burly, red-brown lion-maned uncle, smiling goofily with a string of Poké Balls around his neck.

Kind of like a creepy uncle who hits on young women.

Wait...

Alder!

Champion of the Unova League—Alder!

And true to form, here he was shamelessly flirting with Officer Jenny.

In this regard, Alder was one of the rare few who could give Brock a run for his money.

"Professor Johan!"

Officer Jenny lit up when she saw him, waving energetically.

Johan's expression froze. He instinctively wanted to pedal away, fast.

But Alder's eyes met his.

"Oh?" Alder narrowed his eyes, then smiled in surprise. "Didn't expect you here in Unova, little J!"

Johan twitched.

Why did I stop for that horn?! Should've just kept going...

Now that Alder had spotted him, escaping would be rude.

"Cough, cough." Johan coughed awkwardly, forced a smile, and approached. "Mr. Alder, Officer Jenny, what a coincidence..."

"Sure is—zzz."

Alder didn't finish his sentence.

He fell asleep.

Just like that.

Officer Jenny wasn't fazed, and while Johan knew about this... quirk... seeing it in person was still surreal.

Apparently, Alder could even doze off mid-battle.

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Why? Because his ace, Volcarona, had died in an accident.

Since then, Alder had become apathetic and aimless—wandering around Unova, flirting with Jennys and Joys alike.

Honestly, Johan could understand.

If Gengar died... he couldn't say what he'd become.

Not just Gengar—any of his Pokémon.

Thankfully, his team—ancient Gengar, ancient Ninetales, ancient Dragonair, pseudo-legendary Larvitar, legendaries, history-grade Tinkaton—were not easy to kill.

Gengar's already a ghost—what's he gonna do, die again?

If anything, they were more worried about how long Johan could live.

Which also showed just how strong Alder really was.

Even after losing his ace, he held the title of Champion. That said a lot about his overall power.

Still, Alder had clearly lost the will to fight. He seemed more focused on nurturing the next generation and stepping down.

Alice becoming the youngest Champion in the future? Not surprising.

"Yoji! (Д)σ"

Larvitar pointed at Alder—

Isn't this just Coach Bear's twin?!

"Quick—run!" Officer Jenny whispered.

"Woof!!"

But just as she was about to leave, her Herdier barked and pounced on Alder, licking his face.

Even if Jenny and Joy found Alder annoying... their Pokémon loved the guy.

With a wet, happy slurp, Alder jolted awake.

"HAHAHAHA!"

As if nothing happened, Alder laughed heartily, rubbing the back of his head.

"Johan, how'd you like to join the Unova League?"

"Huh?"

The sudden proposal left Johan stunned.

That's how you ask someone?

Officer Jenny perked up. Her eyes sparkled, nodding excitedly at Johan—and suddenly Alder didn't seem so annoying to her anymore.

Alder grinned wider. "You'll be Champion~"

Johan: "..."

Wait.

You're testing leadership by offering Champion?!

Unova League really was a mess...

Still, it was obvious from Alder's tone—he respected Johan.

To be fair—

Johan wasn't weak. He could hold his own against most Elite Fours and younger talents.

But Champion?

That was still a big leap.

The title of Champion came with massive authority—second only to top League officials or regional presidents.

You could command Elite Fours and Gym Leaders. Entire regions, even.

But it also meant...

You were the frontline in every major crisis.

Like when Steven fought Groudon and Kyogre for 22 days straight in the manga.

Becoming Champion without the strength to back it?

You wouldn't even know what hit you when disaster struck.

"Ahem..." Johan deflected, "I actually have to visit the Opelucid Gym."

Jenny looked disappointed.

She'd hoped Johan would become their new Champion...

Her family and the Joys would've backed him completely!

Still, she quickly pulled herself together.

"Perfect timing. I'm heading there too," she said.

"Hmm..."

Alder stroked his chin and suddenly clapped a fist to his palm.

"Let's inspect the Opelucid Gym's facilities today!"

With that, he hugged Herdier and jumped into Jenny's jeep.

Bang!

The door slammed shut.

"Go!"

"Woof! Woof!"

Herdier slobbered on Alder's chin.

Johan & Jenny: "..."

They exchanged a helpless look.

What could they do?

Jenny got into the driver's seat and looked back. "Professor Johan, care to join us?"

No running now.

Johan nodded, packed up his bike, picked up Larvitar, and climbed in.

As the car rolled—

"Larvitar, huh?" Alder's eyes lit up as he saw Johan holding the Pokémon one-handed.

"Yoji!"

Larvitar waved at Alder. Seemed like it didn't dislike the Champion either.

"HAHAHA—"

Alder beamed, leaned closer, and lowered his voice.

"Johan, got any interest in Volcarona?"

Johan: "..."

Looking at Alder's raised brow...

Was the Unova Champion trying to sell him on a Pokémon?

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Powerstones?

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