The Next Day.

TheIndigo Conference Semifinalswere about to begin.

Yesterday's intense matches had pushed the tournament's popularity to unprecedented heights. It wasn't just the Kanto and Johto regions tuning in anymore—people fromall over the Pokémon worldwere now following the event closely.

Particularly afterJohan's Ninetales pulled off a one-vs-six sweep, fans couldn't stop speculating:

What kind of new tricks would Johan pull out in the semifinals or finals?

Of course, Johan wasn't the only one keeping the conference hype alive.

After his match with Mélanie,Paul from Sinnohhad delivered a spectacular performance in his quarterfinal match.

Paul's opponent was theonly other first-time participantto reach the quarterfinals besides Johan. The result?

6-2.

Paul defeated his opponent while only losing two of his own Pokémon.

Although it wasn't as exhilarating as Johan's one-vs-six sweep, it was still impressive enough to earn him plenty of attention.

And today?

The semifinal bracket had lined up a clash between two title favorites—Johan and Paul.

Whether it was fate or sheer luck,the tournament's two most talked-about trainers were set to face off early.

According to rumors, Paul had previously competed in both theLily of the Valley Conferenceand theCyllage Tournament, where he reached thequarterfinalsandrunner-uppositions, respectively.

This time, Paul had come to the Indigo Conferencewith his sights set on the championship.

However, Paul'spersonalitywas often criticized.

Known for beingarrogantandcondescending, he never hesitated to trash-talk weaker opponents. He was also rumored to haveabandoned Pokémonhe deemed unworthy during his travels.

Despite his reputation, Paul still had a loyal fanbase who admired his"no-nonsense" attitudeandraw talent.

Themoment the semifinal matchup was announced—Johan vs. Paul—the discussion never stopped.

"So, Teacher, what's your plan fornot being humantoday?"

On the way to the main arena,Flannerycouldn't help but tease Johan.

Johan shot her a sideways glance.

What kind of question is that?

"You need to watch how you talk," Johan said. "I'm a responsible teacher, not a villain from a horror story."

"Besides..." He adjusted his glasses and smiled.

"We're just here to enjoy the competition."

Flannery raised an eyebrow.

Sure, sure. Enjoy the competition.

Except... everyone knew Johan had beensweeping the tournament like an absolute beast.

Meanwhile,Roxanneoffered a more serious comment.

"Paul is strong. He's no pushover."

Steven chuckled at her remark.

Strong? Sure.

But that doesn't mean Johan will need more than a fraction of his strength.

Suddenly,Ashpointed excitedly toward a figure in the distance.

"Hey, look! It's Paul!"

Walking toward the arena alone, hands in his pockets, was none other than Paul himself. Hiscold, aloof demeanormade heads turn.

Ash's loud voice caught Paul's attention. He stopped and glanced toward Johan.

"Johan," Paul said in an icy tone,"I hope you give it your all. I don't want to win the championship without a challenge."

The bystanders collectively gasped.

Was that... trash talk?

Flannery couldn't hold back her anger.

"You! Want to battle me first?!"

Paul gave her a dismissive glance and walked away without a word.

"Ugh! That guy is insufferable!" Flannery fumed.

Even Steven and Roxanne frowned at Paul's arrogance.

Meanwhile,Ash rolled up his sleeves.

"I'll take him on right now!"

Johan reached out, holding Flannery by the arm and pressing his palm to Ash's head.

"Calm down, Ash," Johan said with a chuckle.

"You'll cross paths with his little brother someday."

As for Paul's provocation?

Johan remained calm.

He adjusted his glasses and smiled.

"As a teacher, I can't put 'beating people up' on my to-do list."

Some passing spectators overheard Johan's words and couldn't help but admire his professionalism.

This is why Johan-sensei is so respected!

But if anyone knew Johan well—like his Gengar—they'd spot themischievous glint in his eyes.

"He asked for a serious match?"

Johan smirked.

"Well, I'll just have to take him seriously then."

Gengar cackled.

"Ka-kah! Finally, it's my time to shine, right?"

The Main Arena.

The stadium was packed to capacity, and the crowd's excitement had reached a fever pitch.

Thefirst semifinal matchwas coming to an end.

In a decisive final moment,GoodrianfromUnovacommanded hisFeraligatrto finish off his opponent'sMeganiumwith a powerfulCrunchattack.

6-4.

Goodrian had made it to the finals.

As the crowd roared in approval, the announcer's voice echoed through the stadium:

"Next up—the second semifinal match!"

"Johan vs. Paul!"

The anticipation was palpable.

For many, this match wasn't just a semifinal. It wasthe real championship battle.

Whoever won today would likely go on to claim the Indigo Conference trophy.

Across the Pokémon world, people gathered to watch.

At theRustboro Pokémon Academy, students and teachers filled the lecture hall to catch the live stream.At theSunlight Café, the Indeedee siblings worked tirelessly to serve the bustling crowd.InUnova, Cynthia and Caitlin watched intently from their villa.OnIsle of Armor, Mustard put down his game console and called his wife and students over to watch.

Back in the arena, the announcer's voice boomed:

"Let's welcome our next competitor—Johan from Rustboro City, Hoenn!"

The crowd erupted into deafening cheers as Johan stepped out of the tunnel, dressed in a sleek black suit and wearing his signature monocle.

"Johan-sensei! Go get 'em!!"

"Johan-sensei, destroy him!!"

The sheer volume of support made it clear—Johan's fanbase far outnumbered Paul's.

Paul, however, remained stone-faced.

"I want a real battle," he said coldly as he locked eyes with Johan.

"As you wish."Johan's gentle smile never wavered.

Paul threw his first Pokéball.

"Go, Honchkrow!"

TheBig Boss Pokémonemerged in a flash of light, its dark feathers gleaming under the stadium lights.

The crowd murmured in recognition.

Paul's Honchkrow had already earned a reputation for its impressiveone-vs-three sweepearlier in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Johan didn't throw a Pokéball.

Instead, ashadowstretched out from his feet and slithered onto the battlefield.

"Ka-kah!! (▼皿▼)"

Wearingsunglasses, Johan'sGengaremerged from the shadows with a wicked grin.

Removing its shades, Gengar glared at Paul's Honchkrow.

"It's time for Gengar-sensei to start class."

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Powerstones?

For 20 advance Chapters: /michaeltranslates

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com