Johan accompanied Professor Birch back near the research institute.
"Oh no, the conference!" Birch exclaimed, finally realizing that the Pokémon Researcher Conference had already started.
"Anyway, Johan, thanks for the help!"
With that, Birch hurried toward the conference venue.
Johan rubbed his nose, feeling relieved.
Thankfully, he didn't try to hand me a Pokémon or anything.
He glanced at his own party.
Tinkatink was spinning its hammer, ready to smash the "Mini-Nose" statue. Haunter was strutting around with its comical fake mustache, showing off to Vulpix...
Yeah, best not to corrupt anyone else's Pokémon.
Besides, even taking care of these three was already financially draining—another one might leave him completely broke.
Having nothing else to do, Johan decided to take a look at the conference.
The first day of the Researcher Conference wasn't particularly engaging—it mostly involved researchers sharing their studies, challenges, and methods for overcoming them. Essentially, it was a series of long-winded stories, but rather dry ones.
The second day, when researchers showcased their actual findings, was usually much more exciting.
Johan pulled out his phone to check the time.
However, a peculiar message caught his eye:
[Together, We Resist]: Chat with me.
"Huh?"
Johan turned his phone over, examining it closely.
Is this thing broken? No notifications for incoming messages?
He couldn't even recall adding someone with that name.
And that tone...
Interesting.
Since it gave him an excuse to avoid the conference, Johan decided to respond.
Sitting down on a clean step, he typed back:
[Grain in the Field]: Sorry, I've been adding a lot of people recently, might've missed yours. Who are you?
[Together, We Resist]: Have I not said already? I am the Lord of Destruction, born of... Well, don't worry about how I was born.
The Lord of Destruction?
Johan's expression grew curious.
[Grain in the Field]: Greetings, Lord of Destruction. I am the Sky Sovereign, Master of the True White Dragon, Guardian of Order, and Creator of Light's Glory!
In the Distortion World, Giratina stared at the tiny pane of glass before it. The words displayed left it momentarily stunned, and then its expression grew grave.
Every authority the other party claimed... it could sense them!
What the heck? This guy is seriously powerful!
Meanwhile, Johan chuckled to himself, murmuring:
"Who doesn't know how to embellish? Think some Sinnoh history knowledge can impress me?"
He recognized this exchange for what it was: middle schooler banter.
Like kids proclaiming, "There's no way Ultraman isn't real," or "We all became the light that day."
Ah, the youthful charm of being a little delusional.
After all, who didn't have a phase like that?
Men are just boys at heart!
[Together, We Resist]: You're amazing!
[Grain in the Field]: Likewise.
[Grain in the Field]: Anyway, jokes aside, what do you want to talk about? Or rather, why don't you tell me about yourself?
The other party didn't reply immediately, so Johan took the chance to glance at Tinkatink and the others.
Tinkatink, sweating profusely, was hammering away at the "Mini-Nose" statue, seemingly trying to incorporate it into its own hammer. However, the statue was nearly its size, and it was unclear how it intended to merge the two.
Finally, the next message arrived:
[Together, We Resist]: A friend of mine is in trouble... (long story)... It's not really their fault... (more details)... Ultimately, though, it's the fault of the one who created them—granting them power but denying them freedom! And their two siblings are total cowards...
Wow, a whole essay.
Still, Johan grasped the essence of the story.
A figure—likely a parental or creator entity—had three children. The eldest, feeling mistreated, was bitter and resentful, while the younger two were too timid to resist.
Based on his experience, Johan suspected this "friend" was actually the person themselves.
Role-playing as a Pokémon, huh?
It wasn't the first time Johan had encountered someone venting their emotions through such a metaphor.
Using their tone, phrasing, and details, he quickly profiled the individual.
The person was likely strong-willed, capable, perhaps even outstanding in their abilities, but also highly prideful—potentially harboring a significant amount of jealousy.
Their username, [Together, We Resist], further suggested a rebellious streak.
Johan winced.
Why does this remind me of someone?
Oh, right. Sasuke.
Another troubled soul.
Johan sighed, then called out to Haunter.
"Haunter."
"Ka-kah?" Haunter turned inquisitively.
Johan waved his phone.
"Your long-lost brother."
After all, Haunter's nickname was "Whirlpool Haunter."
Haunter rolled its eyes, making a face.
[Together, We Resist]: Should my friend resist?
[Grain in the Field]: By 'resist,' do you mean... fight the creator?
[Together, We Resist]: When did I say that? I-I only meant to reclaim what was rightfully theirs!
Realizing the slip, the message was quickly retracted.
Classic.
[Together, We Resist]: My friend only wants to take back what's theirs. Isn't that fair?
Johan nodded slightly.
At least the person hadn't crossed the line into outright malevolence. There was hope yet.
If the individual were truly malicious, Johan would've had to contact Officer Jenny.
For now, he decided to guide them gently, aligning with their perspective first.
[Grain in the Field]: Yes.
In the Distortion World, Giratina froze, staring at the response for a long time before letting out a triumphant roar.
ROAR!!
The oppressive energy rippled across the dimension, further shattering its already broken terrain.
But Giratina didn't care—it was ecstatic.
Finally!
Finally, someone understood it!
[Together, We Resist]: Then I need your help!
There it is.
[Grain in the Field]: Sure, no problem.
But before Giratina could celebrate, Johan sent another message:
[Grain in the Field]: On one condition.
[Together, We Resist]: Name it!
[Grain in the Field]: From now on, you're forbidden from thinking about 'resistance,' mentioning it, or even hinting at it.
[Together, We Resist]: ?
[Grain in the Field]: You said the creator is powerful, right? If they're as formidable as you claim, do you think they'd overlook even a hint of rebellion?
Giratina shivered.
That's true.
It had always proclaimed its defiance against Arceus, yet with Arceus' omnipotence, how could those thoughts have gone unnoticed?
[Grain in the Field]: Instead, focus on quietly growing stronger. Bide your time. When the moment comes, you'll make them see you in a new light!
[Grain in the Field]: As we say here: 'Thirty years on the east bank, thirty on the west—never underestimate the underdog!'
[Together, We Resist]: Makes sense.
A moment later, the username changed.
[Young Challenger]: Makes sense.
Johan couldn't help but chuckle.
Quick learner.
The conversation ended there, the chat window disappearing abruptly.
"Huh..." Johan muttered, tapping his phone.
Guess I really need a new one. League-provided phones aren't exactly top-tier.
"Johan?"
Turning, he saw Cynthia standing nearby, looking puzzled.
"What are you doing here?"
"I was… handling something," Johan replied vaguely.
"Oh? Is this him?"
An elderly woman in a lab coat, with short brown hair and a slight build, emerged from behind Cynthia.
Cynthia quickly whispered, "My grandmother."
Johan immediately stood, feeling inexplicably nervous.
"Professor Carolina," the older woman greeted warmly, her gaze assessing him with a mischievous glint.
"Quite handsome," she remarked, nodding.
Johan exchanged an awkward glance with Cynthia.
"So, can you beat my granddaughter in a battle?" Carolina suddenly asked, catching him off guard.
Johan broke into a cold sweat.
"Probably… not."
"Grandma, stop it," Cynthia groaned.
Carolina chuckled, giving Johan a playful wink.
"Well then, young man, you'd better work on that."
Cynthia quickly changed the subject.
"Grandma, Johan knows a lot about Sinnoh's history!"
"Oh?" Carolina perked up, her interest piqued.
"Didn't you want to see the institute's stone tablets and records, Johan?" Cynthia prompted.
"Uh… oh, yes!" Johan
replied, catching her cue.
Carolina's gaze lingered on them for a moment before she smiled knowingly.
"Come on in, then."
She turned and headed inside, with Cynthia gesturing for Johan to follow.
As Johan trailed behind, he wiped his forehead.
Why does this feel like meeting the in-laws?
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Powerstones?
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