Leon maintained his signature pose, as though surrounded by a hundred cameras.
This wasn't just a habit but a product of his upbringing in Galar, where every battle was treated like a grand performance.
In Galar, the region's official matches—whether Gym Battles or major tournaments—were massive spectacles held in enormous stadiums, a necessity due to the Dynamax phenomenon.
Ordinary Gyms couldn't handle the destructive force of Dynamax battles, often crumbling under the strain.
This showmanship-driven culture significantly boosted Galar's economy, making it an essential part of the region's identity.
As Galar's future champion, Leon carried the responsibility of introducing Galar's unique culture to the world.
Years of promotion by Macro Cosmos and the Galar League had made his over-the-top gestures a natural reflex.
While Leon struck his dramatic pose, Johan, standing opposite, used his Aura powers to communicate with Mew, who had disguised itself as Eevee.
"Mew, I need a favor."
"Meow?"
"Help me fight this guy."
Despite being a Mythical Pokémon, Mew wasn't naturally inclined toward combat. It could fight, but it just didn't enjoy doing so.
As expected, Mew immediately shook its head.
"Meow~"
Johan chuckled, understanding its reluctance.
"Okay, how about this—I'll buy you two new toys afterward."
"Meow?"
Mew's eyes lit up at the mention of toys.
Still, it pouted for a moment before raising a tiny paw to indicate four toys instead of two.
Leon had no idea that his earlier ravenous eating had painted him as "pitiful" in Mew's eyes, warranting this negotiation.
"Deal," Johan agreed without hesitation.
"Meow~♪"
Mew swayed its tail happily.
"Just disguise yourself again," Johan reminded. "No need to attract unnecessary attention."
Mew nodded, understanding the potential dangers. Despite its power, it was still a target for those who coveted rare Pokémon—Team Rocket and Pokémon hunters, to name a few.
It wasn't that Johan distrusted Leon, but Macro Cosmos' chairman, Rose, was a different story.
Everyone knew that Leon owed much of his success to Rose's support.
With the deal struck, Mew transformed back into Eevee.
Meanwhile, Leon was still holding his pose, his muscles visibly straining. Only when Johan finally spoke did he relax.
"Alright."
Leon exhaled, his tension easing.
"Then let the battle begin!"
He tossed a Poké Ball high into the air.
From the burst of red light emerged a towering Haxorus, its olive-green armor gleaming in the sunlight. Its crimson blades and muscular limbs exuded raw power.
As a Dragon-type Pokémon, Haxorus radiated an intimidating aura, its crimson eyes focused and determined.
Johan was momentarily surprised.
Leon had chosen Haxorus instead of his usual Galarian starters like Cinderace, Inteleon, or Rillaboom.
Perhaps Leon intended this as more of a sparring session than a serious match.
But it didn't matter.
Mew was ready to dominate.
"Go, Eevee!" Johan announced.
A chubby little Eevee hopped out from behind Johan, landing on the battlefield with an adorable chirp.
"Bui~!"
Leon's serious expression didn't falter, even as Johan sent out an Eevee.
As a seasoned trainer, he knew better than to underestimate his opponent, no matter how cute their Pokémon seemed.
"Haxorus, use Rock Slide!"
"Roar!"
Haxorus roared and slammed its tail into the ground, sending a barrage of jagged rocks hurtling toward Eevee.
Johan smiled.
"Eevee, Misty Terrain."
"Bui~!"
A soft pink mist spread across the battlefield, enveloping the entire area in seconds.
The incoming rocks collided with the mist and crumbled harmlessly.
[Misty Terrain reduces the damage of Dragon-type moves by half and prevents status effects.]
Leon blinked in confusion.
Since when can Eevee learn Misty Terrain?
Haxorus, too, seemed momentarily disoriented as the mist dulled its focus.
"Dodge it," Johan commanded.
Eevee deftly leaped from rock to rock, avoiding Haxorus' attack with graceful precision.
"Haxorus, Close Combat!"
Leon quickly shifted strategies. In the Misty Terrain, Dragon-type moves were weakened, so a Fighting-type move was the obvious choice.
"Mew—Magic Shine!"
"Bui!"
The Eevee emitted a dazzling burst of rainbow light, blinding Haxorus and halting its advance.
The searing brilliance left Haxorus roaring in pain, its defenses crumbling under the relentless assault.
"Enough," Johan said, raising a hand.
The battle had lasted only moments, but it was clear that Haxorus was outmatched.
Leon withdrew his Pokémon, nodding solemnly.
"We lost."
Even with the type advantage, the Eevee's sheer power was overwhelming.
Leon's mind raced as he analyzed the fight. This Eevee's strength rivals that of an Elite Four Pokémon!
Eevee chirped cheerfully and hopped back to Johan, tail wagging happily.
Its reward came in the form of a delicious Pokéblock, which it accepted with gusto before scampering off to play with Vulpix and the others.
Leon was quiet for a moment before stepping forward and extending his hand.
"Johan-sensei, thank you for the battle. Next time, I hope we can have a full six-on-six match."
Johan chuckled and shook his hand.
"I only have four Pokémon right now."
Leon blinked in surprise, glancing at the Pokémon gathered around Johan. Including the Eevee, there were five.
Noticing Leon's confusion, Johan smiled and explained, "That Eevee isn't mine. It's a friend."
"Not yours?"
Leon's eyes widened.
Even without being officially captured, this Eevee had fought with such precision and trust—it was hard to believe it wasn't Johan's Pokémon.
Leon's admiration deepened.
Johan-sensei is truly incredible. Not only is he a brilliant tactician, but even wild Pokémon trust him implicitly.
Johan didn't bother correcting Leon's assumption.
Explaining that "Eevee" was actually a Mythical Pokémon in disguise would probably sound ridiculous anyway.
As Leon departed, Johan made a mental note.
If Leon ever challenges me again, I'll just let Steven handle him.
A smile tugged at his lips.
You want to fight me? Beat my student first.
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Powerstones?
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