Morning.
Warm sunlight peeked through the gaps in the curtains of the Pokémon Center, casting a soft, gentle warmth on Johan's face.
"Ka-kah—"
Gastly, as usual, licked Johan's cheek affectionately with its tongue, waking him up with its usual morning greeting.
Under Steven's somewhat perplexed gaze, Johan shivered slightly. Still half-asleep, Johan reached into his bag on the nightstand and pulled out a Cheri Berry, which could cure paralysis.
He popped it into his mouth, feeling the spicy heat spread through his mouth, before slowly opening his slightly reddened eyes, his expression remaining calm. He nodded to Gastly in thanks.
"Thanks."
"Ka-kah, Ka-kah!"
Gastly gleefully floated around Johan.
No big deal!
Steven, on the other hand, couldn't help but wipe a bead of sweat from his forehead.
So, those berries in his bag are for himself?
Cheri Berries to cure paralysis, Pecha Berries to cure poisoning—what about other status ailments?
Gastly couldn't put Johan to sleep, and Gastly wouldn't use Will-O-Wisp to burn him, but confusion... well, if you're confused, a berry won't make a difference anyway.
Steven thought to himself: Johan's movements... he's so used to this it's almost heartbreaking.
Yesterday's exploration had gone smoothly. Although busy, it had been a relatively easy day for Johan. However, the evening had been tiring, as he had been dragged to a late meeting by Duff.
After they freshened up, Johan and Steven headed to the Pokémon Center's cafeteria, which provided free breakfast.
"Here, this is for you."
Sitting down at the table, Johan poured a cup of Moomoo Milk for Gastly and handed Steven a folded piece of paper.
"What's this?"
"It's my tactical suggestions for your Skarmory."
"Skarmory?"
Steven was taken aback, visibly surprised.
"Johan, you know battle strategies? No, I mean... you even understand strategies for Skarmory?"
Steven had long stopped seeing Johan as just a psychology teacher. While Johan's expertise in Pokémon psychology was undoubtedly impressive, Steven had come to realize that Johan was also quite skilled in raising Pokémon and in Pokémon battles.
Curious, Steven unfolded the paper and began reading through the notes.
"Spikes, Stealth Rock, Whirlwind, Substitute, Roost, Taunt, Iron Defense, Protect... Huh?"
The contents were completely different from what Steven had expected.
There wasn't a single offensive move listed!
"You don't need my advice for offensive moves," Johan explained simply, seeing the confusion on Steven's face. "I'm sure you're more experienced in that area."
Steven nodded, though he was still a bit puzzled. "But... these moves..."
"Sure, your Skarmory might not know all of them yet, but with your skills, teaching it these moves should be easy."
"I still don't quite understand," Steven admitted honestly.
Johan paused, then gave an example: "Let's say you're up against... hmm, Flannery."
"She's a classic example of an offensive Trainer, and she has a type advantage over you. While you're not afraid of her, it's not ideal to go for an all-out attack. Instead, you could have Skarmory set up Spikes and Stealth Rock first."
"Then attack?"
"No, then use Whirlwind to blow them away."
"?!"
Steven was quick to catch on. He was used to a certain style of battling, but Johan's explanation was opening his eyes to a different, more strategic approach.
He realized that he was about to learn some "game-changing" tactics.
Just the idea of repeatedly using Whirlwind to cycle opponents out sounded like it could seriously frustrate anyone.
"With Skarmory's natural bulk, if your opponent relies on physical attacks, use Iron Defense to bolster your defenses. If they're more of a special attacker, then use Substitute, Roost, and Protect to stall them out."
Johan went on to explain some of the core strategies behind a "Hazard Setting Team" and how to utilize Skarmory to "stall" effectively.
Honestly, the concept of a Hazard Setting team seemed to suit Steven's lineup quite well.
Not just with Skarmory—there were plenty of other ways to build on this strategy with his other Pokémon.
And this was just a single-battle strategy. In double battles or larger-scale battles, the tactics could shift entirely.
"I thought you only had deep strategic insights for Gastly. I didn't expect..." Steven trailed off, his expression complicated, but there was a gleam of excitement in his eyes. It was as if Johan had opened the door to a whole new world for him—everything seemed so clear!
"Gastly's tactics?" Johan shook his head. "Gastly still has a long way to go. It'll take a lot more training before it can use tactics like Toxic, Protect, and Substitute effectively."
As a seasoned Pokémon enthusiast, Johan had countless strategies in mind once Gastly evolved into Gengar.
Especially in this world, where there was no restriction of just four moves for each Pokémon.
Toxic Stall?
That would just be the foundation.
"Ka-kah?"
Hearing Johan mention its future strategy, Gastly's eyes began to shine.
It was at this moment that Steven noticed Flannery and Roxanne approaching, carrying their breakfasts. They had likely overheard the conversation.
A large bead of sweat rolled down Flannery's forehead.
Johan also realized they had arrived, clearing his throat as he concluded, "Anyway, if you have any questions later, feel free to ask."
After all, Steven had given him that Toxic Orb. It only seemed fair.
"This strategy is so dirty! Johan, it's too underhanded!"
The idea of setting up hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock, paired with Skarmory's Whirlwind loop, left Flannery feeling utterly frustrated.
She sat down at the table, grumbling as she imagined having to face such tactics in battle.
Meanwhile, Roxanne looked deep in thought.
Dirty?
Just this?
This was nothing!
Johan exchanged a glance with Gastly.
Is it really that dirty?
"Ka-kah—"
Gastly shook its head vigorously.
It's about as dirty as my sneak attack tactics.
Flannery's exaggerated reaction was likely because Johan had used her as an example. The hypothetical scenario had hit a bit too close to home for her.
"Teacher, you can't do this. Steven's already strong enough. If you teach him strategies like these..."
Flannery stared at Johan intensely.
"So... when will you teach me?"
Johan: "?"
After breakfast, Johan took Gastly to a quiet spot for training.
Today's plan was for a relaxed field trip, with all the classes and teachers gathered together. With so many people, his presence wouldn't be missed.
After briefly informing Duff, Johan slipped away.
Of course, he didn't plan to go far. If anything came up, he would be able to return immediately.
"Ka-kah?"
How are we training today?
Gastly was buzzing with anticipation.
Especially after hearing about all the battle strategies that morning, Gastly was more eager than ever to start.
Forget sneak attack tactics!
Johan pulled out a small box. When he opened it, it revealed several Energy Cubes.
Some were a deep red, others a vibrant orange.
Johan explained, "I couldn't get things like Ninetales' tail fur or Chandelure's wick, and I'm not sure if they're even reliable."
"So I asked Sayaka to help me get these special Energy Cubes. They'll assist in today's training."
This small box of specially made cubes had cost Johan a whopping 1,000 Poké Dollars!
"Ka-kah, Ka-kah?!"
Gastly's eyes sparkled with excitement.
For me?
It immediately opened its mouth wide.
"Gastly..."
Johan tossed the first cube to it.
"Ah-wu!"
Gastly swallowed it in one gulp.
Sweet... Spicy...
Gastly's eyes sparkled.
"Tsk—Ka-kah! (´Д｀)"
It's a bit spicy, but delicious!
It signaled Johan to keep them coming.
"This one's made from 'Dragonfire Berries.' It'll boost your special attack... but it's pretty spicy."
Johan warned, "It might also be a bit bitter."
Gastly hated anything bitter.
"Ka-kah, Ka-kah!"
Come on, let's do this!
"Ah-wu!"
As Johan tossed over the fiery red cube, Gastly eagerly bit down.
But as it chewed, its expression began to freeze.
"How's it taste?" Johan asked curiously.
Gastly's face flushed a deep red, contorting into a bitter expression.
"Ka! Kah!!"
So bitter!!
Tears streamed from Gastly's eyes.