The next day, morning.
After washing up, Johan saw Gengar fiddling with the "Dynamax Band" they'd just received yesterday.
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar tried putting the "Dynamax Band" near its mouth, carefully touching it with its sharp teeth.
Johan: "..."
Taking back the "Dynamax Band."
"Don't break it. This is made from 'Wishing Stars' and can absorb scattered Galar Particles, which is why it can make Pokémon Dynamax." Johan explained briefly.
"Ka-kaah?" Gengar scratched its head.
Absorbing scattered Galar Particles to Dynamax? Can I Dynamax too?
As it asked, it became excited.
"There'll be a chance, there'll be a chance." Johan vaguely brushed off the topic, changing subjects: "Where's Tinkaton? Still forging?"
"Ka-kaah~"
Yep~
Coming to the yard, Tinkaton was indeed working hard at the forge, sparks flying everywhere. The little one was covered in sweat but didn't feel tired at all.
Meltan beside it still served as the "cheerleader."
"The little one really works hard."
Getting up early to forge iron.
For Tinkaton, nothing was better than being able to repair its hammer and make it more perfect - this was its greatest masterpiece!
"We need to work hard too."
Johan sighed, then brought Ninetales and Gengar to continue "counseling" the Pokémon at Professor Magnolia's research facility who had suffered more or less psychological trauma from inexplicable Gigantamax incidents.
Galar region, Hammerlocke City, underground energy factory.
Wearing a gray suit, Galar League Chairman and Macro Cosmos Corporation President Rose walked on the bridge in the energy factory's core area with his hands in his pockets, expression calm with a gentle smile.
Behind him followed his secretary in a white coat and black stockings, clicking in high heels with long golden hair - Oleana.
Facing them was a seemingly high-tech sphere and busy Macro Cosmos Corporation workers around it.
Oleana's expression wasn't as relaxed as Rose's. After approaching the workers, she frowned and asked:
"How is it?"
The supervisor immediately came forward, saying:
"We've temporarily completed most restrictions, but still need to guide some Galar Particles out!"
"Too many Galar Particles have been guided out recently, causing very bad negative effects." Oleana said seriously.
Hearing this, the supervisor's forehead immediately broke out in sweat, bowing: "We're working hard to strengthen the storage warehouse capacity, but this really needs time..."
"And brings massive trouble."
Oleana interrupted the supervisor's words. Just as she was about to continue, Rose smiled and gestured to stop her.
"Chairman Rose..." Oleana was stunned.
Rose smiled: "It's fine, Oleana. Though it's caused some bad effects... it's also provided our Galar League's young trainers with good training opportunities."
Dynamax was exclusive to Galar region, and wild Pokémon affected by scattered Galar Particles to Dynamax might cause trouble, but...
This also gave trainers who went to calm the Dynamax situations training opportunities.
Rare battle chances.
Leon had grown up through such "training."
Though Rose valued and cultivated Leon most, that didn't mean there weren't other young trainers in Galar League who needed cultivation.
"But the 'Pokémon World Championship' will be held in our Galar region and Paldea region. With large numbers of tourists and trainers gathering, if sudden Dynamax incidents continue like this..." Oleana said worriedly.
If only Galar region hosted the "Pokémon World Championship" it would be manageable, but adding Paldea region, the current situation would only "drive" many tourists and trainers to Paldea region.
This definitely wouldn't benefit Galar region's development or economic promotion.
Moreover.
Galar region promoted "competitive culture." Without enough audience support, Galar region's culture would be hard to spread.
This would lead to fewer and fewer tourists and trainers coming to Galar region, eventually forming a vicious cycle.
If she were only Macro Cosmos Corporation's president's secretary, Oleana wouldn't need to worry about this, but she was also the Galar League Chairman's secretary, so she had to care.
"Then what solution do you have, Oleana?"
Rose's smile remained unchanged as he turned to look at his secretary.
"I..."
Oleana opened her mouth.
But didn't know what to say.
As Rose's secretary, she knew too well what the energy factory before them, or more precisely the "energy storage warehouse" in front of them, meant to Chairman Rose.
This was the most crucial element in Rose's "Galar Millennium Prosperity Plan."
Rose gently patted Oleana's arm, indicating she needn't worry too much.
"Don't worry. Trainers are beings who face difficulties head-on. Just some Dynamax incidents will actually become their challenge targets."
"But..."
Oleana wanted to say that recently those scattered Galar Particles seemed to have self-awareness, choosing some relatively powerful wild Pokémon, making Dynamax Pokémon increasingly difficult to handle.
But she ultimately couldn't say it.
"Alola region has Totem Pokémon, an important part of 'Island Challenges.' Do Alola region trainers fear them?"
Rose looked confident.
"Use some corporate power for publicity relations, associating those Dynamax Pokémon with Alola region's Totem Pokémon."
He slowly crossed his arms.
"I believe many trainers will be interested in the challenge."
Hearing this, Oleana's eyes behind her glasses brightened slightly.
This was indeed a good solution.
But Alola region's Totem Pokémon were controlled by Captains, while Galar region's Dynamax was all random.
Currently it only affected areas outside cities and wild Pokémon, but if one day it affected urban areas or trainers' Pokémon, that would be trouble.
Though trainers enjoyed challenges, ordinary residents far outnumbered trainers.
Rose obviously considered what Oleana worried about.
"Deploy corporate battle departments in batches by region to reduce possible urban impacts." Rose said.
"Understood."
"Also, do you know about 'Rainbow Rocket Corporation'?"
Oleana was stunned, then nodded: "Yes."
As Galar League Chairman's secretary, how could she not know about "Rainbow Rocket Corporation"?
Even as Macro Cosmos Corporation president's secretary, she knew more unknown secrets.
"Rainbow Rocket Corporation" was just a "shell" for Team Rocket's transformation. Many League higher-ups knew this.
But "Rainbow Rocket Corporation's" procedures and projects were all legal and compliant, even including projects like "dangerous area infrastructure construction" that other companies wouldn't touch. The League couldn't effectively target them.
Moreover, while the League strongly opposed Team Rocket, for "Rainbow Rocket Corporation," the League couldn't say it supported them but maintained a watchful attitude.
If Team Rocket truly intended to transform into a legitimate organization operating under rules, the League would be happy to see it.
As for whether "Rainbow Rocket Corporation" might become too powerful with too much influence...
Macro Cosmos Corporation, Aether Foundation, Devon Corporation, etc. - as if any of their influences were inferior to "Rainbow Rocket Corporation."
"Hire some of their people for 'dangerous area infrastructure construction.'" Rose said.
"Hire them?"
Oleana quickly understood.
"Rainbow Rocket Corporation's" "construction department" was equivalent to half a "security department" - everyone who'd hired them said good things.
This was using Team Rocket's power to ease their own pressure.
But this way... wouldn't it give Team Rocket opportunities and excuses to interfere in Galar region?
"Don't worry." Rose remained confident. "If they want to transform, they won't do anything excessive. Compared to corporate development, they're far behind us."
Rose's confidence had foundation.
Who was he?
Galar League Chairman and Macro Cosmos Corporation President!
No matter how capable Team Rocket was, Giovanni's "Rainbow Rocket Corporation" was still in its startup phase, far inferior to Macro Cosmos Corporation.
Of course, this referred to business operations and scale.
In terms of combat power, "legitimate" companies like Macro Cosmos Corporation definitely couldn't compare to Team Rocket.
But he, Rose, was still League Chairman.
If "Rainbow Rocket Corporation" didn't want to be labeled an "evil organization" again, they had to behave in Galar region, or Team Rocket's transformation plan would definitely fail.
Moreover, just hiring some people while controlling numbers would only be assistance without major impact.
Just letting "Rainbow Rocket Corporation" earn some money.
"I understand." Oleana nodded, understanding Chairman Rose's arrangements.
Rose gazed at the huge energy warehouse before him, corners of his mouth rising uncontrollably.
"Such endless energy, so wonderful..."
Galar region, plains from Postwick to Slumbering Weald.
Blue sky with floating white clouds.
A Corviknight was leisurely about to fly by when suddenly it felt a chill down its spine, metallic feathers standing on end, quickly turning to flee.
On the vast plains, green grass carpeted the ground as Wooloo leisurely grazed.
Skwovet climbed fruit trees, stuffing just-ripened berries in their mouths before quickly disappearing.
A harmonious, beautiful scene.
"Tinkaton, you said the 'calling' you felt came from here?"
Pointing at the vast forest shrouded in hazy mist not far away, Johan asked with a somewhat strange expression.
"Cha!"
Shouldering its hammer, Tinkaton nodded seriously.
Initially it wasn't very certain, but as it gradually hammered Melmetal's remaining metals and Iron Plate fragments into its hammer, the feeling became clearer.
So.
Right after finishing work at Professor Magnolia's research facility, Johan was dragged here.
Though this was already one of his target destinations, Tinkaton's words made Johan's mind active.
Originally he just planned to enter Slumbering Weald to try his luck - maybe seeing one of his many titles like Aura Guardian, Arceus's Messenger, Rainbow Hero, Path Inheritor... Zacian and Zamazenta would appear.
But now...
"According to Calyrex, the sword and shield's forging materials are actually similar to Tinkaton's hammer materials now... just different quantities. Could Tinkaton be hearing the 'calling' because of this?" Johan thought.
"Meltan!"
Meltan stuck to the hammer saw Tinkaton nod seriously and, like a little follower, seriously nodded its nut head too.
"Anyway, let's go in and see."
Wasn't updating Rotom Pokédex's map for this?
"Rotom!"
"Coming, Rotom~"
Rotom Pokédex floated out, displaying Galar region's map, locking onto Slumbering Weald and showing some routes within the forest.
Though the map was updated, Slumbering Weald was perpetually shrouded in thick mist, so even League maps couldn't record the forest's complex routes completely.
On the map, a large area still belonged to the mist zone.
"Servine~"
Servine suddenly came out on its own.
Looking at this mist-shrouded forest, it showed a thoughtful expression.
"Servine, do you feel something too?" Seeing this, Johan raised an eyebrow.
"Servine..."
Servine nodded then shook its head, looking like it wasn't very clear either.
Patting the little one's head.
"It's fine, feel slowly."
Speaking, Johan brought his little ones into Slumbering Weald.
Slumbering Weald's outer area didn't have very thick mist, but the trees were extremely tall with lush branches and leaves. Sunlight through thin mist and forest leaves cast dappled light spots on the ground.
As Johan and the others entered.
Rookidee on branches stopped cooing, Blipbug carefully burrowed into tree holes, and Nickit in the grass showed cunning eyes, silently watching.
"Proceed straight one kilometer, Rotom!" Rotom Pokédex indicated.
At this moment, on another side of Slumbering Weald.
Two men with unusual hairstyles wearing red and blue suits were also wandering in the forest.
"Clearly said the greatest possibility was here..."
The blue-suited man with a hairstyle resembling a long sword looked completely impatient, breaking a nearby branch.
"We've come so many times but never seen them."
The other red-suited man with a shield-like hairstyle also looked impatient.
"Shielbert, let's search again. We urgently need those two things to vindicate our royal bloodline." The blue-suited man tried to suppress his emotions.
"Alright, brother Sordward."
Hearing his brother say this, Shielbert could only be patient.
They truly needed those two things.
The two were descendants of Galar region's ancient royalty - Sordward and Shielbert, forming the "Sordward and Shielbert duo."
Legend said three thousand years ago, Galar region was shrouded in 'Darkest Day,' and 'Legendary Heroes' appeared, wielding sword and shield to defeat the 'Darkest Day' and return light to Galar region.
That "Legendary Hero" was their ancestor.
But with time's passage and historical changes, fewer people knew this legend, causing even these royal descendants to lack recognition of their identity.
So Sordward and Shielbert devoted themselves to finding the sword and shield their ancestor 'used.'
Vain as they were, they tried to use sword and shield artifacts to gain attention and higher status.
Thus, through unknown channels, they finally found Slumbering Weald.
But Slumbering Weald was too complex. Though they'd come several times, they never found the sword and shield.
Rustle—
Just as they continued searching, surrounding forest leaves suddenly moved.
"Sirfetch'd!!!"
A serious, stern call rang out.
"That guy again!"
Hearing the commotion, Sordward's expression immediately changed, anger appearing on his face, though wariness showed deep in his eyes.
Shielbert's expression wasn't much better: "This guy always ruins our plans!"
Having come to Slumbering Weald so many times without results, in their view, the owner of this call bore much responsibility.
Forest leaves swayed.
A duck-like Pokémon appeared in their sight - snow-white body with thick black "V"-shaped eyebrows, holding a large leek sword and leek shield.
It raised its large leek sword, pointing directly at them with an unfriendly expression.
Sirfetch'd!
A Pokémon unique to Galar region, the evolved form of Galarian Farfetch'd!
From behind Sirfetch'd, an injured Skwovet poked its head out, pointing at Sordward and Shielbert while calling, seemingly identifying them.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd's expression became increasingly unfriendly as it sternly questioned.
You injured this Skwovet, didn't you!
"Damn it." Sordward spat. "A mere Sirfetch'd dares question us Galar royalty!"
"Just a lowly Skwovet - we'll do whatever we want to it!" Shielbert said arrogantly.
"Sirfetch'd..."
Sirfetch'd narrowed its eyes, cold light flashing.
I see... then this matter can't be settled peacefully...
It raised its large leek sword, leek shield gently swaying.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Then come! Attack! Let me see your arrogant capital!
"Hmph!"
Both men snorted coldly.
As Galar royalty, though they'd lost attention and resources due to changes, that was only relatively speaking.
With massive resource support, their strength was not weak at all. Even facing so-called Elite Four, they felt they might have fighting power. In all of Galar region, only a few people deserved their serious attention.
"Go!"
Both simultaneously threw Poké Balls.
"Falinks!"
"Bisharp!"
Seeing these two Pokémon, Sirfetch'd's mouth curved slightly, battle desire surging.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Come fight!
"Bisharp, Slash!"
"Falinks, Close Combat!"
Bisharp's sharp blade gleamed white, expression cold and stern like a devoted soldier, slashing a sharp blade beam at Sirfetch'd.
The Falinks also neatly formed a line, following their leader's guidance - charge! Charge!
Well done!
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd shouted loudly, ground trembling slightly under its feet as it held the large leek sword and leek shield, not retreating but advancing, actively attacking!
Dense Fighting-type energy appeared on its leek shield.
Detect!
Bang! Bang bang bang—
Continuous collisions and commotion echoed through the hazy forest.
Hm?
Having reached Slumbering Weald's depths, the area unmarked on Rotom's map, Johan and the others heard battle sounds.
Battle and collision sounds in forests weren't particularly surprising.
But whether Johan or his Pokémon could tell both sides of the collision were quite strong.
"Ka-kaah~"
Gengar immediately floated from Johan's shadow, curiously drifting toward where the sounds came from.
"Gengar." Johan quickly said: "Don't attack. If it's a powerful wild Pokémon, we might get some information from it."
"Ka-kaah~~"
The purple fatty had already disappeared from sight, voice carrying from far away.
Johan shook his head, looking at Tinkaton and Servine.
"How is it? Are the feelings getting clearer?"
"Cha!"
Tinkaton held its hammer, pointing straight ahead.
Indicating Johan needed to continue forward.
"Servine~"
Servine closed its eyes, taking a deep breath.
Rustle, rustle—
Forest leaves suddenly swayed without wind, making pleasant "rustling" sounds.
The originally limited-visibility forest, with its view-blocking thick mist and wildly growing branches, slowly opened a winding path.
Johan clicked his tongue.
Servine's "Forest's Blessing" was excessively powerful in forests.
With Tinkaton guiding direction and Servine clearing the path...
What?
Rotom Pokédex navigation?
Who was Rotom?
"Ka-kaah!!!"
Soon, Gengar floated back with an excited expression, pointing toward the battle sounds.
Come look! A duck is fighting two people!
Duck?
Johan was stunned.
"Ka-kaah~"
Gengar pinched its mouth, smoothed its head to pull out three feathers, squeezed out "V"-shaped eyebrows, then picked up a nearby branch and shouldered it.
"Sirfetch'd? No, Farfetch'd? Galarian Farfetch'd?"
In Johto and Kanto regions, Farfetch'd was famously "delicious," even self-seasoning, but due to past overhunting, current Farfetch'd were rare.
Unlike Johto, Kanto and other places, Galar region's Farfetch'd were recognized as fierce, battle-loving Pokémon.
Galarian Farfetch'd had Fighting attributes, strong personalities, constantly challenging powerful opponents to become stronger.
Battle could almost be called their instinct.
But because of this, Galar region's Farfetch'd numbers were also very scarce.
"Ka-kaah~ Ka-kaah~"
Gengar nodded repeatedly.
Then black mist surged from its body again, head changing into a sword shape, then into a shield shape.
"Sordward? Shielbert? The 'Sordward and Shielbert duo'? Those two idiots?"
Seeing Gengar's head shape changes, Johan immediately thought of those two.
After brief consideration.
Johan decided to look.
On one hand, he disliked this so-called "Sordward and Shielbert duo" and wouldn't mind beating them up if there was a chance.
On the other hand, he thought of some jokes he'd heard, like about sword and shield heroes? Zacian and Zamazenta were just weapon stands - for real sword and shield use, you had to look at Sirfetch'd!
Passing through a grove.
Johan saw...
"Sirfetch'd!!!"
A Sirfetch'd holding a large leek sword leaped into the air, sword pointing at Bisharp and Falinks, crashing down heavily.
Boom!!!
Bisharp and Falinks, unable to battle!
"Sirfetch'd!!!"
The panting Sirfetch'd grinned, showing a satisfied smile.
"Damn!!!" The Sordward and Shielbert duo were furious.
Johan grabbed Gengar: "Gengar, this is Sirfetch'd, not Farfetch'd!"
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar tilted its head.
Sirfetch'd? Farfetch'd?
Weren't they both ducks with big leeks?
"The difference is huge..."
Sirfetch'd was an evolution form that only Galarian Farfetch'd could achieve, and only those Galarian Farfetch'd who truly experienced countless trials and battles were qualified to evolve into Sirfetch'd.
Evolution conditions were also very harsh.
Only by landing critical hits three or more times in one battle could they evolve.
This was a very high test of Farfetch'd's battle skills.
Landing one critical hit was extremely rare, let alone three consecutive times without the opponent falling - this tested not just Farfetch'd itself but equally demanded high requirements for opponent strength.
Normally, being hit with three critical hits would KO Pokémon of similar strength.
So if Farfetch'd were very rare, then wild Sirfetch'd could be called rare among rare.
"Ka-kaah~" Gengar had an epiphany, scratching its bottom.
So awesome.
Then its battle-hardened leek... must taste really good, right?
"Let you know our power!"
The Sordward and Shielbert duo immediately produced more Poké Balls, throwing them continuously.
If one or two Pokémon couldn't handle you, then full team attack - we'll wear you down!
Today we'll definitely let you, this Sirfetch'd, know the power of Galar royalty!
"Sirfetch'd!"
Seeing Pokémon appearing in red light one by one, all with strength not inferior to the previous Bisharp and Falinks, Sirfetch'd's expression immediately became serious, eyes sharp, feeling tremendous pressure.
However.
Facing such pressure, Sirfetch'd remained fearless.
Even facing thousands of troops, it wouldn't retreat a single step!
Because behind it... were all the wild Pokémon of Slumbering Weald!
"Sirfetch'd!!!"
Sirfetch'd shouted loudly, boosting its own morale.
"Ganging up on one isn't very nice, is it?"
Then, a voice came from nearby trees.
"Who?!" Shielbert frowned and shouted.
Johan brought Gengar, Tinkaton, and Servine from the forest, scanning the Sordward and Shielbert duo's Pokémon.
Had to admit.
Royalty was still royalty. Even with diminished reputation now, foundation and accumulation remained.
These two really had Pokémon with Elite Four-level strength.
So money wasn't everything, but having no money was absolutely impossible... Johan complained internally.
"You are..." Sordward frowned.
Looked familiar.
But only somewhat familiar.
Galar region trainers whose strength the two feared flashed through his mind. After eliminating them one by one, he found he didn't recognize this person.
Shielbert was the same.
Familiar, but couldn't remember who.
Johan raised an eyebrow.
Rare.
He straightened his clothes, coughed lightly, and slowly said: "I'm just... a passing trainer."
"Passing? Then leave quickly! Don't interfere with us!" Sordward said impatiently.
"Do you know who we are? We're descendants of Galar royalty!" Shielbert's arrogance was written all over his face.
"Tsk..."
Johan clicked his tongue.
Honestly.
He rarely had thoughts of beating people up anymore. Except for Flint, these two really were...
"Tinkaton, Gigaton Hammer." Johan said softly.
"Cha!"
Tinkaton, who'd long been annoyed by these two arrogant people, immediately rushed forward with its hammer without hesitation.
"Hmph! Don't know what's good for you!" Sordward snorted coldly. "Bronzong, Psychic!"
"Klinklang, Wild Charge!" Shielbert also shouted.
For the suddenly appearing Johan, they just didn't want trouble, not fear.
Someone followed by a Servine that hadn't even evolved to its final stage - what was there to worry about?
If Johan hadn't suddenly appeared, he wouldn't even qualify for their attention.
However.
The more the two disdained Johan the previous second, the more shocked their expressions became the next.
Bang—
Bang!!!
Tinkaton unleashed its heavy hammer without reservation, sweeping Bronzong away with one horizontal strike and embedding Klinklang directly into the soil with one downward smash.
One hit.
Both men's two Pokémon lost battle ability!
"I..."
"You..."
Sordward and Shielbert's eyes widened.
Nearby Sirfetch'd watched this scene, eyes immediately blazing with brilliance.
So strong!
However.
Though the two were shocked, Johan didn't stop.
"Servine, Leaf Storm."
"Servine!"
Servine stepped forward, surrounding forest leaves immediately making "rustling" sounds. With another step, countless leaves gathered toward it, instantly forming a terrifying, fierce giant leaf tornado.
Boom!!!
All of Sordward and Shielbert's Pokémon were swept into the Leaf Storm.
This Servine they'd looked down on, still not evolved to its final form, actually displayed such powerful strength?
In forests, Servine's strength was at least a whole level higher than outside forests!
Johan shook his head slightly.
Having powerful Pokémon but lacking matching command ability, situation judgment ability, reaction ability...
Such people could crush those with average strength, but when meeting skilled battlers, even with slightly weaker raw power, they had chances to defeat them.
Seeing the rolling Leaf Storm about to sweep toward them.
Sordward and Shielbert's expressions changed, quickly producing Poké Balls to recall their Pokémon.
"You wait for us!"
"We'll remember you!"
The two left harsh words and prepared to flee.
But turning around, they met a grinning ghost face.
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar smiled wickedly, waving.
You two, where are you planning to go?
Speaking, the purple fatty shook its hand, preparing to let them "sleep well."
Hum—
The forest mist trembled lightly.
Two voices suddenly rang in Johan's heart.
[For our sake, please stop.]
[Though they are detestable people, we owe their ancestor a favor. Please allow us to make this somewhat excessive request.]
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Powerstones?
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