"Phero..."
Pheromosa stared blankly at the "domineering" Gengar, an uncontrolled blush appearing on its pale cheeks.
"Ka-kaah?"
Are you going to give it or not?
I really won't be polite anymore!
As it spoke, Gengar's expression gradually became serious and fierce.
"Phe, Phero!"
Seeing Gengar's expression change, Pheromosa immediately felt it had become even more masculine.
At the same time, snapping out of its daze, it quickly produced the previously stolen exclusive Ninetales Z and Solganium Z.
In addition.
There was also the Dragonium Z stolen from the Kommo-o clan, and another... Z-Crystal with a special appearance like the Ninetales Z and Solganium Z.
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar blinked twice.
There's an unexpected "bonus"?
Not far away, Johan and Ninetales, who were watching this scene, both had somewhat strange expressions.
The human and Pokémon looked at each other, immediately feeling that sensation become even stranger.
Our Gengar seemed to, apparently, apparently... have successfully "attracted" Pheromosa?
A Pheromosa that used its own beauty and pheromones to charm other Pokémon had been attracted by Gengar?
On what basis?
Masculine charm? Its chubby body? An interesting soul?
Something felt weird somewhere, not quite right...
Moreover.
Johan was actually quite clear about his ghost's "preferences."
Mature, alluring, curvaceous things weren't what the ghost liked - it preferred petite and cute things.
So while Gengar normally chased Minccino with such enthusiasm, it was completely unaware of Pheromosa's reaction.
It just felt the guy in front of it was a bit strange, but couldn't say exactly what was strange about it.
However.
While Gengar couldn't sense it, that didn't mean the Totem Kommo-o blocked by Gengar couldn't sense it.
It was currently staring with eyes as big as copper bells.
In its view, these two guys in front of it - one a dark little fatty, one a pale and slender little lady - were definitely accomplices!
One was responsible for sneakily taking away the Dragonium Z guarded by their Kommo-o clan, while the other was responsible for keeping watch and covering the retreat - their cooperation was seamless.
One black, one white, one fat, one thin.
They were simply the Black and White Duo plus Fat and Thin Monks!
More importantly.
These two guys were actually "flirting" right in front of it?!
Kommo-o couldn't see Gengar's face, so it didn't know Gengar's expression, but any normal Pokémon would think this way, right?
This simply touched the reverse scale of this "single dog"!
"Roar!!"
Uncle can endure it, but Auntie can't!!
Dark red airflow, accompanied by violent aura, surged from the Totem Kommo-o.
At the same time, it roared loudly, the intense roar shaking the entire canyon.
Whoosh—whoosh—
At the Totem Kommo-o's call, a Noivern and a Scizor rushed over rapidly from both sides of the canyon.
These were its partners!
Also the opponents that challengers would face when challenging it during the "Island Challenge."
"Phero!"
Pheromosa cried out, pointing at the Kommo-o behind Gengar.
Watch out!
The Kommo-o was swinging its sharp claws, striking toward Gengar.
Dragon Claw!
Detestable guy!
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar turned back to look at the fierce Totem Kommo-o, covering the four Z-Crystals in its hands.
These are my "spoils" - are you trying to snatch them too?
A jet-black orb immediately appeared from Gengar's palm, meeting the incoming Dragon Claw without any retreat.
Bang!!
A violent roar immediately exploded in the canyon.
Large amounts of dust mixed with snow flew up.
"Roar—"
The Totem Kommo-o flew back with a shocked expression, feeling the pain and paralysis from its scale-covered claws, immediately realizing—
This purple fatty... was very strong!
Extremely strong!
At the same time.
"Oowoo—"
Ninetales also held nothing back. Wanton wind and snow howled through the canyon. The extremely cold temperature and the raging blizzard made the approaching Noivern and Scizor feel tremendous pressure.
Coldly glancing at the two Pokémon coming to assist, Ninetales' tails swayed gently.
Do only you have helpers?
The Noivern and Scizor, who weren't as strong as the Totem Kommo-o to begin with, understood that this Ninetales was even stronger than the Totem Kommo-o - completely beyond their ability to handle.
Especially the Flying and Dragon-type Noivern - just this fierce blizzard alone was almost enough to make it lose its fighting ability and consciousness.
The Steel and Bug-type Scizor was slightly better off, but not by much.
Because before it could approach to help the Totem Kommo-o, Gengar could defeat it!
"Ka-kaah! (#`皿)"
The purple fatty looked fierce.
Everything else was fine, but trying to snatch its "spoils" - no way!
Black hole-like energy quickly condensed in its hands, thrown toward the Totem Kommo-o.
Dark Void!
Buzz—
The originally fist-sized black hole suddenly expanded and spread, instantly enveloping the Totem Kommo-o.
When the black hole dispersed.
The Totem Kommo-o was already lying in the snow, sleeping soundly.
"Phero..."
Pheromosa looked at the "disdainful" Gengar with admiration, feeling its figure becoming increasingly tall and mighty.
Gengar looked at Pheromosa suspiciously, confirming it had no intention of snatching the Z-Crystals again, then—
Wiggling its little butt, it floated happily toward Johan.
"Ka-kaah—"
It showed off the four Z-Crystals it had obtained - two originally belonged to Old Johan's family, while the other two were "pure profit"!
"Phero!"
Pheromosa covered its chest with both hands, looking like "It looked at me! It looked at me!"
Johan and Ninetales glanced at Pheromosa standing dazed in place, then looked at each other with strange expressions.
"What a karmic entanglement..."
Not knowing if this phrasing was appropriate, Johan murmured, earning Ninetales' agreement.
With the Totem Kommo-o defeated, the surrounding Jangmo-o and Hakamo-o slowly cleared a path.
If the Dragonium Z had been stolen or pilfered, they would have fought desperately.
But if the Dragonium Z was taken after directly defeating the Totem Kommo-o, that would be in accordance with "Island Challenge" rules - worthy of recognition and respect as a "challenger."
So seeing their actions, Johan also gave up the thought of returning the Dragonium Z.
Although he already had one Dragonium Z, that didn't prevent him from obtaining a second.
He'd always been thinking about selling a Z-Crystal to recoup costs, but always ended up with Z-Crystals his own Pokémon could use.
This time he finally had a duplicate, and it was an extremely rare and valuable Dragonium Z!
Johan was already thinking about what price to set or who to sell it to.
Cynthia already had one.
He didn't know if Elite Four Drake had one, but probably did.
Lance might be the best possibility - he might be hiding some Fire Z, Water Z, Flying Z, but Dragonium Z was uncertain...
At worst.
He could sell it to Raihan, who definitely didn't have one.
Regardless, he was definitely going to make a killing!
"Ka-kaah~ Ka-kaah~"
Just as Johan was thinking about the large sum of money coming soon, Gengar tugged at Johan's clothes.
The Ninetales Z and Solganium Z weren't particularly surprising, but that other pitch-black exclusive Z-Crystal made it quite curious.
It was pinkish and seemed to be a Fairy-type Z-Crystal, but Gengar could sense faint Ghost-type energy waves from it.
So cute and lovely, very suitable for it, Gengar - could this be its Z-Crystal, a Gengar Z?
"This is..." Johan took the pink exclusive Z-Crystal, examined it briefly, and recognized it.
"Mimikium Z?"
Mimikium Z?
Hearing this, Gengar immediately looked disappointed, its ears drooping.
"Ka-kaah...~"
Why is it Mimikium Z?
Johan ignored the "disappointed" purple fatty, saying thoughtfully:
"Looks like before coming to Poni Canyon, Pheromosa first went to the abandoned thrift store and took Mimikyu's Z-Crystal?"
He'd deal with that when he had a chance to meet it again!
He happily put all four Z-Crystals in his pocket.
"Ka-kaah~ Ka-kaah~"
Gengar waved listlessly.
Let's go~ Let's go~ Going back~
Johan and Ninetales turned back together, looking at Pheromosa standing in the wind and snow, then at Gengar floating at the front.
"Tsk..."
Two days later.
Melemele Island, at the Alola Pokémon School playground.
"Ready~"
Professor Kukui held a starting pistol in one hand and covered his ear with the other.
At the starting line on the playground, many Pokémon good at running and sprinting were ready to go.
Kiawe riding a Tauros, Mallow riding a Gogoat, Lana riding a Paldean Aqua Breed Tauros, Sophocles riding a Rhydon.
Lillie riding a Galarian Ponyta.
And Gladion riding Type: Null.
All the kids in the class were riding their respective "mounts."
Lillie looked the most nervous.
However, no longer afraid of Pokémon, she stroked Ponyta's rainbow-colored mane while softly comforting:
"It's, it's fine, we're, we're just participating!"
Whether she was comforting Ponyta or herself was unclear.
The Galarian Ponyta was said to have absorbed the overflowing life energy from a certain forest in Galar, becoming its current appearance, giving off a rainbow unicorn vibe.
However, compared to the surrounding Tauros and Rhydon, Ponyta's size and presence made people want to worry for it.
"Why am I participating in such a competition..." Gladion looked at his excited classmates, unable to help complaining internally.
Although he thought this way, both his actions and expression "betrayed" him.
He actually wanted to try competing like this.
Naturally.
Besides these students, there were two other participants!
One was naturally Johan on his Rotom Bike, and the other was...
Gengar leading a Mudsdale, his expression full of strong confidence.
"Ka-kaah!"
I can even ride Spectrier, so a mere Mudsdale is a piece of cake!
This championship is definitely mine!
"Teacher Johan, you're cheating! This was supposed to be a Pokémon riding competition - how can you ride a bicycle?" Mallow couldn't help complaining.
"Don't treat Rotom like it's not a Pokémon." Johan smiled slightly.
"Rotom, ready at any time, Rotom!"
Rotom spoke from within the bike.
Mallow pouted.
Of course she knew - she'd seen Teacher Johan ride the Rotom Bike before, but...
The Rotom Bike was so fast - wasn't this cheating?
"Ready!"
Professor Kukui shouted.
Bang!
The starting pistol fired suddenly.
"Charge! Tauros!"
"Go! Rhydon!"
"Ring ring! Ring ring! Bike coming through!"
"..."
For a moment, it was truly each showing their own abilities.
"We absolutely won't lose! Charge! Type: Null!" Even Gladion threw himself completely into it, unconsciously breaking into an excited smile.
Seeing their performance, Professor Kukui's smile grew even broader.
Especially the smiles of Lillie, Gladion, and Lana.
"Since Teacher Johan came, the kids smile more and are more enthusiastic about learning..."
As the professor who could best sense the students' changes, how much Professor Kukui hoped Teacher Johan could stay at the Pokémon School forever.
In the end.
Unsurprisingly, Johan with his "Rotom cheat" "bravely won" first place!
Although Kiawe, Mallow, Sophocles and the others cried out "Teacher Johan is cheating," this behavior of not deliberately going easy on them just because they were students actually earned their recognition even more.
Second place went to Gladion and Type: Null.
Although he lost.
Gladion discovered he actually enjoyed this kind of process.
Between trainers and Pokémon, there wasn't just training and battling.
Life was also a very important part.
"You did great, Ponyta~" Lillie smiled broadly as she petted Ponyta. They hadn't come in last, because the last place was...
"Ka-kaah! Ka-kaah!"
Gengar riding on Mudsdale's back was still persisting on the track.
Mudsdale was famous as a draft Pokémon - carrying or dragging heavy objects was naturally no problem for it, but if it was about speed...
Gengar suffered a "Waterloo"!
Came in dead last.
This provided a perfect conclusion to the class's "Pokémon Riding Competition."
"You called me here just to watch this?"
Pushing his bicycle to the shade of a nearby tree, Johan heard a low voice beside him.
Looking toward the sound.
It was Giovanni in a black suit with a strange expression!
"Haha, occasional entertainment and relaxation is also for better work." Johan laughed heartily. Seeing Giovanni appear, he felt... extremely reassured.
This was the helper he had "summoned."
In "Ultra Space," he wasn't sure if he could "summon" legendary Pokémon from the Pokémon world, and didn't know if legendary Pokémon entering "Ultra Space" would cause unnecessary changes.
So... the recently available Giovanni was the perfect choice.
After all, they were going to face the legendary "Blinding One" Necrozma.
If it was "UB: Black," Johan naturally wouldn't be afraid.
But if it was complete Necrozma, he could at least shout—
Giovanni, save me!
"Those three?"
Under the shade at the Pokémon School playground, Johan and Giovanni watched the active kids while chatting casually.
"Recently, Macro Cosmos Corporation in Galar hired our people for some 'dangerous infrastructure construction.' Short-staffed, so I sent them there." Giovanni drank some berry juice.
"Macro Cosmos Corporation? Hiring Team Rocket?"
Johan looked Giovanni up and down.
Was there something wrong?
Giovanni chuckled lightly.
"That guy Rose. Heard the mysterious Dynamax phenomena in Galar are serious, so he's using our Team Rocket people as muscle."
After pausing, he added:
"Then he figured he had Team Rocket dead to rights for wanting to transform, that we wouldn't do anything excessive, especially since he's still the so-called Galar League Chairman."
"I see." Johan nodded in understanding. "Rose really played a good game."
Just without the trio, there was a feeling of... insufficient defensive measures...
Giovanni produced a bag of cookies, saying indifferently:
"Since it's business and a chance for our 'Rainbow Rocket Corporation' to get involved in Galar, naturally there was no reason to refuse."
Looking at the bag of cookies, Johan coughed lightly, politely declining Giovanni's offer.
Giovanni didn't mind either.
These were cookies Matori had put on the plane for him. He figured since they were just sitting there, he'd bring them along - occasionally useful for snacking.
He looked at Johan with some deeper meaning:
"Besides, haven't you been running to Galar frequently lately?"
"What does that have to do with me..."
"Of course it does."
Giovanni smiled: "Every place you go, doesn't something big happen? Go a few more times and Macro Cosmos Corporation and Rose might collapse, then our 'Rainbow Rocket Corporation' can conveniently take over the gap left by Macro Cosmos Corporation's downfall."
Johan's mouth twitched.
Good grief.
Really good grief.
Giovanni, you not going into business earlier was such a waste.
This was planning ahead?
"You're treating me like the 'Grim Reaper's sidekick.'"
"Grim Reaper's sidekick?"
"Cough, like a disaster magnet."
"Isn't that what you are?"
Johan: "..."
If we're going to chat like this, there's no way to continue this conversation.
Giovanni said indifferently:
"Just like this time."
He drank some juice and continued: "Who might you provoke? The 'Blinding One'?"
"It's just possible, probable, and the probability isn't high - not high at all."
Johan spoke off the cuff, looking away. "Besides, Giovanni, aren't you quite interested in the 'Blinding One' too?"
Maintaining contact with Hapu as Island Kahuna was partly for the "Blinding One."
"That was before." Giovanni said flatly.
"Then establishing friendly relations with the newly formed Alola League, even having opportunities to 'develop' the unknown universe - Ultra Space - surely can't be refused?"
"So I came."
Johan spread his hands.
The two fell into brief silence again.
Giovanni suddenly asked: "When?"
"Tonight."
"Tonight?"
"Nighttime... is safer."
"Teacher Johan, is there really no problem?"
Melemele Island, UB Task Force.
Anabel looked at Giovanni, whom Johan had brought, and couldn't help asking.
Others might not know Giovanni's identity, but as Hapu's former subordinate and current International Police executive, how could she not know Giovanni's true identity?
However, recently League Headquarters seemed to have changed its attitude toward Giovanni and Team Rocket.
The most important factor bringing this change was that Teacher Johan seemed to have a good relationship with Giovanni.
Moreover, under Teacher Johan's influence, Giovanni and even Team Rocket not only hadn't caused any major incidents, but were actively transforming.
Naturally, the League was happy to see this.
An evil force outside the rules versus a massive force within the rules - as a League wanting stability and peace, they naturally knew how to choose.
"Don't worry." Johan gave a reassuring look.
If Giovanni was going to betray them, he could have done so when his internal injuries were completely healed - no need to wait until now.
"Alright."
With Teacher Johan's "guarantee," Anabel stopped worrying.
"Teacher Johan, and Mr. Giovanni, these are 'Ultra Space suits' developed by our Aether Foundation, ensuring we won't face danger from simple environmental effects after entering the unknown 'Ultra Space.'"
President Lusamine and Wicke also came over with specially made clothing.
Hearing this, Johan's mind conjured images of Ash and the others in "Ultra Space suits" looking like Power Rangers in battle, feeling somewhat... embarrassing.
Honestly.
Pokémon Sun & Moon really mixed in a lot of things - multiverse settings, "light" Ultraman settings, and Power Rangers-style team deployment visuals.
"What?"
Giovanni, who had received the clothing, looked at Johan strangely.
Hm?
Looking at the clothes in Giovanni's hands, Johan snapped back to reality.
It wasn't the tight suits like Ash and the others wore - these looked much more "normal."
Both Giovanni's and his were black trench coats.
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar floated out from behind Johan, pointing at itself with an eager expression.
Is there one for me?
"Uh..." Lusamine was stunned.
Wicke said: "We really didn't prepare Pokémon clothing, because according to our understanding, Pokémon should be able to move freely in 'Ultra Space' too."
Seeing Gengar's ears droop, she quickly added:
"But we do have some test suits - if Gengar doesn't mind..."
"Ka-kaah! Ka-kaah!"
Gengar immediately lifted its head, waving repeatedly.
Don't mind, I absolutely don't mind!
Then...
Gengar squeezed itself into the test suit - the tight suit from Johan's memory that Ash and the others wore.
The purple fatty managed to turn the tight suit into a "ball" shape, standing in front of the mirror and smugly gesturing.
It just felt their clothing was too "ordinary" - this kind perfectly matched its inner vision of "Ultra Space suits."
Two words to describe it:
Perfect!
Johan couldn't help but distance himself from Gengar, pretending not to know this fatty.
Besides Johan and Giovanni, the people entering "Ultra Space" this time also included Anabel and President Lusamine - four people total.
"Considering movement might be inconvenient in 'Ultra Space,' we've arranged 'ride' Pokémon."
Lusamine and the Aether Foundation's preparations seemed quite thorough - as if they'd been preparing for this for a long time.
"I have Dragonite." Johan smiled: "And Gym Leader Giovanni... can ride a Naganadel."
To help Johan, or rather to repay Johan, the Naganadel clan including the leader sent three Naganadel total.
To assist Johan and the others in quickly understanding "Ultra Space."
Additionally, Buzzwole and Kartana would also participate.
And Guzzlord, contained in a Beast Ball, would also be brought back to "Ultra Space" this time.
"Naganadel? That's much more convenient than 'ride' Pokémon." Lusamine finally decided to ride a Naganadel together with Anabel.
"Everyone, if you're ready, I'll open the 'Ultra Wormhole.'" Professor Burnet said with a serious expression.
Hearing this, everyone's expressions became serious.
"Please don't forget the Beast Balls."
Wicke again brought out prepared Beast Balls. "When necessary, Beast Balls can also serve as tools to briefly restrain Ultra Beasts, functioning similarly to Poké Balls."
Five Beast Balls per person.
Currently Beast Balls couldn't be mass-produced. Although they were certainly cheaper than the first one, twenty Beast Balls total were worth at least twenty million Pokédollars...
After changing into their outfits and preparing their respective items.
Both Anabel and President Lusamine seemed somewhat nervous, though one was anxiously nervous while the other was excited nervous.
As for Johan and Giovanni, both appeared quite calm.
Both were confident in their respective strengths, let alone working together.
Even facing legendary-level opponents, both were confident they could dominate.
As long as they didn't directly face complete "Blinding One" Necrozma, or mass Ultra Beast riots in "Ultra Space," they believed they could handle things calmly.
"Professor Burnet, please begin." Johan said.
"Right!"
Professor Burnet looked solemnly at quiet Nebby and pressed the button on the instrument.
Immediately.
Buzz—
Ultra Aura surged.
A spiral "Ultra Wormhole" appeared above the UB Task Force plaza.
"Everyone!" Professor Burnet shouted.
"Let's go!"
Giovanni domineeringly patted the Naganadel leader and took the lead.
This mere "Ultra Space" land would become my "territory"!
Anabel and Lusamine followed closely.
"Draaa—"
Johan on Dragonite's back was responsible for bringing up the rear, with Gengar accompanying nearby.
"Ka-kaah~!"
Ultra Beasts in Ultra Space, are you ready?! I'm coming!
Buzzwole and Kartana followed closely, also entering the "Ultra Wormhole."
Going home!
"Cosmo~"
Quiet Nebby seemed to sense something, flashing to appear in Johan's arms.
Outside the UB Task Force, Pheromosa's eyes held only the "handsome" Gengar. Seeing this scene, it also leaped without hesitation into the "Ultra Wormhole."
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Powerstones?
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