January 17th, Saturday.
As usual, when Naranja Academy students lined up in Cabo Poco, ready to bring out their new strategies to challenge the gym…
They suddenly noticed a handwritten notice posted on the Sunshine Gym's door.
"Out collecting materials. Come back next Monday for an updated gym lineup!"
???
After reading it, countless students felt as if the sky had collapsed.
We spent a whole week studying and were finally starting to feel like we could clear the gym, and now you're telling me the lineup is changing?
This week was definitely the best chance to pass the Sunshine Gym.
Sableye has almost no combat power and is easy to counter; Riolu clearly held back, as if Aiden had ordered it not to one-shot opponents…
If we can't win under these conditions, won't the next lineup be even harder?
The students who missed this golden opportunity were left in despair, and could only share this "inspiring" news on the school forum.
[Stop obsessing over your Prankster Pokémon! Teacher Azure is changing the lineup!]
[Out collecting materials… Could it be that Teacher Azure thought of some outrageous tactic and is going to catch wild Pokémon on the spot?]
[No, please don't do that! Can't Teacher Azure just use Sableye forever??]
[Teacher Azure is being so unfair!]
In short, the school forum was filled with lamentations that day, and a palpable sense of resentment hung over Mesagoza.
As for the culprit behind this "anomalous phenomenon," Aiden was currently on a ferry heading to the Isle of Armor in the Galar region.
"Truly worthy of being the retirement haven for the Battle Legend—impressive indeed."
Gazing at the large island in the distance, clearly divided into several differently colored zones, Aiden couldn't help but let out a sigh of admiration.
"Coming here in person does show more sincerity, doesn't it?"
Geographically speaking, only the southern part of the Kalos region borders Paldea.
But Kalos is separated from Galar by a strait, and the actual distance between the two regions isn't far.
Plus, transportation in the Pokémon world is incredibly convenient, making it possible for Aiden to travel across the region within two days.
Isle of Armor is based on the Isle of Man, an island located between England and Ireland.
In the games, this mysterious area was presented as DLC content for Pokémon Sword and Shield. The island and its surrounding waters are home to many powerful Pokémon.
Of course, the most famous feature is undoubtedly Isle of Armor's signature—the Master Mustard Dojo, or simply the Isle of Armor Dojo.
After purchasing the island with the wealth earned from his career, Master Mustard began his retirement while also developing the idea of passing down the martial arts techniques he had mastered throughout his life.
Thus, the Isle of Armor Dojo was born—a holy site for martial artists worldwide.
After disembarking, Aiden's gaze quickly fell on a familiar building at the center of the island.
Although located in the Galar region, Master Mustard and the Dojo clearly incorporated many East Asian cultural elements, especially in architecture and martial arts styles.
It felt oddly familiar.
As Aiden stepped onto the land of the Isle, a Poké Ball in his pocket automatically opened, releasing Riolu by his side.
"Riolu!"
Thanks to its incredible wave-guiding abilities, Riolu could clearly perceive its surroundings even while inside the ball, so it quickly realized they had arrived at Isle of Armor.
In other words…
Riolu looked up at its Trainer.
So the Trainer knew all along—learning the essence of the Isle of Armor Dojo's teachings required both its and the Trainer's strength.
"That's right. I think your training on the Isle of Armor has yielded excellent results, so…"
As he spoke, Aiden's lips curled into a smile, and he gently patted Riolu's head.
"So today, let's take on Isle of Armor's 'final trial,' shall we?"
In the game, the Armor Dojo had a unique Pokémon called Kubfu.
When the player takes Kubfu through Master Mustard's trials and ultimately conquers the two towers representing the final test, Kubfu gains insight into the Water/Dark scrolls and evolves into one of two forms of Urshifu.
Urshifu, the two generals who fought alongside Master Mustard in Galar, are divided into Single Strike Style and Rapid Strike Style, each mastering different fighting techniques.
In the game, they are classified as Legendary Pokémon—one of the few Legendary Pokémon with a clear evolutionary line.
Their strength is undeniable.
Although Riolu isn't Kubfu, since he's been training in Unseen Fist, Aiden figured it wouldn't hurt to pick up Wicked Blow and Surging Strikes, right?
"Riolu!"
Riolu nodded.
So from the very beginning, the Trainer's plan was to have me absorb the best techniques from various martial arts schools, using them to enhance my own strength?
The path of training on the Isle of Armor must have been within his expectations as well.
Aiden and Riolu soon headed toward the Dojo, encountering numerous camping martial artists along the way.
These individuals were likely here to study at the dojo, determined not to leave until they achieved their goals.
However, strangely, these burly men—who looked strong enough to shatter boulders with a single punch—all turned their backs upon seeing Riolu, seemingly afraid of it.
Could it be… they were defeated by Riolu?
Aiden quickly deduced the answer and glanced at Riolu in astonishment.
No wonder its strength improved so rapidly—it seems Riolu didn't hesitate to grind levels by battling wild NPCs on the Isle…
Riolu, you rascal!
Upon reaching the dojo, Riolu confidently knocked on the door.
Soon, a mature-looking woman with striking makeup appeared at the entrance.
Aiden naturally recognized her—Honey, Master Mustard's wife and the mistress of the Armor Dojo.
Though there was a significant age gap between her and Master Mustard, according to the description on the League Card, it seemed Honey fell in love with him at first sight during his middle-aged years, leading to their whirlwind marriage…
Before becoming the lady of Isle of Armor, she was already the president of a large international trading company—a true powerhouse.
Even managing the entire dojo by herself, she kept everything running smoothly and even discovered the recipe for Max Soup, which grants Pokémon the ability to Gigantamax.
It's said that under Master Mustard's influence, Honey's potential in martial arts and as a Trainer was gradually unlocked, and she now possesses strength close to that of a Champion…
A formidable woman indeed.
When she saw Aiden, she was momentarily taken aback.
"Riolu!"
Just as she was about to ask, Riolu's cry caught her attention.
"Oh, it's little Riolu!"
Honey's confusion quickly turned into a warm smile, and her gaze softened as she looked at Aiden.
"So you must be Riolu's Trainer, who's never shown your face before?"
"Hello, Miss Honey."
Aiden nodded and greeted her politely.
"Come in. It seems today is a good day for our dojo—we've gained another guest."
Honey's eyes narrowed into a smile, and after stepping aside, she called out to those inside.
Soon, an elderly man wearing a baseball uniform, slightly hunched but still full of vigor, walked over.
Accompanying him was another man exuding a strong masculine presence.
When Aiden saw the figure behind Master Mustard, he froze instantly.
That wild purple hair, the dark gold cloak adorned with logos from sponsors…
Anti-counterfeit markings!
It's you, Galar's strongest Champion, Leon!
At the same moment Aiden froze, Leon quickly noticed the young man, his eyes widening instantly.
"Teacher Azure?"
The name slipped out of Leon's mouth without hesitation.
"Ho ho…"
Master Mustard first noticed Riolu, then turned his gaze to Aiden standing beside it.
After a brief moment of surprise, his face quickly broke into a hearty laugh.
"I never imagined that this exceptionally talented Riolu would belong to someone like you, young man."
"Master Mustard knows me?"
Aiden asked, his heart sinking slightly, anticipating trouble.
"Of course! Who among Trainers hasn't heard of Teacher Azure's name these days?"
Master Mustard laughed loudly as he approached, patting Aiden on the shoulder.
"Among the younger generation, I'd say you're the most interesting and promising one I've seen."
"So, don't mind if I call you Little Ai, right?"
Aiden's lips twitched involuntarily.
Sure enough, Master Mustard's nickname-giving style was as refreshingly unconventional as ever.
"Little Lee, do you know him too?"
After briefly chatting with Aiden, Master Mustard quickly turned to Leon behind him.
"Yes, I've heard much about you, Teacher Azure."
Leon chuckled softly and extended his hand.
"Teacher Azure left quite the impression during the Dragon Masters Tournament!"
"Not at all. Compared to Galar's strongest Champion, I still have much to learn."
As the two exchanged polite compliments, Aiden internally sighed.
Oh no, this feels like a gathering of acquaintances!
Why does Master Mustard and Leon both know me? So absurd…
But maybe it's not necessarily a bad thing?
...
Walking into the dojo with Master Mustard and Leon, they found a group of disciples diligently training inside. Standing guard on either side were the two Urshifu instructors.
Aiden had thought the Urshifu in the game were already exaggerated, but seeing the real deal—over two meters tall with explosively muscular bodies—was far more intimidating than anything on-screen.
No wonder they're called Bear Masters. They don't look like ordinary Pokémon at all.
"Since Riolu's Trainer is Little Ai, I can rest assured."
Once they entered the reception room, Master Mustard quickly spoke.
"The purpose of your visit to the Dojo must be to help Riolu break through its bottleneck and truly master my secret technique, the Unseen Fist, right?"
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