After hearing Master Mustard bring it up, Aiden instinctively swallowed.
Unseen Fist—the secret technique of the Isle of Armor Dojo. It was said that aside from Master Mustard himself and his main Pokémon, no one else or no other Pokémon had managed to learn it so far.
Of course, the true reason this move gained fame was because of the two incredibly powerful Urshifu under Master Mustard's command, who dominated an entire era with almost no rivals.
In the game, both Single Strike Style and Rapid Strike Style Urshifu have the Unseen Fist Ability, allowing them to bypass opponents' Protect moves and directly shatter their defenses.
Before Urshifu, there is no defense—only colliding head-on offers any chance of victory.
However, in reality, this is an extremely advanced martial arts technique. By making close contact, it identifies weak points in the opponent's defensive barrier and exploits them.
Theoretically, it's not exclusive to Urshifu. At the very least, Master Mustard, the founder of the Unseen Fist style, and his other Pokémon should also know this move.
Through a twist of fate, Aiden's Riolu had come to train at the Dojo and gradually grasped this technique.
Now, only the final trial remained.
If they could pass Master Mustard's test, they'd gain access to the Towers behind the dojo, where scrolls containing the master's lifetime of martial arts wisdom were stored.
At that point, it wouldn't just be Unseen Fist—there might even be a chance to learn Wicked Blow and Surging Strikes.
So yes, Aiden had to admit—he was intrigued.
"Riolu…"
Sensing the emotional shift in its Trainer's Aura, Riolu slowly nodded.
Was the result of two months of hard training finally going to be showcased before its Trainer today?
If so, it couldn't afford to embarrass its Trainer!
Riolu's expression grew solemn as it looked up at Master Mustard and the towering Urshifu behind him, its pupils filled with fiery determination.
"Good gaze, huh!"
Noticing the change in Riolu's demeanor, Master Mustard nodded approvingly and turned back to Aiden.
"You feel Riolu's resolve, don't you?"
"It's not me boasting, but I doubt anyone in this world has reached my level of martial arts mastery."
"I've spent my whole life studying martial arts. After going solo at 30, I single-handedly conquered Galar. During my eighteen years as Champion, I never lost a match—I've learned a thing or two."
"After retiring, I traveled the world to study different martial arts styles. Combining my own understanding, I eventually created this secret technique of the Isle of Armor Dojo, known as the Unseen Fist!"
"But let me make one thing clear—Unseen Fist isn't something casually passed on. If you want to learn it, you'll have to pass my test first!"
Master Mustard's casual words made even Leon break into a sweat, instinctively averting his gaze.
Compared to his unbeatable mentor, who retired because he had no worthy opponents left, what right did he have to call himself the "strongest Champion"?
If it weren't for Chairman Rose insisting that such a title would benefit regional development, he would never have dared to accept it.
Even though he reluctantly took on the mantle out of necessity, he avoided mentioning it whenever possible, especially in front of Master Mustard. He certainly wouldn't dare utter anything like "strongest Champion" or "uncrowned king" around him.
"I understand."
Aiden nodded.
He knew every word Master Mustard said was true—and he was probably even understating things.
As one of the only two current holders of the "Battle Legend" title, Aiden doubted he could win against him in a battle right now.
But…
Aiden lowered his head, looking at Riolu beside him, whose eyes burned with determination.
Responding to the expectations of Pokémon was also a Trainer's duty.
Riolu was already ready for battle—how could he, as its Trainer, hold back?
So!
Taking a deep breath, Aiden set aside his smile and looked at Master Mustard with serious eyes.
"Please accept my challenge, Master Mustard!"
"That's the spirit!"
Master Mustard gave a satisfied smile and patted Aiden on the shoulder.
"Come on, let's see if you and Riolu are worthy of learning Unseen Fist!"
...
Upon hearing the rare news that Master Mustard himself would be stepping into the arena, the apprentices of the Armor Dojo paused their daily training and quickly gathered near the massive battlefield at the back of the dojo, eagerly awaiting the match to begin.
"Master is personally stepping in—is it one of our senior brothers who has finally qualified for the final trial?"
"Impossible, I haven't heard of anyone having a sudden epiphany recently."
"Could it be Master's favorite disciple, our Galar region's King Leon?"
"We'll find out soon."
The group of apprentices whispered among themselves until Master Mustard and Leon appeared, causing an instant stir.
"So it really is Leon! Does this mean his Dynamax Machamp is about to master the secrets of Unseen Fist?"
"Impossible—didn't Master say Leon wasn't gifted in martial arts and instead focused all his talents on Pokémon battles?"
"Wait… there's someone behind Leon!"
"Holy crap, isn't that Teacher Azure???"
Following behind Leon, Aiden, dressed in gym training attire, came into view, immediately drawing gasps of surprise from the crowd.
Training at the Dojo wasn't overly strict. Even Master Mustard spent his days playing video games and had built a dedicated gaming room inside the dojo. It was normal for these apprentices to scroll through their phones daily.
Who was Aiden?
He was none other than the hottest streamer and tactical genius currently dominating PokéTV!
During the recent Dragon Mastery Tournament, his combination with Pachirisu left a deep impression on many Trainers, even changing their perceptions of certain Pokémon.
But why had this Paldean gym leader suddenly come to their Isle of Armor?
They hadn't heard he was one of their seniors, and just the other day, he was still live-streaming gym challenges…
Though they harbored various questions, the apprentices were united in one thing:
This battle would undoubtedly be spectacular!
"The dojo kids seem to have quite a few fans of Little Ai~"
Walking ahead, Master Mustard suddenly turned around, walking on his hands while teasing Aiden.
"Not at all…"
Aiden felt a bit awkward.
Was this turning into a fan meet-and-greet?
If he lost, wouldn't that be embarrassing?
"I never thought there'd actually be a Trainer impressive enough to catch Master's eye and skip straight to the final trial. I always thought such a person didn't exist in real life."
Caught between the two, Leon smiled, his golden eyes fixed firmly on Aiden.
"No wonder Nessa and Raihan speak so highly of you, Teacher Azure!"
"Hey, Little Lee, just because you couldn't pass doesn't mean no one else can. I'm not some devil, you know!"
Master Mustard stopped, clearly displeased, and stood firm on his side of the field.
"Pity you lack talent in martial arts, but your battle skills now rival mine!"
"Master will always be the strongest Trainer in my heart."
As Leon spoke, he took his position along the centerline of the battlefield.
"Even Champion Leon didn't pass the test?"
Aiden was taken aback. This wasn't mentioned in the game.
"This kid's mind was never on martial arts. He was always sneaking off to fight that dark-skinned dragon brat. How could he possibly master our dojo's techniques?"
Recalling the past, Master Mustard chuckled and glanced at Leon.
"If Little Lee had devoted half the effort to training here, he might've inherited my mantle by now!"
Faced with Master Mustard's teasing tone, Leon could only awkwardly scratch his head.
"Master, I'm really not cut out for training…"
"Enough of that. Let's see Teacher Azure's strength first!"
Acting as the temporary referee for this match, Leon quickly raised his arm, signaling the start of the battle.
"Eager, aren't you, Little Lee?"
Master Mustard chuckled softly, then turned to face Aiden, who stood on the opposite side of the field with a serious expression.
"I've tested countless others, but this is the first time Little Ai has been tested. How does it feel?"
"..."
Aiden wanted to say it wasn't his first time—he had battled Paldea Elite Four member Rika during a gym challenge.
But considering the opportunity for Riolu, he was genuinely nervous.
"I'm afraid I'll let Riolu down."
After a moment's thought, Aiden voiced his honest feelings.
"Oh?"
Master Mustard was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting such a response.
"So, you're stepping onto the stage to respond to your Pokémon's expectations?"
"I never imagined the famous 'Teacher Azure' would have moments of self-doubt!"
Master Mustard stroked his beard, reminiscing.
"But sometimes, we do feel this way."
"Worried we'll disappoint our Pokémon's efforts, we become hesitant in battle."
"That's not necessarily a problem. But personally, I think…"
Master Mustard paused mid-sentence, his gaze shifting to the Poké Ball in Aiden's hand, filled with warmth and satisfaction.
"In truth, Pokémon's thoughts are far purer than humans'. As long as we confirm our bond through battle, winning or losing isn't so important."
"So, let this battle show whether you two can achieve complete trust in each other!"
As Master Mustard finished speaking, the Poké Ball in Aiden's hand trembled slightly, a warm sensation seeping into his palm.
Aiden was momentarily startled, then took a deep breath.
That's right—I need absolute confidence in my Pokémon!
"Then, please take care of me, Master Mustard!"
As Aiden's words rang out, the surrounding apprentices erupted in excitement.
The battle was about to begin!
Aiden was the first to throw his Poké Ball. Riolu reappeared, instantly assuming an offensive stance.
"Isn't Teacher Azure's Riolu familiar?"
"Wait… isn't that the Riolu that single-handedly took down a circle of fighters outside the gym and was later brought in by Urshifu?"
"Now I remember! So it's Teacher Azure's Pokémon—it makes sense why it's so strong…"
The murmurs of the apprentices didn't reach Aiden's ears. His gaze was firmly fixed on the Poké Ball in Master Mustard's hand.
"Since this is the final test for learning Unseen Fist, the examiner must naturally be Urshifu!"
Master Mustard smiled as he tossed his Poké Ball. A flash of red light later, a towering black-and-white bear, two meters tall with explosively muscular build, appeared on the field.
"Fuuuu!"
Urshifu let out a thunderous roar, the immense pressure of its voice slamming into Aiden like a physical force.
No wonder it was a Pokémon on par with legends…
Observing the bristling fur of this Urshifu, Aiden immediately understood its style.
Single Strike Style Urshifu!
There were two known styles of Urshifu. After Kubfu completes its training and passes Master Mustard's test, it can evolve into either Single Strike Style or Rapid Strike Style based on the scrolls atop the Towers of Two Fists.
Rapid Strike Style Urshifu is Water + Fighting, relying on continuous attacks to overwhelm opponents.
But this one was Dark + Fighting, specializing in exploiting openings to deliver a decisive blow.
Two completely different styles, meaning Aiden's tactics would need to adapt accordingly.
"Little Ai, let's see your strength!"
Once the battle began, Master Mustard's facial expression tightened instantly, his presence becoming overwhelmingly dominant, as if he had returned to his prime, dominating Galar and standing unrivaled.
Gone was the kindly, hunched-over elder from moments ago.
"Urshifu, Close Combat!"
Master Mustard wasted no time, unleashing his full power right away.
"Riolu, Agility!"
Aiden reacted instantly, issuing his command.
"Use Aura to sense its attack direction!"
Against an Urshifu wielding Unseen Fist, defense would be futile. The only option was to rely on speed to dodge its attacks.
However…
Aiden had underestimated Urshifu's speed.
A fist charged forward with terrifying momentum, and Riolu's instincts screamed in warning.
"Ri…"
The more critical the moment, the calmer it needed to remain.
Facing the incoming iron fist, Riolu closed its eyes, steadying its breathing and calming its mind.
The world seemed to grow silent.
When it sensed Urshifu's Aura rapidly concentrating below, Riolu snapped its eyes open.
"Lu!"
It was a feint!
Realizing this, Riolu immediately leaped backward, dodging Urshifu's full-force punch and evading the low sweep it followed up with using the momentum of its spin.
Aiden's eyebrows shot up.
So this was how Unseen Fist broke through defenses?
Why did it feel a bit dirty somehow…
And why did he suddenly feel like he could learn it too?
"Ho, not bad!"
Master Mustard smiled but didn't stop issuing commands.
"So, keep your guard up for what comes next!"
"Urshifu, use Wicked Blow!"
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