One hour later.
"Long time no see! Lucario's stamina has almost fully recovered!"
After retrieving the Poké Ball from the healing device, Honey of the Isle of Armor Dojo gave Aiden a sly look.
"Thank you."
Aiden nodded and reached out to take it back, but Honey suddenly pulled her hand back.
"You're welcome! That'll be 30,000 Watts, or you can pay with League Coins~"
"..."
Aiden's lips twitched involuntarily.
He had almost forgotten—this Honey was also a greedy soul in the game, having swindled him countless Watts on the Isle of Armor…
"Haha, I'm just kidding, don't look at me like that, Little Aiden~"
Seeing the resentment growing in Aiden's expression, Honey giggled behind her hand and extended her arm again, returning Lucario's Poké Ball to him.
"Ever since Little Leon left, our Dojo hasn't had such an interesting little guy for a long time. Even the master seems quite pleased."
"So, how about staying on the Isle of Armor to train for a while? Tuition is negotiable~"
"No thanks, I still have my duties as a gym leader in Paldea—I'm afraid I won't have time for this…"
After being flatly declined, Honey quickly revealed a disappointed expression.
"Eh… What a shame!"
"Honey, you might not know, but Aiden is actually a very popular gym leader in Paldea, with fans all over the world."
At this moment, Leon suddenly chimed in with a smile.
"Haha, Little Ai's future strength might not fall short of mine. To raise Riolu to this level, he must be another highly talented youngster!"
Sitting in the main seat, Master Mustard, now back to his usual kindly demeanor, burst into laughter.
"What a pity that there are no Kubfu in the dojo now. Otherwise, I'd really like to see if Little Ai could once again make this species shake the world!"
"The Isle of Armor Dojo doesn't have a Kubfu?"
Aiden was taken aback.
According to the DLC storyline, the biggest draw of the Dojo was the legend—a Kubfu that only Trainers recognized by Master Mustard could obtain, right?
The entire DLC's main quest revolved around Kubfu's training.
After passing Master Mustard's final test, Kubfu would ascend the Towers, gain insight from the scrolls, and evolve into one of two forms of Urshifu.
However, the game never mentioned where the dojo's Kubfu came from. The Urshifu species itself was also mysterious, only found in the Dojo.
As for the possibility of the dojo's two Urshifu producing a Kubfu…
Let's just say it's completely impossible.
Both Urshifu in the dojo were male, and their Egg Group was classified as "Undiscovered," meaning there was no observed evidence of them being able to breed.
So, where did the Armor Dojo's Kubfu come from afterward?
Moreover, more importantly, it wasn't just the Isle of Armor—there was apparently a fixed spawn point for Kubfu in the Paldea region as well.
In other words, the Isle of Armor wasn't the only place to obtain Kubfu.
Seemingly noticing Aiden's confusion, Master Mustard soon burst into hearty laughter and voluntarily revealed the truth about Kubfu.
"Little Ai should already understand—most powerful Pokémon refuse to appear easily before humans, and the Kubfu species is no exception."
"If I hadn't been lucky enough in my youth, during my training in a mysterious region before joining the League, and encountered two Kubfu, perhaps these two somewhat famous Urshifu wouldn't exist today!"
"It was by combining the combat techniques passed down by the Urshifu lineage that we created the 'Unseen Fist' and the scrolls in the Towers of the Armor Dojo."
As he spoke, Master Mustard's eyes reflected a sense of nostalgia, as if recalling the beautiful days of his early studies.
"The Urshifu clan doesn't want to expose themselves to human sight, so I won't tell anyone their exact location."
"However, although our Dojo can't raise Kubfu, if there are any Kubfu willing to interact with humans, their parents will entrust me to find suitable Trainers."
"Unfortunately, Little Ai arrived at an inconvenient time. Maybe next year, a Kubfu will come to the dojo and train with me for a while~"
With Master Mustard's explanation, Aiden immediately understood.
So that's why the timeline matches!
It turns out I came too early—it's not yet time for a "freshly minted" Kubfu!
"However, even without Kubfu, our Isle of Armor Dojo still has other treasures that can serve as rewards for passing the final trial!"
Master Mustard smiled and stood up, leading the way to the back of the dojo.
"Little Ai, follow me."
"I'll take you to the Towers of Two Fists!"
...
The Towers of Two Fists, located behind the Armor Dojo, were two towering structures on either side of the Isle of Armor.
Shaped like a pair of fists reaching toward the sky, they were named the Tower of Darkness and the Tower of Waters.
Originally, the Towers of Two Fists were designed as training grounds to promote Kubfu's growth. Players needed to conquer both towers before ascending to the peak to glimpse the special scrolls that allowed Kubfu to evolve.
However, since Aiden had already passed Master Mustard's test, the battles with other apprentices were automatically skipped, and under his guidance, they went straight to the top of the Tower of Darkness.
"We're here, this is it!"
Stopping in front of the scroll hanging on the wall at the top room, Master Mustard turned back and smiled at Aiden.
"Technically, the techniques on the scroll are supposed to be learnable only by Kubfu."
"But judging from the Unseen Fist technique Lucario used in that battle earlier, Little Ai's Lucario seems extraordinary too, right?"
"So, let it try to learn one of our dojo's highest martial arts—Wicked Blow!"
Hearing Master Mustard's words, Aiden's heart sank.
Indeed, old ginger is always spicier.
This little old man, who had devoted his entire life to martial arts and reached heights no one else could match, had sharp eyes.
Just from Lucario's final full-power punch, he deduced its changes before and after evolution.
Without the system's prompt, Aiden himself wasn't even sure about Lucario's Ability change…
This is the gap created by decades of battle experience—you can't help but admire it!
As for Master Mustard's mention of "Wicked Blow," Aiden naturally knew it—it was the signature move used by Single Strike Style Urshifu during their battle.
By observing the opponent's weak points and striking with full force, it aimed to instantly KO the opponent.
It was indeed a good fit for his Lucario.
Thus, without hesitation, Aiden took out his Poké Ball.
A flash of red light later, Lucario reappeared, its stamina mostly recovered.
"Lu!"
Under Master Mustard's gaze, Lucario quickly looked up and immediately noticed the seemingly "ordinary" Dark Scroll.
There were no cryptic phrases like "If you wish to practice divine skills, castrate yourself." Instead, it depicted simple drawings showing the sequential movements of Wicked Blow.
Aiden, not a martial artist himself, couldn't make heads or tails of it—he was just there for the show.
But Lucario was different.
"Luca!"
Upon seeing the drawings, Lucario became so excited it was almost speechless.
Th-this is…
So that's how it is, what profound martial arts secrets!
If I can master this move, my combat power might improve further, becoming a more reliable partner for my Trainer!
"Wicked Blow can be considered part of the Isle of Armor Dojo's Single Strike Style. It emphasizes winning with one decisive punch, concentrating all your strength in an instant when you spot the opponent's opening."
Master Mustard looked at Lucario and began explaining patiently.
"Just like the dark currents beneath turbulent waves—though the power isn't visible, it devours the opponent the moment it strikes!"
"It shares the same essence as the punch Little Lucario delivered earlier."
"Lu!"
After listening to Master Mustard's instructions, Lucario nodded.
Then, following the sequence of movements on the Dark Scroll, Lucario quickly began training, each step and punch stirring the surrounding air with tremendous force.
"Ho, not bad at all!"
Master Mustard smiled and nodded.
For an elderly man with graying hair, having a Pokémon inherit the techniques he pioneered was truly a joyous occasion.
Meanwhile, as Aiden silently observed Lucario's every move, two lines of text quickly appeared before his eyes.
[Lucario's training goal has been updated.]
[Current training goal: Wicked Blow (0%)]
???
Wait, you can really learn it?
Having been shocked countless times by his Lucario today, Aiden gradually became desensitized.
After a brief moment of surprise, he quickly accepted the fact that it had become even more "illegal."
Since it already learned Unseen Fist, learning Wicked Blow and Surging Strikes was probably just a matter of course.
Urshifu, also known as 'Little Lucario'!
In just half an hour, Lucario repeatedly practiced the same set of movements, quickly transitioning from stiff and awkward to smooth and proficient.
Its training progress surged from 0% to 20%.
Surely, with Unseen Fist as a foundation, learning these two moves was much faster…
Aiden guessed internally.
Back when it was still Riolu, it took over a month of training to reach the bottleneck of Unseen Fist.
At this rate, mastering Wicked Blow might only take two or three days?
"Alright, Little Luca, don't use up all your strength here!"
Seeing how engrossed Lucario was, Master Mustard quickly interrupted its practice with a laugh.
"Since we're here, let's also check out the scroll on the other tower!"
Next, under Master Mustard's guidance, Aiden and Lucario quickly arrived at the Tower of Waters.
As expected, Lucario immediately began practicing the other ultimate move, "Surging Strikes".
"Surging Strikes is the complete opposite of Single Strike Style—it's part of the Rapid Strike Style."
"If Single Strike Style represents absolute violence, then Rapid Strike Style's strategy is absolute resilience. By continuously throwing punches, it forces the opponent to defend frantically until they expose their weaknesses."
"When mastered, the intervals between punches become imperceptible to the naked eye, achieving a seamless flow like water, unending."
After finishing his explanation, Master Mustard even demonstrated a full set of Surging Strikes to compensate for Lucario's lack of firsthand observation of this technique.
His punching speed left Aiden stunned.
Indeed, the humans in the Pokémon world were no ordinary beings. Master Mustard's combat ability seemed even more terrifying than Urshifu's…
However, whether it was due to exhaustion from earlier or because Single Strike Style Lucario wasn't as compatible with Surging Strikes, its training progress slowed significantly this time, stopping at just 10% by the end of the day.
[Lucario (Scroll King)]
[Training Goals: Wicked Blow (Current Progress: 20%); Surging Strikes (Current Progress: 10%)]
[Current Status: Fatigued, Energy Depleted]
Noticing its condition change, Aiden decisively ended its training session and recalled the reluctant Lucario into its Poké Ball.
Martial arts training couldn't be rushed.
While Aiden thought to himself, he also began to comment internally:
Master Mustard's Urshifu only knows one of these two moves, but our Lucario learned both right off the bat…
You're even stronger than Urshifu!
If you keep training like this, won't you take off flying soon?
Urshifu? It's just a lucky creature born in an era without Lucario!
...
Originally, Aiden planned to leave immediately after the challenge.
But alas, Master Mustard and Leon's warm hospitality made it hard to decline, so he ended up staying for dinner at the dojo.
The evening sea breeze on the Isle of Armor was slightly cool.
As a small island isolated in the ocean, the scenery on the Isle of Armor was undeniably beautiful.
Golden sunset rays spilled onto the sea surface, casting dazzling ripples on the originally clear waters.
A massive Wailord, almost half the size of the island, surfaced, shooting water columns dozens of meters high through its blowhole, occasionally carrying along a few Magikarp or Tentacool, performing aerial acrobatics…
"I heard there's a Wailord living near the Isle of Armor that's at least a thousand years old. Could that be it?"
Aiden, holding his bowl of rice, squatted by the entrance of the dojo, admiring the beautiful seascape while muttering to himself.
Leon, who happened to pass by, heard his words, followed Aiden's gaze, and immediately realized what he was referring to.
"You mean that big guy? It was already this huge when I first came to the dojo to apprentice. The legend might be true!"
"The power of nature is truly amazing!"
Seeing Aiden's posture, Leon quickly mimicked him, squatting by the door with his rice bowl while letting out a sigh.
Unfortunately, Leon wasn't a mysterious Eastern human, so his squatting position looked rather awkward.
Aiden nodded.
Human understanding of Pokémon was still quite limited.
Under normal circumstances, a Wailord reaching 20 meters in length was already extraordinary.
As for why this Wailord could grow to possibly over a hundred meters, perhaps it could only be described as "exceptionally gifted."
Or maybe the area around the Isle of Armor was particularly suitable for Pokémon to live?
Aiden suddenly grew curious about something—
With such a huge size difference, how does it breed with other Wailord or Pokémon in its Egg Group?
Thinking about it was absurd!
This touched upon Aiden's blind spot in knowledge.
When it came to Pokémon battles and tactics, he was an expert. But regarding Pokémon ecology and theoretical content, his level was probably barely above a beginner researcher.
Breeding? Professor Elm from Johto was the real expert.
"Honey, since we have more guests today, bring out a few more dishes!"
Master Mustard's enthusiastic call came from inside the dojo. Aiden and Leon exchanged glances, both smiling wryly.
"Master… He's usually not very serious, but precisely because of that, the dojo apprentices respect him deeply."
Leon tried to cover for Master Mustard, awkwardly scratching his head.
"I get it, I get it."
Aiden smiled and nodded.
"Compared to the strict and stern image of a traditional master, someone like Master Mustard, an old prankster, blends better with the apprentices!"
"That's right."
Leon smiled and looked at Aiden.
"Speaking of which, I didn't expect to meet such a famous Teacher Azure here on the Isle of Armor during my unexpected return to Master. What a stroke of luck!"
"Unexpected?"
Aiden raised an eyebrow but didn't expose Leon's "poor lie."
Clearly, Leon's original destination wasn't here—he probably got lost again and instinctively returned to the Armor Dojo…
After all, Galar's strongest Champion was, in fact, a super-directionally challenged individual who could get lost even with navigation, ending up in Unova instead of Galar. This wasn't exactly something to be proud of.
So Aiden chose to overlook this point.
"Not at all, compared to the title of 'Strongest Champion,' I still have a long way to go."
Hearing Aiden's words, Leon became awkward again, his previously smiling expression stiffening.
"Let's stop with the mutual flattery…"
"Actually, I watched your battle with Raihan in Pokémon Champions, which is why I remember Teacher Azure."
"Raihan?"
Aiden was momentarily confused but soon recalled.
Oh, the poor guy who got utterly wrecked by my Substitute-Poison!
It wasn't entirely his fault for forgetting—after all, every livestream had a few victims. With so many coming and going, who could remember them all…
Do you remember how many slices of bread you've eaten?
"Yeah, Raihan complained to me at the time, saying he'd definitely challenge you in person next time."
Leon smiled as he spoke, leaving a giant question mark hovering over Aiden's head.
???
You sneaky brat!
Noticing Aiden's expression change, Leon revealed a triumphant grin.
Just as he prepared to speak again, Master Mustard's boisterous voice suddenly rang out from inside the dojo:
"Little Lee, Little Ai, the steamed buns are served! If you don't come to the table soon, I'll eat them all myself!"
Detecting the keyword, Leon instantly regained his composure.
"Honey's steamed buns are a specialty of the dojo. If we don't hurry to the table, Master will devour them in no time."
With that, Leon hurried back into the dojo without looking back.
Seeing this, Aiden couldn't help but smile faintly.
Even the "Strongest Champion," Leon, was just an ordinary person without airs, dedicated to regional development…
Though he seemed mature, this Champion was actually only slightly older than Aiden—a standard young adult.
That's why their interaction felt so natural.
After getting to know the famous figures of this world, Aiden realized they were all quite friendly.
Their love for Pokémon transformed them from ordinary people into extraordinary ones.
This was the charm of the Pokémon world, wasn't it?
Entering the dojo, Leon and Master Mustard were already engaged in a fierce battle of chopsticks on the table, their utensils clashing like weapons as they fought for the last steamed bun.
"Little Lee, your skills haven't deteriorated at all after two years!"
"All thanks to Master's teachings~"
The war at the dining table had reached its climax.
As the elder and the younger battled fiercely for the last steamed bun…
A pair of chopsticks skillfully slipped into their blind spots, snatching the bun away in the blink of an eye and delivering it into someone's mouth.
"Mm, just as Leon said, it's delicious."
Such trivial tricks were nothing in front of a proper master like me!
Aiden calmly remarked, leaving Leon and Master Mustard staring at each other wide-eyed before slowly uttering:
"Damn, impressive!"
"I didn't expect Aiden, a Paldean, to be so skilled with chopsticks?"
Master Mustard chuckled, taking a sip of Max Soup, then called out to Honey, who was busy in the kitchen:
"Honey, bring out another round of steamed buns!"
"Got it~"
While waiting for the next batch of steamed buns, Master Mustard introduced another treasure of the Isle of Armor.
"Here, Little Ai, let your Pokémon try this bowl of Max Soup!"
"This is our secret recipe from the Isle of Armor. Besides being beneficial for health, it might allow your Pokémon to unlock the power of Gigantamax~"
After filling an entire bowl of Max Soup, Master Mustard placed it grandly in front of Aiden.
Of course, Aiden knew about this.
Max Soup was a special dish unique to the Isle of Armor, allowing certain Pokémon to unlock the even more powerful Gigantamax form beyond Dynamax.
Thanks to this recipe alone, Honey had earned a fortune, fully covering the expenses of the entire Isle of Armor.
However…
None of the Pokémon in his team could Gigantamax, right?
After some thought, Aiden still released all five of his Pokémon.
Even if it didn't have any special effects, tasting something delicious would surely lift their spirits!
Sylveon and Ogerpon sipped the Max Soup delicately, occasionally letting out exclamations of delight.
Lucario gulped down a bowl, wiped its mouth, and immediately sat cross-legged, beginning to feel the changes in its body caused by the soup.
Unfortunately, nothing seemed to happen.
Miraidon remained the shameless Legendary Pokémon obsessed with eating, piling up several empty bowls in front of it in no time.
Even Master Mustard was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter.
"There's plenty of food today—eat to your heart's content, little guy!"
As for Bagon…
Though it had only been born for nearly a month, its appetite during its juvenile stage was disproportionately large, matching Miraidon's eating pace and subtly pressuring it.
The appearance of Pokémon made the Armor Dojo even livelier until Honey brought out another tray of steamed buns…
The Dining Table War, Round Two, commenced!
...
After spending a night on the Isle of Armor, Sunday arrived.
After bidding farewell to everyone at the Armor Dojo, Aiden set off on his journey home.
According to plan, today was the day to showcase a new tactic.
Hadn't he promised the chat last week to demonstrate Whimsicott's dominance in doubles?
After a week of intense battles at Sunshine Gym, many Trainers must have gained some understanding of the Prankster Ability and the importance of support roles in double battles.
In that case, tonight would be the perfect time to introduce a fresh tactic while the iron was hot~
Sitting on the ship back to Paldea, Aiden thought to himself.
------------------------------------------------------
Join my Patreon to read an exclusive novel – 'Douluo: Rebuilding Hao Tian Sect'
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)