"Oger~"
The Poké Ball's latch clicked open. As red light shot toward the ground, a humanoid Pokémon appeared—wearing a fiery red Hearthflame Mask and drawing a thick, thorny vine baton from behind its back.
Here it is!
Finally, the legendary "ogre" from Kitakami made its debut. Watching from the sidelines, Rika instantly became engrossed, focusing intently on it.
She'd never personally visited Kitakami, so her knowledge of the "ogre" legend was limited.
But recently, Geeta had mentioned multiple times how Aiden successfully captured this Pokémon called Ogerpon in Kitakami. He'd commanded it to single-handedly defeat four legendary individuals—including the resurrected Loyal Three and the mastermind Pecharunt.
It not only resolved Kitakami's potential crisis but also corrected the mistaken history passed down by its residents.
After replacing The Loyal Three's images with Aiden and Ogerpon, Kitakami's tourism industry reportedly reached new heights.
The now-well-behaved villagers had also contributed substantial funds to the League.
Of course, this wasn't the main point—the Paldea League didn't lack such minor income.
The true significance of the Kitakami incident lay in the strength displayed by Aiden and Ogerpon.
Defeating four Legendary individuals of unknown power proved Ogerpon's combat ability couldn't be weak.
Thus, from the start, Rika had marked it as a key observation target.
After all, if its strength proved excessive, wouldn't it sweep all student challengers in one go as the gatekeeper...?
Thinking this, Rika couldn't help but sigh.
But even without Ogerpon, Aiden could probably crush rookies with his other Pokémon anyway.
Besides the well-performing Lucario—who survived two-on-one battles—Sylveon earlier had also seemed... off.
Rika hadn't seen its Blood Moon move before, but the environmental changes proved it was a Fairy-type technique.
And that move nearly one-shot Poppy's ace Copperajah despite type disadvantage...
Just... not quite right.
Rika raised an eyebrow, focusing on this Pokémon whose body hid behind a massive mask—looking far less threatening than expected.
The first two were like this. How about this one—the seemingly strongest on paper, Ogerpon?
Actually, Aiden shared similar thoughts.
The reason was simple—
Though Ogerpon looked adorably unthreatening (unlike Incineroar's intimidating presence), its combat power still led his team by a huge margin—even surpassing the growing Mewtwo.
After all, over a century in Kitakami's Oni Mountain wasn't for nothing. Subduing all the troublemakers there wasn't easy.
If levels were visible, it must be around 70—Champion-level strength.
Thus, Ogerpon's appearance signaled the end of this somewhat farcical match.
After all, among the remaining three Pokémon, Mewtwo was a genuine Legendary—and likely as merciless as Lucario.
Shelgon and Indeedee weren't ready for serious battles yet, leaving publicly-known Ogerpon as the only option.
Aiden felt somewhat helpless about this.
Perhaps after this busy period, he should start raising one or two normal Pokémon from scratch to deepen his team lineup?
If only he could find an ordinary Pokémon on the roadside—perfect for personal training and full of growth potential.
"Copperajah, Earthquake!"
While Aiden pondered, Poppy quickly reacted on the other side, commanding immediately.
Her thinking was simple: this Pokémon clearly related to Fire-type, so using Ground-type moves super effective against it should work perfectly.
Moreover, Earthquake would prevent the stick-wielding Pokémon from closing in—relatively safer.
However, she hadn't expected...
The moment her command left her lips, Aiden's expression instantly collapsed, the corner of his mouth was twitching violently.
If experienced challengers had been watching, they'd probably have shouted immediately—
"Here it comes—Teacher Azure's #1 most hated move!"
Everyone knew Aiden disliked Earthquake.
Because of its indiscriminate environmental damage, using it would ruin the battlefield. Repeated use could even cause ground collapse.
Hiring construction teams was troublesome, requiring gym closure for one or two days—completely unprovoked disaster.
So whenever students used this move, Aiden's expression would turn "kind," then casually reveal his true strength.
That sudden spike in difficulty had once shattered several students' battle spirits, making them question reality.
Who am I? Where am I? What just happened?
Over time, "Five Forbidden Moves When Challenging Sunshine Gym" became an urban legend in Cabo Poco and Mesagoza, widely circulated among students.
Now...
Since he'd decided to end quickly—and already conceded one point—Aiden stopped hesitating.
"Ogerpon, use Ivy Cudgel to interrupt its Earthquake!"
This time, Aiden's voice carried clear passion.
You unscrupulous little Poppy—I was just thinking about how to hold back, and you want to demolish Sunshine Gym's battlefield?!
Interesting.
Then come talk to Ogerpon's Ivy Cudgel!
Currently, the best command for Ogerpon was simple: change masks, keep the same cudgel, and shatter opponents' dreams with one strike.
"Oger~!"
Receiving Aiden's command, Ogerpon immediately lifted its head. The eyes behind its fiery mask focused intensely.
Knowing the opponent specialized in Steel-types, Ogerpon had already switched to its super-effective Hearthflame Mask before exiting the Poké Ball.
As Ogerpon concentrated, the thorny ivy baton in its right hand began transforming.
The thick vines wrapping it ignited instantly. Roaring flames reflected on its massive Hearthflame Mask, dramatically boosting its aura.
With one step, Ogerpon became a blur, charging toward Copperajah at terrifying speed.
Restricted by its bulky frame, Copperajah couldn't dodge even knowing the attack was coming.
Still recovering from the strange energy attack earlier, it lacked strength to endure another hit.
So its only choice was—
Fight back!
"Roar—!"
Copperajah's steel snout blasted hot air. Its sharp eyes narrowed as it stomped forward, shaking the ground.
Using this first step as momentum, Copperajah poured all its might into Earthquake, aiming to finish the opponent before it arrived.
But it still underestimated Ogerpon's speed.
Just as Copperajah's right foot lifted to stomp down, Ogerpon was already upon it. The flaming Ivy Cudgel rose high in its hands.
"Oger~!"
Ogerpon gripped tightly, swinging the cudgel down with full force—aiming straight for Copperajah's hard steel snout.
From Aiden's emotional tone, Ogerpon clearly sensed his urgency.
So this strike held nothing back—aimed to finish the opponent in one move.
"Boom—!"
The burning Ivy Cudgel transformed into a fire dragon mid-swing, crashing into the steel body. Even the surrounding air vibrated violently.
A simple, straightforward strike—lacking Sylveon's Blood Moon environmental effect.
But its power was absolutely terrifying.
The moment it connected, Aiden watched the previously spirited Copperajah—its determined eyes flashing—roll its eyes upward and lose consciousness instantly.
"..."
Rika inwardly widened her eyes.
This pure combat style... feels somewhat like Poppy's Tinkaton?
However...
Judging by strength, this Ogerpon could probably sweep Poppy's entire team in one go...?
This terrifying power approached legendary levels—at least matching Geeta's Kingambit...
Was Aiden not serious earlier, and this is his true form?
No no no—at least having one Champion-level Pokémon was already absurd. Probably just a fortunate bond with this Ogerpon.
Though nearly one-sided, Rika still gained useful insights about Aiden.
His two unusual Pokémon plus this Champion-level Ogerpon—just these three easily reached Elite Four strength!
So... where exactly should Aiden be placed?
If Ogerpon served as the final boss, its strength clearly belonged at the fourth Elite Four position or even Champion level.
But making students battle Aiden and then Geeta back-to-back felt inappropriate.
Thinking this, Rika shook her head.
After one battle, she suddenly felt like the most mentally exhausted person.
Let Geeta deal with this headache.
Unable to find a definite answer, Rika abandoned the thought.
The current score stood at 3:1—seemingly intense but actually nearly decided. Poppy's team was almost exhausted.
After her ace Copperajah fell, she likely only had...
Magnezone and Bronzong left?
Bronzong was defensively oriented, doubtful it could withstand this Ogerpon.
Once Magnezone was defeated, she'd be completely out.
Though she'd trained for months for this challenge against Aiden, she faced almost the same crushing defeat as last time.
Perhaps it was too early for Poppy, but...
The path of trainers was destined to be filled with failure and frustration. Only by adapting to these setbacks and developing strong mental fortitude could one become truly powerful.
Hope Poppy doesn't cry this time.
Rika suddenly felt a mischievous thought.
Watching Ogerpon one-shot Copperajah, Aiden also sighed inwardly in relief.
Good thing Copperajah's frame was sturdy—if it had used Earthquake, Sunshine Gym's battlefield would need complete reconstruction again.
But now, Poppy's Pokémon were nearly depleted.
Looking at Poppy again, Aiden read her blank expression: one part regret, two parts despair, three parts unwillingness, four parts confusion.
"Damn it..."
"Next one!"
Poppy quickly clenched her small fists, staring at Ogerpon with competitive fire while recalling the fallen Copperajah.
"I choose you, Magnezone!"
Soon, a disc-like mechanical creature appeared—its central eye locked straight ahead.
Magnezone, evolved from Magneton via special magnetic fields.
Recent studies suggested Thunder Stones might also trigger this evolution.
Its Electric+Steel typing was extremely weak against Ogerpon's Hearthflame Mask.
This proved Poppy's team was nearly depleted—she had no choice but to send it in desperation.
The battle seemed decided.
While Aiden thought this, Poppy suddenly reached into her pocket, pulling out a familiar black sphere.
Seeing this, Aiden raised an eyebrow.
Ah—planning to use Terastalization...
"Use this special power to defeat the opponent, Magnezone!"
Poppy spoke quickly, gripping the heavy Tera Orb with both hands. Straining, she finally threw it.
The familiar scene repeated—Tera fragments covered Magnezone, forming a silvery-white armor.
Judging by the Tera crown on its head, Flying-type.
Aiden nodded inwardly.
Magnezone had few weaknesses. Terastal Flying would avoid fatal Ground and Fighting moves—a solid defensive choice.
However...
Since the opponent showed Terastalization, he might as well reveal his own.
Aiden smiled, taking out his Tera Orb while looking at Ogerpon—who turned back to him.
"Let's counter Terastal with Terastal too, Ogerpon."
"Oger~"
Ogerpon responded enthusiastically, raising its mask high.
No hesitation—Aiden threw the Tera Orb.
Though both Terastalized, Ogerpon differed significantly from Magnezone.
As possibly the only Pokémon with special Tera effects, Ogerpon didn't absorb energy like others. Instead, it stored all Tera power in its artisan-crafted mask.
The magical reaction between Terastalization and the mask brought normal Tera effects while activating the mask's true power.
Soon, the Hearthflame Mask absorbed all Tera fragments, expanding to cover Ogerpon's entire body. Its eyes and mask outline burst into roaring flames.
Combined with the Hearthflame Mask's fierce expression, it evoked a legendary demon god's presence.
"Ogeeeer~!!!"
Releasing the mask's full power seemed to awaken Ogerpon's inner wildness, prompting a mighty roar.
Depending on the mask worn, Tera Ogerpon received different boosts.
The Hearthflame Mask granted the simplest: +1 Attack.
Combined with its Mold Breaker ability and Tera boost, Ogerpon's combat power now doubled—perfectly embodying violent aesthetics.
"Ogerpon, Ivy Cudgel."
Seeing Ogerpon ready while Poppy hesitated, Aiden spoke calmly.
This strike should end the match.
"Magnezone, fly up to dodge, then use Electroweb!"
The moment Aiden spoke, Poppy immediately commanded.
He understood her thinking.
Magnezone could levitate via magnetic fields—Terastal Flying made it even more agile.
If Ogerpon lacked aerial combat ability, it would struggle against Magnezone, forced to endure Electroweb interference followed by continuous move harassment.
However...
"Use Quick Attack to charge forward, jump onto its back, don't give it a chance to liftoff."
Aiden reacted instantly, countering.
Like Lucario against Corviknight earlier—close-combat Pokémon struggled against flying opponents.
But if they couldn't create distance, the problem solved itself.
With this thought, Aiden commanded decisively.
"Oger~!"
Ogerpon took the first step. As Magnezone began floating upward, Ogerpon erupted with even greater speed. In two breaths, it closed the gap.
Pushing off the ground, Ogerpon landed steadily on Magnezone's broad back.
"Magnezone, use Zap Cannon to knock it off!"
Poppy clearly panicked, commanding urgently.
Magnezone's ultimate move, Zap Cannon, packed terrifying power with guaranteed paralysis. Its only flaw was terrible accuracy.
But at close range, this barely mattered.
Sadly...
When Ogerpon closed in, Magnezone had no chance to execute it.
"Ogerpon, Ivy Cudgel."
Aiden's casual words made Ogerpon raise its seemingly even thicker Ivy Cudgel. It smashed down toward the charging Magnezone below.
The result was obvious.
Soon, burn marks appeared on Magnezone's metal body. Unable to fly, it lost all strength and crashed to the ground.
"I lost..."
Poppy's head drooped. Her previously energetic face now showed clear dejection.
Though Bronzong remained, its strength was mediocre—far below the other four.
In her team, Bronzong usually set up Trick Room for special opponents.
Even as her last hope, it probably couldn't survive two rounds against Ogerpon's fierce assault...
Thinking this, Poppy grew even more discouraged.
Why does Gym Leader Aiden feel on a completely different level from other trainers I've met...? Even Rika Sister never made me feel this defeated.
Twice she'd challenged him—both ended in failure.
Especially this time—thoroughly prepared, yet still swept effortlessly by Aiden.
She even felt he held back. If he'd sent Ogerpon first, she'd have had no counterplay...
Unlike last time's "almost there" feeling, this defeat brought only resignation.
It seemed she never had a chance from the start...
But…she was unwilling to give up!
Seeing Poppy concede, Aiden sighed in relief but quickly noticed her low spirits.
If he didn't comfort her...
SHOCKING! TEACHER QING ACTUALLY MADE A CHILD CRY!
Tomorrow might bring a brand new bad review reason.
"Great battle style, Poppy."
Just as Poppy wallowed alone—on the verge of tears—Aiden's gentle voice reached her. She instinctively looked up at the smiling Aiden.
"Though your Pokémon command skills need polishing—leading to some significant mistakes—but..."
Aiden's opening sentence (praise before criticism) worked well, making Poppy anticipate his next words.
"I can feel your Pokémon deeply trust you. They're willing to grow with you—this still-maturing trainer. Even in disadvantage, they fought alongside you, seeking breakthroughs together."
To be fair, the battle was one-sided. But Aiden's words weren't false.
An eight-year-old trainer performing this well was impressive—only needing to improve trainer skills.
With proper nurturing, she might become a future Champion.
Why not... suggest she join our gym as an apprentice, like Mewtwo?
Beyond sparring with rookies at Sunshine Gym, Teacher Azure's personal guidance would skyrocket her trainer level.
Just as this thought arose, Rika—who'd been silently observing—felt a bad premonition.
"What a wonderful battle."
Rika cut off Aiden's "spell" before he could speak.
"Since everything's settled and it's getting late, I'll take Poppy back now~"
Speaking, Rika inwardly realized:
How did I almost forget this?
Sunshine Gym's popularity reportedly stemmed from Aiden's exceptional trainer skills and guidance—giving rookies practical advice.
But if one followed Aiden's suggestions completely...
Trainer thinking would expand, but tactics would inevitably lean toward Aiden's teachings.
In human terms: 'They'd get dirty!'
For eight-year-old Poppy, contacting Aiden might be premature...
Better wait until she develops her own trainer style before letting Aiden guide her!
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