“Interesting… the Legendary Herb!”

The Pokémon All-Star Omnicompetition Cup—this was an event that appeared in the games and in the Special manga. It was essentially the Pokémon world’s equivalent of the Olympic Games.

One of the Pokédex holders, Gold, participated in this event during the Sinjoh Ruins arc. He won every medal and even defeated Kanto’s Elite Four Bruno in the athletic events!

“…If I remember right, the origins of this event go back to an ancient Johto hero. Guided by what was believed to be Arceus, he journeyed with three Pokémon, overcoming ten trials, and at the world’s end he met Celebi. There, he received the Legendary Medicine that could heal any illness or wound.”

Hikaru recalled the lore behind the All-Star Cup.

“To commemorate the bond between humans and their three Pokémon as they overcame these trials, the competition became a tradition—passed down until today as a grand festival like the Olympics.”

Truly, it was the athletic contest of myth.

The P1 Grand Prix, meanwhile, was an event in the anime’s world—focused on Fighting-type combat, gathering martial artists and specialists from across the regions. That said, it wasn’t strictly limited to Fighting-types; Rock-types, at least, weren’t barred.

As for the Pokémon Iron Fist Championship—

“Wait a second… isn’t that a competition from the Steeliron Region?”

Hikaru blinked in confusion.

Could it be… this world really had a Steeliron Region?!

Marshal smiled. “Yes, indeed! The Steeliron Region is very far from here. Its League is isolated, participating little in global affairs aside from tourism. They host a competition called ‘Steeliron Battles’—that’s essentially the Iron Fist Championship, also known as the Martial League.”

“This year’s merged event was partly pushed by the Steeliron Region, as a promotion for their Martial Arts League. But the main organizer is still the Indigo League. Either way, for martial artists across the world, this is a once-in-a-lifetime martial arts festival.”

“You could call it the World Martial Arts Tournament.”

Hikaru was left speechless.

It wasn’t unusual for fighting events to appear within sports competitions.

But usually, martial arts weren’t official categories in massive events—they tended to be standalone tournaments, separate from other sports. Fınd the newest release on novelFɪre.net

“Martial artists duel not for prize money, but to test their own skill and technique.”

“Eh?! Such an interesting thing, and you never mentioned it before!” Shauntal pushed up her glasses, deeply curious.

Marshal sighed helplessly. “You’re not a martial artist. Telling you would be pointless. Besides, Ghost-type Pokémon are forbidden to enter.”

Shauntal: “?”

Attribute discrimination?

Skyla chuckled. “Ahaha—it’s probably because Fighting moves don’t affect Ghost-types, so they’d be banned. But what if there were a Pokémon that was both Ghost and Fighting? Wouldn’t it qualify then?”

Boss Clay scratched his chin. “But… there aren’t any Pokémon like that, right?”

Marshal, listening, muttered inwardly.

Not necessarily…

Clay went on: “Anyway, this Pokémon Iron Fist Championship sounds pretty intense. Oh, and I’ve heard that in some All-Star Cup events, Trainers have to participate personally too?”

“So, with this new merger of the ring tournament and the P1 Grand Prix… don’t tell me you martial artists are gonna climb into the ring yourselves for real-life brawls?”

Even imagining such a scene was ridiculous!

“Hey now, wouldn’t that have nothing to do with Pokémon battles anymore?”

Not only Clay—Hikaru too wanted to complain. The looks on Skyla and Shauntal’s faces said the same.

“Exchanging blows directly with Pokémon—this is also an important part of a martial artist’s training. Fighting competitions are a way of verifying that.”

Marshal folded his arms. “As Master Mustard of Galar once said, back in the days before Pokémon battling systems were well-developed, there were indeed events where martial artists fought Pokémon, even teaming up alongside them in competition. Many martial arts were born then.”

“After all, fighting techniques were originally developed by humans observing wild Pokémon, as ways to defend themselves.”

“Still, given the significance of this year’s event, Trainers probably won’t be made to fight. Otherwise, an aged master like Mustard would be at a big disadvantage against younger fighters.”

Clay stroked his beard. “Hah! That old man from the Isle of Armor… I’d heard of him when I was young! They said he went undefeated for decades, a supreme master! And rumor has it his strength actually deepened with age. Marshal, don’t you underestimate him.”

Marshal bowed his head humbly. “Not at all. I still have far to go. First, I must defeat Kanto’s Bruno.”

He then turned to Hikaru.

“So—what about you? Will you enter?”

Hikaru nodded. “The Legendary Herb definitely interests me.”

After all, while he knew a Celebi, that one had vanished into time travel. Who knew when they’d meet again?

Seeking rare plants was also part of his journey—and a goal shared by his Pokémon.

The Pokémon around him pricked up their ears. Lilligant looked eager, while Riolu seemed especially fired up.

After all, training’s most vital step was testing oneself in battle.

But the one most stirred was Torterra.

Upon hearing about the Legendary Herb, its eyes lit up—yet after a moment’s thought, it realized it couldn’t possibly compete in such an event. Its shoulders drooped in disappointment.

Still… maybe it could try another sporting event? As long as they won any championship, the prize would count, right?!

Even more crestfallen was Aegislash.

Huh?! Ghost-types aren’t allowed in martial tournaments?

What kind of absurd rule was that?!

It had been ready to style on opponents with its Ghost resistance! Was all its sword training for nothing?!

Marshal chuckled. “Seems your Pokémon are very interested. Riolu, and you’ve got another Fighting-type as well, right?”

“Mm… perhaps I’ve said too much. As for those martial scrolls I mentioned as thanks—I’ll wait until you reach the Pokémon League to give them.”

“The League? No, I wasn’t planning to challenge the League.”

Hikaru waved his hand. He collected Badges mainly to increase his strength and gain special knowledge. Battling the Elite Four themselves brought little benefit.

Unless it was for nurturing his New Force…?

Though valuable, challenging the Elite Four through official means was troublesome.

The proper process was to enter the local League Conference, win the Championship, then challenge the Elite Four, and finally face the Champion.

But Hikaru wasn’t a battling Trainer at heart. Battles were just a means to his greater goals.

No need to challenge the League. Private matches sufficed!

“Hah?” Boss Clay gawked. “You mean—you’ve already got my Badge and Skyla’s, so only two more left. You’re practically ready for the League!”

“You’re not telling me you just think the Conference is too much hassle?”

Hikaru shrugged. “That’s exactly it. Plus, I’m not even a registered Trainer. No Trainer Card. My real work is as a craftsman.”

Clay sputtered. “You could register anytime! Don’t tell me you’ve just been challenging Gyms for fun?!”

“There are exceptions, you know. Some can battle the Elite Four without the Conference. For example… current Elite Four member Caitlin, right, Shauntal?”

Shauntal tilted her head in thought. “Yes. Caitlin challenged the reigning Elite Four to swap positions. It was a special case.”

Shauntal then smiled slyly. “But if you don’t want the Conference hassle, you could just challenge us one-on-one. Win, and you become Unova’s new Elite Four! For instance, that guy named Dentz said he wanted to challenge me. If he wins, he’d be the new Electric-type Elite Four. As a Gym Leader, he gets the right.”

“Becoming Elite Four would make promoting and selling things so much easier!”

Shauntal giggled. “I often use my Elite Four title to sell signed novels, after all!”

“…That reminds me of a certain other character,” Skyla muttered, sweating a little. “Isn’t there someone in Galar who does something like that?”

“But wait—there’s also Victory Road. You don’t need the Conference. Clear Victory Road, and you can directly challenge the Elite Four and the Champion.”

Skyla raised her finger. “Every region has a Victory Road! It’s full of elite Trainers and fierce wild Pokémon. Anyone who clears it is guaranteed to be strong.”

“The Conference is for everyone. Victory Road is only for the strong. Therefore—”

Skyla grinned. “Either way, first let’s battle and test your strength, Shopkeeper!”

“Oh! Let’s draw lots!” Shauntal suddenly whipped out slips of paper, her eyes sparkling.

“Two-on-two double battle! Each of us gets one Pokémon!”

(End of Chapter)

[Get +20 Extra Chapters On — P@tr3on “Zaelum”]

[Every 500 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter Drop]

[Thanks for Reading!]

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep