(A/N: Happy Birthday to me! Bonus Chapter! Enjoy!)
Counter doubled the return, literally. It took the opponent's physical attack power and sent it back twice as strong.
Wobbuffet's Counter had been trained to absolute perfection! The return wasn't just a simple 2x multiplier anymore!
When Rhyperior's force poured into Wobbuffet's body, it was immediately converted into an even more terrifying power.
The instant Rhyperior's momentum reached its peak and it prepared to withdraw, the counterattack struck.
BOOM!
An explosive sound erupted from where Rhyperior and Wobbuffet collided.
Rhyperior crashed to the ground, eyes spiraling. It had completely lost the ability to battle and couldn't stand back up!
A one-hit knockout!
"Rhyperior is unable to battle! Wobbuffet wins! Trainer Blue has no remaining Pokemon, therefore the victor is John!" The referee decisively announced the final result.
"He won? Just like that?!"
"That incredibly strong Rhyperior actually lost to Wobbuffet? Unbelievable!"
"To be precise, Rhyperior lost to itself. Wobbuffet's Counter reverses physical attacks back at the opponent. It's precisely because Rhyperior's power was so strong that the Counter's force could destroy it!"
"See? What did I tell you! Our Hoenn Champion is the strongest! John's amazing!"
The theater erupted with the same liveliness as before. Among the crowd were no shortage of analysts breaking down the battle mechanics. Even more passionate Hoenn fans went wild cheering for John.
Blue's expression showed slight surprise.
He'd anticipated that Rhyperior might fall to Counter from the moment he launched his attack. After all, he'd encountered Wobbuffet's type before, Counter was a signature move impossible to forget.
But he hadn't expected that even a probing attack would result in his Rhyperior being instantly knocked out.
This Wobbuffet had clearly mastered Counter to a god-like level.
At that moment, right before John's eyes, a system notification appeared.
[Reminder: Champions Defeated (10/10)]
[Note: You have defeated 10 Champions. The World Pokemon Tournament has been unlocked. Please arrive at Galar Region's Wyndon Stadium within fifteen days to register. Failure to arrive on time will result in automatic disqualification.]
[Note: All Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and Champions you have previously defeated will appear at the World Pokemon Tournament with enhanced strength!]
John couldn't help but frown.
A 1v1 battle counted too?
Was it because Blue had mentioned wanting to participate in the World Pokemon Tournament?
"See you at the World Pokemon Tournament." Blue turned and left, walking directly out of the Dance Theater without another word.
Watching Blue's departing figure, John didn't feel particularly excited.
Although he'd won this match, he still hadn't truly witnessed Blue's full strength.
Rhyperior's fighting style was inherently countered by Wobbuffet. Plus, Wobbuffet's Counter was a Fighting-type move, which had a natural advantage against the part Rock-type Rhyperior.
Rhyperior's true combat power hadn't been properly displayed before getting instantly defeated by Wobbuffet's Counter.
To truly understand his opponent's strength, he'd have to wait until the World Pokemon Tournament. Even if Blue still used Rhyperior against Wobbuffet then, the power displayed would be completely different from today.
That would be a Champion truly showing his full force.
John, Blue, Diantha.
The remaining challengers looked at the stage nervously.
'You want me to fight John after that?'
'How is that different from accepting death?'
And so, the second half of the Ho-Oh Championship passed in complete silence. Even when John recalled Wobbuffet and switched to Poochyena, who currently had almost zero combat ability, nobody dared challenge him.
Left with no choice, John could only "awkwardly" accept his Ho-Oh Championship victory.
"Let us congratulate John for winning the Ho-Oh Championship Battle!" Sakura announced the final result, simultaneously handing over the victory prize, the Clear Bell, to John.
[Clear Bell: Legendary-tier item. Originates from a special bell belonging to Ho-Oh. The bell's chime carries healing properties. Legend says that when a pure-hearted person rings it at a certain location, Ho-Oh will descend from the heavens.]
A special item used to summon Ho-Oh.
That "certain location", John knew exactly where it was. The tenth floor of the Bell Tower.
"I guess I count as pure of heart?" John mused. Sure, he'd used some underhanded tactics along the way, but his sole desire was simply to grow stronger. How could that not count as pure of heart?
He'd find out by trying the tenth floor of the Bell Tower.
John prepared to leave the Dance Theater.
"Mr. John, are you leaving already? The after-party is about to begin—"
"Ah, I suddenly remembered something urgent. I need to step out." John answered casually, not looking back as he headed for the exit.
Sakura still escorted John to the entrance.
"Well then, I can only wish you a wonderful evening at the Ho-Oh Festival."
She paused, then smiled. "Also, see you at the World Pokemon Tournament!"
John had almost forgotten. Sakura was Ecruteak City's Gym Leader, which meant she was also someone he'd defeated before. So Sakura would also be appearing at the World Pokemon Tournament.