Johan vs. Bruno!

A battle… a head-to-head showdown.

And the one proposing it was none other than the renowned Fighting-type Elite Four member, Bruno.

"Um… Mr. Bruno, do you mean a Pokémon battle, or... a match between trainers?" Flannery asked hesitantly.

Bruno laughed. "Both are fine."

Johan: "..."

He shot a glare at Flannery.

This girl just can't resist stirring the pot, huh?

A trainer battle?

Bruno wasn't just any Fighting-type trainer—he was a literal powerhouse, capable of wrestling a massive Onix barehanded.

The only people who could withstand him might be someone like Red, or those with extraordinary powers like Aura, the Will of Defiance, or psychic abilities.

This world really is one of high fantasy.

Of course, a trainer fistfight with Bruno would be more for fun than anything serious.

But if you wanted real entertainment, nothing would beat seeing Pallet Town's resident super rookie, Ash.

Johan pursed his lips and addressed Bruno.

"Mr. Bruno, I think I'll pass..."

The power gap between them was just too vast.

But Bruno clapped a meaty hand on Johan's shoulder, laughing heartily.

"Come on, Johan! Don't you want to see how your Tinkatuff can train its fine control over its immense strength?"

Crack—

Johan felt his shoulder emit an unsettling creak, and the searing, tingling sensation left him red-faced.

Fine control, huh? You realize your slap nearly shattered my shoulder, right?

"And you've got good physical potential yourself, Johan. Ever thought about developing it?"

Develop myself?

Johan instinctively wanted to decline.

The last thing I want is to end up looking like a walking mass of muscles.

Still, Bruno's suggestion struck a chord.

Tinkatuff indeed had incredible strength and had even received tips on weapon use from Cynthia's Lucario.

However, its control and precision left much to be desired.

Johan had planned to research this after the festival, perhaps consulting the academy's principal—a former Fighting-type expert.

But having Bruno, the pinnacle of physical training, offer guidance? That was a golden opportunity.

"Tinkatuff," Johan called.

"Chu?"

Tinkatuff, who had been inspecting a park bench, tilted its head questioningly.

"Would you like to spar with this gentleman?" Johan gestured to Bruno.

Gentleman?

Bruno's expression froze briefly. He instinctively stroked his unshaven chin.

After years of wandering and training, it seemed he'd neglected grooming for quite some time.

"Chu?"

Tinkatuff blinked at Bruno before nodding vigorously.

"Chu!"

A battle? Count me in!

Among Johan's four Pokémon, Gengar and Tinkatuff were the most battle-hungry.

Whoosh—

Tinkatuff swung its hammer through the air, excitement shining in its eyes.

"What great fighting spirit!" Bruno exclaimed.

"Thank you for this, Mr. Bruno," Johan said reluctantly.

Bruno took out a Poké Ball and smiled.

"In that case, this one should be a fitting opponent."

Of course, Bruno wouldn't use his ace Pokémon.

It wouldn't be fair to pit Tinkatuff against his shiny Machamp, after all.

The gathered crowd quickly swelled as word spread.

"Bruno's here!"

"Who's that battling him? Wait… is that Johan?"

"Johan, the academy teacher? He's battling Bruno?!"

Soon, a sea of curious onlookers surrounded the makeshift battlefield.

Well, I'm in too deep to back out now, Johan thought.

"Go, Machoke!"

A flash of red light revealed a humanoid, light-green Pokémon with a championship belt around its waist—a shiny Machoke.

"A shiny Machoke!"

For some reason, Johan felt slightly disappointed.

"Choooo!"

Machoke let out a low growl, spreading its arms in an intimidating pose. Its sharp gaze locked onto Tinkatuff.

Tinkatuff, meanwhile, gave Machoke a quick once-over, casually hefting its hammer.

Looks like this green guy has serious strength—and maybe some solid moves.

But no matter how tough Machoke was, Tinkatuff's hammer wasn't about to lose.

A faint pink energy shimmered around its weapon as Tinkatuff took a deep breath.

"Chu!"

Tinkatuff suddenly removed the Power Bracer from its wrist.

Thud—

The seemingly small bracer hit the ground with the weight of a boulder.

Gasp—

The crowd audibly reacted.

The tiny pink Pokémon had been carrying that kind of weight around?

"Looks like Tinkatuff is taking this seriously," Steven observed.

If anyone besides Johan understood Tinkatuff's terrifying strength, it was Steven, who frequently sought its help repairing his Steel-types' metal armor.

Bruno grinned.

"Now this will be fun."

His eyes narrowed as he gave the first command.

"Bullet Punch!"

Machoke's fists glowed white as it charged forward, moving with blistering speed. Its attack was relentless, leaving no time for Tinkatuff to react.

Johan glanced at his Pokédex.

The Machoke is carrying a Flame Orb and has the ability Guts.

As Machoke ran, its body ignited with flames, inducing a burn. But instead of weakening it, the burn enhanced its strength.

Guts: This ability increases attack power when the Pokémon is affected by a status condition, nullifying the usual drawbacks of being burned.

The pain only makes me stronger—that's the way of my martial path!

"Chu!"

Tinkatuff braced itself, lifting its hammer high.

"Counter with Ice Hammer!" Johan shouted.

Crack—

Frost enveloped the hammer as Tinkatuff swung it down at the incoming Machoke.

"Brick Break!" Bruno countered.

Machoke pivoted fluidly, dodging the hammer as it brought its glowing hand down in a sharp arc.

The crowd marveled at how Bruno and Machoke's movements synchronized perfectly, almost as if they were one being.

But Johan was ready.

"Tinkatuff, feint it!"

The hammer halted mid-swing, pivoting unexpectedly toward Machoke.

"Boom—*

The improvised strike connected, sending Machoke skidding back.

The battle turned into a fierce clash of blows, with both sides giving it their all.

"Machoke, Close Combat!" Bruno bellowed.

"Tinkatuff, Ice Hammer!" Johan retorted.

The battlefield shook under the sheer force of their collision.

Both combatants landed hit after hit, neither backing down.

But as the dust settled, one figure remained standing—Tinkatuff, battered but determined, using its hammer as support.

Machoke lay unconscious at its feet, eyes swirling.

"Tinkatuff… won?" someone in the crowd muttered in disbelief.

Bruno walked over, smiling.

"You and your Tinkatuff fought well. You've got the spirit of a true warrior," he said, offering Johan a handshake.

"A warrior's spirit, huh?" Johan muttered.

The praise was unexpected, but seeing Tinkatuff's unwavering determination filled him with pride.

That's my little powerhouse.

As Tinkatuff leaned on Johan, it quietly slipped the Flame Orb into its wristband.

"Pass it on—Johan beat Bruno!"

"No, pass it on—Johan crushed Bruno!"

The rumors spiraled as the crowd dispersed.

Johan sighed, carefully cradling his exhausted Tinkatuff.

Let's hope this doesn't get out of hand.

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Powerstones?

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