You Weren’t Like This a Moment Ago!
The gray-white fur, thick eyebrows like a martial artist's, intense eyes, and a perfect combat stance made Kubfu look like it meant business.
As Mustard observed the interaction, he grinned.
"It seems like it's challenging you to a fight, Little Johan."
His voice carried a hint of nostalgia.
This particular Kubfu was not an easy one to get along with.
Johan stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Kubfu left a favorable impression. It wasn't surprising that Mustard would offer such a Pokémon—it was a testament to his trust. Mustard wasn't the type to gift Kubfu to just anyone.
Only a select few who had earned his recognition ever received one of these rare Pokémon.
Even in Pokémon Journeys, two formidable trainers, Chase and Asahi, hailed from the Isle of Armor. Both wielded the evolved forms of Kubfu—Single Strike Style and Rapid Strike Style Urshifu.
Still, Johan couldn't ignore the "oddities" surrounding Mustard's antics earlier.
Could Kubfu have some hidden quirks?
Perhaps it had an enormous appetite, or maybe it was difficult to handle in other ways.
"Well," Johan mused, "there's only one way to find out."
"Tinkatuff," he called out.
"Chu~"
Tinkatuff stepped forward with a confident smile, hefting its massive hammer. It extended a hand toward Kubfu in a taunting gesture.
Bring it on, little bear.
Kubfu didn't flinch. Instead, it glanced at Tinkatuff's hammer and took a deep breath. Its entire body seemed to relax as it prepared to fight.
It had waited a long time for a worthy challenge.
This time, it was determined to observe the fight carefully and grow from the experience.
Suddenly, Kubfu charged forward with incredible speed, the wind roaring in its wake. Fallen leaves scattered in its path.
The sheer intensity of its presence surprised even Johan.
Kubfu approached with short, calculated strides before launching a precise punch.
"Rock Smash!" Mustard declared from the sidelines, his tone light yet brimming with pride.
"Such a spirited move!"
Johan smirked.
"Tinkatuff, Ice Hammer!"
Tinkatuff swung its hammer with frost gathering at the edges, meeting Kubfu's punch head-on.
Boom!
The collision sent shockwaves rippling outward.
Johan squinted, sensing something unusual.
"Was that... Aura?"
He could feel a distinct wave of energy emanating from Kubfu during the clash.
While Kubfu itself couldn't learn Aura Sphere, its evolved form, Urshifu, certainly could. Perhaps this was a sign of its potential?
The impact sent Kubfu flying backward, crashing into a nearby tree.
"Chu!"
Tinkatuff didn't pursue. Instead, it planted its hammer into the ground and nodded at Kubfu with approval.
Not bad, little one.
Kubfu struggled to its feet, its sharp eyes unwavering. It seemed to whisper in its Aura:
Even kings must fight to prove their worth.
Johan raised an eyebrow.
Where had Kubfu learned that line?
The battle paused briefly as Johan's Pokédex beeped, revealing Kubfu's details:
Kubfu
The Wushu Pokémon.
A serious Pokémon with a strong sense of justice. It diligently trains to strengthen its body and spirit.
Type: Fighting
Ability: Inner Focus
Known Moves: Leer, Rock Smash, Endure, Focus Energy, Aerial Ace, Scary Face, Headbutt, Brick Break, Detect, Coaching.
Mood: Determined (Even kings must prove their mettle!)
Status: Excellent (Though it seems a bit sleepy.)
Friendship Level: 10 (It likes your Tinkatuff's hammer.)
Johan chuckled.
Kubfu's skills weren't overly flashy—no Swords Dance or Close Combat yet. Its raw strength was impressive for its stage, but its personality was what stood out.
"Let's test something," Johan murmured, releasing a wave of his own Aura toward Kubfu.
Kubfu froze mid-step, visibly startled.
"That should do it," Johan thought.
He approached slowly, holding out a cube of Pokémon food.
Kubfu tilted its head, eyes darting between Johan and the food.
"Ku?"
For me?
"Yes, for you. Go on," Johan said, smiling.
After a moment of hesitation, Kubfu accepted the treat and devoured it in one bite.
"Hic!" Kubfu hiccupped, then let out a long yawn.
Johan's eyes lit up.
One treat was enough to fill it up? This was a trainer's dream!
Satisfied, Johan turned to Mustard.
"Sensei, it seems this little one and I are a good match."
Mustard grinned.
"Then don't wait—catch it, Little Johan!"
Without hesitation, Johan knelt and extended a Luxury Ball.
"Will you join me as my partner?"
Kubfu stared into Johan's eyes before nodding firmly.
The Luxury Ball clicked shut without resistance.
Inside, Kubfu curled up and promptly fell asleep.
As Johan held the sealed Luxury Ball, Mustard let out a dramatic sigh of relief.
"Sensei?" Johan asked.
Mustard beamed.
"Just excited for you, Little Johan! Let's head back for lunch—Honey's preparing a feast!"
Johan followed, puzzled by Mustard's enthusiasm. Something felt... off.
Before he could dwell on it further, a deep rumble shook the ground.
Boom!
A crimson light flared in the distance.
"Sensei, what is that?"
"Hmm," Mustard mused casually, as though the phenomenon was a minor inconvenience.
"Some Pokémon around here have been acting up lately. Probably nothing to worry about."
Nothing to worry about?! Johan thought, incredulous.
But before he could question further, Mustard turned and pointed.
"Bring Kubfu out, Little Johan. Let it stretch its legs."
Reluctantly, Johan released Kubfu from its ball.
"Ku~~ (Zzz...)"
Still asleep, Kubfu remained standing, swaying slightly.
But when a massive Drednaw emerged from the swamp, eyes glowing red with rage, Kubfu snapped to attention.
Its posture shifted fluidly into a fighting stance, its eyes focused despite the sleepiness lingering in its Aura.
"Sensei, are you sure—"
Mustard interrupted with a grin.
"Time to command, Little Johan."
Johan hesitated but gave a simple order:
"Kubfu, Brick Break!"
The moment he spoke, Kubfu burst into motion, its movements a blur.
The enraged Drednaw lunged with its massive jaws, but Kubfu sidestepped with effortless grace.
It pivoted mid-air, its paw glowing with fiery red energy, and delivered a devastating blow to Drednaw's shell.
Boom!
Drednaw collapsed with a pained roar, its tough armor cracking under Kubfu's strike.
Johan gawked.
"You weren't like this a moment ago!"
Kubfu exhaled deeply, its Aura settling.
"Ku~ (Zzz...)"
It returned to its upright, sleeping posture as though nothing had happened.
Mustard clapped Johan on the back.
"Impressive, isn't it? Looks like your Kubfu's got a knack for channeling Aura in battle."
Johan sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Sensei, you could've warned me about this."
Mustard only laughed.
"Good luck raising that one, Little Johan!"
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Powerstones?
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