In the depths of Potbottom Desert, with Corviknight's newfound potential unleashed, Summer didn't rush to leave. Instead, he and Marnie sat down to strategize against Raihan.
During Gym Challenges, Raihan was limited to using only Sandstorm strategies, making him somewhat easier to deal with. But in major tournaments, he could seamlessly switch between Sandstorm, Rain, and Sun, using the weather to amplify his Dragon Pokémon's already terrifying power.
"Hmm… changing the weather might be the best move," Marnie mused, crossing her arms. "But that takes time, and Raihan is the most aggressive Gym Leader in Galar. The second you expose a weakness, he'll tear right through it."
Summer smirked. "Marnie, you're forgetting something. In Galar, there's actually a way to change the weather while attacking at the same time."
Marnie's eyes widened as the realization hit her, but just as she was about to respond, Summer's phone vibrated in his pocket.
"Better answer that," Marnie said, glancing at him. "Could be something important for work."
She leaned back, lost in thought. Yeah, he's right. No point holding back against Raihan. The strongest move should be saved for the most decisive moment.
Summer took out his phone and checked the caller ID—Honey?
He blinked. That was unexpected. While visiting the Master Dojo earlier, he had exchanged contact information with her out of politeness. But why would she be calling him now?
"You have a Master?" Marnie asked, raising an eyebrow. For someone like Summer to acknowledge a mentor… that person must be seriously impressive. Maybe someone like old man Gideon?
Summer chuckled. "Not exactly. I'll explain after I take this call." He pressed the answer button and placed the phone to his ear.
Marnie nodded and remained quiet. Ignoring a call from someone like that would be rude. She was a patient girl.
A cheerful voice greeted him through the speaker.
"Yo, Little Summer~!"
"…Little Summer?! That voice sounds like a man!"
Marnie's eyes went wide. She had been expecting a woman's voice. What the hell was going on?
Summer coughed. "Master Mustard?"
"Bingo! That's me. I'm just borrowing my little Honey's phone right now, hoho~!"
Marnie sighed in relief. Thank the heavens. For a second, she thought she'd have to drag Summer back to the right path before it was too late.
Summer, on the other hand, rubbed his forehead in exasperation. "So, Master Mustard, what's the call about?"
"Haha! No need to be so serious. Just swing by the dojo, and you'll find out! Bring that cute little lady next to you too, hoho~!"
Summer's brows furrowed. "Wait… how do you know Marnie is with me?"
"You made quite the commotion, kiddo! A storm like that in the desert? Of course, I had to come take a look. Gotta say, didn't expect you two to actually fend off Moltres! That bird even gives me trouble sometimes."
Marnie glanced at Summer, her expression skeptical. "He saw our battle?"
Summer sighed. "Seems like it."
If Mustard had been watching them fight against Galarian Moltres, then this probably had something to do with that encounter.
"Alright, Master Mustard. We'll head over soon."
"Great! I'll be here, playing some games while I wait. Take your time, hoho~!"
The call ended with the sound of a game booting up.
Summer turned to Marnie. "Ever heard of Master Mustard's dojo on the Isle of Armor?"
Marnie's expression flickered. "Wait… you mean that Master Mustard? The one who was Champion of Galar for eighteen years?"
Summer nodded.
Marnie was stunned. As a kid, she had watched countless battles between Gideon and Mustard in archived tournaments. Through those matches, she had learned a lot about how to counter Fighting-types with Dark-types.
His battles had also helped her train Scraggy properly when she first started. In some ways, Mustard had influenced her team-building just as much as Gideon had.
"I figured he'd be some serious old martial arts master," Marnie muttered, crossing her arms. "Didn't expect him to be… this kind of guy."
Summer laughed. "Yeah, a lot of trainers are totally different outside of battle. But anyway, what do you think? Want to come along?"
Marnie's eyes lit up.
"Of course! If he's willing to teach me even a little, I won't waste the chance! Let's go!"
Summer was caught a bit off guard. "That was fast."
Marnie smirked. "Hah. What, you thought I'd hesitate? Marnie never wastes a chance to get stronger."
By the time Summer and Marnie arrived at the dojo, the sun was already setting. They climbed the stairs and knocked on the large wooden doors.
A moment later, two dojo students slid them open.
"Oh! If it isn't Little Summer! Perfect timing—dinner's ready! Come eat first, we'll talk after, hoho~!" Mustard's voice rang out from the dining hall.
Seated at the long wooden table, Clara and Avery froze mid-bite.
The past few days of hellish training had completely drained them, and they were stuffing their faces to recover their energy. Now, they had to process the fact that Summer was back… and that Master Mustard was personally inviting him to dinner.
Why was their master treating him so differently?!
Summer and Marnie exchanged glances before stepping inside.
At the large dining table, all of the dojo students sat together, eating the deliciously prepared meal made by Honey.
She waved them over. "Come on, you two! You must be hungry by now. I always make extra, so don't worry~!"
"She's right! Honey's cooking is the only thing keeping this old man alive, hoho~!" Mustard laughed as he shoveled food into his mouth.
Honey sighed with a smile. "Dear, you said the same thing the last time I made a meal that didn't turn out well."
Marnie watched the couple interact, slightly in awe. Their age difference was huge, yet their bond was so natural.
So… age really didn't matter when it came to love, huh?
Then, Mustard turned his attention to Marnie and grinned. "Oh, you must be Little Marnie! Gideon always brags about you when we meet up, hoho~!"
Marnie's jaw dropped. "Wait, Gideon talks about me to you?!"
Summer smirked. She had the exact same reaction I did.
"Right, right!" Mustard nodded, then suddenly clapped his hands together. "Almost forgot—Little Summer! I'm giving you the Secret Armor of the Master Dojo!"
Silence.
Every dojo student, including Clara and Avery, stared in shock.
The Secret Armor?!
That was supposed to be the dojo's greatest treasure! Wasn't it something only true students could earn? Why was Master Mustard giving it to him?!
Marnie, too, was stunned. "Secret Armor? Sounds powerful."
Summer, on the other hand, was skeptical. He knew what the "Secret Armor" really was—Kubfu.
And he hadn't even trained here. He hadn't even passed the three trials.
Before he could question it, Mustard grinned.
"But, of course, you'll have to prove you're worthy first! A battle, after dinner! Consider it a light post-meal exercise, hoho~!"
The room exploded into whispers.
A battle? Against Master Mustard?!
Was this a test… or just a setup for Summer to get destroyed?!