After Alice and I enter the room where Mustard is playing the Switch, I immediately speak up, "Master Mustard, we have already finished finding the spots."

Mustard hears me and stops the game. He turns to us, wearing a mischievous grin, "What's this? What's this? Let's see how you and Kubfu are getting along..."

Alice and I exchange a glance before we both send out our Kubfu. Mustard starts to examine their eyes and observes how they are behaving towards us. He takes his time, carefully analyzing their demeanor. After a while, a warm smile spreads across his face, "Good, good! You are just the best of friends now, aren't you? Kubfu's really become more confident. How wonderful! I daresay I think you're ready. Follow me, you four."

Mustard stands up and heads for the door, and Alice and I can't help but be curious. We follow him as he leads us outside, only to find ourselves at the tranquil Soothing Wetlands. Mustard seems to be in a carefree mood as he hums a tune, "Dum dum dee dee... La la de daaa... Whew! I guess this is as good a spot as any!"

Alice furrows her brow, clearly intrigued, and asks, "What's this about, Master Mustard?"

Mustard grins and begins to explain, "Now then, Ash, Alice! And Kubfu! If you want to become stronger... there are special training grounds just for Kubfu!"

"Special training grounds?" I ask, my confusion evident.

"Prepare yourselves for the... Tower of Two Fists!" Mustard declares enthusiastically, pointing in two different directions. "The blue tower is the Tower of Waters! And the red tower is the Tower of Darkness!"

I exchange a puzzled glance with Alice, trying to wrap my head around this new information. "Wait, you mean we can enter the tower with your permission?" I ask, seeking clarification.

"Choose wisely, since you'll only be able to climb one of the two towers. Kubfu's fighting style will change depending on the tower you choose... And the types it gets will change as well! Think carefully!" Mustard emphasizes.

Alice seems a bit puzzled as she asks, "So we have to choose one tower to train our Kubfu?"

I consider the options before replying, "I think I will do the Tower of Darkness. And you, Alice?"

Alice nods and decides, "I choose the Tower of Waters."

Mustard grins approvingly and provides us with more information, "Good choices, you two. Each tower's five stories tall, and each floor has a tough opponent waiting for you. Make sure you level up Kubfu properly before trying to climb up!"

We both acknowledge Mustard's advice with determination, responding in unison, "Okay, Master Mustard." It's clear that this training will be a significant challenge, but we're ready to do whatever it takes to help Kubfu become stronger.

As Mustard gets ready to leave, he adds one last piece of advice, "Oh right. You can reach both of the towers by heading through the Forest of Focus. You might even be able to find a shortcut if you can ride your bike across the river! I'm really looking forward to when you two make it to the top of one of those towers! It's going to be so exciting!"

Alice turns to me and suggests, "Ash, how about we come with you to the Tower of Darkness first?"

"Sure," I agree, and together we head towards the Tower of Darkness. As we climb the Challenge Road leading to the tower, we encounter a student stationed in front of it. The student recognizes us and says, "Hello, Ash, Alice! Master has already sent word. This is the Tower of Darkness... It's the special training ground that only Kubfu can use. If you want to climb the tower, please make sure that Kubfu is the only Pokémon on your team."

Both Alice and I exchange surprised glances, not expecting this requirement. The student quickly reassures us, "Oh, and don't worry, Master Mustard told us that you and Alice share your Pokémon, so you can just have Alice accompany you, but she can't interfere in the battles."

With determination in my heart, I hand over the Pokéballs to Alice, and Pikachu willingly perches on her shoulder. The student in front of the Tower of Darkness continues to explain, "Okay, if you raised Kubfu to at least LV.70, its training will go smoothly. Once you enter the tower, you won't be able to leave until you best five opponents... or are defeated yourself. Now... do you wish to forsake the path of water and follow the path of darkness?"

I reply confidently, "Of course." Kubfu, standing beside me, also seems eager and agrees with a nod.

The student reminds us, "Remember, there will be no turning back once you have made your choice. Are you sure you want to climb the Tower of Darkness?"

I affirm my decision, saying, "I am sure about it."

The student acknowledges my determination, offering his support, "I can tell your heart is set. The best of luck to you."

With that, Alice and I, along with Kubfu, prepare to embark on our challenging journey up the Tower of Darkness, ready to face whatever trials lie ahead. As we step further into the Tower of Darkness, we encounter a male student who immediately challenges us with a meaningful statement, "Walking only a path of light will not help broaden your perspective... You must learn to use both the light and the dark. Let me show you how!"

The student sends out a Zoroa, and I realize that I must use Kubfu for this battle. Despite the Zoroa's strong resistance, Kubfu and I fight hard, ultimately using Close Combat to defeat it.

Alice comments, "Fighting types are super effective against Dark Types, maybe this tower is easy for you, Ash."

After defeating the student, we move on to the next floor, where another student awaits. She says, "Those strong in the darkness are also strong in the light... I have traveled the path of darkness and perfected my strength in the light! Behold!" She sends out a Scraggy, which is also a Fighting Type.

I confidently send out Kubfu to battle the Scraggy, and with Aerial Ace, we quickly defeat it.

The student concedes, "Yes, even my strength perfected in light can be overshadowed at times!"

Alice smiles at me and remarks, "Looks like you're going smoothly in this tower."

"Yeah," I reply, "though I start to get worried that there might be some traps when we go to the upper floors." The challenge may be getting tougher as we climb higher, but I'm determined to face whatever lies ahead in this Tower of Darkness.

As we ascend to the next floor of the Tower of Darkness, we encounter the third trainer, who philosophically states, "We are all but lost travelers, feeling our way through the darkness around us... The results of battles are hidden in darkness until the battles are completed. That is the beauty of battling."

I nod in agreement, responding, "Well, that is for sure." This time, the trainer sends out an Inkay, which is a Dark and Psychic Type. I groan inwardly, realizing this battle won't be as straightforward.

To my dismay, Inkay manages to use Psybeam to deal some damage to Kubfu. Alice expresses her concern, "Maybe this floor is not that easy after all..."

However, with determination and a combination of Iron Head and Aerial Ace, we manage to defeat the Inkay. Kubfu has taken quite a bit of damage, though.

The defeated trainer quips, "Now the darkness surrounds me... I am about to blackout!" We decide to move on, and I can't help but worry about Kubfu's condition.

As we reach the fourth floor, the next trainer challenges us with an enigmatic statement, "Wind that carries a ship out to sea is wind that stalls a ship returning to port... what shines light on one path can also be what keeps another in darkness. Let's see if you can find your own path onward."

I reply confidently, "Sure." The trainer sends out a Krokorok, and I know that this Pokémon can be quite challenging to defeat.

Krokorok uses Sandstorm to deal some damage to Kubfu, and its Bite attack keeps making Kubfu flinch. Despite the difficulties, we eventually manage to defeat the Krokorok with a well-timed Close Combat.

The trainer congratulates us, "It seems you have found your path and sailed right on course!" We proceed to the final floor, eager to see what awaits us. As we finally reach the top of the Tower of Darkness, our surprise knows no bounds when we see Mustard standing there. "Master Mustard?" Alice and I exclaim in shock.

Mustard smiles warmly at us and reveals, "There you are... I figured you'd choose the Tower of Darkness, so I decided to wait for you here."

I'm at a loss for words, my mind racing with questions. "What... but... how..." I stammer in confusion.

Mustard chuckles and explains, "Ash, Kubfu – you've both done well to get this far. Your final opponent is little old me!"

I'm utterly surprised by this turn of events. "Wait, we are going to battle you again?" I ask in disbelief.

Mustard grins and reassures me, "It's been a while since the last time I battled like this... but I think you can handle it! A stream too clear is avoided by fish Pokémon... We all need some darkness in ourselves."

With conviction in his voice, Mustard concludes, "Let me be the one to teach you the final lesson on the essence of darkness." And with that, he takes off his hat and jacket, revealing his Champion uniform, and gracefully performs a backflip right in front of us.

I can't help but exclaim in shock, "Wow... Master?" as Mustard sends out his own Kubfu. In response, I send out my own Kubfu, ready for the battle ahead. Mustard's determination is clear as he declares, "I need to get serious if I am to take you on! Hone your senses now... and let this battle sharpen you! Show me how you can grow!"

Taking his words to heart, I command, "Okay... master, Kubfu, use Aerial Ace!" My Kubfu lunges forward, attempting to strike Mustard's Kubfu. However, Mustard's Kubfu showcases its agility by swiftly dodging the attack. Mustard seizes this moment to teach me a valuable lesson, stating, "Watch closely, Ash! This is what Kubfu's fists are truly capable of!" His Kubfu retaliates with its own Aerial Ace, inflicting more damage on mine.

I notice that Mustard's Kubfu is different from the others we've encountered in the tower, which starts to worry me. Determined to continue, I instruct Kubfu to Bulk Up, aiming to strengthen its attacks. We follow up with an Iron Head attack, and although it connects, it doesn't deal as much damage as I'd hoped.

In return, Mustard's Kubfu strikes back with an Iron Head, causing my Kubfu to struggle to get back up. With determination and my encouragement, Kubfu manages to rise once more, unleashing another powerful Aerial Ace that finally knocks out Mustard's Kubfu.

Mustard bursts into laughter, his pride evident as he says, "You young folk grow so fast! It never ceases to amaze me."

I let out a sigh of relief, feeling the intensity of the battle finally subside. Mustard's praise warms my heart as he exclaims, "What a team! Impressive... Most impressive!" I share a high-five with Kubfu, and Alice gives me a warm hug, congratulating me, "You did it, Ash!"

Pikachu joins in the celebration, nuzzling me affectionately. I can't help but smile, grateful for the support of my friends.

Mustard continues with a hearty laugh, "Fuhaha! I knew you were worthy of my trust, Ash! You have done well—very well indeed—in raising Kubfu to this level of strength! Leon was once my best student... a long time ago. He, too, attempted this trial... But he never made it to either tower! He got lost along the way!"

Alice and I share a nervous laugh at Mustard's words, realizing just how challenging the trial was. Mustard's laughter echoes again, filling the room as he says, "Fuhahaha! Now it's finally time for Kubfu to evolve! Go and show Kubfu the Scroll of Darkness. Kubfu is ready now!"

I take out the Scroll of Darkness and show it to Kubfu, wondering aloud, "So this is how Kubfu evolves?" As Kubfu gazes at the scroll, an unexpected transformation begins to unfold. Kubfu starts to glow with a brilliant white light, leaving both Alice and me astonished. "No way... my Kubfu..."

To our amazement, when the light subsides, we see a black and white colored bear-like Pokémon standing before us. It's the same height as me, and its presence is truly awe-inspiring. "Wow..."

Mustard proudly announces, "Behold! Before you stands Urshifu! Sure to be unyielding armor that will shatter any blade turned against it... And it has mastered the style of darkness!"

"Urshifu..." I say in awe as the newly evolved Pokémon approaches me. I embrace Urshifu, feeling the incredible bond that has formed between us.

Urshifu (Single Strike): The Wushu Pokemon: Fighting and Dark Type. Evolve from Kubfu when shown the Scroll of Darkness. This form of Urshifu is a strong believer in the one-hit KO. Its strategy is to leap in close to foes and land a devastating blow with a hardened fist.

Mustard beams with pride as he remarks, "Ha! You've certainly grown, haven't you? And to think, not long ago you would've run and hid behind me the moment you got scared! Indeed, no matter how old I get, witnessing someone grow always brings joy to my heart. Ash! Urshifu! Thank you both, from the bottom of my heart."

I smile appreciatively and reply, "Thank you as well, Master."

Mustard then brings up the next step in our journey, saying, "Now I assume that it will be Alice's turn to challenge the Tower of Waters?"

Alice nods, agreeing, "You are right. I wonder if the scroll in this tower makes this Pokémon Urshifu... then what about the other tower... Just by thinking it is exciting."

I chime in, sharing her excitement, "I know." With newfound confidence in Urshifu's strength, we leave the Tower of Darkness, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead in Alice's journey through the Tower of Waters. Mustard also departs to prepare the trial for Alice, leaving us eager for the adventures yet to come.

Here is the first part of the Tower of two fists, now Ash has the Single Strike Urshifu, and the next one is going to be Alice's turn in the Tower of Waters.

Ash and Alice's Pokemon:

Venusaur x2, Charizard x2, Blastoise x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Pikachu, Meowth, Machamp, Rapidash (Galarian), Slowbro (Galarian), Gengar, Kingler, Weezing (Galarian), Lapras, Eevee, Snorlax, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Espeon, Slowking (Galarian), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Abomasnow, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Darmanitan (Galarian), Garbodor, Zoroark, Stunfisk (Galarian), Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Decidueye, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Melmetal, Rillaboom, Cinderace, Inteleon, Greedent, Corviknight, Orbeetle, Thievul, Eldegoss, Dubwool, Drednaw, Boltund, Coalossal (Shiny), Flapple, Appletun, Sandaconda, Cramorant, Barraskewda, Toxtricity x2 (Amped, Low-Key), Centiskorch, Grapploct, Polteageist (Antique), Hatterene, Grimmsnarl, Obstagoon, Perrserker, Cursola, Sirfetch'd, Mr. Rime, Runerigus, Alcremie x9 (Each Flavor), Falinks, Pincurchin, Frosmoth, Stonjourner, Eiscue, Indeedee x2, Morpeko, Copperajah, Dracozolt, Arctozolt, Dracovish, Arctovish, Duraludon, Dragapult, Zacian, Eternatus, Kleavor