After the sightseeing is done, we return to the dojo. With Max Soup enhanced by Max Honey, we feed our Urshifu, ensuring it's in peak condition. Then, we make our way to the battlefield outside, where Mustard and Honey await our arrival.

"Woo-hoo! Are you ready for another battle with little old me and your first battle with Ms. Honey?" Mustard asks with enthusiasm.

I respond confidently, "We are ready." Alice nods in agreement as Honey chuckles and adds, "That's what I want to hear. If that's the case, let's mosey on over to the battleground!"

As we take our positions on opposite sides of the battlefield, Mustard takes a moment to reflect, saying, "You know, I've been thinking more and more these days...about how fortunate we were to have you join the dojo...even if it was by the queen's orders at first! I can't thank you enough, Ash, Alice!"

Honey chimes in with her own excitement, "Indeed, it's been a while since we've been so excited! I can feel my blood burning and my heart just dancing with anticipation!"

"I just can't resist a battle against a worthy opponent—no matter how old I get! Now then... Let's get things going! This is the most fun time in the world!" Mustard says with infectious enthusiasm.

As he speaks, Mustard undergoes a quick change into his Champion uniform, while Honey watches with a smile. The anticipation is palpable as they both send out their first Pokémon: Mustard with his Mienshao, and Honey with her Blissey. In response, I choose to send out Slowbro, and Alice selects Gallade as our battlers.

"Battling gifted opponents gets my heart beating, no matter how many times I do it! Let's hurry and get this started! Time to see who can win some Exp. Points off the other!" Mustard declares.

"Indeed, let's have some fun...and I'll try not to hurt you," Honey adds with a wicked smile, setting the stage for an exciting battle.

Mustard takes the initiative, commanding his Mienshao to use Fake-Out, causing Slowbro to flinch momentarily. Simultaneously, Honey directs her Blissey to unleash Blizzard, but Alice's Gallade manages to deftly dodge the icy attack.

Alice quickly counters, shouting, "Use Psycho Cut on the Mienshao," and Gallade responds by slashing the Mienshao with the psychic-powered attack. Though Mienshao is resilient, it takes significant damage. Mustard counters with Close Combat, though it doesn't prove as effective against Gallade's defenses.

Slowbro recovers from its flinch, and I instruct it to use Shell-Side Arm. A toxic blast is fired towards Blissey, pushing it back. Honey retaliates with Fire Blast, but I respond by commanding Slowbro to use Water Pulse to counter the fiery attack. The two attacks collide in a dazzling display of power.

Alice seizes the opportunity, ordering Gallade to use Slash on the now weakened Mienshao. However, Mustard has a trick up his sleeve, directing Mienshao to use U-Turn, which catches Gallade off guard, and it's replaced by Luxray. Alice is taken aback by the sudden change.

I intervene, saying, "Heal Pulse, Slowbro." Slowbro sends a soothing wave of healing energy towards Gallade, helping it recover from the damage it sustained during the Close Combat.

"Thanks, Ash. Now, Gallade, Sky Uppercut!" Alice commands her Pokémon, and with a powerful punch, Gallade finally defeats the Blissey. Honey responds by sending out her second Pokémon, Togekiss, as the battle continues to unfold.

As the battle rages on, Alice commands her Gallade to use Dazzling Gleam, while Honey directs her Togekiss to use Play Rough. The combination of Fairy-type moves proves too much for Gallade, and it is knocked out. Alice responds by sending out her second Pokémon, Drednaw.

On my end, I have Slowbro use Yawn on Luxray, causing it to become drowsy and eventually fall asleep. Then, with the combined effort of Drednaw's Earthquake, we manage to knock out Luxray, leveling the playing field once more.

I notice, "Good, now Master Mustard also has one Pokémon down." Mustard recalls his Mienshao and sends it back into battle. The Fake Out attack strikes Slowbro once more, causing it to flinch. Togekiss follows up with a Heat Wave that ultimately knocks out Slowbro.

I realize the type disadvantage, muttering, "I forgot that the Slowbro in Galar are Poison, not Water..." I quickly send out Hatterene to take Slowbro's place. Drednaw takes the initiative and uses Stone Edge. Togekiss tries to evade the attack by taking to the air, but despite its efforts, one of the stone edges connects, sending Togekiss crashing to the ground.

Alice seizes the opportunity, exclaiming, "Now it's our chance, Ash!" Hatterene takes full advantage of the opening and unleashes Dazzling Gleam, successfully knocking out both of Mustard and Honey's Pokémon simultaneously.

Mustard offers a compliment, noting, "You two really work well as a couple, I admit." The battle continues to unfold, and the excitement remains palpable.

Honey responds confidently, stating, "But it would be a mistake to underestimate us, considering we're a couple too." They send out Corviknight and Gallade to continue the battle.

Corviknight launches a Brave Bird attack, striking Hatterene. Simultaneously, Ash's Gallade manages to land a powerful Psycho Cut on Corviknight, dealing significant damage. Meanwhile, Gallade employs Leaf Blade, taking advantage of Drednaw's four-time weakness, and successfully knocks out Drednaw.

Alice summons her third Pokémon, Cramorant, and it promptly uses Dive to submerge itself underwater.

Gallade opts for a Throat Chop attack on Comfey, but Comfey uses Grass Knot, causing it to fall to the ground. This allows Cramorant's Dive attack to land on Comfey, resulting in Comfey being knocked out. On the opposing side, Mustard's Corviknight employs Iron Head, successfully knocking out Comfey.

Ash joins the fray by sending out his third Pokémon, Dracozolt, which uses Bolt Beak on Corviknight, dealing a significant amount of damage. Meanwhile, Cramorant and Gallade continue their exchange of attacks.

Alice seizes the opportunity, saying, "Now is the time. Use Surf again."

The potent Surf attack engulfs all the Pokémon in the battlefield, and even Pikachu in the stands gets caught up in the flood, somehow ending up inside Cramorant's mouth.

Concerned, I inquire, "Alice, did your Cramorant swallow my Pikachu again?" I hear Pikachu's cries for help.

Alice reassures me, "Don't worry, Cramorant, now spit it out." Cramorant complies, spitting out the soaked Pikachu. Pikachu, now drenched, manages to hit Gallade with an Electric-type move, paralyzing it. Meanwhile, Corviknight faints from the Dragon Pulse attack unleashed by Dracozolt.

Mustard acknowledges our prowess, stating, "Not bad, I'm down to three Pokémon. Now, let's continue."

He sends out the Lycanroc, which is the Midday form. Alice and I exchange glances, realizing that things are getting tense in this battle. Mustard's Lycanroc uses Accelrock to swiftly knock out Alice's Cramorant, and in response, Dracozolt's Dragon Pulse defeats Gallade.

Honey sends out her Salazzle, and Alice quickly commands Copperajah to strike with a powerful High Horsepower. The hit sends Salazzle tumbling backward, but Alice's expression shifts when she remembers Salazzle's ability, Corrosion, which allows it to poison any Pokémon, regardless of their usual immunity. Copperajah is now poisoned.

I take the initiative and instruct Dracozolt to use Bolt Beak on Lycanroc. The attack lands successfully, but Mustard retaliates by setting up Stealth Rocks on the battlefield, complicating our options for switching Pokémon. Salazzle delivers a Dragon Tail to knock out Dracozolt, further narrowing our choices for the battle ahead.

I send out my Dusk Form Lycanroc, and Mustard comments, "I see you have a rare Lycanroc..."

"Yeah, it's been my partner ever since I was in Alola," I reply. I command my Lycanroc, "Use Accelrock!" Lycanroc rushes forward and knocks out Mustard's Salazzle with the attack.

Mustard's Lycanroc retaliates by using Stone Edge on Copperajah, dealing some damage. Honey then sends out her fifth Pokémon, a powerful Galarian Darmanitan.

Alice commands Copperajah, "Copperajah! Earthquake!"

I add, "Jump at the same time, Lycanroc!" Lycanroc leaps into the air as Copperajah triggers an Earthquake. The combined attack hits both Galarian Darmanitan and Mustard's Lycanroc, resulting in Lycanroc's fainting.

Mustard's fifth Pokémon turns out to be Kommo-o, and it unleashes an Aura Sphere, knocking out my Lycanroc. In response, I send out my fifth Pokémon, Duraludon.

Honey commands her Darmanitan, "Use Icicle Crash!" The attack hits Copperajah, while Alice instructs Copperajah, "Use Heavy Slam."

Copperajah executes the Heavy Slam and manages to strike the Darmanitan. I notice that Darmanitan continues to use Icicle Crash and remembers its Gorilla Tactics ability, which means it doesn't need to worry about using its other moves.

With a smile, Alice says, "I know." Her Copperajah then targets Kommo-o with Play Rough, but Kommo-o manages to evade the attack. Meanwhile, my Duraludon fires a powerful Dragon Pulse, hitting Kommo-o.

"Clangorous Soul!" Mustard commands, and Alice and I watch in surprise as Kommo-o powers up and unleashes Clanging Scales, dealing a heavy blow to Copperajah and knocking it out. In response, Alice send out my fifth Pokémon, Butterfree, while Ash's Duraludon uses Scale Shot to defeat Kommo-o. Simultaneously, Butterfree uses Solar Beam to take down Darmanitan.

The battle intensifies as Mustard sends out a Venusaur, and Honey releases her Urshifu Rapid Strike Form. Their combined efforts quickly take down Duraludon and Butterfree with Earth Power and Surging Strikes.

"Go, Blastoise!" Alice sends out her final Pokemon, and I also do the same, "Urshifu, you too."

Mustard calls out, "Now, become the gigantic fist that breaks your opponent - as one would smash through a board!"

Ash and Alice exchange determined glances as their Pokémon Gigantamax in response to Mustard's challenge. Urshifu's body turns blue with energy, while Blastoise's frame turns fiery red. The battlefield is charged with tension as they prepare for the climactic clash.

Ash commands, "Urshifu, show 'em what we've got! G-Max Rapid Flow!"

Alice follows suit, "Blastoise, let's do this!"

Urshifu unleashes a powerful Water-type attack, a massive torrent that surges toward the Rapid Strike Form Urshifu. Blastoise, on the other hand, braces itself for the impact.

As the G-Max Rapid Flow strikes, Urshifu bears the brunt of the attack but remains steadfast. Blastoise, however, takes damage from Venusaur's Energy Ball.

As the intense battle unfolds, Alice commands Blastoise to hang in there and support Urshifu by using Flash Cannon. The beam of energy shoots towards Urshifu, but it's not particularly effective against the Fighting/Water-type Pokémon.

With determination, I urge, "Now, Urshifu, use G-Max One Blow!" Urshifu launches the powerful attack, striking Venusaur with incredible force. The Grass/Poison-type Pokémon is unable to withstand the impact and is knocked out, much to Honey's surprise.

Honey acknowledges the impressive move with a smile and turns to Mustard, saying, "That was a delight. Now it's your turn, dear."

Mustard responds with a nod and commands his Pokémon, "Go for the Max Knuckle!" The super-effective attack lands a hit on Urshifu, but our Pokémon stands strong. Both Pokémon unleash Max Knuckle and Iron Head simultaneously, resulting in Urshifu's defeat.

Mustard's laughter fills the air as he acknowledges our victory, commenting, "Strength ebbs and flows in an endless cycle. One moment you grasp it, and the next, it slips from your hand. But the strength you have now—the strength that let you defeat me—it is unwavering! Congratulations, from the bottom of my heart!"

Alice and I share a moment of exhaustion but also satisfaction. Mustard continues, "Fuhaha! We held absolutely nothing back, and yet you still defeated us! The apprentices surpass their masters... A true moment of pride for the master! You deserve a very special League Card from me!"

We graciously accept the rare League Cards Mustard offers us, recognizing the significance of our achievement. Mustard ends by saying, "It seems I will have to redo my own training from scratch!" With that, we conclude our battle, filled with newfound respect and admiration for our mentors.

Honey's lively presence draws everyone's attention to the battlefield, where Mustard had just lost his battle against us. She playfully exclaims, "Oh, darling! Did I hear right? You actually lost?!"

Mustard acknowledges her and replies, "Ah, so you all came!"

Honey continues, "Even though I lost earlier than you did, you know I can't resist seeing you get all serious about battle, you cheeky thing!" She smiles warmly at her husband. "You were utterly dashing, darling."

Ash and I exchange slightly embarrassed glances as we receive the compliments from the couple. Honey, still in high spirits, adds, "But look at me getting all distracted... You were amazing, Ash, Alice. I suppose that I can also give you my rare League Card as well."

We are pleasantly surprised to receive rare League Cards from both Mustard and Honey, tokens of their acknowledgment. A student chimes in, "Looks like we'll need to have some Max Soup tonight to celebrate."

One female student exclaims, "I knew you weren't just new students! I think I'll call you Master Newbies from now on!"

Hop chimes in with a smile, "Well, I'm not surprised one bit, Ash, Alice. I knew you'd win!"

Honey offers praise to Blastoise and Urshifu, saying, "And you were fabulous, too. Blastoise, Urshifu," to which the two Pokémon nod appreciatively.

Klara and Avery approach us hesitantly, and Klara starts, "Um, Ash, Alice... I-I just...well...I guess we should congratulate you..."

Avery, still maintaining his competitive spirit, interjects, "But we won't! Honestly, I don't see why we should celebrate anything! I will admit...we do feel a bit better. I couldn't hold a candle to a Trainer who defeated the master at his full strength! But when we next meet on the field of battle...it will be I who takes the victory...in a fair fight, no less!"

Alice and I exchange determined glances, responding in unison, "Well, I don't think I'll lose to both of you."

"Agh! You're downright infuriating-you know that? Almost as bad as I am!" "Yeah, y-you've got quite the attitude! Though maybe it's not as bad as mine..." The banter between Klara and Avery continues, both acknowledging their competitive spirits as they playfully tease each other. Honey remarks, "Well, at least they're aware of their own flaws," and they all share a good-natured laugh.

Mustard returns in his normal attire and announces, "Well, that wraps up the last of the training here at the Master Dojo!"

Klara asks about his sudden change, to which Mustard responds, "Ash, Alice! I hope you'll come by and have more battles with me from time to time. It'll make us both stronger! Just so we're ready for when the time comes..."

Their curiosity is piqued, but Mustard remains cryptic, saying, "Heh heh! Oh, don't worry! You'll find out what I'm talking about eventually! Aaanyway, let's all head back, shall we? Like one big family!"

With that, they all head back to the dojo, ready to celebrate their achievements together. The dojo has truly become a second home for Ash, Alice, and their Pokémon, and they look forward to whatever challenges and adventures lie ahead.

And that wraps up the Isle of Armor arc. I hope you like it and the next chapter will begin the Crown Tundra.

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