Chapter 841: Natsume: Fine, I Admit It—All the Legendary Pokémon Were Beaten by Me

June 1st, Wednesday—Children’s Day.

While rookies all around celebrated, the Alola League Semifinals officially kicked off.

The four rookie—uh, contestant—semifinalists were Ash, Gladion, Kiawe, and the rowdy bad boy Guzma.

The morning match: Ash vs. Guzma.

Natsume sat in the audience stands alongside Cynthia, watching the entire match play out.

And… well, let’s just say, words failed him.

The semifinals used a 2v2 format. Ash sent out Torracat, who after a fierce exchange, unleashed Fire Blast.

Guzma sent in Golisopod, whose Ability “Emergency Exit” has it auto-return to its Poké Ball when it senses danger.

Facing the raging Fire Blast, Golisopod bailed—without hesitation—returning to its Poké Ball, forcing backup Scizor to take the field.

Scizor, clueless, had barely landed before it ate a Fire Blast to the face—four times weak to Fire—KO’d instantly.

And just like that, in less than a minute, Ash secured the first win and advanced with ease to the finals.

“The winner is—the contestant from Pallet Town, Ash!”

As cheers erupted across the stadium, a string of ellipses hovered over Natsume’s head.

“I think it was fun,” Cynthia said, hand under her chin, smiling gently. “It really shows the wild, unpredictable charm of Pokémon battles.”

Cynthia! was as soft and gentle as ever.

Natsume thought, maybe he’d underestimated the Lumiose Conference.

This wasn’t a league tournament—it was a brawl in the village square, and the big boss just got taken down in no time!

“I remember Jessie and James participated in this Alola League, too.”

Natsume looked up at the sky, thinking, “since they lost, they’re probably back to their usual shenanigans by now.”

James actually had quite the talent for training, entering under the alias ‘Forrest Dirk’ and making Top 8 this time.

Based on his habit of using a new fake name in every region…

If James entered the Touran Conference in Tokyo, he’d probably call himself ‘Red-san.’

Natsume focused up, turning his attention back to the match.

Once Ash’s bout wrapped up, next came Gladion vs. Kiawe.

Now that was a battle with Gym Leader-level stakes—an absolute highlight by comparison.

With the semifinals curtain finally drawn—

Natsume and Cynthia stood up, ready to head back to Hau’oli City.

Judging by his watch, the folks—and Professor Carolina’s—flight would be arriving soon.

The sunlight was bright and the air fresh as they strolled along the beach near the arena, waves lapping gently and trees lush and green.

Cynthia walked ahead, sky-blue blouse, fair arms—one hand at her side, the other folded against her ribs.

Natsume watched her golden hair ripple in the sea breeze, then turned to take in the glittering water—when suddenly he noticed a familiar weight on his head.

“Victini~(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭*” Victini flopped lazily on his head.

Natsume: “Children’s Day comes with special deals—soon as we’re done, I’m buying a round of ‘Big Masagera’ pancakes for everyone.”

“Victini! ” Instantly, Victini perked up.

Toasty pancakes, honey streaming over the top—what’s not to love!

“Gengar(*⊙⊙)” Gengar levitated nearby, tongue extended, sneakily licking at his deep purple “Gengar z”.

Heard something about food, so he had to get a taste.

Cynthia stopped, glanced back with a smile, and said:

“I want ice cream.”

“What flavor?” Natsume asked, pretending to think.

Without hesitating, Cynthia said slyly:

“Same as you.”

They stopped by an Alola stand that also sold ice cream.

James, wearing a Bewear apron, beamed and asked, “Alola! What can I get you today?”

“We have…” Meowth began, then froze, staring, “Executive?!”

Natsume glanced toward Cynthia, waiting in the distance.

Before the locals got too excited and the crowd swelled, he needed to wrap this up.

“I’ll have berry ice cream. Uh—your stand’s homemade stuff isn’t quite up to par. Mind if I borrow the stand and some of your equipment?”

Team Rocket was left open-mouthed, watching as Natsume-sensei strolled in, opened the cart, borrowed their whisk, Rotom ice machine, and other gear—and in just minutes whipped up a full tub of vibrant, multi-colored ice cream.

Gengar immediately handed out scoops to Victini, Meloetta, Togepi, and the other little ones with cones.

“Togepi~(^▽^ )” Togepi squealed, carrying his cone over to Cynthia.

“Blastoise…ヾ(■_■)” Blastoise took a bite of Pecha Berry, then tasted the ice cream, nodding in satisfaction.

“Gengar(*⊙⊙)” Gengar flicked out his tongue and inhaled an ice cream scoop, then quickly stacked another strawberry ball on his own cone, digging in until his chubby face was covered in cream.

One bucket, enough to share with the whole crew.

Tyranitar didn’t care for ice cream—he preferred chips and the sandcastle-shaped Palossand treats.

The last bit at the bottom of the bucket went to Arcanine—big dogs need extra.

Natsume licked his ice cream cone and waved at the trio over his shoulder:

“See ya. Finals tomorrow!”

The Trio stared, then looked down at the sparkling kitchen bench and neatly sorted utensils.

This was true Master Chef perfectionism.

Team Rocket shared a dazed look.

So who’s the real customer here, and who’s running the store!?

Hau’oli City.

The parent meeting was held at Mallow’s family restaurant.

The cozy décor, amazing food, and private dining rooms made it perfect for family events.

For Natsume’s father and mother, it was their first time meeting the in-laws.

But since Cynthia had already met Natsume’s parents during Victory Road at Touran, she was more at ease this time.

“Your kid is truly outstanding.”

Carolina glanced at Natsume, calmly remarking, “Honestly… He’s one of the strongest Champions alive.”

Makoto, Natsume’s dad, sighed, “Before winning the Touran Championship, he rarely talked to us about anything in the trainer world. But…retired or not, going pro or not, I’ve always supported his choices.”

“And…” Makoto cleared his throat, “I’ve been meaning to ask… Natsume, is the Alolan Zigzagoon actually different from ours back home?”

“Oh, the evolution lines are totally different.” Natsume recalled how his dad had a Zigzagoon back home, always taking it out fishing.

It even had a Haunter that once nearly sent it straight to the Pokémon Center.

Natsume thought, “Actually, it was more than ‘nearly’...”

“That’s what I thought,” Makoto nodded. “I caught a Zigzagoon here in Alola, and now it’s evolved into a Linoone. Think you can teach it Surf or something? I want to take it fishing.”

“Still after those Magikarp, huh…” Natsume sighed.

Dad was famous in fishing circles. Ever since arriving in Alola, he’s been a fixture at every major fishing tournament.

The only pity was, aside from Magikarp and Basculin, he rarely lands anything else.

“What Magikarp,” Makoto retorted, offended, “That one broke the record and even made TV!”

Makoto used “Boast!”

While father and son joked, Natsume’s mother and Cynthia chatted about contests and the adorable outfits for Pokémon.

Misuzu mused about knitting Gengar a purple scarf—it would look so cute!

Of course, she wasn’t about to play favorites. She’d knit scarves for all Natsume’s Pokémon, and Cynthia’s too!

Later in the lunch, Carolina had a quiet word with Natsume about Eternatus’s data and images.

“Beep… Uploading now, Rotom!”

Catching Carolina’s slight smile, Natsume realized that Grandma Cynthia had easily approved.

As for the actual wedding arrangements—

Natsume decided to wait until after the World Tournament to finalize the date.

As for the location, Natsume already had plans.

He wanted it to be in the café’s gardens, with invitations to all the mythical beasts, Legendary Pokémon, and trainers.

It was an idea he and Moe-Moe! had talked about for a long time.

Next month, the World Tournament’s Top 16 Elimination rounds would be held.

All he had to do was make Top 8 and he’d be locked into an Eight Masters seat, completing the system’s mission.

【Major Quest "World Tournament"】

[Objective: Place among the Eight Masters at the World Tournament]

【Mission reward: Dimensional ∞ Energy Chip *1】

Honestly, Natsume was a bit excited, considering he was just one step away from revealing the true identity of the Berry Stall boss.

And after the Alola League wraps up—once he watches Ash and the "Masked Royal" face off in their epic duel—

He’d need to zip back to the Touran League for two things:

One: Attend the joint league meeting to discuss conferring Leon’s official "Legendary" title.

Two: Something that concerned Natsume’s own honor and prestige.

Because with the World Tournament Elimination Rounds coming up, the Touran League had made a decision.

A whole slew of Natsume’s Champion and legendary exploits—which, until now, had stayed secret for all kinds of reasons—

Including the footage from Michina Town, sealed because it involved Arceus, and the video kept at Mossdeep City’s Space Center of Natsume “shattering a massive meteorite”—

Were all about to be declassified.