Chapter 0824: Yamper Who Dreams of Being Miss Marnie’s Partner(Two-in-One)

The night was deep blue. A gentle breeze rippled the backyard pond, reflecting the shimmering gold of the Budew Hotel.

A professional battle arena occupied the backyard, available for the hotel’s guests, with an energy station beneath the grounds for Dynamax battles.

Only with an energy spot can Dynamax be triggered, which is why Leon rarely battles outside Galar—though his Charizard is already Battle Legend level even in regular matches.

With top-notch facilities and amenities, the Budew Hotel’s luxury was clear.

Legend says the hotel was started by a Budew superfan, who named it after their favorite Pokémon—and from humble beginnings, it grew into a high-end hotel chain.

Natsume always wondered—who would ever be a Budew fan, anyway?

Well, seeing all these enthusiastic Budew followers, it made a lot more sense now…

The marble fountain bubbled under the night sky. Next to it stood a black-haired girl, tugging her short hair by her ear while tapping at her phone.

She wore a studded black jacket over a pink dress, short ruffled skirt showing two pale legs ending in chunky boots. With her black bob—one side cut short and the other hanging to her brow—she looked equal parts rocker and idol, pure Moe-Moe!

Marnie’s green eyes were fixed on her phone screen; when she saw “Match Success,” she breathed a sigh of relief.

Before facing Leader Kabu tomorrow, she could squeeze in one more training battle.

But… Marnie blinked as she checked the details. Her opponent was Ultra Ball tier?

Ultra Ball tier, and they accepted a challenge from a Great Ball tier?

Marnie’s eyes hardened. She clenched her small fists. No way could she waste this chance—even if she lost, it’d be a valuable learning experience!

“Go, Miss Marnie!”

“We’re behind you—always!”

Cheers echoed out of the darkness. Marnie turned around to see three Team Yell members in full regalia, banners and megaphones held high, catching more than a few stares from other guests.

Team Yell—Spikemuth’s grassroots organization.

Mission: Cheer for Miss Marnie, full stop.

Anyone who supports Miss Marnie is automatically part of Team Yell—simple as that!

Marnie, back to the shouting supporters, tugged nervously at her dress. A blush crept over her cheeks. She touched her chest—sometimes their zeal was overwhelming, but Team Yell’s presence always gave her a strong sense of security.

After all, Marnie’s eyes sparkled, I have to carry Spikemuth’s hopes, and everyone’s expectations. I’ll become a famous Trainer for sure!

“Excuse me, are you my opponent for tonight’s match?”

Marnie froze, startled by the voice. She turned stiffly and saw a rather familiar black-haired young man—someone she was used to seeing in news reports.

Seeing the young man up close, Marnie spaced out for a second. The match screen said his name was “Natsume”… but wasn’t he called something else on TV?

Natsume had told Cynthia he was heading out for his first battle in Galar.

This time, he’d chosen Dynamax as the match format—actually, his first Dynamax attempt.

So it really was Marnie, one of the most popular characters from Pokémon Sword & Shield.

Natsume was surprised, but only for a moment—Marnie had gotten an invitation from Chairman Rose to challenge Galar’s gyms, and Budew Hotel offered free board to contestants. Meeting Marnie here made perfect sense.

And where Marnie went, Team Yell…

Natsume glanced around. Sure enough, some oddly-dressed Team Yell members were peeking from behind a pillar.

Their eyes met. Team Yell looked terrified.

“Oh no—it’s Baby Cup Slayer, Natsume-sensei!”

“Marnie’s about to get totally destroyed!”

“I’ll hold him off. Miss Marnie, run! You two, let go of me!”

“Miss Marnie warned us not to mess with her challengers. She won’t let us come along if we do…”

“Marnie, oh Marnie~ o(╥﹏╥)o”

Natsume scratched his cheek, a slightly embarrassed smile on his face. “Haha…”

Honestly, he’d been a Team Yell member in spirit when playing Sword & Shield.

Suddenly, Marnie realized something. She stared at Natsume with eyes wide.

It really was that legendary Trainer—Natsume-sensei himself.

Rumor had it he haunted rookie events, giving even beginners a shot to spar with legendary Trainers and learn directly from them.

She never dreamed she’d actually match up with him in the World Tournament!

“If you want, we could just skip the battle.” Natsume said.

It wasn’t easy for youngsters to grind out points, and he could try Dynamax anytime.

Plus, win or lose, he’d feel bad for Team Yell.

“No—this is a precious learning chance for me.” Marnie pressed a hand to her chest, her gaze serious. “Please, have a Dynamax battle with me, Natsume-sensei.”

The three Team Yell members in the shadows burst into tears.

“Miss Marnie is so cute…”

“She’s glowing!”

“We can’t be Trainers, but at least we can give her our strength!”

In a flash, Team Yell was on fire: “Give it your all, Miss Marnie!!”

“Yeah. I heard you,” Marnie replied, focus sharpening as she raised her hand gripping a Dusk Ball toward Natsume.

“Let’s battle, Natsume-sensei!”

“Understood.”

Natsume adopted a serious tone. “Just so you know, I don’t go easy when I coach—you might get completely shut out.”

But, if her performance stood out, Natsume would coach her with tips—like teaching Marnie’s Pokémon to use the Dark-type move "Lash Out."

That’s why so many Trainers wanted to face Natsume-sensei in the World Tournament.

Meet Steven Stone, he’d hand you a Key Stone and Mega Stone.

Meet Natsume, and he’d coach you personally, handing out Technical Records or move tutoring.

Random new champ NPCs just couldn’t compare.

Marnie nodded quietly. “Before our Max Battle, I want to… change into my uniform first.”

Natsume nodded, moving to the far side of the outdoor arena to wait.

While waiting, he struck up a conversation with the three face-painted Team Yell members.

Team Yell A whispered, “Miss Marnie is really proud. Please try to go easy…”

Team Yell B sighed dreamily, “I wish I could be Miss Marnie’s Yamper. But she likes Morpeko better.”

Team Yell C added, “Miss Marnie’s been practicing smiling every day, so we won’t feel sad if she loses…”

Natsume was moved for a second.

This was material for a whole slice-of-life anime.

Like, “To Save Near-Bankrupt Spikemuth, I Had No Choice But to Become an Idol Trainer”—AKA PokéLive!

“Sorry for making you wait.”

Marnie returned in a crisp white uniform, Dynamax Band fastened at her wrist, number 960 across the back, face serious as she walked up to the battle arena.

Like magic, Team Yell’s eyes burned as they raised their banners and megaphones:

“Go, Miss Marnie!!”

Natsume fastened his own Dynamax Band and nodded at Marnie.

His first Dynamax battle—let’s go with Tyranitar, who was practically made for Dynamax.

A giant Tyranitar was basically Godzilla, right?

A crowd of guests began to gather, murmuring as the match started.

“It’s true! Natsume-sensei really is staying here!”

“Is he actually going to use Dynamax?”

“Well, a Champion should know how. Mr. Lance even Dynamaxed his Red Gyarados!”

“Wait—is this a friendly spar or World Tournament?!”

“It’s over—Natsume-sensei’s here for the Baby Cup!”

A flying camera Rotom zipped in overhead—the moment it detected a World Championship battle, it swooped in to serve as referee.

With both Trainers ready, a professional-grade “Dynamax Barrier” lit up, sealing the open-air field in a transparent bubble.

These high-grade barriers—“Dyna Shields”—were designed for Dynamax battles, able to withstand even Master Ball tier-level attacks.

Marnie led off, tossing her Dusk Ball. “Let’s go, Morpeko!”

A flash of light—out popped a lively, striped electric mouse, two little hands tucked to its chest, eyes sharp.

Morpeko, the eighth-gen electric rodent, has two forms: “Full Belly Mode” (yellow and cheery) and “Hangry Mode” (black and cranky).

This Morpeko gave a little burp, then tilted its head toward the black-haired man—just as he sent out his own Dusk Ball.

“It’s you—go, Tyranitar!”

Bang!!

“Tyranitar!!”

The ball popped open, shadows swirling as Tyranitar landed with a ground-shaking thud, roaring as sandstorms burst everywhere, spines bristling—his pseudo-legendary aura washing over the arena. Rocks and sand pelted the Dyna Shield, the whiplash echoing in everyone’s ears.

All three Team Yell members were speechless.

“Dude… opening with Tyranitar?!”

“No mercy at all!”

“Somebody stop this! No one’s gonna smile after a battle like that!”

Tyranitar was only a year old, and now a one-year-old rookie was the one smurfing Baby Cup matches.

Natsume called out, “Tyranitar—Rock Slide!”

Tyranitar threw back his head and roared, white light flashing around him. Jagged boulders accumulated, launching skyward like a barrage from a dozen catapults. They rained down, a meteor shower of stone.

Morpeko stared up: Σ(っ°Д°;)っ

Marnie knew this was more about experience than victory, but kept her cool.

“Morpeko, dodge it!”

“Morpeko!” Morpeko darted, zig-zagging to and fro, boulders slamming behind him, dirt and rough chunks bouncing all over.

Morpeko’s eyes glistened with unshed tears.

This sand—so cold, so slap-happy!

“Rock Slide missed…” Natsume and Tyranitar scratched their heads in sync.

My luck with Rock Slide is always so bad.

The noise died down.

Morpeko stood panting, glowing white as she shifted into her black-and-red Hangry Mode, eyes blazing crimson.

“Hmm…” Marnie pondered, “Use Aura Wheel!”

“Moru!” Morpeko took off, spinning like a wheel of lightning, charging Tyranitar head-on.

But Natsume showed mercy—clenching a fist, he called out, “Thunder Punch!!”

“Thunder!!” Blue-white lightning flashed all over the garden. Residents stared in awe as Tyranitar roared, throwing a thunder-charged fist to intercept the Aura Wheel. Sparks flew as the two collided—and Morpeko was blasted backward. She landed hard, swirl-eyed.

“Eek!” Team Yell clung to each other in shock.

Natsume-sensei… you’re way too ruthless!

“As a Rock type, Tyranitar still takes damage from Electric moves,” Natsume explained. “But in Hangry Mode, Morpeko’s Aura Wheel becomes Dark type. That means Tyranitar double-resists it. On the bright side, a flexible move like Aura Wheel is a great strategic tool.”

Marnie made mental notes, nodding obediently before recalling Morpeko.

“My next Pokémon is my ace. I’ve worked hard on its strategy!”

Natsume was impressed as Marnie flung her Dusk Ball high.

“Go, Grimmsnarl!”

A hulking Grimmsnarl—dark fur everywhere, skin a deep green, Goblin-like—hit the field. Its best ability, Prankster, gives priority to status moves like Thunder Wave.

And Grimmsnarl almost always carries one more secret weapon—the move “Fake Out”, which causes flinching.

Squinting, Natsume could already read Marnie’s move.

So, her command would be…

“Grimmsnarl, Fake Out!” Marnie called.

Grimmsnarl dashed straight into the obscuring sandstorm.

Anticipating her, Natsume pressed the chip at the center of his Dynamax Band. Instantly, swarms of red Dynamax particles flooded the field. He recalled Tyranitar, whose Dusk Ball swelled to massive size as he hurled it back out with all his strength.

A Dynamaxed Pokémon can’t be flinched—activating Dynamax avoids the trap of Fake Out!

“Tyranitar—!”

Spectators craned their necks as Tyranitar’s silhouette swelled higher, growing until it was three stories tall, red clouds swirling above its head, glowing dark with raw power.

Natsume clenched a fist. “Max Rockfall!”

BOOM!

Dynamax Tyranitar towered above the gardens, roaring as he stomped, raising a gigantic rock wall. Marnie stared up, voice caught, taking a half-step back. Her eyes widened.

Natsume-sensei… read my move? He Dynamaxed first, right away!?

In the instant she realized, the towering wall toppled like a mountain, crashing down onto the tiny Grimmsnarl, burying it beneath tons of rock.

BOOM!

The whole garden shook, the sandstorm inside the barrier growing even fiercer.

The crowd couldn’t help swallowing.

The spectacle of Dynamax—especially with a monster like Tyranitar—felt like a live disaster movie.

Natsume looked up at the vast silhouette of Dynamax Tyranitar.

Honestly… he really was Godzilla!

Dynamax and Tyranitar just fit so well together!

Glancing at the dazed Marnie, Natsume called out:

“Prediction is a crucial Trainer skill. Sometimes, using Grimmsnarl’s Fake Out early tells your opponent to Dynamax, so they can’t be flinched.”

“And under Dynamax, Pokémon can still be paralyzed by Thunder Wave, which can cripple their usefulness…”

Marnie’s eyes shone as she nodded, enlightened. “I see… I learned so much!”

There was a whole world behind Grimmsnarl’s battle strategy!

Grimmsnarl didn’t even get to Dynamax—he went down under Max Rockfall.

The camera Rotom announced Natsume as the winner, recording the match and uploading the video to the World Tournament website.

Every World Championship battle has an official record.

With this victory, Natsume-sensei moved up four spots to 94th.

Partly because Marnie hadn’t racked up many Great Ball points—and a couple unluckier players probably lost matches at the same time.

“Looks like ranking up with Ranking Matches is too slow,” Natsume mused.

“I need to rope Flint, Lucian, or Volkner into a match—much easier to climb that way!”

Marnie recalled Grimmsnarl and walked to the center, a bit tense.

“Thank you for your guidance, Natsume-sensei… but…”

Marnie thought, I don’t have anything to offer in return.

Natsume: “Just smile—that’s good enough.”

Marnie blinked up at him, then managed a wobbly smile before hanging her head and walking away.

“You’re the best, Miss Marnie!”

“Tomorrow’s Gym Battle will be no problem at all!”

Team Yell rushed to surround their dejected idol with hugs and cheers.

Natsume folded his arms, a little sentimental.

Marnie really is Moe-Moe!

(According to unreliable sources, even Galar Moltres is a Team Yell member.)

Though… Cynthia is definitely a bit cuter!

After his first Dynamax match, Natsume headed back to the hotel, ready for tomorrow’s trip to Turffield.

But his debut World Championship match was already creating a buzz online.

Trainers were shocked to see Natsume-sensei back at the “Baby Cup,” in both Great Ball and Ultra Ball brackets!

Everyone clicked the Natsume-sensei vs. Marnie video, and the memes started rolling in.

“I can’t—Marnie is so Moe-Moe!”

“That’s it, I’m joining Team Yell for Marnie!”

“Natsume-sensei! Stop bullying the newbies!”

“Not gonna lie, Dynamaxing to read Fake Out was pretty slick.”

“You’ve gotta predict even in Baby Cup!”

“Natsume-sensei: Winning the Baby Cup counts as a win!”