Chapter 0811: VS Blue Oak! Sylveon Goes Wild!(Two-in-One)

Sylveon’s special defense is exceptional, but her physical defense is rather worrisome.

In this battle, all three of Blue Oak’s starting Pokémon are physical attackers, so Natsume had prepared for it in advance.

“A Battle Legends-class Sylveon, huh…”

Blue Oak frowned slightly, testing the situation: “Use Extreme Speed!”

Arcanine lowered its body and shot forward with a sonic boom, charging with tremendous force and knocking Sylveon backward.

Sylveon ignored her wounds, landing lightly as the bow on her neck blossomed with brilliant light.

“Reflect!” called Natsume, extending his hand.

Reflect halves the damage from physical moves for several turns—perfect for countering Blue Oak’s physically stacked team, and also a preparation for her later boost.

“Sylveon!”

A transparent barrier of light unfurled in front of Sylveon, shimmering with rainbows under the sunlight, following her every movement.

Thanks to the Island aura, Sylveon’s light-based moves were further empowered, making Reflect significantly stronger.

On the group livestream, Lance couldn’t help but comment:

“Looks like Blue Oak didn’t bring any special attackers this match.”

“I think Natsume-sensei realized this, which is why Sylveon led with Reflect,” Leon replied.

Iris earnestly added, “Grandpa Alder always said, putting up Light Screen and Reflect isn’t a dirty trick—it’s just strategy!”

“This is such a pain…”

Blue Oak scratched his hedgehog-brown hair with an annoyed look, then shoved his hands in his pockets, but his eyes blazed with confidence and fighting spirit.

“But, because my whole lineup is physical attackers, I knew you’d use Reflect—Natsume-sensei!”

Natsume raised his brow.

Are you trying to predict me too?

A move to counter Reflect… Wait a minute—surely you didn’t teach your Arcanine Psychic Fangs?!

If Psychic Fangs lands, it crunches right through screens like Light Screen and Reflect—one of the moves Arcanine can master!

Standing on the balcony, Red’s gaze flickered.

Just last week, while training at Ten Carat Hill, Red and Blue Oak had discussed exactly such battle scenarios.

Sylveon’s special defense is so strong, the chances of her having Light Screen are low, but Reflect is likely. For Blue Oak’s full physical lineup, if Sylveon sets up Reflect, it could be fatal.

So, Arcanine having something like Psychic Fangs to shatter those barriers becomes the key to the whole strategy.

Wearing his brown vest, Blue Oak’s lips curled into a confident arc.

It was as if green flames burned behind him, a red-vested shadow standing quietly by his side.

Natsume shut his eyes to ponder, muttering,

“His next command will be Psychic Fangs...”

“Arcanine!” Blue Oak called coldly, “Psychic Fangs!!”

A lion’s determination flashed in Arcanine’s eyes—it leaped, fangs glowing with pink light, stretching longer and more menacing!

Psychic Fangs demolished Sylveon’s Reflect—crunching through the barrier as easily as biting into a soft block of tofu!

At that moment, Natsume’s eyes flashed open, intense and sharp.

Last week, back at the villa by Kala’e Bay while strategizing with Cynthia, they’d reached one conclusion: have Sylveon go on the offensive immediately!

In this instant, it was as if Natsume burned with black-and-gold flame, a golden-haired beauty in black at his side.

“Withstand it, Sylveon, and use—”

Natsume’s voice was unwavering: “Geomancy!!!”

“Sylveon!”

Sylveon’s whole body shone with a sacred silver light. Her ribbons draped on the ground, gleaming with crystalline rainbow luminescence. Surging life energy and fairy energy weaved together, generating a Fairy Aura so unique that everyone in the audience felt inexplicably refreshed!

Professor Kukui’s eyes widened—his specialty was 'Moves', and this was the second legendary Pokémon signature move Natsume-sensei had displayed in this battle!

“Xerneas’s Geomancy...”

Blue Oak’s brow furrowed deeply.

He had once traveled across the Kalos region—he knew just how powerful this move was. With Sylveon using it, it was even more dangerous.

But Geomancy required a long charge time.

In that period, Arcanine’s relentless offense could easily overwhelm Sylveon!

“Keep using Psychic Fangs!” Blue Oak ordered.

“Roooar!!”

The glasslike Reflect shattered with a crisp CRACK, psychic jaws blasting and kicking up swirling smoke.

As the smoke cleared and distance grew between them, Sylveon’s charging condition had finished. Her sharp eyes gleamed like blades.

“Was she interrupted… or…”

Blue Oak stared in disbelief. “How is this even possible…”

Sylveon had not suffered any damage—instead, her aura only grew stronger, her snowy form shimmering with silver glow and the bow bursting into a rainbow, resembling the legendary god of life, Xerneas!

Geomancy is supposed to take ages to charge—how could it be so quick?

Red, watching from the balcony, furrowed his brow, noticing Sylveon seemingly chewing something in her mouth.

“Power Herb…” Red murmured.

“Power Herb!” Blue Oak’s face fell.

I even forgot about Natsume-sensei’s held item!

The key is… you can’t treat this as just a Sylveon strategy, this is the setup you would use for Xerneas!

Regular viewers were lost, not understanding the sudden twist.

But on the group livestream, Champions and Elites all fell silent, realizing they’d witnessed a historic moment.

With both Red and Blue Oak watching, Sylveon took up and bit through the Power Herb, cutely munching her cheek, and finished the charge-up for Geomancy in record time!

Geomancy, the signature move of the god of life Xerneas, massively boosts Special Attack, Speed, and Special Defense.

Even Arcanine, so proud of its speed, simply could not keep up with the boosted, battle-ready Sylveon now on the field!

Far away in the Sinnoh League, Cynthia watched with folded arms, a slight smile on her lips.

Natsume extended his arm, giving the command:

“Sylveon, Hyper Voice!!”

“Sylveon…”

Sylveon gulped down the Power Herb, cheeks flushing faintly pink. Those dazzling baby-blue eyes flashed, her body bathed in a rainbow Fairy Aura, drastically boosting her Hyper Voice’s destructive power!

“Sylveon!!”

Wave after wave of fairy-forged sonic blades tore toward Arcanine. He used Extreme Speed to dodge, but the far-reaching blades still followed!

Slash!!

Arcanine grimaced, his mane streaked with blood, eyes burning with rage and vigor.

Blue Oak was completely calm now.

A strategic win doesn’t mean a battle is over.

After all, this was the Pokédex holder—personally recognized by Grandpa—as a "Strategist".

That means I can use my own power to face him head-on.

“Return, Arcanine.”

His backup Scizor was healthy and had a solid type advantage against Sylveon.

With Sylveon now fully boosted, she was sure to stay out.

Blue Oak’s eyes flashed—steady and calculating as ever.

No matter how fast Sylveon got, Scizor’s Bullet Punch could still keep up!

His gaze steady, he flung out his most trusted partner’s Poké Ball.

“It’s your turn, Scizor!!”

The red flash landed; this Pokémon had been with Blue Oak from its Scyther days, now standing proud as a loyal crimson knight, blades lowered and expression stone-cold.

At once, Scizor lifted its pincer-marked claws to the sides of its cheeks, its whole body lighting up in a sparkling burst of Evolution light!

The crowd roared.

After Z-Move, Blue Oak now unveiled the power of Mega Evolution!

“Scizor—”

Blue Oak’s icy gaze, his Key Stone shining, linking him to Scizor on the field.

“Mega Evolution!!”

A flood of rainbow light engulfed Scizor, then receded. First revealed was a black-and-red, helmeted face, followed by ever more menacing twin claws bristling with barbs, and legs like metallic drills—more agile and deadly than ever.

Just like original Scizor, Mega Scizor’s wings aren’t for flying, but in battle they vibrate rapidly to regulate body temperature and fighting condition.

“This Scizor, even as a Scyther, once took down Agatha…” Bruno squinted. “Do not take it lightly.”

“Type-wise, Blue Oak has the edge here,” Lorelei noted.

“But even so, he’s up against a Geomancy-boosted Sylveon,” Lance said quietly. “Even Blue Oak must be feeling the pressure.”

A Battle Legends-class Scizor, now Mega Evolved, formed the core of Blue Oak’s ultimate team.

Natsume dared not relax, convinced Blue Oak wouldn’t swap Arcanine back, and gave a careful command:

“Reflect!”

The barrier lit up again—bigger, sturdier than ever.

At the same instant, Mega Scizor closed like a bullet, pincers glowing with a silvery sheen!

“Bullet Punch!” called Blue Oak.

Bullet Punch, whistling through the air, struck before Reflect fully formed, blow after blow carving wounds, serrated pincers cutting deeper.

With its higher priority and type advantage over Fairy, plus Technician’s bonus, Bullet Punch’s power was staggering!

“Keep your distance, Sylveon!”

Natsume cried, “Shadow Ball!!”

Sylveon vanished back, nimbly slipping to the edge, bow glowing as she charged a howling Shadow Ball!

“Gengar!” gasped Gengar. That Shadow Ball… looks even stronger than mine!

‘Of course… it’s Special Attack enhanced after all,’ Natsume shot back mentally.

Sylveon whipped her ribbon, blasting Shadow Ball right into Scizor’s waist. A thunderous wave of black smoke exploded outward.

Once the smoke cleared, the viewers finally saw—

Shadow Ball had left a massive dent, like a missile had exploded.

A red blur burst forth, pincers gleaming, but Scizor’s body was scorched, though his gaze remained icy sharp!

Pow!!

Bullet Punch broke through Reflect, slamming into Sylveon. White fur split with shallow wounds, but Sylveon bared her fangs and whipped a close-range Shadow Ball!

BOOM!!

Both Pokémon were blasted across the field by the explosion.

“Sylveon…”

Sylveon panted heavily—she had tanked two Bullet Punches. Even with Reflect, she was in a tough spot.

On the other side, Mega Scizor collapsed to the ground, claws quivering as it tried in vain to rise and continue fighting.

Maybe a final Bullet Punch and giving up Scizor would have been the tactical choice, but that’s just not Blue Oak’s style these days.

Blue Oak hesitated, then said, “Scizor, Roost!”

Scizor’s wings vibrated slowly, stabilizing his temperature and bracing on steel limbs.

“Sylveon, Hyper Voice!” said Natsume.

“Sylveon!!”

The hardened Hyper Voice swept in, cutting Scizor’s metal body in a constant flurry—Fairy Aura expanding everywhere.

That calm aura wrapped Scizor, who then lost his Mega form.

With a heavy thump, he collapsed, kneeling, then slumping to the ground.

The arena fell silent; the students stared with mouths open.

“Sylveon… took down Mega Scizor with a type disadvantage?”

“And made it look effortless!”

Professor Kukui’s eyes shone.

Fairy Aura not only powered up Sylveon’s moves, it gave her incredible life energy.

Natsume-sensei’s strategic decisions were the key to winning despite the type mismatch.

The real problem… Kukui glanced at the field, covered with new craters, and nearly wept.

It feels like Manalo Stadium, just finished, will need to be rebuilt already!

The score now stood at 2:1.

Natsume eyed Sylveon—her battle spirit was fierce. Despite her low HP, those bright blue eyes were razor sharp.

“Sylveon! (▼ヘ▼#)”

Next challenger, please!

“I see.” Natsume chuckled dryly, raising his sharp gaze and meeting Blue Oak’s.

He only had one Pokémon left: Arcanine.

It was just one step from victory!

But he could not let down his guard—Arcanine was Blue Oak’s ace, after all!

In the tense, breathless Arena, all eyes were pinned to the field.

Blue Oak stood with hands in pockets, calm eyes meeting Natsume’s gaze, giving a soft sigh and a resigned smile.

Then, with a swift motion, he tossed his last Poké Ball, eyes focused:

“Arcanine, ready to battle!!”

“Arcanine!!”

Arcanine lifted its head and roared like a lion king, the intimidation chilling the audience into silence.

“Keep using Hyper Voice!”

Hyper Voice, Sylveon’s signature move, paired with Fairy Aura and Geomancy—even Yveltal would avoid its edge.

“Psychic Fangs!!” Blue Oak’s gaze was razor-sharp.

Time to break through that troublesome Reflect once again!

Sound blades slashed from every direction. Arcanine stepped forward through the pain, ignoring the deep wounds along his body, fangs flaring with pink psychic light!

Pow!!

Sylveon was thrown clear by the blast, but quickly rose, white fur battered, eyes narrowing. “Sylveon...”

Natsume seemed to realize something, glancing thoughtfully at Arcanine, and murmured:

“The held item is… Assault Vest.”

“Assault Vest” boosts Arcanine’s special defense, but prevents status moves. That’s how it withstood all those Hyper Voices from Sylveon.

‘Need to rest?’ Natsume asked her mentally.

Sylveon shook her head softly, growling, baby-blue eyes burning: “Sylveon...”

I’m going to take down two in a row!!

Natsume’s strategy had succeeded, and that was the source of Sylveon’s confidence!

Natsume hesitated for a second—Sylveon was even more “arrogant” than Blue Oak, but maybe that was the path to true victory.

On the field, the two Battle Legends Pokémon squared off.

“Extreme Speed!!” Blue Oak called.

Arcanine crouched, boomed forth in a sonic blast, and headbutted Sylveon across the arena.

Sylveon was just as quick—while being flung back, she launched a swirling Shadow Ball from her bow!

BOOM!!

Arcanine twisted away at point-blank range, dodging the Shadow Ball as it exploded with black smoke!

In the same instant, as Sylveon landed, Natsume gave his command:

“Hyper Voice!!”

The advantage of Geomancy was clear—Sylveon’s high-frequency cries rang through the Arena.

Physical waves of sound surrounded Arcanine, who winced in pain, HP and endurance both at their limit.

Blue Oak’s eyes flashed—he thrust out his hand, gripping tight:

“Flare Blitz!!”

Reflected in Sylveon’s baby-blue eyes was Arcanine—now a roaring, fiery chariot—bearing down relentlessly. There was no fear in those eyes, only battle spirit, pure and bright.

“Sylveon!!”

I will become a Battle Legend, standing before him.

I will win not just this match, or the next—but every match in the future!

Rumble!!

A blazing fireball delivered Sylveon skyward.

The thunder echoed through the arena—pillars of flame erupted, black smoke billowed, and the ceiling trembled before settling into silence.

The audience remained stunned.

On the field, Arcanine lay on its side, wincing from severe recoil: “Roooar!”

Sylveon was also down, struggling for breath: “Sylveon...”

Remembering that Natsume’s backup was a healthy Arcanine, the referee was ready to declare victory.

But both Arcanine and Sylveon staggered, trembling, and stood up again.

In their eyes flashed fiery determination and the deep bond with their trainers.

Blue Oak slipped one hand in his pocket.

In his eyes—regret, a flicker of loss, and soft kindness.

Blue Oak raised his right hand and, calmly, proclaimed:

“I lost.”

Thud!

Arcanine collapsed sideways, stirring dust in the gentle, peaceful Fairy Aura, eyes spinning.

Sylveon exhaled a long breath, her fur scorched, her little face covered in ash, turning shakily to look at Natsume.

“We won,” Natsume said with a smile.

“Sylveon~~”

Sylveon’s face, covered in soot, shone with tiredness, her lips curling into a sweet crescent smile.

Beeep—

On the big screen, all three of Blue Oak’s Poké Balls dimmed, and Natsume’s avatar was marked with a triumphant ‘win’.

The crowd shuddered, and the audience erupted in a frenzy of applause.

“Did Sylveon just take down two of Blue Oak’s Pokémon?!”

“Natsume-sensei actually won!”

“That’s what a real Strategist looks like!”

“Sylveon went absolutely wild!!”