Chapter 0808: Legendary Battle, The Unveiling(Two-in-One)

April 1st, Friday—April Fool’s Day.

As always, Natsume video-called Cynthia, who was far away in Sinnoh.

“I ran into Kyogre yesterday,” Natsume said with a deadly serious face.

“Mhm.” Cynthia’s tone was soft through her nose, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

“Blastoise used Origin Pulse and totally crushed Kyogre,” Natsume continued.

“That’s impressive,” Cynthia replied with a slight chuckle.

“That’s the tone you use to humor little kids,” Natsume said helplessly.

“Well, it’s April Fool’s Day,” Cynthia raised her long, silvery lashes to look at him with those gray eyes, “Whatever you say, I’ll only half-believe it.”

Natsume considered, then said, “I like you, Cynthia.”

Cynthia rested her fair, slender fingers on her cheek, her gray eyes steady. “That, I’ll believe completely.”

Natsume sat on the sofa, back to the white-veiled terrace with the breeze blowing in, facing his notebook computer. He scratched his cheek.

“Also, I’ll be battling Blue Oak tomorrow.”

“Hm?” Cynthia paused, “A simulated match, or...?”

“A 3v3 singles battle.”

Natsume mused, “It’s for Manalo Stadium’s opening ceremony. There’ll be over ten thousand in the audience, a spectacle on par with the League Tournament.”

Cynthia narrowed her eyes, realizing he wasn’t joking, and sounded intrigued:

“You accepted Blue Oak’s challenge… that's not normally your style.”

“I figured it was good preparation for the World Tournament later this year.”

“Ugh… I’m over in Sinnoh, so it’s unlikely I’ll make it in time,” Cynthia said apologetically.

“It’s fine, it’s more like a match between friends anyway.” Natsume smiled.

Cynthia softly asked, “Have you decided your starting lineup?”

“Yeah: Sylveon, Arcanine, Tyranitar.”

Natsume replied, “Right now I’m considering which items to carry.”

Against Blue Oak, besides rotation and strategy, held items are also a crucial factor.

For Saturday’s exhibition match, each Pokémon can only hold one item—this includes Mega Stones and Z-Crystals.

Professor Oak once called Natsume a “Strategist,” and item choice was a central part of his strategy.

As everyone knew, Cynthia’s Garchomp has a quadruple weakness to Ice, so carrying a ‘Yache Berry’ is a highly effective response, sometimes even better than a Mega Stone.

(After all, almost no one uses Mega Garchomp, just like no one really uses Gigantamax Duraludon.)

Optimizing the item slot is part of the core appeal of Pokémon battles.

“My suggestion,” Cynthia mused, resting her chin on her wrist draped in black velvet, “Since Tyranitar’s in the lineup, give it the Mega Stone.”

“As for Arcanine and Sylveon… let your own strategy decide.”

In this battle, Arcanine would play a central support and defensive role. With Intimidate, it could cut Blue Oak’s attack stats, restore HP using Morning Sun, and rely on Sacred Fire’s high burn chance to further cripple Blue Oak’s team.

There was no need to give Arcanine a DNA Splicers, or power up Fusion Bolt and Fusion Flare—since those also deal recoil.

Instead, holding a Rainbow Wing would boost its life energy and HP.

“Tyranitar and Arcanine’s item slots are set.”

Natsume contemplated, “The key is Sylveon… Too bad I returned the Pixie Plate to Arceus.”

Otherwise, with that item, it could overcome even Yveltal!

“Maybe try a Berry?” Cynthia suggested with a smile. “If I recall, that’s your specialty.”

Natsume perked up, a glint of decision in his eye:

“I have something better in mind!”

Sylveon’s Geomancy takes a long time to charge, letting Blue Oak capitalize on its openings—while Power Herb can reduce the charge time.

Pairing Power Herb and Geomancy has always been a classic powerful combo.

But regular Power Herb, with its meager life energy, would hardly suffice for Natsume’s Sylveon.

Natsume was planning to find a helper, to obtain a higher quality Power Herb…

“By the way, Cynthia.”

Natsume turned the camera and pulled out a crayon drawing:

“Look at this.”

“What is it?”

“Togepi’s crayon art… one golden-haired, big-headed kid and one black-haired one. Don’t you think it looks like us?”

Cynthia stared blankly at the chibi forms for a long moment before nodding awkwardly:

“It is… sort of cute.”

……

Only one day remained before the exhibition match.

Ula’ula Island, Mount Hokulani, Island shrine.

Tapu Bulu, the “God of Verdure” with Grassy Surge, wore a nose ring and bells as he listened to Natsume’s request.

“I can indeed nurture the growth of Power Herbs and grant them greater vitality,” Tapu Bulu’s voice boomed, “But what will you offer in exchange?”

Natsume was already prepared—he gave Gengar a knowing look.

“Gengar~” Gengar rummaged in the darkness, then offered up a heap of juicy, delicious Berries.

If nothing else, Natsume’s system had an endless supply of Berries!

Tapu Bulu gulped—a god of plants himself, who mainly ate Berries, and these looked especially appetizing…

Moments later, the bargain was struck. Natsume left the shrine, satisfied, with an enhanced Power Herb.

Even though it’s a one-time-use item, this Power Herb would significantly reduce the time Sylveon needed to charge Geomancy.

Against Blue Oak, those extra seconds would be enough for a clash between legends.

Natsume figured he could continue to cooperate with Tapu Bulu in the future.

He took back his earlier doubts—the god of verdure was actually pretty useful. Even Sirfetch'd’s Leek could be given to Tapu Bulu to be upgraded—tastier (crossed out), or at least sharper!

Riding Latias, he returned to the villa at Kala'e Bay in half an hour.

The red Power Herb, shaped like a leaf, could be held by its stem.

Natsume waved the Power Herb gently like a cat toy in front of Sylveon.

“Sylveon~o(′^｀)o” Sylveon turned away haughtily, then sneaked a look, reaching out with a little paw to bat at it, then the whole body faced Natsume, fixating on the Power Herb.

“It’s for you.” Natsume smiled, handing it over. “We’ll keep it by your Bow here—when you battle Blue Oak, just grab and chew it.”

“Sylveon…” Sylveon’s big blue Baby-Doll Eyes softened, and it nodded.

Natsume was a little surprised. He patted Syvleon, who closed its eyes, and tied a Bow around Natsume’s wrist with its ribbon.

I won’t lose…

Sylveon’s lips curved with determination.

I’ll win for him!

……

April 2nd, Saturday.

The grand Manalo Stadium was officially completed.

The much-anticipated Legendary Battle would be unveiled at the opening ceremony.

As always in Alola, it was perfect weather—the blue sky drifted with a few clouds, the sunshine dazzling.

Tourists and spectators bustled in. Streamers waved, Drifloon and Wailord blimps floated overhead. The merchant zone was alive with enthusiastic hawking.

“Fresh-baked malasada, hot honey crisp rolls, don’t miss out!”

“Fresh-squeezed Pidgeot pineapple juice, sparkling clean, meow!”

In casual wear, the Team Rocket trio wore aprons and yellow t-shirts, manning a food cart.

Led by Professor Kukui, Ash with Pikachu over his shoulder, along with Lillie and the other students, walked over from afar.

The trio turned pale.

“Oh no, it’s those twerps, meow!”

“Relax, they won’t recognize us!”

Sophocles leaned closer, “This malasada smells so authentic!”

“Pikachu, want to try some pineapple juice?” Ash asked over his shoulder.

“Pikachu~” Pikachu cried happily.

Kukui folded his arms, smiling at Ash like a proud parent, when he glanced up, surprised, then called out with a smile:

“Alola~~ Red Champion, and Yellow!”

Red was in his trademark red cap and backpack, beside him Yellow with dungarees, grasping her backpack handles.

“Alola, Professor.” Red smiled.

“Red Champion, Teacher Yellow!” The students chorused.

“Good morning, everyone~” Yellow gave a shy smile.

“Where’s Sister Green?” Ash asked curiously.

“Probably at a stall,” Red replied.

“The opening battle’s about to start—let’s head for the stadium together.” Kukui grinned.

The group left the Team Rocket cart.

The trio sighed in relief—then froze as they spotted another customer:

“Melon-head glasses girl!!?”

Matori was in her usual purple suit, arms akimbo, radiating dissatisfaction.

Since Matori had more authority, the trio forced themselves to mutter:

“Executive Matori.”

Matori nodded curtly, glared sideways at the trio, and spoke into her Bluetooth headset.

“A bigwig is coming—don’t make a scene,” she warned.

Moments later, a man in a trenchcoat and hat approached, pulling off the hat to reveal a stern, wrinkled face.

The trio gaped, almost shouting—

The ruby on Persian’s head flickered; by Psychic force, the trio instantly lost their voices—then recovered a second later.

“I’m just here to watch the matches.” Giovanni said calmly. “Keep working… Ignore me, understand?”

They nodded vigorously.

Giovanni gave a subtle nod, pulled his hood up, and strode to the stadium, Matori close behind.

The trio watched them go, marveling,

“Even the boss came to watch the matches, meow…”

“This isn’t just Alola—it’s the highest-level battle in the whole league.”

“And, uh, we didn’t tell Bewear before coming over… is that okay?”

“We’ll bring back some treats for Bewear and Stufful as compensation.”

“Yeah…let’s do that!”

……

In the chat group.

[Group member ‘Ash’ has started a group live stream.]

Regularly lurking group members all rushed in to watch.

On the stream, the stadium was packed—the camera panned to the standard square battlefield at the center.

“Hey, is that Natsume-sensei’s Rotom’s point of view?” Flint wondered.

“Not the same model,” Volkner replied. “Might be Ash’s Rotom.”

Gold: “Why hasn’t it started? I’m dying to eat my snacks and watch!”

Crystal reminded: “By the way, group live stream chat logs can be saved.”

Gold: “Crap!”

“@Steven, you watching too?” Wallace chimed in.

“Natsume-sensei vs Blue Oak? Wouldn’t miss it,” Steven replied.

Iris: “Can it start already? I want to see Natsume-sensei’s dirty strategies!”

Bruno: “A legendary battle isn’t won with cheap tricks.”

Lorelei: “That’s right… I feel like I’m watching the Indigo Plateau championships again.”

Lance: “Pretty sure Blue Oak knows how to use z-Moves, too.”

“Huh?!” Gold blinked. “Wait, how do you save video in group livestream?”

Silver: “You’d better not—”

Cynthia: “The opening ceremony is starting.”

On the screen, the respected Island Kahuna Hala took the stage.

After a short speech, Professor Kukui stepped forward as the announcer.

“I hereby declare—!”

Professor Kukui faced the microphone, his booming voice echoing through the arena.

“The Manalo Stadium battle demonstration—officially begins!!”

Thunderous applause rocked the stands as Kukui continued,

“And now, let’s welcome our Battle Legends—”

The energy in the crowd surged—eyes flashed with anticipation, skepticism, and wonder.

The next moment, it all exploded into cheers!

“Blue Oak Champion!!”

Red leaned on the railing, gazing down at the figure in the arena.

A young man with a wild mane of brown hair, wearing a jacket and green capris, sunglasses hanging off his shirt pocket, hands in his pockets, strode from the darkness of the contest tunnel.

Sunlight banished the shadows from his face; Blue Oak raised his sharp eyes to the sky.

Confidence—and a hint of arrogance—curved his lips. One hand in his pocket, he raised his right hand, two fingers to his temple, saluting the sky.

The crowd erupted again—audiences from around the world roared.

“Blue Oak!!!”

“It’s really Battle Legend Blue Oak!!”

“The shortest-reigning Champion in Pokémon history!”

A strange title seemed to slip in there.

Blue Oak scanned the audience stands, his gaze landing on Red, who watched from the balcony.

Between these rivals, even their eyes could say everything.

“I won’t lose, old friend.”

Red understood. That’s what Blue Oak was saying.

“In the red corner, the contestant is—”

Kukui swung his microphone wide:

“Natsume Champion!!”

A tall, handsome black-haired young man dressed in a shirt emerged, a menacing Gengar floating beside him.

He walked out of the tunnel, pausing amid the wildest cheers, closing his eyes and putting a hand on his left shoulder—a gesture of respect, of prayer.

“Natsume-sensei!!!”

As the cheers rose, he opened his sharp black eyes and strode forward!

A little Rotom hovered, spinning its mechanical arms. Gengar smiled, crimson eyes agleam.

Giovanni watched the young man’s figure, briefly dazed.

I… am witnessing the growth of a true Trainer.

And now, the real Champion showdown begins—a crossfire of Battle Legends!

Blue Oak and Natsume stood at opposite ends of the battlefield.

Cheers surged on all sides as their eyes locked.

In an instant,

It felt as though dramatic battle music swelled!

Their images clashed overhead, two Poké Balls lighting up with a vivid red VS!

“Let’s do this!”

Blue Oak spun a Poké Ball on his fingertip, snapped it tight, then flung it underhand.

“Scizor!!”

Scarlet light landed center-field, revealing Scizor’s gleaming red metal body under the sun, its fierce eyes emitting an intense battle pressure.

The arena went wild, as at the same moment, Natsume threw out a Luxury Ball, voice deep and steady:

“I’m counting on you—Arcanine!!”

Arcanine’s mane rippled, fangs bared, a Rainbow Wing gleaming at its chest. It crouched low, snarling with Intimidate—ready for war!