Chapter 0805: Giovanni: You Won’t Even Call Me Boss?(Two-in-One)

CRACK.

The office door swung open, and Red and Blue Oak stepped out.

Green asked curiously, “What did Professor Kukui talk about with you two?”

“Nothing important.” Blue Oak, one hand in his pocket, glanced at Natsume and said coolly, “Natsume-sensei, Professor wants to see you next.”

Natsume could already guess—it was surely about the battle exhibition.

With the Alola League about to be established, inviting Red and Blue Oak for a battle showcase would no doubt fire up public enthusiasm.

Professor Kukui might even appear onstage in his alternate identity as the Masked Royal.

But as soon as he entered the office, Natsume was caught off guard.

“Blue Oak wants to challenge me?”

“Yes. I expected Red would be the first to issue a battle invitation, but it looks like Blue Oak Champion made the move,” Kukui said with a smile. “It’ll just be a friendly match. I’ve invited Ash, the Masked Royal, the Island Kahunas, and other Trainers—a true spectacle between legends as the grand finale. Of course, you’ll receive a Z-Crystal as thanks… Are you interested?”

“Let me think on it.”

First, Sylveon had only recently been promoted to legendary status and needed practical battles to solidify her foundation.

Second, he’d collected thirteen Z-Crystals so far—five still left: Dragon, Water, Ice, Poison, and Electric.

The Poison Z-Crystal was especially relevant for training Gengar’s signature Z-Move, but he had no clue where to find it—so maybe he could ask the Professor for help.

It’s just that… his opponent would be none other than the Battle Legend, Blue Oak.

In Alola’s Battle Facilities, the “Battle Tree,” only Red and Blue Oak held the title of “Battle Legend.”

Their strength was formidable—Natsume couldn’t afford to take them lightly.

“What’s the format?” Natsume asked.

The format determined team composition and strategy—singles, doubles, or free-for-all, each requiring its own planning.

A full 6v6 battle, for example, made use of strategies like Spikes to limit opponent’s switches.

Whereas in doubles, using moves like “Ally Switch” or “Follow Me” was a true art form.

These slightly “dirty” command tactics were a strategist’s specialty!

“It’s 3v3 singles. The first to have all three Pokémon unable to battle loses.”

Kukui explained, “The match will take place at Manalo Stadium, which will be completed this Saturday… The battle show also doubles as its opening ceremony.”

“So that’s why—Manalo Stadium is also the future site of the Alola League Tournament, so they need to go all out.” Natsume smiled.

Kukui rubbed his head with a laugh, “Well, with three legends in Alola, it’s a rare opportunity. But if you want to decline, that’s fine.”

In truth, Kukui was also eager to battle Blue Oak.

Years ago, he’d fought in Indigo Plateau, losing to Dragon Master Lance—his own strength nearly at Champion level.

“I’ll do it,” Natsume said with a smile. “Since I was already prepared for this. 3v3, I’ll get my team ready beforehand.”

“That’s great!” Kukui said brightly. “I’ll let everyone know at once!”

……

News of the event spread fast.

Citizens were stunned to hear that for the grand debut of Manalo Stadium—

There would be a battle show featuring two legends!

“Red vs Blue Oak—are they battling again?”

“I watched the 9th Indigo Plateau Conference finals—their showdown was amazing!”

“The organizers didn’t say which legends—maybe Natsume will battle.”

“No way, Natsume-sensei only fights in Baby Cups!”

“That’s different—this is a real fan tournament.”

“Wrong! The real guest is Master Mustard, here to retire in Alola!”

The excitement skyrocketed, bringing Alola League interest to new heights.

There were even rumors the Alola League might be founded this year, with the first League Tournament at Manalo Arena!

Five days still remained before the Arena’s completion.

Every time Blue Oak thought about his upcoming Saturday showdown with Natsume, his excitement flared up.

This was the Trainer who had faced down Arceus, Hoopa—every legendary you could name.

The urge to defeat him—it was as strong as the urge to beat Giovanni, or even Red!

After their visit to Pokémon School, and agreeing to battle on Saturday, Red’s group left.

Green dragged Yellow off to Hau’oli City’s shopping street.

Red and Blue Oak headed to Ten Carat Hill on Melemele Island for their daily training.

BANG!!

Rhyperior’s Rock Wrecker launched a Golem from Alola flying.

Blue Oak sat cold-faced on a rock, flipping through a book as if nothing happened.

The cover read “Giovanni's Techniques,” a book Blue Oak had found at the Viridian Gym—a deliberate legacy from Giovanni, meant to pass his school down the generations.

Red lay on Venusaur’s back, arms behind his head, looking up at the blue sky above the ravine.

“You seem nervous.”

Blue Oak turned a page and replied coolly, “I just don’t want to lose.”

The two fell into a companionable silence.

Blue Oak closed the book, eyes on the sky, and murmured, “Don’t want to lose…to anyone except you.”

“No big deal. I’ve lost plenty.” Red said. “You only get stronger by facing defeat… Wait, that line sounds familiar.”

“Giovanni said it.” Blue Oak replied flatly.

“Giovanni…” Red gazed skyward, arms pillow behind his head, and murmured, “I wonder how Uncle is these days…”

A distant cloud took the shape of a Beedrill. Red stretched out his hand, squinted through his fingers at the sunlight, and tightened his fist.

“I want to battle him one more time.” His gaze was fierce and clear.

Hau’oli City. On a private beach, the gentle breeze ran over the golden sand and swaying palm trees.

There, in an Alolan floral shirt, sunglasses, a flower lei, and weathered face, an older man sat on a beach chair.

He stroked the Persian in his lap, sipped Pinap juice, and listened to a presenter on his Bluetooth headset.

“Oh? Natsume’s battling Blue Oak… Interesting…”

Giovanni’s voice was hoarse, dropping his sunglasses to reveal a chilling glare.

Let my ultimate techniques be put to the test—don’t disgrace the name of “Giovanni’s Techniques!”

On the silent beach, Giovanni put the glass down and stared out quietly.

He snapped a few photos with his phone and messaged Silver—getting a reply promptly.

[Giovanni: (scenery photo)]

[Giovanni: (Persian licking paw photo)]

[Silver: …… ]

[Silver: …Boring.]

[Giovanni: …… ]

He sent the same photos to Natsume.

[Giovanni: (scenery photo)]

[Giovanni: (Persian licking paw photo)]

[Natsume: …… ]

[Natsume: Boss, are you bored?]

[Giovanni: (smile emoji)]

……

Currently, Boss Giovanni was semi-retired; Team Rocket mainly managed by Matori and Natsume.

Alola was the perfect place for a break—after the City of Wastes been handled, Giovanni needed rest and recuperation, so he came to Alola alone.

After all, Pokémon battles aren't really life-and-death—they’re just the entanglements of society.

Now, among the world’s four legends—Mustard, Natsume, Blue Oak, Red—not including the up-and-coming Leon—

Three were trained up by Giovanni.

He gave Aerodactyl and Espeon to Red, gave “Giovanni’s Techniques” to both Blue Oak and (somehow) Natsume.

With judgment and vision among the highest of any Trainer, you could even quote The Godfather:

Giovanni: “You won’t even call me Boss.”

Even Giovanni was looking forward to Saturday’s battle performance.

Melemele Island. Kala’e Bay.

At a hilltop villa, Natsume was deep in thought, planning his Saturday team lineup.

Cynthia’s figure was missing; she had returned to the Sinnoh League for now.

Natsume sat cross-legged on the rug, examining the Poké Balls set before him.

“Sylveon! (▼ヘ▼#)” Sylveon glared fiercely and volunteered for the roster.

Natsume smiled, reaching out to stroke Sylveon’s head. She squinted her baby-blue eyes, content.

Sylveon would definitely be one of his battle picks.

The opponent was the “Breeding Prodigy” Blue Oak. This wasn’t just a public demonstration; it was a valuable leveling-up opportunity.

It wasn’t just for his own Pokémon’s experience.

Blue Oak also wanted to battle as rivals, to push each other higher—so he’d personally issued the challenge.

With it being a rare breeding opportunity… Natsume’s eyes flashed as he held up a Dusk Ball.

Currently, Tyranitar was at Champion main team level.

Tyranitar, bred according to “Giovanni’s Techniques,” was a master of “Earthquake,” with an even stronger trump card—“Precipice Blades.”

Moreover, Tyranitar’s sandstorm skills were top-notch, devastating opponents, blocking sightlines, or serving as a shield.

Blue Oak also owned a Rhyperior bred via “Giovanni's Techniques”—the star of his Space Team, a fearsome force at Champion peak.

Tyranitar had a rough matchup with Blue Oak’s Rhyperior in terms of raw power, but the challenge would be great training.

If his rotation was clever, Tyranitar would get a shot at “Dragon Dance”—and then he’d have a fighting chance.

Natsume felt the weight of his duty as a Trainer, gripping the Dusk Ball.

Remember—

Rhyperior, Garchomp—these powerful names can’t even learn “Dragon Dance”!

He still hadn’t decided on his third starter.

If Blue Oak led with his Mega Charizard Y, then Mega Blastoise would be the answer.

But if Blue Oak sent out his trusted Arcanine, then Natsume also wanted to see his own Arcanine take the field.

That was a “Battle Legend”-level lion king Arcanine, one of Blue Oak’s aces.

Even high-frequency mainstays like Pidgeot, Alakazam, and Exeggutor were less iconic than Blue Oak’s Arcanine.

Meanwhile, his own Arcanine had “Sacred Fire,” “Blue Flare,” and a host of other “illegal” abilities.

“If I were Blue Oak…”

Natsume fell into contemplation.

This friendly match wouldn’t impact World Tournament rankings.

It was more about pushing each other, growing together.

In other words—

“Blue Oak… sees me as a rival.”

As everyone knows: fighting your rival = farming experience for each other.

Natsume gazed up at the sky.

“Which one of us is the real experience rookie? We’ll find out Saturday!”

……

The 3v3 starting lineup was set.

Natsume’s roster: Sylveon, Arcanine, Tyranitar.

This time, Sylveon would lead; Arcanine would provide field control and defense; Tyranitar would shoulder the hard-hitting duties.

“Tyranitar! (▼ヘ▼#)” Tyranitar nodded seriously.

We will restore the glory of sandstorm—this is our destiny!

Melemele Island, Ten Carat Hill.

Blue Oak had also finalized his 3v3 roster.

The brown-haired young man wore a pendant, hands in his pockets. Behind him stood an intimidating Arcanine, a towering Rhyperior, and at his side, a red-armored Scizor with cold, sharp eyes.

“How’s this team composition?” Blue Oak asked.

Red pondered, “If Natsume-sensei starts with Gengar, you’ll have no speed advantage… And he’s a master of change-up moves—are you sure you don’t want to bring anyone for Taunt or Trick Room?”

“No need. If I’m not mistaken, Natsume-sensei plans to use this match to ‘train’ his Pokémon.”

Blue Oak’s lips curled up confidently. “That’s my aim, too!”

Growth in the heat of battle—that’s Blue Oak’s breeding creed, and the greatest lesson from a lifetime of friendly rivalry with Red.

“What about Charizard?” Red asked.

Blue Oak’s gaze flickered.

“I don’t want to use Charizard in this format.”

“Either it’ll be in an official 6v6, or after this friendly match…”

Blue Oak said seriously,

“I want to challenge Natsume-sensei to a Duel in the wild—with Charizard.”

Red’s thoughts were the same—he smiled faintly:

“That chance will come…”

He flexed his wrists, smiling under his black hair, eyes firm.

There would definitely come a day for a real wild duel with Natsume-sensei!

……

March 30th, Wednesday, Pokémon School.

A day had passed since the Pallet Town tour group’s visit.

The hype for the Battle Legends clash was only increasing.

Natsume, still teaching as usual, entered the classroom—only to be immediately peppered with questions.

“Natsume-sensei, will you be in the exhibition match this Saturday?” Ash asked excitedly.

“Is it Red versus Blue Oak, or are you the one fighting?” Kiawe demanded eagerly.

“I heard all the stadium tickets are sold out—on-site is going to be even bigger than the Island Festival!” Mallow chirped.

“Quiet.”

Natsume said calmly, “The exhibition match doesn’t really involve you. Your job is to study hard and help send any Ultra Beasts in Alola back where they came from. Now, Rotom, go ahead and explain today’s outdoor class.”

Rotom flapped its mechanical arms and announced,

“Beep… today’s special outdoor lesson will be taught by a guest teacher, Rotom!”

“Is it Island Kahuna Olivia?” Sophocles guessed.

“I think it’ll be the Masked Royal!” Ash grinned.

“Ash, are you his fan?” Lillie asked.

“Of course, the Masked Royal is so cool!” Ash beamed.

Natsume: “At the exhibition match, maybe you’ll see Ku—cough coughI mean, the Masked Royal.”

The students gave him a strange look. Natsume coughed.

“Alright, enough suspense. Today is my last lesson this week—then I’ll prep for the exhibition match!”

A cheer erupted from the class.

“I knew you’d be in it, Natsume-sensei!” Kiawe crowed.

“Legendary battle~” Mallow’s eyes sparkled.

“Settle down… today we’re heading to Big Wave Beach, which connects to the Hoenn waters. Our guest commentator will be—”

Natsume coughed and raised a fist:

“You can call her Teacher Yellow!”

“Teacher Yellow?” the students chorused.

A young, stylish girl with a blonde ponytail and overalls stepped into the doorway.

Yellow herself!

She held her hands behind her back, played with her fingers, and gave a shy smile:

“Hello, everyone… I’m your substitute teacher today. Professor asked me to give you a fishing class~~”

“The new teacher is so cute~” Lillie whispered.

“And she’s an amazing angler!” Lana’s eyes shone.

The exhibition match was set for Saturday. Red and Blue Oak went to check the Battle Tree, Green dove into a shopping spree.

Yellow, at Natsume’s invitation, gladly agreed to become the day’s teacher for “Fishing Class.”

Natsume figured—he could only ever reel in Magikarp, so it was time to find a real pro for the students!

“Alright, everyone, pack your things—it’s time to go!”

Natsume slung the Super Rod over his shoulder, grabbed a fish basket with a flourish, and announced heroically:

“Next stop: Big Wave Beach!”