Chapter 0804: The Arrival of the Battle Legends in Alola（Three-in-One）

March 27th, Sunday.

The new season of the Lily of the Valley Conference was about to begin.

Cynthia concluded her long Alolan holiday and returned to the Sinnoh League to prepare to succeed Lucian as an Elite Four member.

When this news arrived, a purple-haired man dressed in a burgundy suit lifted his lifeless eyes from two mountainous stacks of paperwork.

So… So Sinnoh really does have a Champion after all!

Lucian, Flint, and Aaron—three members of the Elite Four—learned from the group chat that “Cynthia has accepted Natsume-sensei’s proposal.”

It was certainly something worth celebrating.

However, the thought that while Cynthia was on her wedding leave he’d have to cover all her overtime made Lucian less enthusiastic.

Lucian shoved his chair back, staggered to the window, removed his glasses, and silently cleaned them.

Now I finally understand why Natsume-sensei stopped me from retiring when he challenged the Sinnoh League back then…

It was all part of a grand plan!

“Lucian, wanna go to the Battle section and grind some newbies?”

A red-haired man with an afro poked his head in. Flint grinned:

“Volkner and I are teaming up, you in? Let’s do a 3v3!”

“No way.” Lucian scowled. “Overtime!”

Flint was a classic hot-blooded idiot, “bug-catching prodigy” Aaron’s book smarts left much to be desired, and Grandma Bertha was about to retire…

With things as they were, it wasn’t surprising that the League Tournament Committee entrusted Lucian with so much responsibility.

The organization has already decided: after this batch of overtime, you finally get some paid leave!

Cynthia finished her Alola vacation and officially went back to work Monday.

She left Lumiose City by plane, returned to Celestic Town, and assisted Professor Carolina in her research.

And… she had a lifelong announcement to make.

……

“Engaged?!”

The Celestic Town Museum rang with a shocked, raspy shout; Garchomp in the garden broke out in a cold sweat.

“You already accepted him?!”

Cynthia lowered her golden hair to cover her face, nodded gently, and circled around to massage Carolina’s shoulders in a cutesy attempt to beg: “Grandmother…”

“Hmph.” Carolina turned her face away.

Cynthia circled to the other side, laying her cheek on Carolina’s shoulder, snuggling affectionately. “Grandmother!”

“Hmph…” Carolina grumbled, “Didn’t even discuss it with me first… but since you’ve agreed, there’s nothing left for me to say…”

Cynthia: ……

“Natsume!” Carolina raised her cane high, as if she could point it straight at a certain black-haired young man, and let it drop with a heavy thud. “Barely acceptable!”

Aboard the flight from Lumiose City back to Alola, Natsume suddenly sneezed.

“Gengar?” Gengar lifted the corner of its tiny blanket, gesturing toward Natsume.

“No need, you keep it…”

Gengar somehow produced a face mask, put it on with great caution. Natsume answered helplessly, “It’s not a cold!”

“It’s just…” Natsume felt a chill down his spine and gazed at the ceiling, muttering, “I’ve got a feeling that something huge is going to happen when I get back to Alola…”

In the darkness beneath the seat, Darkrai shuddered.

Honchkrow can’t predict disaster like you!

Trouble is definitely coming… again!

“Cynthia, that urgent matter you mentioned in your email—surely this isn’t all there is to it?”

Back at the Celestic Town Museum, Carolina had already accepted “Natsume as her granddaughter’s fiancé,” and remarked calmly,

“Honestly, Cynthia, if you hadn't already said yes, I might not approve, but what's done is done.”

Cynthia composed herself, her gray eyes sparkling as she nodded,

“Grandmother, I want to read everything you have on Wishing Stars, cosmic energy, comets, meteorites, and Jirachi—the more, the better!”

Natsume had made Mythical Pokémon friends so they’d never be lonely again.

Cynthia wanted, in her own way, to make it possible for Jirachi to stay in their garden.

Besides, Natsume probably had no free time left for research—he’d be swamped just managing the Pallet Town sightseeing group…

…

March 28th, Monday, the first day back to school.

Cynthia returned to Sinnoh. Steven resumed mining in Kalos. Natsume went back to teaching in Alola.

Nebby was brought to the Space Research Institute for a thorough check-up. Once stable, Natsume would take Nebby to the Altar of the Sunne to evolve into Solgaleo.

After the Aether Foundation incident and the increasing activity of the Matori Matrix in Alola, the citizens slowly warmed to the idea of establishing a League.

More and more young men were giving up the Team Skull lifestyle to join the construction teams, helping build arenas and facilities for League battles.

The largest project was “Manalo Arena,” future site of the Alola League Tournament.

Team Skull had all but fallen apart, and, hearing about Matori’s active role, Natsume nodded,

“Work-for-relief indeed.”

Kukui was truly inspired—creating the Alola League was his life’s dream.

At the same time, Red the Champion and Blue Oak the Champion were visiting the Alola Region.

Kukui proposed to Samson Oak that they invite the Champions to Melemele Island for an exhibition battle, to show the citizens the bond and thrill of Pokémon battles.

During class, the two men sat in the office together.

“Oh, that’s a great idea,” Samson Oak said, scratching his head. “But there’s no guarantee the Champions will agree.”

“No need to worry. Natsume-sensei is an old friend of theirs—and all these legends share one thing in common: they’re always looking for stronger challengers.”

Kukui smiled. “Besides, the students are looking forward to a high-level demonstration. I bet they won’t refuse.”

Samson Oak’s eyes sparkled like a Trapinch:

“Good idea, Trapinch! (?w?)”

“Several big names from the world of battle will be visiting Pokémon School today…”

Natsume stood on the podium, bracing his hands against the desk, peering out at the students as a weird shiver ran down his spine.

“In a bit, we’ll go to the school gate to welcome our guests.”

The class buzzed. Kiawe shot his hand up: “Question!”

“Go ahead.”

“Is it those two Trainers among the legends—the Red Champion and Blue Oak Champion?” Kiawe asked, barely keeping his excitement in check.

“Well… you’re about to find out,” Natsume teased.

The students were now completely hooked, question after question flying.

“They’re from Pallet Town, like Ash?” Lana asked.

“Yes. And just like Natsume-sensei, they’re called the Battle Legends!” Lillie said, ponytail bouncing, her face serious.

“And Blue Oak’s a researcher—I read his paper on Porygon2!” Sophocles added.

“I heard Red and Green are a couple, is that true?!” Mallow blurted, hand high in the air, eyes shining.

“Eh?” Natsume and all the students stared at Mallow in confusion.

Mallow turned bright red, scratched her green hair, and forced a laugh. “Ahaha~”

Ash groaned, head on the desk, recalling the hellish guidance of Blue Oak.

“Ugh… My grades are so bad, I’m going to get yelled at again…”

“Don’t worry, Ash.” Kiawe’s eyes blazed. “I’ll team up with you—let’s challenge Red Champion and Blue Oak Champion, two-on-two!”

Natsume blinked, and the students all gaped in shock.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.” Kiawe clenched his fist. “My heart’s burning like Wela Volcano!”

“Great, I love the energy!”

To everyone’s amazement, Natsume-sensei grinned approvingly.

“I’ll make your wish come true—you’ll battle the legends themselves!”

“But…” Lillie whispered, “Aren’t they way too strong…?”

Not a big deal. After all, Paul once challenged Cynthia to a full 6v6 and got swept.

“Never fear tough opponents—that’s a real Trainer’s quality.”

Natsume admired Kiawe’s recklessness; he and Ash had a lot in common.

With Kiawe fired up, Ash was ablaze with determination, too.

“Pikachu, we’re going for victory against Senior Red’s Pikachu!”

“Pikachu…” Pikachu’s eyes rolled back and he staggered, collapsing face-first onto the desk.

Ash: “Pikachu, wake up, Pikachu!”

Natsume’s eye twitched.

The Pika-God is really hamming it up!

“Natsume-sensei, Professor said there are two other visiting Trainers?” Lana asked.

“Yes, one of them is the League’s top-ranking fishing master, called Yellow. Just call her Yellow.”

Natsume smiled. “Lana, if you have any fishing questions, don’t hesitate to ask for advice.”

Lana’s eyes sparkled. She nodded hard, “Okay, I’ll do that!”

“Beep… appointment time, Rotom!” Rotom Pokedex flapped its mechanical arms.

Natsume glanced at his watch, then looked up and said,

“Come on, everyone, let’s go to the school gate to welcome our guests!”

……

At Pokémon School, the breeze rustled the leaves of the palm trees by the front gate.

Through the binoculars, four figures came into focus.

A young man in a red cap and vest chatted with a brown-jacketed companion. A blonde ponytailed girl stood quietly with a tote bag, while a stylish girl in a white sunhat looked down at her phone.

“Jessie, James, that guy has a Pikachu, too, meow!” Meowth whispered from a branch.

“Where? Let me see.” James grabbed the binoculars, grimaced as if in pain, and hissed through his teeth, “That’s Red from Mt. Silver—he’s a legend!”

Meowth wiped his brow, “Forget I said anything…”

“But why are we even hiding here?” Jessie, in a white dress and sunhat, leaned on a treetop with a puzzled expression.

“Because Bewear went out today, so we got a day off, meow!”

“We just wanted to check in on the bosses and ended up following our professional instincts,” James muttered sheepishly.

“You do what you want, I’m going sunbathing in Hau’oli City—wah!”

Jessie tripped on her skirt and crashed from the tree, with James and Meowth hissing quietly:

“Are you okay, Jessie?”

Her skirt seemingly defied gravity, and she gave a thumbs-up to the sky.

“Did anyone just hear something…?”

Yellow, her blonde ponytail high, carried her bags and murmured.

Blue Oak glanced toward Team Rocket’s hiding spot and said calmly,

“Just a wild Alola Exeggutor.”

“Alola—I'm so looking forward to seeing the Trainers and Pokémon here,” Red said, eyes gleaming.

“I’m not sure they’ll all be glad you two showed up…” Green chuckled, eyes lighting up as she rose on tiptoe and waved down the walk,

“Natsume-sensei! Over here!”

A group of students came from the direction of the school’s treehouse. The black-haired young man, dressed in a shirt and tall, walked at the rear.

Out in front were Ash and a scampering Pikachu. Ash shouted:

“Alola! Senior Red, Master Blue Oak!”

“Pikachu~~”

Blue Oak responded with a one-handed pocket wave and a calm nod.

Red smiled and beckoned: “Alola, Ash, long time no see.”

Ash skidded to a stop and grinned broadly. Green smiled sweetly:

“Be good, call me Sister~”

“Big Sister Yellow, Senior Green,” Ash obeyed at once.

Green: ?

So you’re putting me in the same league as Lorelei, huh?

You dare!

Green sulked, rummaged through her bag for a Thunder Stone to spook Ash, but her bag was full of junk and she couldn’t find it.

The students came up behind Ash, curiously studying the four visiting Trainers.

Kiawe was fired up; Lana eyed Yellow’s cocoon; Lillie pulled out her notebook, ready to record everything.

These Trainers, all standing together, their hair colors flashing—a rainbow squad of power.

Everyone fell silent. Natsume greeted them and asked,

“Where are you all staying?”

“The tourist area in Hau’oli City, not far from here,” Green answered with a smile. “Red and I wanted to see you as soon as possible, so we set off early this morning.”

Red: “……”

Green: “……”

The two legends each glanced away, silent.

Natsume could feel the stress mounting.

Did you legends come all the way to Alola just to finish me off?

Is that polite, you two?

Natsume coughed into his fist. “Anyway… let’s start by showing you around school.”

“That over there’s our battle facilities—the students are eager to learn. Red and Blue Oak, if you could give them a tip or two, it’d be much appreciated.”

Under Kiawe’s burning gaze, Red smiled. “No problem at all.”

Blue Oak shot Ash a sidelong glance and walked ahead, hands in pockets, a gesture of silent agreement.

“After that, Professor Kukui has some private business with Red and Blue Oak, so I won’t be joining.”

Natsume gestured. “That’s the artificial lake, surrounded by the Tauros track—right beside both the playground and the battle arena. You can even fish there.”

F-fishing?!

Yellow’s grip tightened on her bags and her ears perked up.

Lana had been observing this Senior quietly and now felt sure.

“She’s very cute…”

Lana whispered, “And from the cocoon, her skill is better than my dad’s…”

But then, Lana’s gaze grew determined.

I’m the fisher destined to reel in Kyogre… I won’t lose so easily!

The group reached the field.

“2v2… right?” Blue Oak’s face was calm as he spun a Poké Ball on his fingertip and snapped it shut.

“When we battle, I won’t go easy on you, Ash.” Red lowered his cap, lips curving, his black eyes glittering with anticipation.

Ash and Kiawe stood on the field, feeling the aura of legends, and swallowed hard.

They looked at each other and nodded resolutely.

Kiawe: “Don’t wimp out!”

Ash: “Let’s go!”

“Let our passion burn! Go, Turtonator!!”

“You’re up, Rowlet!!”

Blue Oak’s lips curled in a smirk as he tossed a Poké Ball: “Go, Pidgeot.”

Red’s eyes narrowed; seeing Turtonator, he picked his starter partner: “Your turn,Poliwrath!”

Pidgeot and Poliwrath radiated an intimidating aura, looming over Rowlet and Turtonator.

Rowlet: Σ(っ°Д°;)っ

No idea what’s happening!

Green: “……”

Battle Legends, fighting rookies with their main team… who did you learn this from?

Green turned to look at Natsume, who stood by, arms folded, clearly enjoying all of it.

Half a minute later—

Rowlet and Turtonator were both out cold!

Blue Oak and Red moved almost in sync as they recalled their Pokémon: one leaning back, the other adjusting his cap.

Ash and Kiawe were stunned.

So strong!!

Natsume appeared behind them at some point, ghosting in with a gentle complaint:

“It’s just that you two are too weak…”

But neither boy was discouraged; they smiled wide and reached out to shake hands with the two battle legends.

After the school tour, Natsume led Red and Green to the office, with Yellow and Green at the door.

“What do you think Professor Kukui wants to discuss with them?” Natsume wondered aloud.

“Probably Z-Moves,” Yellow replied softly.

“Most likely,” Green nodded.

Natsume crossed his arms, nodding contentedly.

With Red, Green, and cheat-level Yellow here… Necrozma’s practically a free win!

Inside the office, Professor Kukui made his proposal to Red and Blue Oak.

“A battle exhibition?” Red and Blue Oak replied together.

“Yes—and Natsume may take part as well… although I haven’t gotten his approval yet.”

Kukui’s eyes were hopeful, “He’ll probably agree, though. What do you say?”

Red and Blue Oak exchanged a look and understood each other immediately.

Since it was an exhibition, this wouldn’t be a full 6v6 match, and Natsume wouldn’t go all out.

It would be… a spar among legends.

Red and Blue Oak knew well the importance of rivals.

The two had only become Champions so quickly because they helped each other climb, trading experience again and again.

Red’s lips curved ever so slightly; he understood the message in Blue Oak’s intense look.

“I’ll do it.”

Blue Oak’s voice was steady, but his eyes sparkled with conviction.

“A spar—no, a challenge for Natsume-sensei.”