Chapter 0794: Misty Explosion! The Missing Nebby（Three-in-One）

Tapu Fini witnessed the entire face-off between Sirfetch’d and Kartana.

Thanks to that Trainer and Sirfetch’d lending a hand, Tapu Fini itself avoided serious injury.

So, when Natsume requested Tapu Fini’s help for Sylveon to absorb Poni Island’s Ultimate Aura, Tapu Fini had little objection.

“Tapu Fini~” Tapu Fini huddled in its violet shell, looking sluggish and weary.

Not like I could stop them if they tried to force it anyway...

Tapu Fini, praised as the “Deity in the Mist,” can control water vapor in battle. The purifying waters it creates have healing and detoxifying effects.

“Blastoise…ヾ(■_■)”

Blastoise, sporting sunglasses, exchanged a few words with Tapu Fini, offering Revival Herb in trade for purifying water.

Tapu Fini stared at the totally ordinary Blastoise, then looked over at the black-haired young man, flanked by the sharp Kartana and the bare-handed but ever-sharp-eyed Sirfetch’d.

“Tapu Fini!” Tapu Fini wisely agreed to the deal.

Blastoise’s “Aqua Ring” combined Manaphy’s Purifying Droplet with the move “Life Dew.”

Now, with Tapu Fini’s purifying water, its “Aqua Ring” got another boost to its status-curing effect.

“Blastoise.” Blastoise nodded quietly.

This should make it a little safer from poison!

For the sake of mastering “Sacred Sword,” and to learn finishing moves from “Sirfetch’d Guidance,” Kartana temporarily followed Natsume until its training was complete.

“Gengar~” Gengar smirked in the darkness, fished out a spare leek, and handed it to Sirfetch’d.

“Beep! This is a Galar Leek, Sirfetch’d’s prized possession!”

Rotom Pokédex explained, “If Sirfetch’d ever loses its constant leek, it will leave the battlefield and never fight again, Rotom!”

A flash of sharp light crossed Sirfetch’d’s gaze.

Really? That could happen!?

“That’s in the usual case.”

Natsume stuffed the leek into Sirfetch’d’s arms. Sirfetch’d had always kept two leeks, and they’d stockpiled even more matching ones.

“A knight has to learn to adapt his weapons to the situation.”

“Sirfetch’d…” Sirfetch’d, clutching its beloved leek, gave a feeble reply.

The leek Sirfetch’d carries is both weapon and food; as the saying goes in the Pokémon world:

“When Farfetch’d brings a leek—good fortune comes in pairs!”

Soon, Sirfetch’d recovered its mood, walked over to Kartana, and declared, “Sirfetch’d!”

Kartana nodded, its blades slicing white lines through the air, slicing both the leek stalk and the leek-leaf shield cleanly in half!

Natsume’s brow shot up.

Having Kartana on the team… is great for chopping vegetables!

Sirfetch’d picked up the sword-like leek and what remained of its shield, swinging them around with a slight frown.

Doesn’t feel quite right, quack~

“Your original, unpoisoned leek is still stuck in the café planter. I’ll have Hoopa fetch it for you when we get back.”

Natsume stroked his chin, “Or, we could visit Galar to buy you some favorite, high-quality, delicious leeks next time.”

And pick up a batch for the kitchen as well.

“Sirfetch’d!~(￣0￣)/” Sirfetch’d’s eyes sparkled, feeling much better.

The network of micro-Ultra Wormholes overhead slowly healed as time passed.

Cynthia and Garchomp approached to examine the Altar of the Sunne, her gray eyes focused as she carefully studied the groove in the platform.

Natsume left her to it, stood with Tapu Fini and tossed out a Poké Ball.

A flash of red light revealed Sylveon's elegant silhouette. Sylveon raised her head proudly, limbs long, softly waving her pink-and-white ribbons and twitching her pastel ears.

“Thank you for your help, Tapu Fini,” Natsume said sincerely.

Tapu Fini sensed the auras of Melemele and Akala Islands within Sylveon.

Sighting the beautiful and graceful Sylveon, Tapu Fini let down its guard and nodded.

So this Sylveon is the one I’m helping… shouldn’t be a problem.

Sylveon opened her eyes: “Sylveon! (▼ヘ▼#)”

Tapu Fini: “……”

I take back what I just thought.

Tapu Fini is adept with mist, so Poni Island’s aura can boost the power of Sylveon’s “Misty Terrain.”

Moreover, via Tapu Fini’s telepathy, Sylveon is perfect for a certain “move of the mist.”

This so-called mist both cures status conditions and weakens Dragon-type moves; in Natsume-sensei’s experience, it’s gentle and peaceful.

So when Tapu Fini communicated her insight, Natsume-sensei instinctively asked:

“Sylveon can learn Heal Pulse?”

Sylveon’s ribbons could pass emotion, aura, and energy, so learning “Heal Pulse” sounded reasonable.

Tapu Fini shook her head solemnly:

‘Among humans, you call it Misty Explosion.’

Natsume: ?

“Misty Explosion” is known as the ultimate Fairy-type self-destruction move, able to unleash a “nuclear blast” of power in Misty Terrain.

Imagining his reckless Sylveon using it, Natsume-sensei shivered.

First use Geomancy, then Misty Explosion… that’s a walking nuclear bomb!

It’s a perfectly legitimate move for Sylveon, yet if Sylveon sister launches it, not even Giratina might withstand it!

As the “Deity of the Mist,” Misty Explosion is Tapu Fini’s most fearsome move as well.

But… it leaves a Pokémon in critical condition, the burden on the body is enormous.

“I appreciate it, Tapu Fini,” Natsume smiled, “but let’s not teach that move to Sylveon.”

Tapu Fini nodded lightly. “In that case, I’ll just help channel the Island’s aura through Sylveon.”

Natsume nodded, “Thanks again.”

Tapu Fini filled the entire Altar of the Sunne with mist. In the fog, Natsume and Cynthia’s shapes blurred away, becoming soft points of light like lanterns at sea.

Tapu Fini turned—and paused, spotting Sylveon standing in front of her, azure eyes deep and piercing, white fur shining.

“Sylveon~” Sylveon said sincerely.

Teach me that move.

Tapu Fini froze, realizing the mist held only her and Sylveon, and shook her head:

‘I promised your Trainer—please allow me to refuse.’

“Sylveon!” Sylveons eyes shone.

I won’t tell him...

Just an emergency move, I swear!

After all, Sylveon knows her Trainer always faces legendary disasters.

In past fights, she couldn’t do much, but now, she had to give everything for him.

Tapu Fini still shook her head.

“Sylveon…（｀へ´）” Sylveon dropped her lady act, flashing her little fangs.

Aren’t you going to teach it or not?!

Tapu Fini: (⊙x⊙;)

A prepper Blastoise, a belligerent Sylveon…

What weird Pokémon are these!

……

Natsume and Cynthia spent two days on Poni Island.

During that time, Sylveon stayed with Tapu Fini, absorbing the Island’s aura.

Of the four islands, only Ula’ula Island was left.

Blastoise’s pharmacy grew, now featuring purifying water, plus a stockpile of Revival Herbs, Energy Roots, Full Restore, and PP recovery drugs…

Not bad for a medicine-themed Elite Four.

Sirfetch’d and Kartana were practicing together; their relationship both mentor and peer.

From Kartana’s “Sacred Sword” it looked… almost like the legendary excalibur.

It might be an illegal move, but it suited Sirfetch’d remarkably well.

On the ocean-view resort’s rooftop, the pool rippled, Cynthia sat at the edge, dangling her feet, smiling gently.

Milotic leaned into her, pink hair swinging, then dove into the water, sending up sparkling drops.

Natsume was in the kitchen on the second floor, the pot sending up rich aromas. He tasted a spoonful.

Beside him, two sous-chefs: Sirfetch’d thumping the meat filling with his leek:

“Sirfetch’d! (ー`´ー)” (These leek leaves smell amazing, I’ll sneak a taste later.)

“Kartana!” Kartana’s gaze sharpened, its blades flashing, slicing the cabbage into perfect ribbons.

“Impressive swordsmanship, Kartana!” Natsume praised.

Kartana turned away coldly, sheathing its swords, its star-shaped face tinged pink.

Not really... I still have much to learn.

Sylveon strolled in, stretched her ribbons to snag a Pecha Berry from a plate, then left.

Natsume noticed Sylveon’s mood and teased, “Feeling happy?”

“Sylveon! o(′^｀)o” Sylveon hummed, ignoring him.

Upon reflection, her singing wasn’t as pretty as Meloetta’s; her ears drooped.

“Sylveon...”

In the living room, Tyranitar plopped on the floor, reaching into a big bag of chips and chewing noisily: “Tyranitar…”

“No snacking before dinner, Rotom!” Rotom scolded.

Tyranitar unplugged Rotom; Rotom instantly displayed “low battery” and went into sleep mode.

“Tyranitar! (￣～￣)” Tyranitar chewed chips, watching his sister work.

“Togepi doo-ee~(??▽?)?” Togepi leaned on a reclining Arcanine, gripping a controller and playing “Pokémon.”

Released by the Pokémon Company, “Pokémon” has both real-time and turn-based modes. They were on classic turn-based now.

[The Bug Catcher issued a challenge!] [Bug Catcher sent out Metapod.] [Togepi sent out Togepi.] [Togepi used Metronome!] [Togepi used Sacred Fire. It’s super effective! Metapod is knocked out!]

Arcanine: Σ(っ °Д °;)っ

Victini: Σ(っ °Д °;)っ

Natsume, passing by, asked, “You can Metronome a signature move in-game? Isn’t that illegal?”

Looking closer, Natsume realized—it was a hacked version!

Encounter all Legendary Pokémon, 99+ Master Balls!

Since it wasn’t for profit, Natsume didn’t mind, and paused to help coach Togepi’s moveset:

“See here, bring Toxic, take Protect… You can beat a Gym Leader without overusing healing items…”

Hoenn Region, Mauville City.

Old Man Wattson discussed with Robot King how to improve the mod’s data.

“How about adding exclusive Pokémon data?” Robot King twirled his beard. “Like Ash’s Bond Greninja!”

“Oh, great idea!” Wattson laughed, “I’ll get to work now!”

Kalos Region, Lumiose City.

Hoopa visited, savoring an Alcremie cake, cradling his cheeks:

“Mmm~ so good!”

On a video call, Natsume sighed:

“Fine, mooch snacks if you want—but please, bring over the café’s leek planter!”

“Hehe, Hoopa knows~” Hoopa made a silly face.

Hoopa then flew closer to the camera, flashing two leeks from his rings:

“Natsume, is this the Northland Leek, or this one from Ilex Forest?”

Natsume: “…Neither, it’s the Galar Leek.”

“Oh! Honest Trainer, then I’ll return your old rusted sword and shield, too!” Hoopa giggled.

Natsume: “Seriously, that’s not necessary!”

Cynthia’s investigation of the Altar of the Sunne went smoothly. Based on mythology and evidence, she speculated:

“Cosmog can open Ultra Wormholes, though it’s difficult. When it evolves into Solgaleo, it gets much easier.”

“When Cosmog runs out of energy, it evolves into ‘the Cocoon of the Stars’—Cosmoem—and regathers energy until it can evolve.”

Nebby’s scientific name is Cosmog, and weighs just 0.1kg.

Its evolved form Cosmoem weighs an incredible 999.9kg—yet in the anime, Ash lifted it barehanded.

Superhuman, arms of steel.

“The Altar of the Sunne is where, in Alolan myth, Cosmoem awaited as the Sun God’s vessel,” Cynthia explained over dinner.

“No wonder the Ultra Wormhole activity is always hectic here.”

Natsume sipped coffee, saying, “Now the situation’s resolved, let’s return to Melemele Island tomorrow.”

“What about Kartana?” Cynthia asked.

“ Kartana!” Kartana floated by the table, swinging its twin blades triumphantly.

Sirfetch’d, spoon in hand, quietly enjoyed leek curry rice.

“Kartana’s sticking with us for now,” Natsume said.

Natsume had caught Kartana in a Beast Ball, but would eventually send it through the Ultra Wormhole.

Like Ash and Guzzlord—a battle companion, and maybe a future ally.

“So, today’s our last day on Poni Island?” Cynthia asked.

“Why, somewhere you want to visit?” Natsume smiled.

Cynthia nodded seriously, gray eyes shining.

“I’d like to explore Vast Poni Canyon again—and meet the local Totem Pokémon, Kommo-o!”

Next day, under Natsume’s watch, Cynthia commanded Garchomp to defeat Totem Kommo-o.

Without even Mega Evolution, Cynthia won with ease, and let Garchomp learn Kommo-o’s move, Scale Shot.

Natsume marveled—not just himself, but Cynthia, Steven, and Leon too, this generation of Champions were growing at remarkable speed.

Cynthia’s Garchomp already showed the aura of a future “Battle Legend”… It made sense for her strongest, most bonded Pokémon.

After their Poni Island journey, the two returned to Melemele Island.

Tapu Koko sensed Ultra Beast aura, rushed to contact Natsume, and found he’d brought Kartana home.

“…” Tapu Koko fell silent.

I asked you to repel Ultra Beasts, and you brought one home?!

In any case, Kartana caused no trouble under Natsume’s watch,

so Tapu Koko said nothing and went back to secretly training Ash and Pikachu.

A new week came to Alola. In Trainer School, Komala drowsily rang the bell.

As the class bell faded, Natsume-sensei strode in, cheerfully announcing:

“Alola~ Did everyone have a good weekend?”

Ash and Kiawe exchanged glances; Lillie hugged her white Vulpix, worried; Lana and Mallow hesitated to speak.

“What’s wrong?”

Natsume glanced around, quickly noticing something missing from Ash’s desk.

“Natsume-sensei…”

Ash, usually so brash, now blamed himself:

“Nebby… is missing!”

Natsume was taken aback: “Did it run away, or get lost?”

“Nebby often likes to play teleport with us…”

Lillie explained: “But this morning, after a teleport, Nebby never came back.”

“I bet Team Skull’s to blame!” Sophocles said. “They go around stealing other Trainers’ Pokémon!”

Natsume frowned slightly.

Ash attracted Legendary Pokémon, sure, but with his personality, trouble followed.

Even if Nebby teleported, the UB Countermeasures Division and Aether Foundation could probably track it.

Or had Lusamine made her move early?

“I’m heading out. Gengar, you take over this lesson.” Natsume left the classroom.

“Gengar~(ノ￣▽￣)” Gengar waved, turned to face the students, and grinned wide.

Today’s lesson—Trainer throwing items!

That covered—well, pretty much everything.

Gold’s pool cue, Yellow’s fishing rod, Green’s… uh, chest pad (not really).

……

Aether Foundation, Space Research Institute.

Faba, hook-nosed and hunched, stared into the container at the curious Nebby.

“You like konpeito, right?”

Faba forced a smile at Nebby. “Stay here… I’ll go buy more for you.”

Nebby wriggled its arms, tried to teleport out, but the container blocked its aura. Inside was nothing but sweet konpeito.

Nebby bounced over, broke into a smile: (^▽^)

Faba left the lab and spoke with Guzma, whom he’d privately hired:

“Well done, Guzma… Not bad for the Island Kahuna’s apprentice.”

“Cut the chatter—give me the Beast Ball and my money,” Guzma scowled, hands in his pockets.

“Don’t be in such a rush, Guzma, we’re in this together,” Faba smirked. “Once I get Solgaleo’s power, I might even bring Team Skull in as formal Ultra Defense Team members.”

“Yeah right,” Guzma smirked. “I know my own worth. Don’t forget, Faba… even Colress was bagged by the International Police.”

Faba’s smile faded; arms folded, face haughty: “You’ll get your money, the Beast Ball comes later.”

“Tch…” Guzma dismissed him, turning to go. Two masked Team Skull members ran up.

“Boss, we’ve got trouble!”

“What?” Guzma snapped.

“There’s some guy with a golden mane and a Lycanroc—he’s coming for you, says he’s taking Cosmog back!”

“Tch… Fine, I’ll handle it with you!”

……

"So, you’re saying the local gang, Team Skull, was the one who took Nebby?" Natsume asked.

Chief Anabel nodded. "That’s right... but we still don’t know who’s behind it."

"What exactly is the role of this organization, Team Skull?" Natsume pressed further.

Anabel hesitated for a moment, catching his implication, and answered carefully,

"Normally, neither the UB Countermeasures Division nor the Aether Foundation pays any attention to Team Skull..."

"I understand..."

Natsume’s eyes flashed with a hint of thought.

Looks like Rocket Delivery needs to start a new operation.

Team Rocket, New Island Base.

A woman with short purple hair, round glasses, dressed in a wine-red office suit and black stockings, stood with both hands on the podium.

"Target: Alola Region, Melemele Island."

"This time, I’ll personally lead the operation."

The green light from the scanning instruments flickered in her glasses. Matori looked toward the intercom and sneered,

"Matori Matrix, move out!"

……

Forest, inside a tree hollow.

"That melon-head glasses girl is coming to Alola?!" Jessie exclaimed loudly.

"I heard she’s the Executive’s right-hand helper, meow..." Meowth whispered.

"Ugh..." Jessie clenched her fist, "We’re not going to lose to her, are we!"

"Calm down~~ Just ignore her," James said with a nervous laugh.

"No way! We have to complete the Executive’s mission before she does!"

"By the way, what exactly is the Executive’s mission, meow?"

The trio all froze in silence.

The tree hollow’s second floor had already been transformed into their Secret Base.

The three of them gathered around a round table, hands on their cheeks, gazing upward, little thought bubbles drifting above their heads as they recalled the Executive’s orders.

[Just stay in the tree hollow, eat well, relax, and treat it like a vacation~]

Then, thinking about how much importance was placed on that 'melon-head glasses girl'...

The trio wept together:

"What a Terrible Feeling!"

"Wobbuffet! o(╥﹏╥)o"