Chapter 0793: Sirfetch’d VS Kartana! Learning the Sacred Sword(Two-in-One)

High above, Kartana crossed its twin blades, resembling a legendary swordsman resheathing his sword.

A thin mist floated in front of Kartana.

The island guardian, Tapu Fini, had lost the ability to fight back and withdrew the mist, slowly healing itself.

“Kartana…”

Kartana abandoned the pursuit, its inconspicuous paper-thin body making a rustling sound like wind against paper.

It had cut down yet another unworthy foe.

Kartana stood at only thirty centimeters tall, its entire body made of razor-sharp paper—anything it touched would be chopped in two.

Kartana could even slice through space and time, thanks to its unique special abilities, enabling it to open Ultra Wormholes just wide enough for itself to pass through.

This swordsman-like Kartana had crossed dimensions into Alola seeking a “worthy opponent to cut down.”

Clearly, Poni Island’s guardian deity had not satisfied Kartana.

“Even Tapu Fini was overwhelmed…” Cynthia frowned.

“Kartana is a Steel type—not affected by Tapu Fini’s toxins—and is excellent at offense. The matchup is too much in its favor.”

From a distance, Natsume observed and analyzed Kartana’s power.

Kartana brought aggression to its highest art with extraordinary Speed and Attack stats; even Kyogre had to be wary of its Leaf Blade.

But its Special Defense was lacking, and with a double weakness to Fire, if it couldn't cut down a pillar of flame, it could be incinerated instantly.

This Kartana was a wild Pokémon at Champion level.

An Arcanine would have an absolute type advantage in a battle with Kartana.

However, when facing such a swordsman, Natsume couldn’t help but want Sirfetch’d to hone his skills.

“I want this battle,”

Natsume said to Cynthia.

“I want Kartana… to be Sirfetch’d’s sharpening stone!”

In the Premier Ball, Sirfetch’d:Σ(っ °Д °;)っ

“And what if Sirfetch’d is cut down by Kartana in a single blow?” Cynthia teased.

“Then I’ll send in Arcanine… Kartana can hardly withstand Sacred Fire.”

Natsume smiled, “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

In the Premier Ball, Sirfetch’d:Σ(｀д′)ノ

Cynthia nodded slightly, and directed Garchomp to fly to the canyon’s edge. After landing, she looked out toward Kartana under the sky.

“Kartana…”

Kartana sensed the approaching Trainer, brandishing its twin blades and pointing them at Natsume.

Instantly, a tangible aura pressed in—like ‘sword intent’, the sharp sensation prickling his back.

Natsume used his aura to ward off the pressure and commanded Latias to land. His feet touched the marble at the Altar of the Sunne as he looked up:

“Kartana, go back to your own world.”

“Kartana!”

Kartana’s star-shaped face crinkled in displeasure, its blades flashing coldly.

I crossed dimensions to come here.

Not leaving until I find something worthy to cut down.

『Trainer...』

A weak telepathy from the mist reached Natsume’s ear—Tapu Fini’s voice.

『Thank you for stepping in, but please leave this place…I will deal with the Ultra Beast myself.』

But Tapu Fini’s eyes widened as it sensed telepathy returning from Natsume.

『I’ve already promised Tapu Koko to fight against the Ultra Beasts,』

Natsume responded.

『And saving you comes with conditions… we can discuss that later.』

Tapu Fini fell into thought.

It had heard that Melemele Island’s guardian deity had made a deal with a certain Trainer.

But… assisting with channeling the Island aura? That broke with tradition.

Tapu Fini emerged from the mist, quietly studying the black-haired young man, then exhaled deeply.

I’ll judge for myself…

whether he is worthy.

Kartana couldn’t communicate telepathically, but Natsume-sensei could generally guess what it was thinking.

Longing for a battle with someone strong; once satisfied, it would return home on its own.

Natsume stood firm, then casually tossed the Premier Ball. A flash of red light outlined Sirfetch’d.

“I wonder, are we worthy to be your opponent?” Natsume’s eyes sharpened.

Kartana paused for a moment, then slowly landed, blades held out horizontally to form a great “X,” examining the Trainer and Pokémon before it.

In front of the black-haired young man stood Sirfetch’d, eyes sharp and brows forming a fierce “V.” He held a sturdy leek and a shield fashioned from its leaves, standing tall and unwavering.

“Sirfetch’d…”

Sirfetch’d said nothing, immaculate white feathers glinting as his eyes caught the light.

Kartana fell silent.

Sirfetch’d’s leek was unwieldy,

yet Kartana could sense the overwhelming aura within.

A blunt sword has no edge; true skill comes naturally.

“Kartana!”

Kartana dipped its head in contemplation, then suddenly lit up its blades—a sword drawn from its scabbard, exuding a fierce aura capable of severing all things.

Its star-shaped face fixed on Sirfetch’d, Kartana sensed its battle spirit blazing up.

This enemy is worth cutting down!!

“Sirfetch’d!! (′︿‵)” Sirfetch’d’s heart skipped a beat.

If this thing even taps me, I’ll be split wide open—quack!

How am I supposed to fight this thing—?

“Use your Armament Haki—uh, I mean, use your move.”

Natsume guided him, “Kartana can cut anything, but that means objects. If you use a move, even Kartana’s assaults can be blocked.”

Sirfetch’d glanced back silently at Natsume, eyes calm but a storm raging inside.

Behind him were comrades, his teacher, his companions who believed in him.

Ahead, an enemy of unimaginable strength.

A flicker of recognition crossed Sirfetch’d’s eyes.

He remembered a scene—standing in a lush forest, sunlight blocked by mist, a distant, mysterious call ringing behind him.

He focused.

Only his leek, and his companions, could never be betrayed.

Sirfetch’d turned to the levitating Kartana, nodded slightly.

“Sirfetch’d! ヽ(`Д′)”

Leek, this enemy is worth the fight!

The guardian Tapu Fini was amazed.

In that brief moment, Sirfetch’d’s aura had shifted dramatically.

What’s more, Sirfetch’d’s spirit now matched that of Kartana—an Ultra Beast who could sever space itself!

Tapu Fini’s gaze settled on the smiling black-haired young man.

It’s his Trainer—or rather, his companion—who gave him this faith, isn’t it…

“Kartana…”

Kartana saluted with its blades—the ritual before a duel.

This opponent is my kind of battle; I must proceed with caution.

“Sirfetch’d…”

Sirfetch’d raised his leek and then struck down with it, like a flawless white knight, bowing gracefully.

In the blink of an eye—

Clang!

Sparks flew as sword met leek.

Kartana’s twin blades clashed hard with Sirfetch’d’s leek, sending blue sparks flying!

In the first bout, Kartana couldn’t cut the leek, but didn’t draw back. Instead, it pressed in, attacking with rapid blade strikes—both glowing green with the energy of Leaf Blade!

“Counter with Leaf Blade!” Natsume shouted.

“Sirfetch’d!!” Sirfetch’d’s leek also glimmered green, swinging with weight and force at Kartana.

Clang!

Kartana caught the leek with its left blade. Its right blade rose high, then cut down in a blur, aiming to cut Sirfetch’d in two!

“Kartana…” Kartana’s gaze was calm.

This is the stance of twin swords.

Cut into two—and fade away, my enemy, my equal.

Clang!

A trace of shock flickered in Kartana’s eyes.

“Sirfetch’d! (｀ω′)”

Under the shadow of his shield, Sirfetch’d’s eyes burned.

The leek was parried—but Sirfetch’d immediately brought up his shield to block Kartana’s next strike!

“Kartana!!”

Kartana’s expression shifted from bewilderment to surprise—and then delight—as it unleashed a furious barrage.

In moments, the miniature blades had scored dozens of cuts across the shield, close to shattering it in an instant!

“Attack, Sirfetch’d…”

Mere defense is a dead end;

Natsume said gravely:

“Use Fury Cutter!”

The same move, but with an utterly different aura.

Sirfetch’d slammed his shield forward, forcing Kartana back with what seemed, to Kartana, like a massive wall. He then swept forward with his leek, calling out:

“Sirfetch’d!!”

The secret of Urshifu’s rapid strike style was displayed at this moment.

Sirfetch’d’s Fury Cutter roared like a gale as he advanced, leek glowing with a metallic luster and trailing afterimages.

Kartana’s gaze wavered in excitement, blocking with ever greater effort, battered backwards by the overwhelming force.

For the first time, its frenetic blows lost ground.

This sword-style, this martial art—I’ve never seen it, it’s from another world!

And with every blow, Fury Cutter’s power grew, every parry heavier!

“Sirfetch’d!!” Sirfetch’d’s eyes were razor-sharp.

With each cut, the momentum built!

“Kartana!”

Clang! Kartana suddenly broke away from the leek, its body now enveloped in a crimson aura, its sword aura surging even higher!

Standing atop the cliff, Cynthia and Garchomp watched, their eyes flashing:

“That’s… the Ultra Beast’s Ability—Beast Boost.”

An Ultra Beast, born for battle, “Beast Boost” allows its power to grow continuously during a conflict.

In just a few rounds, Kartana’s strength surged from Champion-level to the Champion’s peak!

“That’s an enviable Ability…”

Natsume marveled in secret.

At this level, Kartana was becoming a bit too much for Sirfetch’d.

He meant to recall Sirfetch’d and use Arcanine, but Sirfetch’d showed no intent to retreat.

“Sirfetch’d!” Sirfetch’d gritted his beak, holding leek and shield tightly.

A true knight never flees from battle!

Natsume: “…”

I’m touched, but aren’t you always the first to run away…?

That’s the true “knight’s spirit” of Sirfetch’d!

Whoosh—

Kartana’s speed leapt higher still; the twin swords combined into a single, radiant golden blade, transforming into an enormous holy sword.

Sacred Sword !!

The sword aura erupted, and from meters away, the Sacred Sword was slashing down!

“Let’s try it… Swords Dance!” Natsume shouted.

Ash’s self-created “Counter Shield” was quite practical.

Anything could be Counter Shielded—Swords Dance, Dragon Dance, anything.

Sirfetch’d spun into motion, creating a tempest with his blade, a storm that clashed with the falling Sacred Sword aura.

Tapu Fini’s pupils shrank, Kartana started in surprise, Cynthia’s eyes widened.

Boom!

Amid the cloud of dust, Sirfetch’d emerged, his white body scarred and slashed, yet his eyes sharper than ever, his spirit soaring even higher!

Kartana’s face—even with made of paper—seemed to smile. It returned its swords to the yellow sheaths on its shoulders, all aura changing at once.

Like a legendary swordsman drawing back before the final, decisive strike.

“Kartana…”

Kartana’s gaze was calm.

Now… only one slash remains.

A breeze swept through the canyon, the surrounding cliffs etched with sword marks, stones rattling.

Sirfetch’d stood his ground, gathering his spirit, closing his eyes in exhaustion.

For a moment, a vision—he recalled lying in the dirt, the scent of forest soil, a warm tongue licking him, the wail of a siren, the sharp smell of disinfectant…

Mastering Urshifu’s secrets, both the rapid and single-strike styles, Sirfetch’d—now Champion-level—already knew them by heart.

“Sirfetch’d—”

Natsume’s eyes met those of Sirfetch’d, who now opened them—keen and ruthless.

“Meteor Assault!!!”

“Sirfetch’d!!’(°ー°〃)”

However many foes, all fall to a single blow!

Sirfetch’d raised his leek, charged straight at Kartana, surrounded by a rolling golden aura, like flame.

His finishing move—Meteor Assault!

Kartana drew both swords in a flash, the twin blades merging into a single slender golden spike—driving straight into the enemy’s heart.

Sure to hit. The perfect point.

Clang!!

As they crossed paths, the result was clear.

Sirfetch’d faced away from Kartana, holding the finishing thrust, as his leek and shield suddenly split into pieces—shattering and falling to the ground.

Kartana was impassive, calmly sheathing its sword.

A sudden breeze blew—the smallest touch sending Kartana’s light body toppling.

Kartana rolled over, dizzy with defeat.

Sirfetch’d let out a deep breath, stared at his hands and was struck with sudden grief.

Sirfetch’d: ┌(。Д。)┐

“Sirfetch’d!! (′︿‵)”

Both the leek and the shield—broken! o(╥﹏╥)o

Natsume: “Relax, I stocked up on a whole bunch of Galar leeks for you already.”

Sirfetch’d’s sword is from a Galar leek stalk, the shield is the leaves—it’s easy to replace.

Sirfetch’d exhaled, looked at the fallen Kartana, then straightened, his V-shaped brow tightening, as elegant as ever.

A victory over such a strong enemy.

Well done, Sirfetch’d!

“Now… my turn!”

Natsume threw a Beast Ball at Kartana, catching the fainted Ultra Beast.

Three shakes, and the Beast Ball sounded a crisp chime.

Beep—

Natsume stepped forward, picked up the Beast Ball, and declared confidently:

“I caught Kartana!!”

Cynthia descended on Garchomp to the canyon floor, shot him a look, and said:

“It still needs to be returned to the Ultra Wormhole.”

“That’s true…”

Natsume scratched his head and used Aura of Ripple to heal Kartana in the ball, then released it again.

Kartana looked around, glanced at the Beast Ball, and seemed momentarily lost. “Tch-ka…”

So, I lost…

“Don’t worry. I’ll release you,”

Natsume smiled, “But first, I want to make sure you won’t go from cutting up Poni Island to Melemele Island again.”

Kartana shook its head.

I lost, and I accept defeat… naturally, I’ll leave.

“Kartana…” Kartana turned to Sirfetch’d, suddenly very serious.

There's one thing more—I wish to ask this knight to teach me the secret art of his fighting style…

Natsume rubbed his chin.

Kartana’s personality resembled swordmasters wandering from gym to gym challenging all comers.

Not a bad nature, just obsessed with becoming stronger.

“Let Sirfetch’d coach you? No problem…”

Natsume said, “But, what have you got to offer in return?”

Ultra Beasts didn’t have a dime—even dropped items were rare—so he didn’t expect much from them.

To his surprise, Kartana raised its blade in solemn vow: “Kartana…”

As repayment, I will teach you my ultimate technique…

Kartana wants to Professor a new move to Sirfetch’d?

Natsume was stunned. Hesitantly, he asked, “Teach…Aerial Ace?”

“Kartana!” Kartana announced solemnly.

I offer— Sacred Sword !

Natsume: “……”

Can Sirfetch’d really learn Sacred Sword ?

That’s basically an illegal move.

But ‘ Sacred Sword ’ seemed perfect for Sirfetch’d…

If you can learn it, learn it! It’s only fair that Sirfetch’d gets something out of teaching Kartana!

Natsume agreed for Sirfetch’d.

Sirfetch’d turned, body rigid.

“Sirfetch’d! (′︿‵)”

Not only do I have to spend more time with this guy, now I have to learn a new move from him too?!

Please spare me~~