Chapter 0789: The Prototype of a Signature Z-Move(Two-in-One)

Professor Kukui’s research domain is “Moves,” which not only includes Z-Moves, but also signature moves.

So his proposal of a custom “Gengar Z” Move wasn’t some wild idea, but was rooted in actual precedent.

Some Trainers and Pokémon can develop unusual bonds, resulting in newly created full-power poses, evolution forms, and more.

Aside from real-world records, the anime also features Pikashunium Z and Dusk Form Lycanroc.

With the bond between Natsume and Gengar, there’s no reason they couldn’t develop their own exclusive Z-Move.

Kahuna Olivia saw the spark in Natsume’s eyes and smiled:

“Why not try some training tonight? Akala Island’s Ancient Ruins of Life are full of aura and perfect for Z-Move practice.”

“Ancient Ruins of Life? Isn’t that where Tapu Lele appears?” Professor Kukui asked.

“That’s right. It’s the trial site for Akala Island. Both Trainers and wild Pokémon go there specifically to train.”

Olivia laughed: “If Tapu Lele takes a liking to a Trainer, she’ll even show up and heal their wounds with her scale dust.”

Creating a custom Z isn’t something done overnight, but it can be attempted step by step.

Besides, he really did want to see Tapu Lele—to help Sylveon draw on Akala Island’s Ultimate Aura.

Natsume nodded. “Then I’ll ask you to be our guide, Olivia.”

“No problem~” Olivia waved it off.

The banquet was lavish, the table piled high with Alolan berries and seafood.

There were also steaming malasadas, a deep-fried filled bread that’s an Alolan specialty.

As dusk settled, a tan-skinned Officer Jenny rode up on a two-seater motorcycle, pulling up by the palm trees in front of Olivia’s villa.

This Alolan-form Officer Jenny, like most, was a Natsume-sensei supporter, her partner, as usual, a Gumshoos.

“Natsume-sensei, I’m here to award you the ‘Akala Medal’,” Jenny explained.

It’s a badge of civic honor, given to such professions as ‘Pyukumuku thrower’ and ‘beach lifeguard.’

Since Natsume resolved the Totem Palossand danger, the medal was specially conferred to recognize his achievement in ‘removing beach threats.’

“Oh, that’s too much—” said Natsume. “Is there a bonus?”

“No bonus… but you do get a Lure Ball, which increases your chance of catching fishing Pokémon.” Officer Jenny said.

Akala Island’s many fishermen mean Lure Balls are a common type here.

Natsume-sensei accepted the medal. The Lure Ball wasn’t much use to him now, so he gifted it to Lana, who excelled in “field practice class.”

“Good luck—try and fish up Kyogre someday.” Natsume encouraged.

Lana’s eyes sparkled as she hugged the ball, nodding vigorously. “I’ll give it my all!”

After the ceremony, Officer Jenny asked for a souvenir photo with Natsume-sensei before leaving beaming.

Night deepened; palm trees swayed, and the row of white houses by the beach glowed with warm lights.

Tonight was Natsume’s first night on Akala Island, staying at Olivia’s home.

The students excitedly chatted about the day’s adventures and planned a sleepover party.

“All right, I’ll take Natsume-sensei to the Ancient Ruins of Life,”

Olivia said, hands on hips, smiling. “Take care of the kids, Professor Kukui.”

Student laughter echoed behind them from the rooms; Professor Kukui held his forehead, resigned:

“Got it… Come back soon.”

Without Natsume here to anchor things, there’s no telling if I’ll be dragged into this pillow fight.

The night was dark, stars brilliant, the bushes alive with the sounds of insects.

Natsume walked with Olivia toward the Ancient Ruins of Life, chatting about the personalities of the island guardians.

“Among the Island Guardians, Tapu Koko is the most temperamental, but even the gentle ones are still... ah!”

Olivia was walking alongside Midnight Form Lycanroc, but suddenly gave a little cry as her high heels hit some rubble, sending her face-first to the ground.

Natsume and Gengar jumped in surprise. Σ(っ °Д °;)っ

“Olivia, are you okay?!”

Olivia pushed herself up with her hands, rubbed her red forehead, and laughed loudly. “I’m fine, I’m used to it by now… haha!”

Natsume gave her a once-over.

This Island Kahuna’s biggest trait was being klutzy.

A natural ditz… She couldn’t walk steadily, yet always wore high heels.

On the way to the Ancient Ruins of Life, Olivia tripped three times—the last was only averted by Lycanroc catching her.

Midnight Lycanroc, crimson-eyed, looked utterly unbothered, glancing sidelong at Natsume, then tossing back his head to howl, hinting the ruins lay ahead.

Natsume looked out to where, on the cliff in the night, a great circular stone platform stood, a monument carved into the rock face.

Slopes shrouded in mist; several pairs of eyes peered out—the wild Pokémon spectators.

“This… is the Ancient Ruins of Life, home of a unique island aura,” Olivia said, slipping off her high heels and standing barefoot, the metal rings at her calves chiming softly.

“You can train here, so long as you don’t disturb the surrounding wild herds.”

Natsume nodded gently. “Kahuna Olivia, you can head back—I’ll have Latias escort you.”

“No need, I can walk back just fine.” Olivia picked up her shoes and started for the trail, her “ouch!” and a heavy crashing sound echoing in the night.

Natsume: “……”

As far as I remember, Kahuna Olivia’s single, so she’d have plenty in common with the airhead Aunt Lorelei.

Turning to the stone monument at the cliff, Natsume-boy quietly felt out the island’s aura, noticing subtle differences from Melemele Island.

But the essence was the same—Ultimate Aura, also called “light”—and that was the key to creating a signature Z.

Natsume looked down at his Z-Ring: since Tapu Koko’s upgrade, it was now a Full-Power Z-Ring.

Compared to the original Z-Ring, it could now hold two Z-Crystals.

Setting the Darkinium Z and Ghostium Z into the Full-Power Z-Ring, Natsume took a deep breath and struck a full-power pose:

“Let’s try, Gengar!”

“Gengar~!” Gengar stood at the center of the stone platform, ready.

Previously, Natsume’s “full-power pose” hadn’t been correct—he was using Bond Power more than Ultimate Power to launch Z-Moves.

But to use the island’s aura, he had to follow the “goofy dance” process exactly and perform a complete full-power pose.

First, testing Darkinium Z—Z Dark Pulse.

Darkinium Z’s pose: hands up by the ears, claws extended, like an intimidating big cat.

With a look of utter embarrassment, Natsume said:

“ヽ(ー_ー)ノ Black Hole Eclipse—”

“Gengar! w(ﾟДﾟ)w” Gengar averted his gaze, voice so soft there was no Z aura at all.

Natsume froze, then pressed hard on the Full-Power Z-Ring, dark aura sprawling outwards, finally gripping his imaginary claws and shouting,

“Black holes! Devour! Obliterate everything!!”

“Gengar! (≧▽≦)”

Gengar threw up both hands to conjure a black hole overhead. It lacked “Dark Void’s” gravity, but formed a massive dark-type sphere of energy.

Next, add Ghostium Z’s Z Shadow Ball to the black hole.

Ghostium Z’s pose is immensely embarrassing: hands out, making binoculars around your eyes, then swinging your arms.

Gladion, of course, had tweaked the Ghostium Z pose so it ended up looking cool instead of cringy.

Natsume glanced at the Rotom Pokédex’s pose guide, barely holding in his shame as he mimed binoculars, shouting,

“Temptation of the Endless Night!”

With Natsume-sensei’s physique, and the Full-Power Z-Ring, he could link two Z-Moves at once in informal settings.

Double cringe, double fun!

“Gengar~” The purple fatty bounded up, expertly mimicked the Ghostium Z pose, making adorable binoculars, then fiercely slashing his arms.

Shadow spread out underfoot, swallowing the platform in darkness, black arms reaching from the gloom to clutch the black hole overhead.

The scene was chilling, shadows spreading everywhere.

In the mist, the wild Pokémon shivered, for ghost and dark energy was so rare, it terrified most Pokémon.

Natsume realized: Ghostium Z created an effect like “Shadow Tag,” using shadows to control an opponent.

Combined with Darkinium Z’s black holes, it could both bind or hypnotize an enemy, then land a massive black hole—this would be the seed of a new Z-Move!

“But…”

Standing atop the stone platform engulfed in darkness, Natsume looked at the night sky’s massive black hole and murmured,

“Where am I supposed to throw this Move…”

Tapu Lele floated in the night above, sweating.

It was the island Kahuna who brought him here!?

Staring at the huge black hole in the night, Tapu Lele felt dread.

If I tried to block that, I’d be one hit from death!

“Darkrai!”

Natsume called: “Send it to the Reverse World—and bring a truckload of Pokéblocks for the Renegade Dragon!”

“You never paid for my last batch after the City of Wastes!” Darkrai complained.

There was never enough time, and Little Rotom couldn’t make that many.

Natsume tried to laugh it off: “Next time, for sure.”

Darkrai gave a cold snort, leaping from the shadows and tearing open a rift in space with his claws, swallowing the giant black ball into the void.

Tapu Lele watched, dazed.

Not only a legendary Gengar… that’s a legendary Darkrai too!?

Meanwhile.

Reverse World.

Giratina watched the void above split open once again, and a roaring ball of dark energy broke through like half a meteorite.

Giratina: “……”

Ah, well...

He’s saved the world so many times—basically saved Reverse World itself.

And the Pokéblocks taste amazing… I’ll keep cleaning up after him.

Ancient Ruins of Life.

The shadows eating the stone platform gradually faded.

Natsume and Gengar wiped sweat in sync, exhaling.

The stacking power of Darkinium Z and Ghostium Z was undeniable.

Next, he’d have to figure out how to incorporate Gengar’s own specialties—like hypnosis, Perish Song, poison—and craft a Gengar-exclusive Z.

Ghostium Z’s "shadow arms" were a great channel—they could try to transmit hypnosis and poison this way.

Then, time to design a new full-power pose, combining Bond Power and Ultimate Power at once.

Shoulder tap—definitely cooler than “binocular hands.”

Sure, Gengar had no shoulders, but it had a rough equivalent.

With a plan in mind, Natsume listened and heard a faint sound, looking up.

Atop the stone statue within the Ancient Ruins of Life, a pink island guardian gazed at Natsume with a complicated expression.

Akala Island’s guardian deity—Tapu Lele!

Natsume paused, remembering that the Ruins were Tapu Lele’s home, and smiled:

“Sorry for bothering you… But actually, there’s something important I wanted to discuss with you…”

Natsume meant to use the same persuasion as with Tapu Koko, but Tapu Lele agreed right away.

“I can agree to help your Sylveon draw upon Akala Island’s aura.”

Tapu Lele’s eyes grew complex. “But I have only one condition…”

“To fight Ultra Beasts?” Natsume guessed.

Tapu Lele shook her head. “The condition is: don’t train Z-Moves on Akala Island.”

It wasn’t just wild Pokémon that were spooked—the guardian deity was freaked out too!

Get him to leave, fast!

Natsume: “……”

That was unexpectedly easy.

With the basics established on Melemele, Sylveon would quickly draw Akala’s natural aura.

Now, only two islands remain: Ula’ula Island and Poni Island.

The Poni Island trip was scheduled for the weekend: Natsume-sensei had promised Cynthia to investigate the Altar of the Sunne in Vast Poni Canyon together.

Supposedly, the Altar of the Sunne leads to Ultra Wormholes, and is the birthplace of Solgaleo and Lunala…

In the moonlight, Sylveon’s snow-white form shimmered with silver light, ribbons trailing, channeling rainbow energy.

Tapu Lele dusted scales over Sylveon, helping her sense the island’s aura.

No wild Pokémon nearby could beat Sister Sylveon, especially since her “jungle clear” ability was maxed out.

Natsume returned to the house, reassured, and told Professor Kukui about Tapu Lele and the Z-Move experiments.

“I see… The Full-Power Z-Ring can slot in two Z-Crystals at once.”

Professor Kukui nodded. “I think I’m starting to see the pattern of Trainers crafting signature Z-Moves.”

Ash’s Pikashunium Z also relied on the island guardians’ help and an upgraded Z-Ring before it worked.

Natsume looked down at his ring.

If not for Togepi, there’s no way “success” would have happened to me…

Knock, knock, knock.

A knock at the door; Natsume and Kukui looked up.

“Natsume-sensei~ Come join the pillow fight!” Mallow smiled, holding a pillow.

“Rotom Pokédex is teaching us full-power poses! It says there are Ghostium Z and Darkinium Z dance templates—Natsume-sensei, want to watch?”

Kiawe invited.

“I’ll pass.”

Ghostium Z and Darkinium Z dance templates…

Suddenly realizing what that would mean, Natsume’s face darkened, and he shouted:

“Rotom!! Activate crash mode!!”

“Beep… System Overload, Rotom~Σ( ° △ °|||)︴

……

Two days and one night of fieldwork at Akala Island came to an end.

Natsume took the students back to Melemele Island, where class resumed for half a day.

That afternoon, Professor Kukui informed him of the next day’s arrangements:

“Tomorrow’s the first open day of the school year—parents and friends can visit, and the new transfer student, Ash from Pallet Town, will be arriving.”

Kukui smiled: “It’ll be a festive day.”

“Do all the students’ parents come?” asked Natsume.

“Well… last year, someone from the butler staff handled it for Lillie’s family.”

Kukui frowned. “But this year the Aether Foundation announced Lusamine’s schedule—she’ll be visiting the school and already told Principal Samson Oak she wants to meet you.”

“Me?” Natsume frowned.

“Yes… probably for business reasons,” Kukui said, stroking his chin.

Natsume pondered. “I have a feeling the real reason for her visit is…”

Both teachers exchanged a look and said in unison: “Ultra Beast.”

The Aether Foundation was in charge of “Ultra Wormholes” research.

As Chairwoman, Lusamine wouldn’t come just for Lillie’s open day.

On top of that, the fate of Bewear’s missing cub, Stufful, was connected to the Aether Foundation.

Natsume decided to seize this opportunity tomorrow and ask the Aether Foundation staff.

Meanwhile.

While Bewear was out, the Team Rocket Trio snuck off to the beach for a vacation.

Hau’oli City, Scenic Beach.

James reclined on a beach chair in sunglasses and a floral shirt, blue hair slicked, hands behind his head.

Jessie wore a sunhat and white dress, elegantly crossing her legs as she sipped juice.

Meowth, in the chair between them, lounged with his eyes half-closed.

Suddenly, the radio blared with Jenny’s urgent warning: “Bewear sighted at Scenic Beach! All vacationers, please vacate the beach promptly!”

The Trio blinked: “Huh?”

They turned to see Bewear, eyes blazing, purple aura radiating from her back.

All three went pale, huddled together, and Bewear carried them off like a handful of chicks to the tree hollow.

Team Rocket wept:

“What kind of feeling is this~!”

“Wobbuffet!”