Chapter 779: The Kalos League Concludes! A New Journey Begins（Three-in-One）

The curtain fell on the Lumiose Conference, and the long, arduous journey through the Kalos League was finally drawing to a close.

As the new Champion of the tournament, Ash was preparing to challenge the Kalos Elite Four, starting with Wikstrom, the Steel-type Elite Four member.

Since his place on the Elite Four was determined by the results, Wikstrom wouldn’t be holding back—Ash’s chances of victory looked slim.

Yet, even if he did not make it into the Elite Four, it was still the beginning of a new journey.

For Ash, having reached the summit of the Lumiose Conference together with Greninja, his goal had been achieved.

As news spread of Ash winning the championship, the members of the group chat all sent their congratulations.

“That wasn’t easy at all, Ash,” Brock remarked with feeling.

“After losing at six leagues before, it’s remarkable you never gave up, Ash,” said Yellow.

Ash scratched the back of his head. “Heh, that’s because my dream is to be a Pokémon Master!”

Cynthia smiled encouragingly, “I believe you and Pikachu can make it happen.”

Ash replied with a meme of [Pikachu squeezing its cheeks].

“@Ash, you’re still a long way off. Keep working at it,” Blue Oak said coldly.

“Yes!” Ash called back loudly.

“Not bad, Little Buddy!” Gold wiped his nose and grinned, “Almost at half my level now!”

Crystal reminded him, “But you’ve never actually taken part in a League Tournament.”

“Eh, I was just leaving some opportunity for the new generation,” Gold waved her off.

Silver exposed the truth: “Let’s be honest, you never collected all the badges, so you weren’t even eligible to compete.”

Gold: “Lay off!”

The eighth gym in Johto was guarded by Pryce! In the gym challenge—if he’d actually hand over the badge to me, that alone would be a miracle!

Natsume was deep in thought.

Some Pokédex Holders fought at six leagues, and captured the title of Champion as Veterans;

Some Pokédex Holders never even qualified for the League Tournament. Not dropping any names…

Steven was a little disappointed—both Alain and Sawyer had been his favored juniors.

Still, both showed true talent and strength; the finals of Mega Charizard X versus Battle Bond Greninja had even won Steven’s admiration.

“Give it your all for the upcoming Champion League, Ash,” Steven smiled. “If you manage to defeat Wikstrom of the Elite Four, you’ll be Kalos’ newest Elite Four.”

“Most likely the Flying-type Elite Four,” Natsume-sensei remarked.

Gold couldn’t resist stirring things up: “@Lance.”

Lance: ?

[Group member ‘Gold’ has been muted 24 hours by admin ‘Lance.’]

Putting team composition and strength aside, Ash’s Trainer rank was still a long way from Elite Four level.

But even if he lost the challenge, going from Champion to training in Alola would make a fine story in itself.

And right after the Lumiose Conference, the Pokémon Showcase Master Finals were about to begin, with both Serena and Jessie in attendance.

For Serena, debuting as a rookie and advancing to the Master Finals on her very first try was an impressive feat.

Natsume-sensei sincerely hoped she’d claim the “Kalos Queen” title, though he had to admit every other contestant had their own advantages and experience—even Jessie started out as a Coordinator, with far more seasoned performance skills than Serena.

Still, moving from Performer to Coordinator may not be such a bad thing for Serena.

Winter lingered; snowflakes drifted down over the sky of Lumiose City, bare branches lined with Fletchling who gazed at passing Trainers and Pokémon.

Gengar, wearing a scarf, strode merrily along with a giant paper bag full of groceries.

Natsume, in a scarf and a dark coat, had no cane but wore Sylveon's ribbon around his wrist. The little one marched proudly, not sparing Natsume a glance.

As they passed the mouth of an alley, the notorious “Lumiose Gang” peered out, their eyes landing on Sylveon. Faces blanched, they spun away in panic, bodies trembling.

Oh no… Don’t let my knees shake, and don’t make a sound—whatever you do, do NOT let that pink demon look this way!

Not until Natsume and Sylveon were long gone did the delinquents breathe easy, backs damp with sweat, staring up at the sky.

In the grayish alley, the sky blurred like a watercolor painting—Murkrow soared by overhead.

“Let’s just call it quits,” mumbled the leader, “I miss my mom, and the Slugma by the family fireplace…”

Back at the café, Natsume began prepping lunch.

Jessie and Serena would be competing tomorrow.

And after Cynthia finished this round of work and took her vacation, they’d set off together for Alola.

Water ran in the sink, Natsume washed Leppa Berries, and—CRACK—bit into one.

“Meloetta~?”

Meloetta hovered midair, strumming a child-size guitar. The rest of the Pokémon gathered around, eyes sparkling as they listened.

On the kitchen counter buzzed a mobile phone. Natsume glanced over, waved to activate the projection, and looked up in surprise:

“Champion Blue. Is there something I can help you with?”

Blue Oak, not one for small talk, rarely reached out to Natsume-sensei—and never before had initiated contact.

“Just Blue is fine,” he said directly. “Natsume-sensei, are you still staying in the Kalos region?”

“What’s up?” Natsume said, chewing on a berry and nodding.

Blue’s brow knit up. “Not long ago I defeated Kalos’ Team Flare, but the International Police contacted me. Seems one of the Team Flare scientists is still on the run, making trouble again.”

“His name is Xerosic—he’s a dangerously obsessive inventor, most skilled with Malamar’s hypnotic beams.” Blue’s tone was grave. “I’m not in Kalos at the moment, so I’ve already asked Ash to investigate, but I’m worried he’ll be too reckless…so please, keep an eye on Ash and Xerosic if you can. I know it’s a lot to ask.”

Natsume blinked, the image of Xerosic materializing in his mind—a rotund man, signature red strategy sunglasses.

In the games, he invented the “E-Battle Suit,” which turned people into masked juggernauts.

In the anime, he tried to use the Ultimate Weapon’s negative energy to trigger rampant plant growth, indirectly causing Ash’s Greninja to leave the team.

“I’ll keep a close watch,” Natsume nodded.

Having someone that dangerous on the loose was a head-scratcher for any officer, and particularly so for Natsume-sensei.

“Sorry to trouble you,” Blue said, grateful.

“No trouble at all.” Natsume offered a smile.

Clues on Xerosic’s whereabouts had been provided by the International Police’s own “Handsome.”

He was an old acquaintance by now—Natsume had worked with him in Sinnoh, Unova, and other regions.

Handsome had opened a detective agency in Lumiose City, with a certain “classic detective agency” feel to it—wherever he went, trouble seemed to follow.

Handsome had opened a detective agency in Lumiose City, with a certain “Mouri Detective Agency” feel to it—wherever he went, trouble seemed to follow.

Late that afternoon, with nothing to do, Natsume raced through the city on a “Sword and Shield Edition” Rotom Bike, whizzing through the streets to the red plaza.

Motorcycle riders looked at his retreating back in shock.

Pulling up, one of them took out a phone, face blank, and dialed:

“Officer Jenny? I’d like to report someone speeding…”

“He has no license plate, yes—a bike—hello? Hello!”

……

Red Plaza, Handsome Detective Agency.

Gray-white wallpaper, deep green potted plants, outmoded furnishings. The printer clacked away.

The computer wallpaper was a professional team in business suits—on closer look, it was all the same man.

A frail blue-eyed girl with black curly hair, clutching a tea tray, hid behind the wall, peeking out at the rare guest.

In the patch of sunlight, two sofas faced one another: Natsume and Detective Handsome sat there, drinking coffee and reminiscing.

“Six months already, just like that.”

Handsome sighed, “You’ve become a legend, Officer Natsume.”

Natsume-sensei imagined the words “Officer Megure” floating above his head and mused,

“Last time we met was…last time.”

Handsome blinked, then sipped his coffee with a straight face:

“I heard what happened in the City of Wastes. Whatever else, you saved not just the city, but the world. You’re a hero.”

Natsume fell silent.

He really had died and come back.

At the time, it hadn’t been for the big picture or any Mission, not out of “must”—he simply couldn’t do otherwise.

Were there a second chance, Natsume would never again risk himself and Gengar so recklessly, never again ask Gengar to risk its life for him.

But there are no “what ifs” in life. Natsume only wanted to live on with his Pokémon and Moe-Moe! Even as a legend, some part of him remained at odds with itself—a streak of stubborn resolve.

“I’m retiring,” Natsume said. “Unova, Hoenn, Touran, Kalos…I’ve witnessed too many legends, too many moments, and now I’m simply tired.”

A look of memory passed over Handsome’s weathered face: “So you’re giving up being a Trainer?”

“Quite the opposite.”

Natsume’s grin was bright; his jawline softened, his smile brilliant.

“I’ve decided to become a Trainer.”

Handsome paused in surprise, speechless: “You’re the most remarkable Trainer I’ve ever met. Given the chance…I hope we’ll work together again.”

“You have that chance—right now.”

Natsume’s face turned serious again. “I’m here representing someone else, to investigate the Xerosic case.”

Crash! A sharp cracking sound.

They both turned; the frail black-haired girl was at a loss, ceramic shards scattered at her feet.

“I…Officer Handsome…” the girl stammered.

“I’ll handle this, Emma.” Handsome said. “Croagunk, tidy up, please.”

Croagunk shuffled over—clearly no longer fit for battle but a champion at household tasks—picked up the fragments and offered a gentle word to Emma.

Emma nodded, glancing up at Handsome, “I’ll go sit in the kitchen with Espurr…”

And with that, the girl hurried off out of sight.

Natsume waited for Handsome to speak. He sipped his coffee, eyes going distant, and then said,

“Her name’s Emma. She’s the victim in the Xerosic case.”

Natsume clasped his hands, listening closely.

Emma’s past unfolded: orphaned young, homeless, surviving in alleyways with her Espurr as her only family. Having no money for a Poké Ball, she never caught Espurr, but he was her kin in all but name.

Kind-hearted and resilient, she was admired by the Lumiose Gang as their spiritual pillar.

During one investigation, Handsome met Emma and brought her in for part-time work at the agency. Uneducated, she learned to read and write from him.

During her time there, Emma grew to feel like a burden to Handsome and secretly sought other part-time jobs, stumbling blindly into Xerosic’s “E-Battle Suit” tests. The suit took her over, turning her into the lawless “Esspri” until Handsome ultimately rescued her.

“That kid…born in darkness, yearning for the light. It was Espurr that saved her.”

Handsome stroked his chin, reminiscing: “Xerosic is strange—crying while giving Emma the E-Battle Suit, claiming it fulfilled his life’s dream, saying he had no regrets about being caught. That suit’s still in Emma’s care, but with no side effects, she uses it to help keep Lumiose City safe.”

“Almost sounds like a superhero story,” Natsume said.

“Maybe so,” Handsome smiled. “But no matter the reason, Xerosic still has to be brought in.”

Natsume nodded gently. With faint gold, the Power of One could sense the subtle emotions at play, and he smiled:

“She probably sees you as a father, Officer Handsome.”

“Father? I’m only forty! Still in my prime!” Handsome protested.

“In your prime? That’s a bit much.” Natsume laughed. “Anyway, that case is in my hands now.”

Handsome’s wrinkles smoothed. “I appreciate it, sir.”

Natsume stood, gazing down at the Poké Ball in his palm.

It couldn’t be denied—this world held all sorts: ideologues like N, schemers like Ghetsis, and the sobering reality embodied in Emma.

But all of them were entirely, stubbornly pure.

There was Colress, in pursuit of the limits of science; Handsome, faithful to duty; and Emma, kind and unbreakable…

Natsume closed his eyes.

Through his vision, the Power of One’s golden threads stretched out—firmly entwining Emma, Espurr, and Handsome together.

That is called Bond.

Before leaving the office, Handsome got a phone call; Natsume waved off a formal goodbye.

Down the stairs, Emma called after him: “Sir.”

Natsume turned back—the black-haired girl bit her lower lip and said,

“All those crimes on record—they’re my doing. Please…don’t blame Espurr or Uncle Handsome. You can arrest me instead…”

“That was Xerosic’s fault.”

Natsume slipped on his sunglasses, voice steady: “Do you know about Trainer School, Emma?”

“School’s a place people go to learn, right?” Emma said. “Uncle Handsome taught me.”

“You can go study at Trainer School—it’s not too late,” Natsume suggested.

Emma hesitated, then shook her head, “As long as I’ve got Espurr, and the E-Battle Suit…I want to stay with Uncle Handsome, inherit his sense of justice, and become his full-time assistant.”

“I see.”

Natsume smiled, “Good luck. And your Espurr is very cute.”

Espurr, half-hidden behind Emma’s legs, peeked out at Natsume, seemed to sense Aura’s special affinity, froze, then quickly hid away again.

“Goodbye, sir!” Emma waved from the stairwell.

Natsume, back to her, waved in return, murmuring,

“Xerosic, huh… If we arrest him ahead of time, then Greninja wouldn’t have to leave the team, would he?”

……

The next day, the Pokémon Showcase Master Finals took place.

Serena and Jessie both delivered flawless performances. Serena’s Sylveon absolutely dazzled the audience.

But the reigning “Kalos Queen” Elle remained as steady and experienced as ever, defending her title with ease.

Jessie was furious, stomping around in a tantrum, but honestly, getting second place with those cutting-edge performance ideas was an outstanding achievement.

“Come on, cheer up!” James consoled her.

“It’s the judges’ fault—their eyes are clearly defective, meow~” Meowth scowled.

“So annoying! Still, silver’s not bad at all. Ohohoho~” Jessie burst into laughter.

James and Meowth mopped their brows in relief.

This girl had never even been a tiny bit upset.

Serena ended up third, but she’d done her very best, and at Bonnie’s encouragement, decided to think about her future path.

Would she stay with Ash, or continue traveling on her own…?

As League Champion, Ash challenged Elite Four Wikstrom and lost, 3:6.

His Trainer rank still needed work, and with the Elite Four title out of reach for now, he chose to continue pursuing his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master.

The two defeated teens engaged in a Pokémon battle—Pikachu versus Braixen.

Pikachu gave a truly professional “Oscar-worthy” performance, trading blows with Braixen as dazzling lights shone in their eyes.

One reason Natsume-sensei loved Pokémon XY so much was how it depicted the growth of Ash and his friends.

Serena decided to travel alone, independently, looking forward to someday reuniting with Ash—not as part of his audience, but as a Coordinator in her own right.

Hearing about this from Clemont, Natsume-sensei was perplexed.

Wasn’t there supposed to be a reunion? In the Sun & Moon and Sword & Shield anime, Serena never came back at all—had the scriptwriters forgotten about her?

Meanwhile, Handsome messaged with news—he’d found a lead on Xerosic…

……

Anistar City Outskirts, depths of the forest, strange energy pulsing.

Sunlight shone on the distant city sundial, cut through the forest mist, and fell across the carpet of dead leaves.

A green, serpentine creature—its body banded with black and emerald, scales like jagged diamonds, atop its head five sharp, crown-like black points.

The ecosystem’s guardian, Zygarde, 50% Form.

It had yet to regain its full energy, but deep beneath Anistar City, it sensed the “negative energy core,” as though some machine were drawing it out—massive vines were about to burst from the earth.

Zygarde’s gaze grew stern—then suddenly, it started, astonished.

The wild surge of “negative energy” had abruptly ceased!

Someone was controlling that strange pulling force!

On a cliff, a heavyset man in red tactical glasses, drenched in sweat, stumbled backward toward the edge.

“Don’t—don’t come any closer!” Xerosic said, panic in his voice.

The events just moments ago had been far too terrifying—Xerosic never wanted to recall them again.

That man in the black trench coat had thrown off his coat, facing Malamar bare-handed.

Malamar tried to retaliate—but a shadow rose up and ensnared it by the feet, leaving it wide open for a beating!

“Use Karate Chop!”

Natsume shouted, palm slicing with the Aura of Ripple, striking Malamar and leaving a white arc.

Malamar’s eyes bulged in disbelief, body shaking. It crashed to the ground—swirl-eyed, knocked out.

Xerosic swallowed hard.

Defeating a Pokémon bare-handed… was he even human!?

That was a Malamar strong enough to take down a Gym Leader! It had given Officer Jenny no end of trouble!

And it was smashed flat by just a few Karate Chops?

“Who—just who are you?” Xerosic stammered.

“Just a passing Trainer. Remember that,” Natsume replied.

He snapped his fingers: “Arcanine, Crunch!”

Xerosic squeezed his eyes shut in horror. When he dared to look, he saw Arcanine tearing into his beloved machine, jaws crunching and grinding.

“Arcanine!”

The massive Arcanine was sprawled across the negative energy device, gnawing from end to end; the machine sparked and flickered, on the verge of explosion!

“Latias, Light Screen, package it up.” Natsume snapped his fingers again.

Boom!!

The explosion’s light dissipated within a glowing barrier.

Xerosic collapsed to his knees, hands to the ground:

“I confess! I’ll tell you everything—just please don’t come any closer!”

Down at the foot of the mountain, Ash and his friends looked up, faces solemn.

“Greninja, can you sense the core of the negative energy?”

“Greninja,” Greninja replied, scanning the mountain peak.

Bonnie hugged Squishy close—Squishy’s face was pale. She said worriedly,

“Something really scary is up there! Even Squishy is scared stiff!”

“Greninja, let’s go check it out!”

Ash and Greninja charged for the summit, and froze.

The supposed final boss, Xerosic, was crouched by a rock, arms over his head, as if terrified someone might come deliver another Karate Chop.

And that familiar figure—

Greninja’s eyes widened; Ash gasped,

“Natsume-sensei!?”

“Ash, you’re late,” Natsume said. “Go call Officer Jenny… and—”

Natsume sensed a strange pulse, and spoke gravely: “Come, let’s meet Zygarde together.”

Deep in the forest.

Zygarde 50% Form: “……”

This pressure… Maybe I should just hide for now…

……

Deep in the forest.

Natsume and Ash’s group met the gathering power of Zygarde’s 50% Form.

Known as Z2 (while Z1 was “Squishy”), the pair together maintained Kalos’s balance.

Squishy bounced down from Bonnie’s arms, said goodbye, and decided: after the Kalos energy is stabilized, it would journey together with Bonnie when she became a Trainer.

Bonnie said goodbye, tears in her eyes.

Zygarde was wary, eyes darting from the black-haired young man with folded arms, to the grinning Gengar at his side.

Zygarde: “……”

Even at full 100% Form… I’m not sure I could win against those two…

Because of the anomaly created by the negative energy machine, Zygarde extended an invitation to Greninja.

‘The negative energy in Kalos, caused by the Ultimate Weapon, must be dealt with by humans.’

Zygarde continued: ‘Greninja, you possess the power to resolve such negative energy.’

“Greninja…” Greninja’s eyes flickered.

Natsume: “……”

So in the end, Greninja still has to leave the team.

Though, if not, he’d just spend his days in the garden with Trainer, so that thought made it all right.

“I’ll handle the negative energy.”

A hoarse voice sounded.

Ash’s group turned—they saw the towering, broad-shouldered vagrant, the Eternal Flower on his back, stepping forward.

“AZ?” Ash exclaimed.

AZ nodded slightly, looked at Zygarde, hand over heart:

“The Ultimate Weapon… That was my mistake. Let me bear the burden, let me atone for what I have done.”

Zygarde eyed the Eternal Flower on AZ’s shoulder, then gazed at him and nodded subtly:

‘Indeed, to handle the negative energy, you and the Eternal Flower are the most fitting.’

AZ had not been a wise king, but he showed a king’s sense of duty.

Natsume smiled faintly.

The story of Kalos began with King AZ three thousand years ago—and so, three thousand years later, King AZ would bring it to a close.

What endures is the bond between Trainers and Pokémon. The Eternal Flower. Greninja…

Natsume glanced down at the grinning Gengar and smiled.

And me and Gengar.

There’s nothing more to say.

The group walked out of the forest.

Ash looked up: “You’re leaving for Alola tomorrow, aren’t you, Natsume-sensei?”

“Yes.”

“My flight’s for Kanto tomorrow—but I might come see you in Alola!” Ash said.

“No need,” Natsume replied calmly.

I have no desire to get dragged into some ‘alien monster world-defense force’ incident!

Exiting the woods, Officer Jenny arrived in a blur, quickly arresting the thoroughly trussed-up Xerosic.

Natsume did the handover to Jenny. Though Jenny clearly had respect for him, she handled things strictly by the book, taking the report in full.

Glancing at the Rotom Pokédex, Jenny said offhandedly,

“By the way, Natsume-sensei… Was that you riding a Rotom Bike to the red plaza this morning?”

Natsume asked in surprise, “How did you know?”

Jenny closed her notebook and said calmly,

“You were speeding. Please pay your fine. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Natsume: ???