Chapter 0778: Tournament Champion, Ash!（Three-in-One）

“The Kalos League Tournament is about to reach its final, climactic battle!!”

The commentator’s passionate voice echoed across the arena. The crowd buzzed, every seat filled, the atmosphere electric.

“Let’s welcome the guest commentators for the finals: Champion Diantha, Professor Sycamore, and Natsume-sensei!!”

The audience looked up at the enormous central screen, the camera focusing on the three guest commentators at the podium.

Diantha, in a flowing white dress, gray eye shadow, offered a graceful smile. Professor Sycamore wore his white lab coat and stroked his beard. Natsume, dressed in black, looked up at the camera and nodded slightly.

The cheering swelled, washing through the entire venue like a rising tide.

Team Rocket had come specially to watch; James cupped his hands around his mouth, shouting:

“Go, Ash!”

“Don’t lose to that Charizard, nya!” Meowth waved.

“Give it your all, Twerp!” Jessie clenched her fist.

Mairin hugged Chespin tightly, her eyes flickering with concern as she whispered:

“I hope... Alain can win the Champion.”

The commentator’s voice rang out, “Now, let’s welcome the two Trainers who advanced to the finals—”

“Ash!”

Ash’s eyes were resolute, his red cap glinting in the sun. Pikachu, wearing a determined stare, perched on his shoulder as Ash strode from the darkness of the contestant tunnel.

“Alain!”

Alain, dressed in black, the sunlight banishing the shadow from his face, his blue neck accessory swaying slightly, a faint grin at the corner of his lips, eyes sharp as steel.

“For the battle section of the finals—”

The two took their places on the floating command platforms as the stage rose and locked into place with a heavy clang.

A stony canyon, flanked by small mountain ranges. Atop the cliffs, a river wound its way down, splitting the field into two.

“It’s a Rock and Water Arena!!”

Natsume was focused, gaze unblinking, when he felt a small tug.

Turning, Gengar’s head poked from the darkness, sneakily pointing at the microphone and covering its mouth with a playful giggle: “Gengar~”

Natsume’s face shifted. He quickly unplugged the mic cord and shook his head at Gengar.

“Gengar... (〃ω〃)” Gengar scratched its head, then ducked back into the shadows.

Then I’ll go sing to Darkrai.

Darkrai: “……”

Need to find a way to drag Marshadow and Giratina along, too.

The Reverse World was about to witness a “catastrophe.”

Natsume was oblivious; beside him, Professor Sycamore whispered,

“Ash and Alain... I’ve watched their whole journey.”

“So have I,” Natsume nodded.

Silly kid, I’ve watched you eat dirt at League Tournaments since you were small!

When will you finally be a Champion?

“The finals are a full 6v6 battle, four-move limit, free rotation, with a terrain change at mid-match.”

The referee scanned left and right, then raised the flag, slashing it down: “Battle begin!”

“Pikachu, I choose you!”

Ash threw his arm forward. Pikachu shot from his arm to the field in a flash.

“Pika!” Pikachu’s eyes blazed, body low and tense.

Alain tossed his Poké Ball and called out: “Go, Tyranitar!”

Tyranitar’s shape emerged from red light, fearsome expression, spikes on chest and back stirring a sandstorm from deep within. The Sandstorm raged, filling the grey arena, as Tyranitar roared!

“Sandstorm weather—Tyranitar’s Special Defense rises, and the Rock Field gives an additional boost.”

Diantha frowned slightly, “Starting with Pikachu isn’t wise.”

“Fair point… but that Pikachu isn’t reasonable,” Natsume replied wryly.

“Pikachu—chew!!”

Before the words faded, Pikachu unleashed a savage Thunderbolt, piercing the Sand Stream, lightning swallowing Tyranitar whole!

“Tyranitar,” Alain commanded, “Stone Edge!”

“Tyranitar!!”

Tyranitar burst free from the electrical current, crimson eyes flashing. Both fists hammered the ground—rock shards exploded in all directions, dagger-like stones slicing toward Pikachu.

“Block them with Iron Tail!” Ash called.

“Pikachu!”

Pikachu leaped, spinning once, its tail gleaming white, swinging regardless of gravity itself. Iron Tail parried most flying stones, dust billowing.

Natsume’s expression was complicated.

Iron Tail truly is a divine move. Pikachu’s Iron Tail was as effective as Protect!

“Lock the landing spot,” Alain ordered, “Use Crunch!!”

“Tyranitar!!” Tyranitar charged, shattering the river’s surface, water splashing, jaws glowing with sharp darkness, crunching down hard on Pikachu!

“Good—now, Iron Tail it back!” Ash declared confidently.

“What?” Alain stiffened.

Dust swirled. Pikachu’s Iron Tail was stuck in Tyranitar’s jaws, but it kicked Tyranitar back, spun, and cracked Iron Tail on Tyranitar’s head!

Thunk!!

Tyranitar howled in pain, crashing to the ground, Alain’s command ringing in its ears: “Stone Edge!!”

Slamming a fist to the ground, Tyranitar forced itself upright, tearing up the field with sharp stone pillars that shot at Pikachu.

“Dodge!” Ash called.

Pikachu hopped nimbly, landing in front of Ash as Tyranitar steadied itself, breath ragged.

“Keep your distance, use Rock Slide!” Alain said.

Tyranitar roared, building up a yellow glow. Huge boulders formed overhead. Sand raged as rocks smashed down like an avalanche!

Ash’s eyes flickered.

I remember Natsume-sensei taught—Sandstorm boosts Rock-types’ Special Defense.

“All right then!” Ash threw out his arm. “Volt Tackle—charge straight through!!”

“Pikachu, Pikachu!!”

Pikachu burst with white lightning, dashing through Rock Slide like a flash. The rocks smashed behind him, kicking up the Sand Stream, rumbling the arena.

Tyranitar’s eyes narrowed as Pikachu, wreathed in blinding light, slammed headfirst into its armored belly. A surge of power—lightning flared brighter!

BOOM!!

The Sandstorm faded. Tyranitar lay unmoving, swirls in its eyes.

Bzzzt—on the big screen, one of Alain’s Poké Balls went dark.

Cheers erupted. The audience stared in amazement, then applauded Pikachu.

Natsume marvelled.

Pikachu, my superman!

Alain’s face was calm. He threw out another Poké Ball: “Go, Weavile!”

Weavile, a Dark/Ice dual-type, midnight body, fan-like red tuft on its head, two razor-sharp claws, a chilling gaze.

Ash swapped in Hawlucha.

Hawlucha: Fighting/Flying dual-type, matches Ash’s fast-attack style—a key member of his XY team.

“They’re locked in furious combat—an explosive exchange!” the commentator declared.

Hawlucha’s claws flashed white, Karate Chop swinging at Weavile. Weavile darted aside, countering with Metal Claw, but Hawlucha beat a retreat with a flick of its wings.

Hawlucha adopted a boxer’s stance, skipping footwork, beckoned for Weavile to come at him.

“Agility!” Alain called, “Go—Ice Punch!!”

Weavile blurred, flickering behind Hawlucha.

Hawlucha started, seeing Weavile’s twisted, savage smile. Claws gleamed with icy shards, smashing toward his face!

Wham!!

Hawlucha cried in pain, flung into the river, water spraying high.

“Ice Punch landed flush! With type advantage, Hawlucha’s in trouble!” said the commentator.

Weavile grinned coldly, then froze. Hawlucha staggered up, standing in the river, body suffused with burning red light, a delighted, energized smile—once again beckoning Weavile.

“Hawlucha’s state improved after taking Ice Punch?” Diantha wondered.

Natsume chuckled in understanding.

“Hawlucha’s ability is Unburden… And that red glow—as well as special talent—is its Weakness Policy triggering.”

Professor Sycamore looked shocked. Natsume explained slowly,

“That’s the Unburden strategy: when the held Weakness Policy is activated, speed and aggressiveness both soar.”

“So…”

Natsume’s gaze steadied, noting the Master-like light now shining in Ash’s eyes.

“Ash let Hawlucha take the Ice Punch on purpose.”

“Finish it!” Alain said coldly. “Ice Punch!”

“Weavile!!” Weavile’s form blurred, but suddenly Hawlucha vanished too.

Alain and Weavile both gasped, glancing up—Hawlucha spread his wings wide overhead, shadow falling upon Weavile's surprised face.

“Flying Press!!” Ash roared.

Hawlucha tucked his legs, threw out his arms, leapt as if in a Leap of Faith—crashing down with a rolling boom onto Weavile, clouds of smoke billowing.

Weavile lay sprawled in a spiderweb of shattered earth, eyes spinning.

“2 to 0! Ash takes the lead!”

Another Poké Ball darkened on the display. Cheers filled the stands. Mairin looked anxious, Serena’s eyes full of hope.

“Unburden strategy, huh…” Alain murmured, hands in pockets. “You caught me there, Ash.”

“I’ve grown too!” Ash laughed, “Give it your all, Alain!”

“I will. You’re a worthy opponent!” Alain’s eyes blazed as he called, “Come on, Metagross!!”

Metagross’ X-mark gleamed beneath the sun, metallic body statuesque, gaze contemptuous—a real pseudo-legendary presence.

“Hawlucha, use Aerial Ace!” Ash yelled.

Natsume pinched his brow with a frown.

Honestly, Alain’s Metagross is Elite Four level—if he doesn’t use Pikachu, he’s got no chance.

Everything is relative. Strategy can cover weak points, but power levels can flatten those gains...

Hawlucha’s eyes flashed. He charged Metagross, only to lose control—suddenly seized and lifted by Metagross’ overpowering Psychic!

“Kong-jing!”

Metagross’ eyes flared blue with Confusion, massive fist blazing with Comet-light, swinging down with crushing force!

BOOM!!

The crowd was speechless. Hawlucha tumbled back in agony, fell—eyes spinning!

“One-hit knockout—metagame shifts! Alain’s Metagross shows terrifying dominance!” cried the commentator.

Ash, shaken, sent out Noivern—only for it to be felled by another mighty blow from Metagross.

The score: tied at 2:2.

“This is just giving it away!!”

Natsume snarled; Diantha and Professor Sycamore jumped in alarm.

“Sorry.” Natsume cleared his throat.

Why not send in Pikachu!

If you lose, you can swim home from Kalos to Pallet Town, idiot!

“Ash—”

Ash recalled the fainted Noivern, grave. Hearing his name, he looked up.

“This is the result of my training with Mr. Steven. His Metagross greatly inspired me.”

Alain stated calmly, “Ash, the drive to be Champion is not yours alone.”

“So…” Alain’s eyes went sharp, “If you want to win, you must put everything on the line!”

“Alain…” Mairin bit her lip.

You don’t need to be this strict with yourself…

Bonnie stared, worried. “Ash…”

“How to handle this pseudo-legendary is the key for Ash,” Clemont said, pushing his glasses.

Ash adjusted his cap, then declared,

“Noivern’s Supersonic confusion, Talonflame’s Tailwind for boosting… The strategies are great—Blue Oak Master and Natsume-sensei always taught me well.”

“But.”

Ash looked up, eyes strong, and smiled.

“I’ll use my own way—to win the Lumiose Conference Champion!”

Ash clenched his fist and yelled, “Go, Pikachu!!”

“Pikachu!” Pikachu leapt back to the field, gaze blazing.

I’m serious now—leave it to me!

“By Ash’s way, do you mean…” Diantha asked.

“It means no-brains offense, full aggro, face-smash,” Natsume grinned.

“But… that’s the style that suits him best.”

“Metagross!!” Alain cried, “Meteor Mash!!”

“Metagross!!”

Metagross smashed its iron fists together, surging with power like a comet smashing into earth—Pikachu tiny before its might.

“Iron Tail, block it!!”

Sparks flew—Pikachu was flung back, rolling twice in midair before landing and zipping forward with Quick Attack.

“Confusion, pin him!” Alain commanded.

“Get on Metagross’ head!” Ash said. “That’s its blind spot!”

Alain startled. In an instant, Pikachu clung tight to Metagross’ crown.

No matter how Metagross shook, Pikachu jammed its Iron Tail into the metal and held fast to the rim!

“Slam the mountainside!” Alain barked.

“Metagross!!” Metagross brought down all four arms, jets blasting, hurtling headfirst into a craggy rock outcrop.

“Pikachu!” Ash shouted, “Thunderbolt!!”

“Pika—chew!!”

Lightning exploded, and Pikachu and Metagross struck the rocky cliff, smashing the stone apart. Lightning flashed like silver snakes, destroying rocks and sending a Rock Slide into the river, splashing water everywhere. The Thunderbolt didn’t stop—only grew stronger!

Alain’s pupils shrank. “How… still not unable to battle?!”

“Again, Thunderbolt!!” Ash called.

BOOM!!

The stands fell utterly silent, eyes stunned. Both Pokémon hit the river with condition unknown.

The dust cleared. Metagross was submerged. Pikachu staggered to his feet, battered but alive, shaking his ears:

“Pikachu…”

“ohhhhhh!!”

“Pikachu’s going all out!”

“Six-league veteran—this could be Pikachu’s last conference… Pika God, give it everything you’ve got!!”

The entire arena cheered, the commentator shouting:

“Pikachu knocks out two aces! The score is now 3:2 and the field will now change!”

Alain recalled Metagross, and Ash cradled the exhausted Pikachu.

The battered Rock Field lowered, replaced by a flourishing grass field. A breeze swept ripples across the plain, rivers winding and sparkling.

“The second half is a Grass and Water Arena! How will the trainers duel now? Let’s find out!” the commentator called.

It may be the “Baby Cup,” but Natsume burned with passion.

Pikachu had single-handedly taken down two pseudo-legendaries—that’s no raft, that’s Pika God!

With the second half underway, both sent out Unfezant and Talonflame. After a blazing aerial dogfight, both crashed into the river—a classic one-for-one.

The score moved to 4:3, with Alain then sending out Charizard.

“Charizard!!” Charizard’s neck wore an evolutionary stone; its wings beat as it hovered, gaze sharp.

“Alain’s Charizard is exceptionally well-bred,” Professor Sycamore praised.

Natsume agreed: “Their bond is also incredibly deep—you can see it in their eyes.”

It could still be flattened by a peak Champion Arcanine, though.

But Mega Charizard X is stylish indeed, and is Bond Greninja’s true rival.

“Are you ready to keep battling, Pikachu?” Ash asked softly.

Pikachu released a heavy breath, then nodded: “Pikachu!”

“Pikachu is up again!” the commentator said. “Will it create another miracle?”

“Charizard, Flamethrower!” Alain clenched his fist.

Charizard’s stomach bulged. Flames surged up, before it suddenly fired a blast of orange-red fire, rumbling the arena.

“Thunderbolt!!” Ash called.

Lightning cloaked Pikachu, clashing with the torrent of fire, filling the field with smoke.

Suddenly, a streak of azure light shot out, swerving through the thunder, gaining yet more speed!

“Volt Tackle!!” Ash roared.

Alain’s hand flinched, then clenched, and he called out, “Dragon Claw!”

Charizard’s claws flashed with green dragon energy, sweeping for Pikachu. Lightning intensified as they collided, erupting in a blast that shook the arena!

BOOM!!

Viewers swallowed hard.

When the smoke cleared, Charizard’s belly was scorched black, but it had weathered most of the blast.

Pikachu, however, crashed to the ground on his back, eyes swirling.

“Pikachu really gave it his all, nya,” Meowth sighed, leaning against the rails.

“Twerp, don’t lose!” Jessie snarled.

“You can do it, Ash…” Serena’s eyes sparkled anxiously.

“Let’s go, Alain!” Mairin cheered with all her heart.

The score reached 4:4, tied again. Pikachu had given everything, seriously wounding Charizard.

Natsume grew increasingly nervous.

This script looks all too familiar… Damn it, don’t choke now!

Ash went over, lifting up the fallen Pikachu, and went back to the command box, spraying Pikachu with a Potion.

“Pikachu…” Pikachu opened his eyes, weak but alive.

“You did more than enough, Pikachu.”

Ash’s gaze flickered. He smiled softly, “The rest… is up to me and Greninja!”

Goodra: ?

This was supposed to be a three-person movie, yet I don’t even get a name?

That was Natsume’s silent complaint.

Pseudo-legendary or not, Ash never really figured out a strategy for Goodra. At best, it traded Dragon Pulse with Alain’s Bisharp.

The rain was pouring down, soaking the grass field. Alain’s eyes sharpened; he shouted:

“Guillotine!!”

Bisharp’s twin blades flashed as it charged Goodra in the rain. The blades crossed in a blur of red and black as they passed.

Goodra ended up facing away, dropping to one knee, its body outlined by a white X. Then, with a loud thud, it collapsed.

Bzzz—the big screen updated the score to 5:4.

The viewers held their breath, staring at the rain-drenched field, swallowing nervously.

Ash tipped his cap brim and suddenly smiled.

Alain smiled, too: “I’m going to enjoy this battle to the very end, Ash.”

“Yeah. Natsume-sensei always said…”

Ash took a deep breath, determination burning in his eyes, lips curving up:

“Because Pokémon battles were meant to bring smiles!”

Ash quickly hurled a Poké Ball.

“Go—Greninja!!”

The rain poured, clouds blanketing the sky.

Greninja stood tall, arms folded, scarf billowing, gaze calm like water.

Ten years as an anime fan, Natsume suddenly found himself teary-eyed.

Bond Greninja takes the field!

“Let’s go, Greninja!” Ash shouted, “Water Kunai!”

Greninja was wreathed in a veil of water, leaping nimbly into the air. Rain poured, thunder rolled. Three flying water kunai were slashed apart by Bisharp’s crossing swords. Greninja, swift as a swallow, lifted his knee, gathered fierce white energy, and slammed into Bisharp’s shoulder!

“Night Slash!” Alain said resolutely.

Bisharp dropped to one knee, sweeping a dark-edged slash with its blade.

“Counter with Night Slash!” Ash bellowed.

Greninja flipped through the air, landing behind Bisharp with his arms crossed, scarf fluttering. His palm gathered dark-type energy, forming a gleaming black blade that slowly faded.

Boom!!

An explosion echoed out. Bisharp collapsed to its knees, then hit the ground hard and fell unconscious.

“Greninja…” Greninja remained stoic, rain pouring down, a faint mist rising from his shoulders.

The audience held tense silence; the battle was brutal, the tension thick enough to cut.

“The final duel—Greninja versus Charizard!” cried the commentator, full of fire.

Natsume twisted open his water bottle and took a long drink.

Mega Charizard X was Fire/Dragon, not afraid of Water-types.

Both trainers had championship strength—now it was a test of pure resolve.

Alain’s eyes grew even sharper. He hurled a Poké Ball skyward: “I’m counting on you, Charizard!”

A blast of red light shot up; Charizard flapped its wings furiously, tail flame blazing, burning with fighting spirit.

The crowd cheered as Alain declared sternly:

“Answer my heart, Charizard—!”

Alain pressed the Key Stone on his bracelet. Rainbow light flared, the glow of evolution wrapping around Charizard.

“Beyond evolution—Mega Evolution!!”

“Charizard!!”

Mega Charizard X’s brow ridges swelled, its body turned night-black, belly ivory, blue fire boiling in its maw, jagged black wings beating the sky.

Ash closed his eyes, recalling—leaping down Prism Tower, catching Froakie, meeting Clemont and the others, encountering legendary Pokémon, taking part in Hoopa’s incident alongside Natsume-sensei—

Me and Greninja… We can still grow even stronger—we must...

“We have to stand atop the Kalos League!”

The battle anthem swelled. Ash’s eyes snapped open as he hurled his hand skyward. Water streamed behind Greninja, shadows merging them into one.

Water pooled at Greninja’s back, forming a giant kunai with a bang.

Bond Greninja’s eyes were sharp, crimson markings glowing, standing strong with arms folded, scarf flying behind!

“Let’s go, Z Greninja!!”

Ash’s gaze and Bond Greninja’s became one. He mimed pitching a shuriken and shouted: “Water Shuriken!!”

Natsume was suddenly shaken.

The Greninja now is basically Ash himself.

It’s like Ash himself is fighting Mega Charizard X hand to hand!

Bond Greninja leapt high and threw the massive kunai, slicing through the pouring rain, cutting everything in its path.

“Dragon Claw—block it!” Alain barked.

Mega Charizard X’s claws glowed green, meeting the giant kunai with a roar. With a tremendous crash, it shattered the watery blade.

“Night Slash!” Ash roared.

Greninja dropped from the sky, sprinting in a blur, his palm flashing with a steely black blade—silent, and then slashing Charizard’s neck!

Charizard’s eyes bulged, his roar caught in his throat. A heartbeat later—a massive surge and an eruption of water vapor.

“Flamethrower!” Alain commanded.

Heat waves barreled toward Greninja, a vast torrent of flame evaporating the mist. Rain thinned to a drizzle, and sunlight gleamed in the puddles.

A moment later, countless Double Team clones swept the field, the firestorm washing away the illusions.

“Aerial Ace, counter!” Ash yelled.

Greninja’s raised knee swung down like a battle axe, striking Charizard’s head with a resounding thud, driving it into the ground with a spray of shattered rock.

“Thunder Punch!” Alain revealed his trump card.

Charizard’s eyes narrowed; both fists sparked with blue lightning, smashing Greninja in the stomach. Greninja’s eyes went wide, stumbling back.

“Urgh…” Ash clutched his gut, face ashen.

Natsume mused—this is exactly like Ash tanking a Thunder Punch head-on.

Only Ash could master Battle Bond; anyone else would have passed out by now.

“Dragon Claw!” Alain commanded.

“Night Slash!” Ash shouted at the same time.

Mega Charizard X swept its dark wings, claws flashing green, slashing forward. Bond Greninja’s palms flashed with dark blades, parrying and countering, sparks flying with each clash.

Suddenly both struck home at the same instant—BOOM, a double eruption sent both crashing backward to the ground in pain.

“The deciding moment!” the commentator roared. “They’re both getting up—their true wills about to clash!”

Alain’s gaze turned steely as he yelled, “Charizard—!”

“Charizard!!”

Mega Charizard X filled its belly and blasted blue fire into the earth. Explosions rumbled underground, the field cracked apart, red light ribboning up through fissures—the power of a splitting bomb.

“This is the true strength of me and Greninja.”

Ash’s eyes burned bright as he shouted skyward,

“Let’s go, Z Greninja!!!”

Bond Greninja said nothing—raising his arm to the sky.

The enormous kunai spun above, drawing sharper and sharper streams of water. Ash’s Aura of Ripple surged into Greninja, the water blade glowing ever brighter, shifting to a dazzling indigo. Waves of force shook the earth, layers of stone erupting into twin hills!

“It’s coming!” Natsume gasped, shaking.

Thank goodness it’s not gold!

“Greninja!!”

Greninja hurled the indigo kunai like a cyclone. Four or five massive pillars of blue fire erupted; the kunai slashed straight across, shearing through fire and exploding mist.

Both pairs of eyes narrowed, the aftershocks of their moves still crashing into each other!

Boom!!

The arena shook as the explosion engulfed both Mega Charizard X and Bond Greninja!!

Silence. Not a word as the smoke slowly faded.

Ash was wordless, watching the tall figure standing amidst the clouds.

Bond Greninja stood with arms folded, body charred, staggered, and dropped to one knee, panting with pain: “Greninja...”

Mega Charizard X curled a smile, eyes glassy, body locked in place.

Alain stared in shock: “Charizard...”

Thud!!

The dust cleared. Charizard returned to normal, collapsed.

Bzzz—on the big screen, all six of Alain’s Poké Balls went dark.

Ash’s picture appeared center stage, emblazoned with the WIN symbol.

“The Lumiose Conference has a new champion!!”

The commentator’s exultant voice echoed through the arena.

“And he is—the contestant from Pallet Town, Ash!!”

Cheering erupted, the crowd in an uproar, the audience shouting, Delia shedding tears.

“This young man from Pallet Town—top 16 in Kanto, top 8 in Johto, top 8 in Hoenn, runner-up in Sinnoh, top 8 in Unova—”

“The Kalos League Tournament Champion!!!”

Natsume smiled fondly, slowly clapping.

Paul turned and left, Alain patted Charizard, Serena’s eyes were wet…

The arena was a sea of joy. Ash stepped forward and helped Greninja to his feet, their eyes meeting.

Confetti exploded above—the two suddenly broke into smiles.

Beyond Champion, there are still the league Elite Four, league Champions, the Eight Masters, the World Championships, and the Battle Legends waiting for us.

Before his eyes seemed to appear the many rivals yet to chase.

Flint, Lucian, Champion Cynthia, Mr. Leon, and Natsume-sensei, too.

Ash’s eyes grew resolute.

“Our journey is just beginning!”

……

A rainbow rain fell over Lumiose Arena.

All around, the audience didn’t hold back, showering the new champion with cheers.

Only Champions may stand on the winner’s podium; Ash grinned sheepishly.

“Natsume-sensei?”

Seeing the award presenter, Ash exclaimed in surprise, “You’re the one presenting?”

“What, you wanted Diantha to do it?” Natsume asked.

“No, that’s not what I meant, it’s just… heh.” Ash scratched his head.

Natsume’s face turned serious as he lifted the champion’s trophy from the presenter.

So many League Tournaments—and this young man from Pallet Town never gave up…

Because you love Pokémon, Pokémon will always answer your heart.

“Congratulations, you big goof.”

Natsume-sensei let a soft smile slip as he handed Ash the trophy.

“You earned this, Champion.”

Ash’s mouth fell open, dumbfounded. For a long moment, he said nothing. At last, he reached out, held the trophy in both hands, his eyes shining a little red, and took a deep breath.

“Thank you, Natsume-sensei!” Ash grinned from ear to ear.