Chapter 0777: Ash VS Paul! Gathering All the Burning Wills(Two-in-One)

January 8th, Saturday.

In the heart of winter, snowflakes tumbled from the sky above the Lumiose convention hall, echoing with the commentator’s passionate announcements.

“A beautiful strike—Aggron’s Iron Tail connects with Rhyperior!”

Rhyperior’s body stiffened, toppling to the ground with a thud, sending up clouds of dust.

“Another semifinalist emerges! He’s none other than the contestant from Sinnoh’s Veilstone City—Paul!”

The live broadcast was filled with the audience’s cheers; among them, a man bearing a striking resemblance to Paul—his brother Reggie—pumped his fist in excitement:

“That ties the Lily of the Valley Conference record! You can do it, Paul!”

In the front rows, a black-haired young man stroked the Sylveon at his feet, as the lively Korrina chattered at his side.

Master and apprentice had bumped into each other outside the venue, so Natsume joined Korrina in the special guests’ section.

“Master! Did you see that? That last move was so powerful!” Korrina exclaimed in excitement.

“I saw it,” Natsume replied, gently stroking the snowy white fur.

Sylveon sat, swinging its bow softly, eyes squinting in comfort: “Sylveon~”

“I’m pretty sure I could take down Aggron…” Natsume remarked.

“Huh?” Korrina blinked, turning to look at her master. Seeing he was serious, she only grew more confused.

“You need to work hard, too, Korrina,” Natsume teased. “After all, your senior, Bea, can already spar hand-to-hand with Machamp…”

As a martial artist, you can’t be a burden to your Pokémon—you have to be part of the battle strength!” Natsume declared firmly.

Korrina’s lips parted in awe. She nodded, then whispered,

“Um… Master, my Aura of Ripple training has stalled. I want to ask your advice.”

“We’ll go to Prism Tower for training afterwards,” Natsume suggested.

“The AI ‘Clembot’ can be your sparring partner.”

Clembot—no pain, and great for farmed experience points—

Science-based strength is a wonderful thing!

Korrina’s yellow ponytail bounced, her sparkling gaze filled with energy as she shouted, “Yes, Master!”

Her enthusiasm drew the attention of nearby viewers, who glanced over, whispering among themselves.

“Is that…?”

“Whoa, I think that’s him in person!”

“A living legendary trainer?”

Before things got too noisy, Natsume-sensei rose with his disciple Korrina, heading off to the next match.

No wonder Blue Oak always traveled with sunglasses, and Red pulled his cap low enough to hide his face.

After all, “Battle Legends” was just too famous a title.

Combined with Natsume’s year-long exploits across various regions, his popularity outshone even Leon, Lance, and other ‘Eight Masters.’

“Master, the semifinals are this afternoon, right?” Korrina asked.

“Yeah, the draw is about to be announced,” Natsume replied.

Ten years as a fan, and I’m actually a bit nervous…

Natsume glanced up at the sky. The four semifinalists: Ash, Alain, Paul, and Sawyer.

Alain’s Mega Charizard X swept through ten opponents in the trial round, even defeating Fire-type Elite Four Malva. Objectively, he truly has championship-level strength.

Of course, Ash’s team is as strong as ever.

He’s even got Olympia’s championship prophecy, Serena’s encouragement, my and Blue Oak’s personal training.

Buffs fully stacked.

Natsume slipped his sunglasses into his shirt pocket and nodded slightly.

Superhuman—let’s go!

……

Lumiose venue, merchant zone.

“Welcome.” Green greeted customers wearily from behind the counter.

“Ahem!” Professor Oak coughed into his fist. “It’s me.”

“Professor Oak! And—”

Green’s eyes shifted to the gentle woman beside him—then went wide in surprise:

“Aunt Delia? You’re here too!”

“That’s right, I’m here to cheer Ash on,” Delia giggled, covering her mouth.

“Pallet Town sent out the whole crew, huh?” Green asked. “Where are Red and Blue?”

“Oh, they stayed home, said they were afraid if they came, they wouldn’t be able to resist challenging Natsume.” Professor Oak laughed.

“Yeah, if they see Natsume-sensei, they’ll immediately want a battle,” Green said helplessly.

Honestly, they’ve had an ongoing feud for a year, and that match still hasn’t happened.

Probably won’t until the World Tournament, when Natsume-sensei really gets serious.

“How’s business?” Professor Oak asked.

Green shot him a resentful look. Professor Oak chuckled awkwardly, scratching his head as he glanced at the jumbo scoreboard above the main stadium.

Suddenly, the screen lit up. Visitors looked up, murmuring in excitement.

“The bracket results are out!”

“Ash VS Paul, Alain VS Sawyer!”

In the main hall, Ash looked up at the screen, Serena and friends behind him.

“Facing Paul, huh…”

Ash lowered his head, but his eyes burned, not with worry about defeat—but with the hunger to battle.

Natsume and Korrina were passing through and spotted Ash’s group.

Worse comes to worst, just use Infernape… Beats using Greninja’s theme for the execution scene.

Natsume considered saying it aloud, but seeing the look in Ash’s eyes, he simply smiled serenely.

No matter what, this was Ash’s dream since his journey began.

In the end, he has to achieve it with his own hands.

……

“Ladies and gentlemen! After the intermission, welcome back to the Lumiose Conference—live for the semifinals!”

The commentator’s excited voice rang through the arena.

“Alain and Sawyer are locked in a heated battle!”

Alain, in a black vest, clenched his fists and shouted:

“Charizard, Dragon Claw!!”

Mega Charizard X fanned its black wings, mouth roiling with blue fire, both talons glowing with jade dragon energy, cleaving one strike after another as it roared.

Sceptile’s Bullet Seed was cleaved apart with each Dragon Claw. The distance closed, and Dragon Claw fell from above!

BOOM!!

Sawyer was drenched in sweat. As the dust settled, Sceptile lay defeated, eyes spinning.

“And that’s Group A decided—Alain advances to the finals!”

Amid the shouting and cheering, Alain stroked his approaching Charizard. He recalled it into its Poké Ball and turned toward the contestant tunnel.

“We did it! Awesome!” Mairin cheered, skipping circles around Alain.

“It’s just the semifinals.”

Alain glanced back at the field, eyes alight. “Whoever advances next, the real battle is still to come.”

“Alain and Charizard are already strong—you don’t need a championship to prove anything,” Mairin said.

Alain’s face didn’t change. He ruffled Mairin’s cap.

“Hey! Not the hair!” Mairin protested.

“Let’s go.” Alain turned away. “Time to prepare for tomorrow’s finals.”

“Hey, wait for me!” Mairin hurried after.

Whether I have a legendary trainer’s guidance, or an entire support team…my reason is simple.

The one I want to protect is enough.

No need for humility—I want to win.

Alain’s eyes were burning.

Charizard and I will never just hand victory over!

The arena audience hadn’t left, noise still building. The commentator announced:

“Coming up next—Ash versus Paul!”

Natsume sat on the guest panel, gazing at the two young men walking out onto the field, suddenly lost in thought.

The last time these two faced each other was six months ago, at the Lily of the Valley Conference.

The elevator clanged into place, revealing a field of forest and river terrain. The two trainers walked to their command zones, locking eyes.

All their travels and growth of the last half-year turned into clashing beliefs.

“Victory is mine,” Paul said coldly.

Ash grinned, “Then come and prove it!”

At the referee’s flag, they flung out their Poké Balls, shouting:

“Go, Goodra!”

“Go, Torterra!”

“Both trainers picked Pokémon to suit the terrain!” the commentator said.

Professor Sycamore rubbed his stubble. “In terms of typing, Ash has the edge.”

“Ash really doesn’t handle slow Pokémon like Goodra well.”

Natsume looked worried. “Feels like he’s just sending it out to get sacked.”

“Use Stone Edge!” Paul called.

Torterra raised a foreleg, the massive tree on its back blocking the sunlight, slamming the ground. A row of stone pillars erupted, slicing through the field, smashing Goodra into the air!

“Goodra~” Goodra whimpered, crashing into the river with a splash.

“Draw it to the water!” Ash yelled. “Use Rain Dance!!”

“Rain Dance?!” Clemont gasped.

Ash is… finally using weather strategy?!

“Not bad—try this,” Paul replied, arm outstretched. “Frenzy Plant!!”

“Torterra!” Torterra reared up, the tree on its back launching four or five seeds into the ground. In an instant, thick vines erupted, like wild anacondas thrashing down, shaking the whole forest.

“Use Brutal Swing to cut those down!” Ash called.

Water shot into the air, a soft rain starting overhead. Goodra swung its antennae, using its mucus to weave through the Frenzy Plant, purple glow swelling in its mouth—Dragon Pulse about to fire!

Paul pressed his Poké Ball; a beam of red light recalled Torterra.

“Paul withdraws Torterra? He’s reading Ash’s commands and making a swap!” the commentator pointed out.

Natsume folded his arms. Torterra was in a vulnerable state—rotating out was Paul’s best option.

And in rain, Thunder’s accuracy shoots up to 99%...

“Go, Electivire!” Paul shouted. “Use Thunder!!”

“Electivire!!”

No Infernape for you, what can you use to duel me one-on-one?

A flash of red, and Electivire’s eyes glowed crimson, blue sparks leapt along its cable-tails as massive bolts shot skyward, storm clouds summoning down a spear of lightning that engulfed Goodra entirely!!

The crowd gasped, Ash’s face lit by the storm, but his gaze was unwavering.

“Now! Counter with Bide!” Ash ordered.

Bide: Endures damage for several turns, then deals double the damage back!

Natsume: “……”

All that tanking—just brutal. No tank-like Pokémon that travels with Ash ever gets an easy ride.

When the light faded, Goodra was scorched and smoking—but suddenly raised its head, firing a brilliant beam from its jaws!!

“Protect,” Paul said coolly.

The audience gasped.

“Paul really knows his Pokémon!”

“Such discipline!”

A green barrier flashed in front of Electivire, straining to block the blast. The shield cracked and broke, Electivire skidded back, tearing up mud as it surged with rage, thunderbolts roaring, engulfing Goodra in the streaming rain!

Buzz—the scoreboard showed one of Ash’s Poké Balls fade to gray.

Yet standing in the field now was a tall, arms-folded Greninja!

“Reverse typing?” Professor Sycamore frowned.

Natsume raised an eyebrow.

Reverse typing? This could work!

“You’re still the same, Ash,” Paul stated calmly.

“No. I’ve made new partners, shared amazing journeys.”

Ash’s gaze was steely. He thrust out his hand: “So Paul—I’ll show you how much stronger I’ve become!”

Paul frowned. Electivire stood in the storm, rain splashing off crimson eyes, radiating pressure.

“We can keep getting stronger—!”

Ash shouted to the heavens; Greninja yelled with him, both clenching their fists, their eyes suddenly shifting.

“Go, Greninja!!”

“Greninja!!”

Water burst around them, dazzling with the light of evolution.

Greninja, standing tall in the driving rain, red markings on his brow, eyes calm, red scarf flying, a huge water kunai formed at his back!

The stands erupted; the commentator shouted:

“Greninja’s special form makes its appearance!!”

Paul and Electivire stared at Greninja; Paul’s lips curled into a smile.

“Blaze, Battle Bond—Ash, you always get things others only dream of.”

“But…” Paul closed his eyes. “All these are out of reach. Only a calm mind and efficient strategy are a trainer’s true weapons.”

“Everyone gets tired of talking about passion… once they’ve lost enough.”

Paul’s severe eyes flashed, “I’ll show you who’s going to win!”

“No—even if I lose a hundred times, I’ll keep loving this.”

Ash clenched his fist. “This is—me and Greninja’s Water Shuriken!!”

“Greninja!!”

Greninja leapt, spun the water kunai, gathering and focusing the flashing blade, and hurled it—slicing through the rain to slash across Electivire!

“Thunder Punch!!” Paul snapped.

A surge of lightning—Electivire’s massive fist shattered the water kunai. As he looked up—Greninja had vanished.

“He’s behind!” Paul gasped.

“Night Slash!!” Ash roared.

Electivire twisted just as Greninja, crouched low, palm lit by a blade of deep black energy, struck directly at the weak spot with a backward slash!

A critical hit!

In the pouring rain, Electivire’s body seized up as he turned to look.

“… Electivire…”

I once met another Pokémon with such indomitable resolve.

Dreamed of a rematch with him—but now, maybe…

You’ll carry that dream onward.

Thud!!

Electivire crashed to the ground, rain fading as sunlight broke through, illuminating the red markings on Greninja’s face.

“Greninja.” Greninja regarded the fallen Electivire, nodding gently.

I promise.

The cheers reached a fever pitch, the score locked at 1-1, but Bond Greninja sent the energy soaring.

Paul recalled the fallen Electivire, tucking one hand in his pocket. “I really envy you, Ash.”

“You have strict mentors, close friends, and uniquely gifted Pokémon.”

“But maybe…”

Paul suddenly smiled. “It’s not that they’re so unique—it’s meeting you that gives them a true home.”

Ash was caught off guard, but Paul quickly resumed his cold demeanor, tossing out a Poké Ball.

“Aggron—Mega Evolution!!”

Facing the gigantic, mountain-like Mega Aggron, Ash adjusted his cap and grinned:

“Let’s go, Greninja!!”

“Greninja!” Greninja hefted his water kunai, leaping high and blocking out the sun.

……

Bzzz—the final whistle sounded.

The final score: 6–4.

“Ash, from Pallet Town, advances to the finals!!” the commentator called.

The crowd exploded. Ash’s supporters waved flags, friends and family cheered wildly.

Paul kept his usual expression, turning to leave.

“Paul,” Ash called.

“If you want to pity the loser, spare me—I’ll retch.” Paul replied icily.

“No, I just wanted to say…”

Ash grinned, “You fought great—but I was stronger!”

“You…!” Paul faltered, then smirked. “You finally know how to talk some trash yourself!”

“Learned from you.” Ash chuckled, offering his hand.

“Don’t lose.” Paul slapped Ash’s palm hard. “That Alain…he’s tough.”

“You’re not allowed to lose to any trainer except me!” Paul added.

Ash nodded firmly, eyes unwavering:

“Count on me!”

With Paul’s blessing, Ash prepared to face the decisive Lumiose Conference final.

What awaits him? (Narrator’s voice)

“Stay tuned for the next episode—cough, I mean, for tomorrow’s finals.”

Natsume coughed softly, looking at the golden-haired beauty on video call, and said:

“That wraps up my schedule—I’m about to head to Alola.”

“I see…”

Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, then changed the topic:

“What about the café’s employees?”

“I plan to open a branch in Alola,” Natsume said. “Using Hoopa’s ring to transfer Pokémon makes everything easy.”

“That’s basically smuggling!” Cynthia sighed.

Speaking of smuggling… Jigglypuff smuggled itself to Alola.

It even found a lifelong friend there—Komala.

Cynthia stayed in the Sinnoh League, but took time off to play online games with Natsume-sensei all night.

Tomorrow morning, she’d watch the finals.

Natsume yawned, heading into the main stadium. On the way past the contestant lounge, he spotted Ash preparing intently.

Ash stood before his six Pokémon, explaining:

“Alain has two pseudo-legendaries—Tyranitar and Metagross. So, we can use Natsume-sensei’s strategy: have Talonflame use Tailwind to boost speed, or use it to steal rain turns in a pinch…”

Even the dense ones are explaining strategy now.

Natsume nodded in satisfaction.

Let me, with my own hand, bring Pokémon XY to a perfect ending!