Chapter 0776: Battling a Rookie? Natsume VS Diantha!(Two-in-One)

[This is reporter Malva, bringing you live coverage from the Lumiose Conference.]

The Lumiose Conference arena was packed, bustling with energy and excitement.

Trainers walked alongside their Pokémon, glancing down at the screens of their mobile phones.

The screens displayed the news on "holocaster."

The reporter, a red-haired woman with red sunglasses, was none other than Kalos League's own Fire-type Elite Four—Malva.

“We’re seeing viewers filing in steadily,”

Malva stood in front of the arena, facing the camera and explaining,

“The attendance for this year’s opening ceremony has hit a historic new high, with many fans and Natsume-sensei’s supporters among the crowd.”

“It’s been revealed that Professor Sycamore of the Mega Evolution Field will also appear as a guest commentator.”

“In just ten minutes, the Lumiose Conference’s opening ceremony will begin. Stay tuned!”

In a corner of the shot, a black-haired young man who 'doesn’t know Pokémon battles' was chatting with a man beside him.

“Mr. Siebold, thank you for your help.”

“To serve as your guide is my honor,” Siebold replied, dressed in his white head chef’s uniform. “Please, follow me backstage to the resting area… The Champion and Professor will arrive shortly.”

They walked through the guest commentator passage, cheers echoing through the hall, the excitement palpable.

After a quiet moment, Siebold suddenly spoke up:

“To be honest… I have a small request.”

“Oh?”

“After the opening match, I’d like to ask for your advice…on the art of cooking. I hope that doesn’t trouble you,” Siebold said thoughtfully.

“Of course, no problem.” Natsume answered with a wry smile.

Among Kalos League’s Elite Four, Siebold was a chef—and Malva, a broadcaster.

Even the Champion’s main career was in film—just very in tune with the Kalos League’s vibe.

A flash of gratitude crossed Siebold’s eyes. Up ahead, footsteps echoed; both looked up as a certain Professor waved with a smile around the corner:

“Natsume-sensei, Mr. Siebold—looks like I’m first to arrive.”

“Professor Sycamore.” Siebold nodded gently, “And the contestant who’s with you?”

“You mean Alain? He and his little girlfriend are already in the contestants’ assembly.”

Professor Sycamore laughed. “When you have someone you want to protect, and a strong desire to win, Alain has a real drive to take the championship.”

“My students are the same.”

Natsume’s gaze flickered, smiling. “Today’s the final exam—the results of their journeys around the league will be put to the test!”

……

Outside the venue, Team Rocket had once again set up their stall.

This time’s plan? Saving up to travel to Alola, fulfilling their dream of a luxury resort and golden beach!

“Gengar plushies! Sylveon plushies! Don’t miss out, meow!”

“Official PTCG card packs—officially authorized! A chance to get a signed Natsume-sensei card~”

“Exclusive News! All the contestants revealed! Veteran Ash, rookie Sawyer, ace Serena—team details and insider leaks!”

Tourists paused, abuzz with chatter.

“Ash—wasn’t he also in the Unova tournament a few months back?”

“Never mind the ace girls, I just want to complain about people selling intelligence reports!”

Not far from the Team Rocket stand, Green was slumped under the counter like a worn-out Ditto, looking dejected.

Ugh… Stuck in this section, there’s no way to attract guests!

Shelves were lined with items like power boosters, defense boosters, evolutionary stones.

Green, in the past, had used these fake items to scam Red out of a fortune.

But her evolutionary stones were always genuine—she would never fake items in her own area of expertise: evolution.

Even a swindler has principles!

A gray-haired young man with deadpan eyes and hands in his pockets walked past the stand.

He glanced at the items, the Poké Ball on his hip shaking; Paul eyed the Poké Ball, sensing Aggron’s anticipation.

“These are worthless. Not worth buying,” Paul said coldly.

Green: ?

Sir, do you have to be so blunt!

Aggron hung its head, embarrassed.

“But,” Paul added quietly, “if we win, I’ll consider buying them.”

Aggron’s spirit reignited. Paul’s lips twitched slightly as the Key Stone bracelet on his wrist glimmered faintly.

“All contestants are now in place! The cheers are deafening, the arena is boiling!” Malva announced.

Aerial cameras soared overhead; contestants on the green field looked up. Ash grinned broadly, waving at the drone.

“Ash!” Delia, watching from home, recognized him instantly.

On the stage, Professor Sycamore glanced at the big screen, looking at the black-jacketed youth. He nodded:

“Alain and Ash—their eyes are sharp.”

“Alain trained under Steven Stone for a while.”

Natsume smiled, a mysterious competitiveness stirring.

“And Ash trained with me for a while too.”

Professor Sycamore glanced surprised at Natsume-sensei, then looked up at the screen.

The big screen showed other contestants, including Tierno and Trevor—the protagonist gang from Pokémon XY.

Natsume rubbed his chin.

The XY main cast is the largest of any game, five in all… yet their presence is so thin. Most likely, they’ll end up as cannon fodder…

“Next, let’s welcome the league’s Champion, Diantha, for the opening speech!”

The crowd roared with excitement and applause.

The platform raised up a tall woman with gray hair and a white dress, elegant and poised, her appearance reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn, a white accessory at her back.

On the screen, her eyes were clear blue as she leaned into the mic, smiling:

“It’s my honor to welcome you all to this year’s Lumiose Conference.”

Her warm, gentle voice echoed through the stadium; at once, everyone fell silent as Diantha continued:

“To all the contestants and partners who have come this far, your noble hearts as Trainers and the beauty of your Pokémon together make the Lumiose Conference what it is.”

Paul kept his hands in his pockets, deadpan eyes faintly brightening.

“You’re not fighting alone. Today, you and your Pokémon shine together.”

Alain and Mairin stood together, looking up at the stage.

“Your effort, sweat, and tears—all the treasures you’ve gained, show them off on this stage without holding back—”

Ash’s eyes burned, Pikachu on his shoulder, fists held tight.

“Now, I declare the Lumiose Conference open!”

With Diantha’s raised arm, golden fireworks burst into the air, confetti raining down and the crowd erupting.

The main battle platform rose center field, clanking into place—a stage of rock and water terrain.

From both sides of the main stage, pathways extended, connecting to the Trainers’ command platforms.

Down each walkway, two figures began to emerge.

At the sight of the familiar faces, the crowd’s eyes widened in excitement.

The host announced:

“Bringing you the Lumiose Conference’s opening battle, we have from the Touran League—the Champion, Natsume!!”

Natsume stepped out from the contestant tunnel, giving the camera a slight smile.

In an instant, the arena rocked with thunderous cheers.

“There he is—the legendary Battle Legend, special guest of the tournament!”

“Wait, whose home turf is this, anyway?”

“Uh oh—with Natsume-sensei as opening match guest commentator, is this going to turn into a live stream disaster?”

“Natsume-sensei: ‘Isn’t this just fighting a rookie?’”

On the other side—

Diantha took the lift up from backstage, entering the tunnel with her trademark grace, emerging like a true movie star.

“And opposite him—the Kalos League Champion, Diantha!!” the host called.

“Let’s go, Miss Diantha!!”

“Can’t wait to see Gardevoir’s Mega Evolution!”

“I’ve seen this episode—Natsume-sensei’s skill is ruthless!”

Both stood in their respective command zones.

The opening match would be an exhibition match—10 minutes, a display battle.

“A fight that must look good, and I can’t beat Diantha in under 10 minutes…”

Natsume muttered, “That’s harder than it sounds.”

The field was rocky terrain, a river dividing the sides.

Glancing over both opponents, the referee waved his flag:

“Battle begin!!”

Diantha tossed her Poké Ball, “I’m counting on you, Gardevoir!”

Crimson light flashed—Gardevoir’s white dress flowed, its form light and delicate, red eyes sparkling: “Gardevoir~~”

No matter when, Gardevoir was grace and beauty personified.

The crowd gasped in awe.

As Diantha’s iconic partner, set for the opening match, it was a perfect choice!

“Go, Arcanine!” Natsume threw out a Luxury Ball.

Arcanine landed solidly, mane waving, sunlight gleaming from its coat—heroic and grand:

“Arcanine! (｀0｀)”

Intimidate’s fierce aura spread, the surrounding crowd holding their breath with attention.

“Gardevoir,” Diantha called, “Dazzling Gleam!”

“Gardevoir~~”

Gardevoir brought its hands together, the heart-shaped gem on its chest gathering light.

Suddenly, “Dazzling Gleam” split into four or five shimmering rays, all shooting at once!

“Flamethrower!” Natsume called.

“Arcanine!!”

Arcanine’s maw erupted with blazing orange-red fire, blasting out and devouring the light in a heartbeat.

Boom!!

A hot wave surged—Gardevoir teleported instantly to Arcanine’s side, extending both palms, blue light shining.

“Psychic!” Diantha commanded.

“Gardevoir~~” Gardevoir held its breath, blue light forming a closed ball to envelop Arcanine, attempting to control it.

“Arcanine?” Arcanine twisted, peering at the blue confusion, looking puzzled.

…Is she trying to lift me up?

Suddenly, the blue confusion around Arcanine turned to dozens of psychic spikes, raining down in a barrage!

“Flare Blitz!” Natsume shot back.

Whoosh!

Arcanine’s mane ignited in flame, smashing through the confusion barrier, surging forward like a war machine bathed in orange fire.

The crowd gasped.

It was like seeing a Mamoswine barreling in with an avalanche straight from the tundra.

The ground smoked with burning pawprints as Arcanine charged; the gap between them closed in a heartbeat!

“Teleport!”

Diantha calmly removed her chest pendant, closing her eyes as the Key Stone glowed. Her blue eyes snapped open.

“Gardevoir, Mega Evolution!!”

“Gardevoir!!”

Gardevoir flickered to the edge of the field, the heart gem on its chest erupting in rainbow colors, waves of light streaming over its body.

As the white light faded, the rainbow symbol of Mega Evolution shone on Gardevoir’s forehead.

Mega Gardevoir’s dress had become fuller, the skirt turning from long gown to formal attire, noble and regal, the heart on her chest now split in two.

“Gardevoir’s mega evolved! This is the true psychic queen!” the commentator shouted.

“So beautiful!” Bonnie’s eyes glistened.

“Gardevoir and her trainer are so connected, commands are given by telepathy,” Clemont added.

Arcanine’s flames roared as it strode over the river that split the field, water hissing and steaming in its wake.

“Stop there,” Natsume called, “Use Heat Wave!”

Arcanine opened its jaws, blasting flames skyward. The scorching winds distorted the air, blowing in from all sides!

Even teleporting away couldn’t escape from Heat Wave's range!

Diantha’s eyes flickered; by telepathy, she called, “Light Screen!”

“Gardevoir!” Mega Gardevoir raised a glassy barrier, sweltering heat melting away the shield. Gardevoir struggled to resist.

“Raooo…” Arcanine panted hard.

“Now!” Diantha’s eyes flashed. “Shadow Ball!!”

“Gardevoir!!”

Gardevoir gathered a jet-black Shadow Ball at her chest, launching it with a boom—direct hit! Smoke and shockwave billowed.

Boom!!

The crowd went wild.

“Shadow Ball hit!”

“That was Mega Gardevoir’s full-force blow!”

Natsume raised an eyebrow.

As the smoke cleared, Arcanine shook out his mane, barely hurt—already healing thanks to Sacred Fire.

“ Arcanine!??︿(￣︶￣)︿” Arcanine grinned broadly.

Missy, your strength isn’t nearly enough!

Diantha froze. “How…?”

Fire embodied both its wild side and endless vitality.

Thanks to Ho-Oh’s Sacred Fire, Arcanine’s life energy leapt. In effect, his healing speed and HP cap were massively increased!

“Ten minutes is almost up…”

Natsume glanced at the timer, focus sharpening.

Time to finish.

“Arcanine, Iron Head!!”

“Arcanine!” Arcanine surged forward, shattering the Light Screen with a crack—his forehead slammed squarely into Mega Gardevoir’s heart-shaped chest gem.

“Gardevoir…”

Mega Gardevoir seemed to shift to black-and-white lines, mind blanking out at the force of the blow.

Diantha frowned—Arcanine made no follow-up attack, and realization dawned.

“Teleport!”

Arcanine stayed put as Gardevoir teleported behind him, palms flashing with bright Dazzling Gleam!

Boom!!

A rainbow of lights burst in the center of the arena, fragments scattering like a sky full of fireworks.

Natsume and Arcanine looked up together as the timer hit zero.

Bzzz——

The host chimed in immediately:

“Let’s thank our two Champions for a breathtaking performance!!”

The crowd was fired up, gazing skyward at the drifting lights.

“Was that all scripted, too?”

“They both gave it their all…”

“Natsume-sensei—the master of playing dumb!”

In the contestants' area, Mairin asked,

“Alain, how does Arcanine compare to Malva’s Mega Houndoom?”

Alain answered, gravely, “You can’t compare them at all.”

“Huh?” Mairin blinked.

Alain said no more, watching Natsume on the field, remembering their first meeting—

Where he was taken out by Mega Blastoise in a single hit. Alain drew a deep breath, a resolute look in his eye.

Natsume-sensei… Since back then, I’ve come a long way!

Elsewhere, other pairs of eyes watched with their own resolve.

Paul kept his hands in his pockets, a subtle gleam in his eye.

The meaning of “Bond”… I still can’t comprehend it, but nothing will stop me from getting stronger… Natsume-sensei.

Ash flicked the brim of his cap.

With Natsume-sensei not competing in this Lumiose Conference… I have to seize this opportunity!

The battle platform descended, and a green lawn rose up.

The two Champions stepped forward to shake hands.

“Thank you,” Diantha said quietly.

Her meaning clear: thanks for Natsume-sensei showing mercy with Arcanine at the end.

“My pleasure,” Natsume replied graciously.

It was just an exhibition match—no need for anyone to lose face.

Besides, beating the Kalos Champion…

Doesn’t really feel like an achievement at all…

“Now, let’s welcome our first official match-up of the day!”

The host called,

“Contestant Alain, versus Contestant Trevor!!”

......

The opening ceremony and first day of the Lumiose Conference came to a close.

The Champions’ exhibition match was the talk of the town.

Just Natsume-sensei’s appearance was worth the ticket price.

On day one, Alain and Paul both advanced to the round of 64.

Mega Charizard X swept through three opponents in a row—a classic.

In a surprise, Paul’s Aggron also mega evolved, shut out its opponent, and advanced successfully.

Natsume was happy to see Paul’s progress… Both he and Alain are Ash’s rivals, and Ash inspired them both to grow.

On day two, Ash’s Greninja took the stage—showing off an incredible “Battle Bond.”

“There it is—the special form of Greninja! Ash brought out his secret weapon for this Conference!” commented the announcer.

Alain leaned on the railing, locked on the battlefield, burning with fighting spirit.

Paul, hands in his pockets, eyed the big screen.

“I’m Ash from Pallet Town—my dream is to become a Pokémon Master, and—”

The young man, Pikachu on his shoulder, thrust a fist skyward, grinned and declared:

“To win the Champion’s title at the Lumiose Conference!!”

The stands exploded, the commentator declared, “Ash has announced his championship ambitions!”

Natsume: “……”

That pose really looks familiar… Did he pick that up from me…?

“Let’s just hope he doesn’t jinx himself like I did.”

Natsume remembered the disastrous original plot, his expression complex.

“Greninja really is the first one to get beat down by his own theme song!”