Chapter 773: After the Great Battle, The Lumiose Conference Approaches（Three-in-One）

After the super demon god incident, the City of Wastes was left in urgent need of reconstruction.

Lance, together with league personnel, immediately began organizing relief efforts; Rocket Delivery, at Giovanni’s direction, collaborated with the league to transport large quantities of supplies; major corporations—including Devon Corporation and the Pokémon Company—stepped up to offer assistance.

Baraz and Meray, with the strength of the Prison Bottle, succeeded in restoring Freeing Hoopa back to Hoopa, preparing to return Hoopa to Arche Valley.

To make amends for Hoopa’s misdeeds, Arche Valley presented generations’ worth of accumulated treasures—ivory, gold, and other valuables—to help offset the losses suffered by City of Wastes.

Hoopa tried to fish gold coins out of its ring, but was stopped by Meray, who sighed as Hoopa said dejectedly:

“All right already, Hoopa understands… You can’t take what belongs to others, you have to rely on yourself...”

After returning the Pixie Plate, Natsume found that Togepi’s Ability and Moves had received Arceus’s Blessing, though Sylveon’s strength had diminished somewhat.

Still, relying on an Item’s strength would never be the style of Sylveon’s family.

“Sylveon... (`皿`).” Sylveon made a silent vow.

Even without the Plate, I’ll use the strength of Geomancy to become a “Battle Legend”!

It’s settled. Once I’m back in Lumiose City, I’ll head to Prism Tower and keep soloing AI Clemont—one-on-one, of course!

At this moment, after leaving the Desert Spire, Natsume met with the ambassador from the Touran League and learned of the joint council’s decision.

In light of the astonishing display during the “super demon god incident,” and with unanimous agreement from the major leagues, Natsume was conferred a lifetime title:

Battle Legend!

This title far surpasses Champion in magnitude—demonstrating not only strength, but also as the highest symbol of honor.

Currently, Leon’s Charizard—having achieved Super Gigantamax—possesses Battle Legend-level strength but has yet to earn the title itself.

After all, the title of Champion restricts Leon. In the games, even after his defeat and ascendancy to the Battle Tower, that became where his achievements reached legendary status.

Confronted with the title, Natsume was not surprised, accepting it graciously.

After all, battling all the way to this point had left scars inside and out, and the number of Legendary Pokémon encountered could no longer be counted…

Red, “The Battler,” had been frozen twice, petrified once, nearly drowned twice, injured countless times, faced down Mewtwo and other Legendary Pokémon, and earned the title of “Battle Legend.”

Natsume, using Sacred Ash to come back from death, solved multiple movie-scale crises, and easily boasts an even more harrowing résumé.

Additionally, each league offered generous material bonuses.

With the identity of a Battle Legend, together with his own Pokémon Company, Natsume-sensei would no longer have to worry about the little ones ever wrecking the house again.

On the contrary, he was now entertaining a bold plan.

“I intend to acquire all the major league-affiliated construction companies.”

During a phone call, Natsume asked Secretary Oleana for her advice: “How feasible is it?”

Oleana, clad in her signature white lab coat, folder in hand and phone cradled at her ear, reflected for a moment:

“The company’s cash flow is stable, but expanding into a new domain—especially on acquisitions of this scale—the current funding chain simply cannot support it.”

Natsume intended to inject this incident’s material bonuses as funding for the company. After further discussion, Oleana agreed to begin negotiations with the chain construction companies.

Oleana commented, “Indeed, cross-regional infrastructure ventures present broad prospects. At the very least, the Galar and Alola regions are relatively underdeveloped—well suited for building out operations.”

Natsume paused for a second.

Come to think of it, I still haven’t unlocked the forms of Renovation Captain for Galar and Alola Region.

But if the acquisition goes smoothly... Next time I see them, the construction company should be part of my own industry...

Natsume gritted his teeth.

That’s what you’d call a one-shot deal: settling all the renovation bills in a single payment!

......

With the great battle concluded—

Natsume declined Miss Joy’s suggestion to “stay for hospital observation,” choosing instead to return to Lumiose City with Cynthia.

Lance was juggling injury recovery and league handover, run off his feet.

Of the four—no, five-Champion lineup present, he was definitely the one with the highest business acumen.

In a flash, Lance found himself sympathizing with Psychic-type Elite Four Lucian... Perhaps this is what it means to share in hardship.

After confirming there was no further “stage time” for her, Diantha returned to catch up on her filming commitments.

Despite playing a part in the super demon god incident, she had zero sense of presence.

During her downtime, Diantha mused over the whole affair, eventually letting go—after all, even her presence wouldn’t have helped Natsume-sensei much at the time.

Steven returned to Hoenn, sometimes mining, sometimes watching his friend Wallace’s “Wallace Cup,” and now and then gifting Mega Stones to rookie Trainers in Hoenn.

“Bland” sums up the mood.

As for Giovanni... seriously wounded and sweating to the point of collapse, he was found recuperating in a stone hut outside the City of Wastes by Silver.

No one knows what passed between father and son—but it’s certain that Silver once again refused the “become Leader” offer.

Giovanni seemed to age overnight, taking several days to stagger back to his Secret Base, where he met the trio who were trembling with fear.

“You three…” Giovanni’s gaze was ice-cold. “Your performance was impressive.”

“Far from it!” The trio shook their heads frantically.

“I’ve reviewed the battle footage... Wobbuffet... hmph.” Giovanni said, “I won’t break you up, but from today, none of you will operate in Kalos anymore.”

“Please, Boss Giovanni!” The trio teared up, attempting to hug his leg, but were warned off by Persian’s glare.

“My point is...”

Giovanni rasped, “You have three months’ paid leave. Go to Alola, or wherever you like... Every person and machine eventually needs a break.”

“Eh?” Team Rocket asked, befuddled. “Does this mean…?”

“All three of us... get a vacation?!”

Giovanni gave a slight nod, hand to his temple, signaling the three were making too much noise and ushered them outside.

The trio stood there, baffled.

“A three-month... paid holiday, meow?”

“Sunshine, seawater, beaches, and delicious food?”

“I can really focus on prepping for Pokémon Showcase!”

“Feelin’ good~~”

“Wobbuffet!”

Kanto Region, Mt. Silver.

Red and Blue Oak learned of the super demon god incident and the rise of the new Battle Legend almost simultaneously.

Commanding a Mega black Rayquaza, summoning countless Legendary Pokémon for aid, then using Gengar to defeat Hoopa...

Even for seasoned Trainers, it was awe-inspiring.

Blue Oak recalled the first time he met Natsume-sensei, stuck one hand in his pocket, and frowned:

“He’s... much stronger than six months ago.”

“Half a year might be fruitless, or it could mean a breakthrough.”

Red, sleeveless black shirt and wrist flexing, grinned: “In any case, Natsume-sensei has always been the rival I want to challenge the most!”

Blue Oak said mildly, “But you two have never actually battled.”

“There’ll be a chance.”

Red glanced at his wrist, noting that Mr. Rime was nearly healed, then focused with resolve:

“A formal, give-it-your-all duel!”

Blue Oak eyed Red’s serious expression and, for some reason, grew a bit irritated, tossing out:

“You’re not even eligible for next year’s World Championship.”

“What?!” Red was shocked.

“Because...”

Blue Oak held one hand in his pocket, gaze sharp, brown hair swaying slightly:

“Only someone who wins the world championship title deserves to battle you.”

Leon, Natsume, Lance... none of them.

The one to battle Red—will definitely be this old man.

......

Lumiose City, Café.

“Hoopa’s ready to eat!”

Hoopa shouted happily, gleefully scooping up a spoonful and stuffing it in its mouth. “Aah—yum~!”

“Mmm... so delicious!”

Hoopa clasped its face in both hands, gray tail kicking in the air as it floated up.

The long rectangle table was fully laden with delicacies; the aroma of fresh-cooked food and Pokémon treats filled the room, colors bright and enticing.

“Sorry to trouble you, Natsume-sensei,” Meray said apologetically from across the table.

“It’s nothing—you're always welcome here with Hoopa.”

Natsume smiled, then glanced sideways at Hoopa, who was unable to hide its anticipation, and reminded it: “But you can’t sneak away from Arche Valley without permission.”

Having only just absorbed the shadow, Hoopa’s condition was still unstable and required Arche Valley’s barrier to help keep it contained.

Besides, Baraz and Meray were Hoopa’s protectors—it wouldn’t be right to disregard their feelings.

“Understood...” Hoopa rested its chin on the table, glowering at Natsume.

“Actually...” Baraz began, “actually, Natsume-sensei, we don’t intend to restrict Hoopa’s movements. Once Hoopa has mastered control over the shadow, we’ll let it have freedom again.”

“Freedom?” Hoopa looked at Baraz curiously.

“Freedom means Hoopa can go wherever it wishes,” Meray said, smiling as she patted Hoopa. “You won’t be bound by Arche Valley or the Prison Bottle anymore.”

Hoopa’s face grew solemn: “Freedom... You can’t take what belongs to others; you have to rely on yourself.”

“Haha, not quite the same thing, but close enough.” Meray propped her chin in her hand, smiling. “Whether you stay in Arche Valley or go look for your partners, we’ll always support you.”

Hoopa hesitated, gazing from the sumptuous food back to the siblings.

“My partners... are you two!” Hoopa proclaimed loudly. “And—and Remo!”

“It’s Natsume, not Remo,” the shopkeeper said helplessly, bringing out a luxurious Poké Puff. “Also, get control of the Prison Bottle’s strength quickly, and you’ll be able to go out and play sooner. If you drop by the cafe, you just might run into some other rare partners.”

“Rare partners?”

“Well... Mew, Diancie, Celebi, things like that.”

Hoopa cheered, raising the Poké Puff:

“Aaah mmm Hoopa’s coming!!”

With this, the matter was settled.

Hoopa and the siblings returned to Arche Valley to continue their training.

Hoopa had grown up with the siblings—the three shared more than a decade together.

Natsume felt some reluctance, but understood the familial bond.

After all, it’s not just game protagonists, Champions, or Elite Fours—only trainers with “powerful strength”—who possess bonds.

Whether it’s a bug catcher on the roadside, a boy fishing up Magikarp, or a girl catching a Nidoran♂... Each has their own bonds.

Bonds aren’t about battles—but about every moment spent together.

Even as the journey of battling comes to a pause, they all gain growth and emotion from their travels.

The shopkeeper stretched with a lazy yawn—winter sunlight poured in, warming every corner.

Sylveon had already headed out for an early-morning stroll; Arcanine sprawled at the door on guard duty, Sirfetch’d was chopping today’s ingredients…

Natsume rested his chin in his hand, deep in thought.

If anything major happens in the future, just summon Hoopa.

After all, Hoopa’s rings are handier for teleporting than Giratina’s Reverse World...

......

Half a month drifted quietly past.

Natsume recovered at the café, declining all media interviews, enjoying the peace after the great battle.

Along the way, several quirky small incidents occurred.

For example, Steven presented Natsume with a lavish gift, as thanks for saving his life during the super demon god crisis.

Two sparkling Mega Stones, radiating the strength of “infinite Pokémon,” for Latias and Latios’s evolutionary lines.

After much back-and-forth, Natsume finally accepted the Latias Mega Stone, returning the other to his wealthy friend.

“You’re too generous, Steven,” Natsume sighed.

“Only a small token—no need to thank me,” Steven replied with a smile.

Natsume: “...”

Handing out Mega Stones on a whim—classic Steven Stone!

In the Hoopa movie, Latias could Mega Evolve without an item.

But in real life, Latias still needs a Mega Stone.

“Latias~!” Latias now wore a new necklace and gleefully soared around the shop.

The two necklaces—Soul Dew and the Latias evolutionary stone—gleamed together in perfect harmony.

By contrast, Tobias’s Latios still had nothing to its name.

Natsume stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“No matter what, sisters are definitely cuter than brothers...”

The cap-wearing, green-haired young man N stopped by the café one day to visit, enjoying coffee with Natsume.

The two dove into heated debate on Pokémon issues, neither convincing the other, until N fell silent and petted Zorua.

Hearing that Lumiose City had no Ferris wheel brought a flash of regret to N’s eyes.

Later came the king of Kalos, AZ, entering the café looking ragged. Natsume took him for a vagrant—until he noticed the eternal flower on AZ’s shoulder, and then sent him off to the bathhouse.

Within that month, Natsume returned to the Touran League for the “Battle Legend” investiture ceremony.

While there, he also paid a visit to the dragon clan—Overlord Dragonite—bringing along his carefully handmade Poké Puff as a gift.

Overlord Dragonite was deeply moved. “Woo~!”

I thought you’d already forgotten all about me!

Finally, there was Oleana’s update: the acquisition business had gone extremely smoothly.

The reason? Upon hearing it was Natsume-sensei doing the acquiring, the sellers dropped their prices proactively.

The original culprit, Renovation Captain—Tokyo Form, laughed:

“I admired Natsume-sensei in the first place; that’s why I recommended my relatives to join this field.”

“Besides, I heard about what happened in City of Wastes—working alongside a Battle Legend is a blessing for our family.”

“That’s how it is...”

Oleana, normally icy, was tinged with curiosity: “How did you manage to get nearly every member of a whole family to agree to this acquisition?”

“Well...”

Natsume said gravely, “That’s a story for another day.”

The group discussed the super demon god incident for almost a week.

Among them was Ash—the champion “land fan”—with his signature declaration:

“Natsume-sensei crushed Hoopa—I saw it with my own eyes!”

And Gold’s classic troublemaking:

“I was right there on the scene. When the Champions gathered, Diantha was still on her way...”

Natsume scrolled the group list.

Diantha had joined the group chat yesterday, but hadn’t said a word.

Who knows—when she sees Gold’s message, will she plot murder, or just note Gold’s name for the future?

Thinking back on the battle, Natsume mused:

“But it’s true—Diantha really lacked presence...”

As Christmas and the Lumiose Conference approached, the group chat exploded with big news.

Ash’s Greninja completed a mysterious evolution—Professor Sycamore dubbed it “Bond Evolution.”

It’s two weeks until the Lumiose Conference; if Ash can skillfully use “Bond Evolution,” there’s a good chance he’ll reach new heights.

The Conference preparations are underway, and the Tournament Committee has invited Battle Legend Natsume-sensei to serve as a guest commentator.

But Natsume is still considering... If his “hopeless disciple” Ash loses, his blood pressure might spike off the charts.

Actually, this year’s Lumiose Conference is full of elite contenders. Paul, Alain, and Sawyer are all set to compete.

How far Bond Greninja will go... is hard to say.

Natsume decided to put it out of his mind and turned to preparing for his trip to Alola.

“Beep... You’ve got a call, Rotom~” the Rotom Pokédex chirped.

Natsume glanced at the caller, eyebrows rising slightly before accepting. On screen appeared a projection:

“What is it, Professor Oak?”

“Natsume, I hear you’re headed for the Alola region.”

Professor Oak smiled, “I have a cousin who can’t begin his appointment in Alola due to a back injury. He asked me to find a respected Trainer to take his place.”

“Respected…” Natsume repeated, dumbfounded. “You mean me?”

Suddenly felt ten years older!

“With the title of Battle Legend, you’re more than qualified,” Professor Oak chuckled. “Let me finish... The job is pretty easy, and it’s related to teaching, so you were the first person I thought of.”

“What exactly is the job?” Natsume asked, intrigued.

If it’s just a vacation in Alola, Natsume would get bored—a part-time job is perfect.

It’s just like in the games: Red and Green went to Alola for vacation, picking up the Battle Tree position along the way.

“To Alola’s Trainer School…”

Professor Oak cleared his throat and declared:

“To serve as Principal!”

Natsume pondered in silence, then replied, “Let me give it some thought…”

Alola was full of unique encounters—totem auras, special Z-Moves, island guardians… It was the perfect place for team training.

With the title of Principal, he’d have legitimate access to local resources and could take action openly.

“Of course, I’ll await your reply.” Professor Oak smiled, nodding his head.

After ending the call, Natsume gazed up at the sky and murmured softly:

“Soon I’ll be meeting Bewear… I’m actually kind of looking forward to it...”