Chapter 0770 – Super Demon God: Champion Showdown – Legendary Destiny (Part 2)（Five-in-One）

Above the western sky of Arche Valley, vast fragments were being stripped away; above the square, swirling vortexes of Dark Aura twisted; from the direction of the City of Wastes came the roar of torrential rain and earthquakes.

Hoopa hovered in the air, six arms spread wide, looming beneath a whirlpool of darkness, glaring menacingly down at the tiny humans, eyes twisted with rage.

“This Pulse… you are the Messenger of Beyond!”

The super demon god’s thunderous voice echoed over the monument square.

White Kyurem and Lance, atop Dragonite, turned at the same time.

The red-haired man’s eyes trembled, exhausted yet elated.

[Who is that?] White Kyurem asked.

Lance replied resolutely, “That’s Natsume-sensei!”

The black-haired young man’s coat rippled in the wind. He tucked away his journal and said quietly,

“I am only a Trainer.”

“So—”

Natsume looked up at the colossal super demon god, eyes sharp as steel.

“Locking eyes… is the sign the battle’s begun!”

The super demon god’s face twisted into a snarl, as cold and unyielding as a rock.

Ash and the others watched Natsume-sensei’s billowing cloak, their eyes bright with hope.

“Gengar—”

Natsume raised his hand to the sky, the Key Stone embedded in his fingerless glove sparkling with dazzling light.

“Mega Evolution!!”

The wind howled. A brilliant evolution light exploded, the radiance of their bond forming a white bridge between Natsume and Gengar.

“Gengar!!”

Gengar pulsed with violet-red light, a single yellow eye opening on its forehead, its body sprouting spikes, fists drenched in a bloody red mist—all over, deep purple-red, bearing a chilling, wicked grin.

On Mega Gengar’s head, with a crackle, a rainbow Key Stone symbol flared to life, the force of its bond shaking everyone present!

Team Rocket stood on the cliff, staring at the square in a daze. “Executive…”

“That’s the Executive’s Gengar, meow!” Meowth exclaimed in shock.

Cynthia, hand on chin, gray eyes shining, her brows knitted.

He initiated Mega Evolution at once… He sensed the crisis, and he’s fully prepared for battle.

“Garchomp.” The golden-haired, black-clad woman jumped onto Garchomp, gaze sharp. “Soar across the sky again—don’t let Giratina and the others get too close!”

“Garchomp!” Garchomp, like a jet battle plane, shot off into the sky, trailing vapor.

The Sinnoh Three Gods, forming an equilateral triangle, gazed at the square as Garchomp flew through the center. Their eyes met. Battle resumed at once!

“Natsume-sensei!”

The red-haired man clung to Dragonite’s back, his cape in tatters, voice ragged:

“Cough… This guy is seriously tough!”

Lance’s warning echoed from above. Natsume focused intently, studying Hoopa.

The free Hoopa’s six wrist rings had disappeared—he’d already summoned at least six legendary Pokémon… Lance and the others had really held out amazingly long.

Wait!

Natsume froze, facing the freed Hoopa’s sinister grin, his gaze drifting to its chest and feet.

Where were the three rings that should be there? Hoopa shouldn’t be able to control those!

In the movie, Hoopa called forth six rings—one per arm.

A cold sweat ran down Natsume’s temple.

Now, even the “nonexistent” Golden ring in the movie had fallen under Hoopa’s control!

The freed Hoopa didn’t have just six—but nine rings! He had summoned nine legendary Pokémon!

“Hoopa is the strongest!”

The super demon god roared in fury, chaotic Shadow Ball energy swirling in the black holes on its chest—blasting down like a rocket warhead.

Whoosh—Shadow Ball streaked with purple light, dropping from the sky toward the monument square.

“Gengar, Shadow Ball!”

Natsume commanded, “Darkrai, from the flank—Disable!”

“Gengar!!” Mega Gengar gathered shadow between its fists and hurled its own Shadow Ball.

Boom!!

The two Shadow Balls collided, winds exploding out—yet a weakened Shadow Ball still hurtled toward Natsume!

“Hoopa, fetch!”

Hoopa tossed a ring, and the Shadow Ball disappeared through it, crashing far away in the desert, kicking up clouds of sand.

Darkrai, shrouded in mist, hovered at the side of the super demon god, blue eyes glowing with Disable.

The next Shadow Ball forming in the super demon god’s chest dissipated. Enraged, it swiped at Darkrai, trying to grab him.

Darkrai performed a Double Team, clones swept away by Hoopa’s wild strikes—but the true form quickly withdrew, barely dodging.

Inside, Darkrai muttered, “Should never have agreed to be his bodyguard!”

White Kyurem stared, then spoke:

[Dragon Master, I respect your justice, but from now, I won’t obey your commands.]

With that, Lance felt the Aura of Viridian return to him, life flowing back into his exhausted body. He looked up at the sky, exhaling shakily.

White Kyurem and Darkrai were now working together, stalling Hoopa!

Lance collapsed, barely hanging on atop Dragonite. Dragonite descended slowly to the square.

“Are you alright?” Natsume asked, approaching. Mega Gengar hovered midair, shielding everyone from the ongoing storm.

“I’m not dead… yet,” Lance whispered with a weak smile.

Natsume nodded gravely, turning, “Serena, Bonnie… Will you take care of Mr. Lance?”

“Yes, of course!” Serena replied nervously. “I—I brought a first-aid kit, I’ve learned some basic medical skills.”

“I’ll help too!” Bonnie said as bravely as she could.

Blood streamed under Lance’s cape, probably from a wound he hadn’t even noticed, struck by a fragment.

“Mr. Natsume!” Meray hurried over, worried. “About the Prison Bottle technique…”

“I’ve already sought advice from your Great-grandfather.”

Natsume glanced at the super demon god. “Simply put, the ‘Prison Bottle technique’ is knowledge passed by the Power of One; once you master it, you can create a Prison Bottle.”

“Now, Baraz, Meray… try to sense and master this knowledge with the Power of One, then head for Desert Spire.”

“And you?” Baraz asked.

“I’m staying here! Now go!”

Natsume’s face was stern. He closed his eyes, a faint golden light blossoming in his palm.

The siblings nodded firmly, eyes shut as they sensed a thousand gentle strands of light, purer and deeper than even their Great-grandfather’s Power of One.

When Natsume mastered this “knowledge," it took less than thirty seconds.

The siblings were less talented, but under Natsume-sensei’s instruction (and Ghris in the past), quickly understood it.

“I understand now,” Baraz said, his eyes shining. “This ‘knowledge’ was hidden in Great-grandfather’s teachings all along.”

Meray declared:

“Punishment means facing your own shadow—the courage to imprison the super demon god!”

Natsume: “Ah… yes, exactly right. That’s how it works.”

Baraz looked toward the city:

“Ahead to Desert Spire… Natsume-sensei, we’ll trust Hoopa to you.”

Natsume nodded lightly. “And don’t worry about your Braviary—you’ll have a faster way.”

“What?” the siblings exclaimed in surprise.

Hoopa grinned, opening two portals. “Go this way~”

With the upper layer shielded, the image inside the ring was now the stone steps beneath Desert Spire!

“Hurry,” Natsume said sternly.

The siblings gave Hoopa’s head a pat and stepped through. Moments later, they found themselves at the City of Wastes.

A Light Screen barrier covered the city night, full of cracks.

Above the steel-and-concrete forest, Primal Kyogre’s massive head was wedged in the barrier, the haunting whale song chilling the air!

The siblings paled and rushed into Desert Spire, teeth clenched. They had to make a Prison Bottle quickly!

Monument square.

“Crystal, at this range, can you hit with a Poké Ball?” Natsume asked.

Crystal, the Capturer, froze—then shook her head, crestfallen.

“My legs aren’t strong enough—I can’t kick a Poké Ball that far…”

Natsume nodded slightly, counting the number of rings on the super demon god’s form.

He was right—the rings on its chest and feet had “vanished.”

“Ash, how many legendary Pokémon has Hoopa summoned in total?”

Ash blinked, counting on his fingers. “Two from Hoenn, two from Unova, three from Sinnoh… oh, and two I’ve never seen from different dimension!”

“Nine…” Natsume gave a bitter smile. “Movie counted just six—so this super demon god is an enhanced version.”

“Bad news: Hoopa fished out nine legendary Pokémon. Good news: can’t fish out any more.”

Natsume concluded, “Hoopa, how many rings can you use?”

“Uh… just three… Is that too few?” Hoopa counted glumly on its fingers.

“It’s not quantity, it’s quality,” Natsume said kindly. “Just follow my instructions, Hoopa—fetch a pitch-black legendary Pokémon.”

“Pitch-black?” Hoopa tilted its head.

Natsume nodded.

If black Rayquaza appears, I won’t call any more legends… That’d be tempting fate.

“Natsume-sensei, watch out!” Crystal called urgently.

Natsume turned as his pupils narrowed.

Swish!

Suddenly, a Spacial Rend blade streaked toward him!

“Sylveon, Light Screen!” Natsume threw the Poké Ball instantly.

A snowy figure leapt out—Sylveon’s pink ribbons streaming on the wind, gaze sharp, baring its fangs. “Sylveon!”

Sylveon raised a shining barrier, but Spacial Rend shattered it with a crash, the blade streaking onward.

“Block with Pixie Plate!” Natsume commanded.

Sylveon sent flying a translucent, energy-formed pink Plate—instantly manifesting as solid.

Amid the swirling dust, the Spacial Rend faded.

Natsume and Sylveon turned at once to study the Pixie Plate—it was unharmed.

“Looks like I guessed right… Pixie Plate is immune to Dragon type.” Natsume murmured.

That Spacial Rend had come from the west.

Looking toward Arche Valley, with fragments stripped from the sky, Natsume now noticed the other battlefield.

“That’s the Creation Trio’s battlefield?” Natsume asked.

“Yes, they’re battling each other again—with Champion Cynthia weaving between them,” Clemont replied.

“Who?”

“Ch-Champion Cynthia.”

“Hoopa, fetch black Rayquaza.”

Natsume’s Power of One shone out toward Sinnoh-space, the Reverse World—

“I’ll take care of this myself!”

Boom—

The super demon god, massive enough to blot out the sky, unleashed a swelling Dark Pulse, radiating out in black rings.

Darkrai flashed to White Kyurem’s back, but the engine’s icy fire forced it back—forced to show itself, it braced to take the Dark Pulse.

Boom!!

Wind howled, Darkrai roared, “What are you doing?!”

[We are not companions. I won’t hesitate to freeze you along with the super demon god.] White Kyurem said coldly.

Darkrai gritted its teeth. None of these legendary Pokémon from the golden ring have learned from a Trainer?!

“Natsume, command me—wait, why are you running off?!”

Just glimpsing Latias taking off, Darkrai’s heart nearly stopped.

“I’m heading for Arche Valley first,” Natsume said. “Hoopa will summon a helper soon—I’ll be right back.”

Darkrai looked down.

Hoopa’s forehead sweated bullets, barely keeping control of the ring. Some terrifying creature seemed to be burrowing through—it would take time.

When Darkrai looked up, all that remained were Latias’s fading tail trails.

“This is turning into quite the hassle!” Darkrai gritted.

The super demon god swung an arm at the ring. From over Darkrai’s head, a colossal fist erupted out—the free Hoopa’s signature move—Hyperspace Fury!

Boom!!

Wind exploded as the massive fist hit Darkrai, but he braced himself, trembling with effort.

Freeing Hoopa was shocked.

The Alamos Town Darkrai, battered and bleeding, eyes glowing blue, caught the fist with his right hand, hovering beneath, mist swirling.

Then Darkrai’s palm gathered swirling darkness—Dark Void.

“Back to where you belong—back into the shadows!!”

Rumble!!

Dark Void exploded. The super demon god howled in pain, then burst out laughing.

“Not bad—give me more!”

The super demon god’s eyes grew cold. “Give me more!!”

Darkrai’s face was grim—he suddenly sensed a Pulse from the darkness.

So that’s it… Natsume left his most trusted partner with me…

But is this plan too childish…?

Expressionless, Darkrai pointed. “Look, it’s Rayquaza.”

“Where? Hoopa hasn’t fished out Rayquaza yet—”

The super demon god turned to look, then snapped back, furious. “Stop mocking me!”

Its eyes widened—before him appeared a purple-red chubby imp, hands gathered with murky green venom.

“Gengar!” Mega Gengar hurled two Sludge Bombs.

Bang!!

Poison splattered; the super demon god clutched at its eyes, roaring in pain.

My eyes, my eyes burn!!

“Gengar~” Mega Gengar bared its fangs with a sly smile.

Such a genius trick—no one could have pulled it off… except Gengar!

Darkrai: “…Why did I agree to such a despicable plan?”

Arche Valley.

The battered Team Rocket trio watched Latias fly in, stunned. “It’s the Executive—Executive is coming this way, meow!”

Ash dusted Cynthia’s white cheek, now streaked with ash. Her brows furrowed, gray eyes flickering—restless.

I’ve been underestimated…

The City of Wastes was always the most desperate battlefield…

Latias landed on the cliff. The black-haired young man leapt off. “Sorry—I was delayed finding my way.”

“No need to apologize.”

Cynthia’s captivating voice was edged with the chill of an Ice Shard, “Rather than saving irrelevant battlefields, it’s better to go save more lives in the City of Wastes.”

Above, Roar of Time and Spacial Rend thundered, tearing more fragments from the sky. The three gods vented their fury, wracking space and time.

Natsume said, startled, “How could this be irrelevant?”

“I only stopped Giratina and the others so you’d return, not for you to stay at Arche Valley. Surely you know this,” Cynthia said, calming herself, steady again. “Go now—there’s still time to reach the City of Wastes. I’ll buy you more time.”

Faraway cries, terrified people, disasters and the doomed City of Wastes.

“But…” Natsume hesitated.

“I’m not just some little girl who needs a savior!” Cynthia snapped, “I’m the Sinnoh League Champion!”

Garchomp said nothing; the trio huddled behind Wobbuffet, shivering.

They’ll get us killed for sure—right!?

Natsume exhaled deeply. “You’re right… I’ll make the City of Wastes my first priority.”

Whether Lance, Steven, or Cynthia—they all fought for the same mission.

A Champion’s mission.

To fight for those who cannot.

The City of Wastes’s priority is higher—and that’s why Cynthia’s angry. Still…

I haven’t done anything wrong!

When Latias came with Agility, even my legs were shaking!

Natsume gritted his teeth, heading toward Latias when Cynthia called him back.

“Natsume.”

“Yes?” he replied.

Cynthia hugged herself, golden hair shading gray eyes, lips moving hesitantly. At last she said,

“Come back safe… okay?”

Was she choked up?

Natsume didn’t understand. He looked toward the sky, then back at the monument square—Hoopa’s summons about to complete.

I must hurry to the square, use the moment everyone holds off Hoopa to dash to the desperate City of Wastes.

But before I leave Arche Valley, I have my principles.

“I’m counting on you.”

Natsume turned, leapt onto Latias, and dove away at full speed.

Behind, three rings opened behind him, forming teleportational paths via the Reverse World.

Space and time trembled!

From within stepped out the diamond-blue Dialga, pearl-studded Palkia, and platinum-shaded Giratina!!

Rumble!!

The sky thundered. Different Dimension’s Sinnoh Three Gods glared at the forms emerging from the rings, forced to face identical strength!

The native Sinnoh Three Gods stared coldly at the invaders, looked at each other… and instantly agreed.

Since Natsume-sensei called us…

We’ll fight together!

Dialga gave a furious roar to start the charge. The two trios of deities crashed together, time-space power flowing wild and free, raw strength clashing savagely!

“What a horrible feeling…” Team Rocket huddled together.

On the cliff, the blonde, black-clad woman stood arms folded, silent.

What price did he pay, to summon the Sinnoh Three Gods…

She dared not think further. The Sinnoh Champion’s gaze was sharp, golden hair streaming, as she yanked off her pendant—Key Stone flashing into brilliant evolutionary light.

“Garchomp—Mega Evolution!!”

As long as the battles don’t stop—there won’t be a moment for tears!

Monument square.

Ash and the others looked in amazement toward the valley.

“He brought in three more Legendary Pokémon!?”

“No, those aren’t Hoopa’s doing…”

Clemont said, stunned: “It looks… like Natsume-sensei used the Power of One to summon those helpers!”

“Natsume-sensei can call up Pokémon, too?” Serena asked, confused.

The red-haired man’s chest was bound in bloody bandages, his cough heavy:

“It’s recruiting—he’s a natural at it!”

Hoopa giggled, beams of blazing light dancing between its hands:

“Natsume recruiting service~~ Hoopa Rings!”

From Hoopa’s ring appeared a gigantic, snakelike Dragon-type, with black and gold patterns. Golden particles danced in its mouth, its skin as black as metal, coiled in silent majesty—radiating pressure and awe!

“Rayquaza?!” Lance gasped.

“That’s… it’s a shiny black Rayquaza!!” Crystal said, voice trembling.

White Kyurem was startled.

Why does this black Rayquaza have such an overwhelming presence!

Hoopa looked over, eyeing the other Hoopa in the square with disdain.

It also has Hyperspace Hole power… If it absorbs that guy, Hoopa will become even stronger!

Sensing the super demon god’s gaze, Hoopa shrank a little, but lifted its head in thrill.

From the direction of Arche Valley, a Latias raced over at top speed. Natsume’s expression was grave as he returned once more.

“Did Hoopa scare you?” Hoopa asked, snickering.

Landing, Natsume patted Hoopa’s head with a small smile. “You did very well.”

He glanced at the giant creature coiled in the center of the square—and paused in surprise.

The enormous, black-and-gold dragon was spewing out ozone, its form wreathed in white mist, lounging as it yawned and cast a sidelong glance at the super demon god.

Hoopa floated over to the dozing Rayquaza and called out:

“Hey, help us out, would you~?”

Rayquaza didn’t answer, simply shut its eyes.

Ash called out loudly: “Please, Rayquaza!”

The black Rayquaza wearily opened its eyes, speaking: ‘Why should I help you all?’

Everyone paused.

‘I was enjoying a nap. Haven’t even gotten mad at your group yet.’

The black Rayquaza yawned. ‘You lot, begone!’

Natsume produced his Pokéblock Box—Rayquaza’s one weakness, something Ruby once used for Rayquaza recruitment.

As Natsume approached, black Rayquaza glanced sideways at him.

“Let me ride you, Rayquaza.”

Natsume pushed out the Pokéblock Box’s tray. “You’ll be rewarded, I promise!”

Lance was dumbstruck.

Seriously—can you really bribe Rayquaza with Pokéblocks!?

Black Rayquaza widened its eyes, slowly rearing up and spreading its claws, baring its fangs. ‘Interesting…’

Lance was utterly dazed.

It really worked!!

‘Before you ride me, I have a question—what do you want my power for?’

Natsume was silent for a moment, then said,

“If you don’t mind, we’re going one-on-nine—a solo battle versus nine legendary Pokémon.”

Black Rayquaza’s eyes snapped wide, its giant black-gold body shuddering. With a whirl, it shot up into the sky.

‘Interesting—very interesting!’

Black Rayquaza circled the heavens.

With a burst of wind, Natsume landed astride black Rayquaza’s back, hands gripping its golden crown fins.

‘The price of commanding a Legendary Pokémon—you know it well, don’t you?’ black Rayquaza asked.

Natsume’s gaze was like steel. “I’m ready for anything.”

Hoopa snuggled into Natsume’s arms, reaching into the ring.

Lumiose City, Rainbow Café.

Indeedee blinked, glancing at the freshly pressed Champion Cape.

The black-gold Champion Cape hung on the rack as a ring appeared; a small hand reached out and snatched it into the ring.

The ring closed.

Indeedee was utterly shocked.

Oh no—there’s a thief in the shop!!

“Here you go.” Hoopa handed the Champion Cape to Natsume.

Natsume smiled lightly, ruffled Hoopa’s head, then swept the black-gold cape around his shoulders. It snapped proudly in the wind.

“Rayquaza—”

Natsume, clad in the black-gold Champion Cape, mounted black Rayquaza, hands on the golden crown fins.

“Dragon Ascent!!!”

Hoopa’s eyes went wide as black Rayquaza soared heavenward, releasing a storm of golden particles—a single ray of gold from the ground to the sky!

A blaze of gold lit up the night, turning it to day. Lance sat up, gazing skyward in awe.

Natsume-sensei… riding on black Rayquaza’s back…

No, this Champion fully intends to command black Rayquaza and save the City of Wastes!

Hoopa’s entire body flashed with a Protect barrier, but the true target of Dragon Ascent wasn’t Hoopa—it was the City of Wastes behind it—!

The super demon god was struck with alarm.

He’s going to shield the city, protect Desert Spire, until the Prison Bottle is complete!

Waves of Dark Pulse spread out, the super demon god battered away Darkrai and White Kyurem, shooting a withering glare at everyone in the square.

The Punishment Hoopa isn’t here anymore…

The super demon god turned, stomping its massive feet, heading from the west toward the City of Wastes.

“Damn it, damn it!” the super demon god cursed under its breath.

Rumble, rumble—the thunder of its steps slowly faded.

The square was left to the dazed and aimless crowd.

“Should I… go help too?” Ash asked.

“No…” said the red-haired man, bruised but steady, “Trust Natsume-sensei…”

“Trust… in the League Champion!”

……

Arche Valley battlefield—Natsume’s summoned Sinnoh Three Gods tangled with different dimension’s own trio, keeping their fight from the City of Wastes—for now.

Monument square—Natsume on black Rayquaza, speeding to aid the City of Wastes; Hoopa closing in from behind; Darkrai and White Kyurem, both nearly spent, staying behind, glaring distrustfully at each other.

City of Wastes battlefield.

The Regi trio’s barrier was fully shattered!

Split at the ocean bridge, torrential rain hammered the city’s eastern inner regions; a burning sun blazed over the western outskirts.

Steven, drenched to the bone, gazed up at the barrier-shattering Primal Kyogre, unmoving in the deluge.

“Is there… really no more hope…” Steven muttered, blue hair sopping wet.

Suddenly, Steven’s pupils shrank; he saw a golden line streak across the heavens.

Primal Kyogre, having broken the barrier, stared up, dumbstruck. The pouring rain slowed, then stopped!

“That’s…”

Steven’s voice trembled, his face ashen. He lifted his suit sleeve to wipe his eyes, murmuring,

“I’ve lost my composure…”

City of Wastes, north district.

Rumble, rumble!!

Thunder exploded overhead, the water surface churned with whirlpools, wild winds scouring the air, and dark energy pressed cold from all sides.

Shadow Lugia beat its metallic black wings, hovering high above the northern city, crimson eyes glaring as it screeched.

“Ugh… the wind’s too strong, I can’t get near!” Gold shouted from Togebo’s back.

In the water below, Red Gyarados rose up, Silver standing calmly atop its head.

“Use your pool cue!”

“What?” Gold yelled.

“Pool cue—aim for the eye of the storm! Knock the Poké Ball right into the center!” Silver shouted.

“Are you serious!? That’s not even humanly possible!” Gold protested.

“I’ll create an opening—” the red-haired youth’s gaze sharpened. “Now! Kingdra, Hydro Pump!!”

A Kingdra burst from the water, unleashing a furious Hydro Pump straight at Shadow Lugia!

Gold blinked, looking up.

“ Lugia!!” Shadow Lugia’s wings whipped up massive gusts, forming a cyclone that deflected the Hydro Pump.

The swirling water, pulled in by the wind, created a vortex; the eye of the storm became a real, seething whirlpool!

“I get it—partners, aim for the whirlpool—!”

Gold pulled his cap low, lining up the pool cue on Togebo’s back, eyes sharpening. “Time for a hole-in-one!”

WHACK!!

Defying physics, the Poké Ball shot into the vortex, pierced the roiling cyclone, and zipped right into Shadow Lugia’s belly!

Shadow Lugia drew in its wings, gazing down at the tiny Poké Ball on its underside.

“Ball!!”

Gold roared: “Super Rising Thunder!!”

The Poké Ball burst open—inside Shadow Lugia’s belly, a tiny Pichu appeared, instantly unleashing savage lightning.

BOOM!!!

The water blazed like daylight as Shadow Lugia was engulfed by light, wings beating a raging storm.

Gold and Silver were swept up in the whirlwind, slammed onto the deck of a yacht plowing through the waves.

“Pokédex Holders?” came a cool female voice.

Gold and Silver looked up. “You are—?”

A tall woman steered the yacht, clad in a white swimsuit, sunglasses low, eyes instantly recognizable.

“Kalos Champion—Diantha.”

“Oh—the one everyone calls the weakest Champion!” Gold said, remembering.

Diantha: “…You know how to steer a boat?”

“Of course.” Gold rolled up his sleeves. “I picked it up secretly from Lt. Surge, my uncle!”

“You’re on the wheel.”

Diantha decided in an instant, tossing out a Poké Ball. Her white-dressed Gardevoir appeared at her side.

Just as she was about to direct, Diantha glanced up at the night sky, pupils shrinking.

“What’s wrong?” Silver asked.

“That just now—” Diantha trailed off, distracted.

A golden sword seemed to blaze across the night—the silhouette of black and gold in flight.

If I’m not mistaken, that should be Rayquaza…

And, on Rayquaza’s back—a human Trainer!

……

City of Wastes, south district.

On the undeveloped plains—still un-flooded, home to numerous wild Pokémon.

Armored Mewtwo stood in thoughtful silence.

Click.

A sound of shoes crunching on the ground.

Armored Mewtwo whirled around, hand outstretched, palm glowing with dangerous psychic energy.

It was a nondescript middle-aged man in a trench coat and hat.

“A traveler, all the way from the different dimension’s world.”

The man lifted his hood, revealing a face full of wrinkles, eyes gleaming faintly under the night sky.

“Mewtwo… isn’t that right?”

HUM—

Armored Mewtwo’s eyes blazed crimson, nearly losing control as both hands came up.

Giovanni’s face never wavered. He replied calmly,

“I was surprised to see you too… That concept from my dreams, brought to life by someone else.”

Giovanni gazed up at the night. “A worthy figure… Not bad, if I say so myself.”

‘You… Giovanni… Viridian Gym…’ Armored Mewtwo’s hands crackled with Psycho Cut, kicking up dust.

THUNK!!

The blade struck from behind—Nidoqueen gritted its fangs, bravely deflecting the blow.

“Your weak point is probably the right side of your neck.”

Giovanni slipped one hand into his pocket, tapping his own neck: “That’s your armor interface, for streaming data, letting you learn moves and grow stronger.”

Shing!

Armored Mewtwo flickered before Giovanni, voice icy.

‘You can… try…’

CLANG!!

Beedrill lunged with stingers—Armored Mewtwo swept both arms together, sending sparks flying.

Armored Mewtwo retreated, uncertain and cautious.

Giovanni continued, unfazed:

“I know a Pokémon very much like you…”

‘Pokémon? I’m not human!?’ Armored Mewtwo challenged.

Giovanni ignored him. “Made as the ultimate weapon, with the genes of the oldest Pokémon… But I gave it a touch of humanity. That spark made it unique.”

“But you…” Giovanni narrowed his eyes. “I sense nothing human from you.”

At the mention of its own birth, Armored Mewtwo trembled, roaring with anger: ‘Enough!’

They clashed again, stingers hammering against each other, showers of sparks everywhere.

“That’s not so bad. At least it means you won’t be conflicted,” Giovanni said breezily. “You’re an independent being—something altogether new.”

‘My existence? Who am I, what’s my purpose—you told me only to battle, not to question!’ Armored Mewtwo bellowed.

“I used to believe only in the battle…”

Giovanni put both hands in his pockets, smirking. “But that’s not enough.”

“Meaning… is something you search for. Family, power, wealth… whatever. Well, no matter.”

He turned, hands in his pockets. “Talking to you is boring. I’ll take my leave.”

“Three, two, one.”

Giovanni closed his eyes—and a sharp pain slashed his chest. He looked down; blood soaked his shirt, Mewtwo’s hand bursting through.

‘You don’t leave until you answer me,’ Armored Mewtwo said coldly.

Giovanni, back to Mewtwo, face unseen, reached up and slapped the right-side neck interface.

SMACK!

Armored Mewtwo jerked back in shock, clutching the attachment, blood streaming. “What… did you do to me?!”

CRASH!!

The armor split apart, falling to the earth. Mewtwo stared at the helmet, poking the interface’s strange, rubbery material.

“A tiny thing… disables most electronics,” Giovanni panted, clutching his chest. “Seems I bet right.”

‘Even without armor, you can’t defeat me!’ Mewtwo said with fury.

Giovanni smiled faintly, pulling a black device from his coat and aiming it.

‘A gun? How ignorant.’ Mewtwo laughed coldly, but Giovanni pressed the button all the same.

The Wilderness zone echoed with the flat, emotionless voice of a Pokédex.

[Beep…No. 150, Genetic Pokémon, Mewtwo… an artificial Pokémon modified from Mew’s genes…]

Mewtwo looked as if struck, stunned senseless.

“Couldn’t identify you with the armor on…” Giovanni said. “It sounds dumb, but—”

“Still.”

He flung the Pokédex to the ground, the display showing Mewtwo’s data.

“It means—you’re a creature that can live on this planet.”

‘I… I can survive here…’ Mewtwo whispered in a daze.

Giovanni smiled, picking up his coat with trembling hands, covering the bloody wound, buttoning it closed, shuffling off.

Still have to see Silver soon… Can’t meet him like this…

‘Why do you believe I won’t kill you?’

“Because you still have questions.”

‘But why… why would you do this…’ Mewtwo clenched his fists, glancing at the Pokédex and the armor, voice shaking.

“Because…”

In the shadowy Wilderness zone, Giovanni glanced up, recalling his duel with Red and Mewtwo.

“This time—I won.”

Across the wilderness, a blazing golden meteor arced.

So it’s here at last.

Giovanni buttoned his coat, donned his hat, and turned away from the sky.

Time to tidy up—prepare to meet a guest.

……

City of Wastes, Shelter.

The radio crackled with static.

[Repeating once more… the torrential rain has ceased, signal previously disrupted by extreme weather… has been restored…]

“The rain stopped?”

“Kyogre and Groudon are leaving the shelter area too—they’re heading toward the ocean bridge!”

One piece of good news after another came through the receivers, and Jenny’s face was full of disbelief.

What kind of unimaginable strength could possibly calm ‘The End Land’ and ‘Primordial Sea’?!

Suddenly, a stir swept through the crowd inside the shelter.

“We’ve got a signal!”

“Satellite footage is back online!”

People gathered together in twos and threes, holding their breath, blankets over their heads, peering at the footage on cell phone screens.

The elderly lifted their heads, gazing up at the shelter’s suspended television.

The screen displayed a satellite feed connected to City of Wastes’ emergency broadcast.

Across the night sky streaked a golden light, bright as a meteor, carrying the colossal silhouette of a black dragon—with a jaw like a scythe, its body sheathed in black-gold armor, streaming long golden ribbons like silk, it cut through the heavens!

“What is that legendary Pokémon?!”

“I don’t know, my God… there’s a Trainer on its back!!”

The crowd surged with excitement, voices rising in shock and awe, faces pressed to the screen, barely daring to breathe.

On the black dragon’s back, a black-gold cape fluttered in the wind.

Not just a Trainer—he’s the Champion of the Touran League!!

The thrill shook the shelter like a dam breaking, overwhelming everything; a hurricane sweeping through the refuge.

Drip, drip.

Tears splattered against screens—excitement, joy, hope that would not fade.

People cried out, the shelter boiling like a newsroom at deadline, courage kindling in the face of disaster, a dawning light of hope finally breaking through.

The rising sun crept over the ocean bridge, a dazzling, beautiful gold.

To the west, the sky-shadowing Hoopa gazed upward.

High above the ocean bridge, the black-haired young man rode Mega black Rayquaza, black-gold cape unfurled, surveying all with calm authority.

Freeing Hoopa: “……”

Natsume-sensei: “……”

Shadow Lugia, Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, Giratina, Palkia, Dialga…

These legendary Pokémon abandoned their separate battlefields, all converging toward the ultimate battlefield—

The ocean bridge.

Natsume rode atop Mega black Rayquaza, his black-gold cape glinting in the sunlight, spanning the skies above the ocean bridge, with the solitary City of Wastes behind him.

At the boundary of sight, legendary Pokémon approached from every direction, raising thunderous clouds of dust.

“Natsume… Champion…”

The super demon god spoke each word through clenched teeth.

The live footage zoomed in—showing the black-haired young man’s stern expression, hands gripping black Rayquaza’s golden crown fins.

“From this moment on, I battle as a Legend.” Natsume declared.