Chapter 0762: Ten Versus Seven—The Advantage Is Mine

The reason for agreeing to President Masaru’s request was simple.

As a league Champion, Natsume must take up the corresponding duties.

Take Steven Stone as an example—even after retirement, he still protects the safety of the Hoenn Region.

Natsume also possesses a similar resolve.

But... wasn’t this all just a little too perfectly timed?

With mixed feelings, Natsume glanced down at his suitcase and set it ‘thud’ back on the floor.

"Gengar?" Gengar looked up at him.

Aren’t we going to Alola anymore?

“We have to head to the City of Wastes first, to check the status of the Imprisonment.”

Natsume let out a deep sigh.

I want to run away, but I can’t escape!

The City of Wastes features towering skyscrapers surrounded by white stone houses, all built atop a desert oasis.

This place isn’t under the jurisdiction of any league. In ancient times, it was a kingdom where the Ancient Overcome Clan thrived.

Later, this kingdom was brought to ruin by Hoopa.

Once Hoopa’s evil shadow was sealed by Arceus, the City of Wastes revived, and with its abundant energy resources, was turned into a prosperous modern metropolis, crowned with high towers.

The most magnificent of these towers far surpasses the Space-Time Tower of Alamos Town, is devoted to Arceus, and known as the “Desert Spire.”

Centuries ago, “Arceus’s Messenger,” Ghris, by Arceus’s will, borrowed the power of the Flame, Earth, and Water Plates to create the “Imprisonment Vessel” atop the Desert Spire, sealing away the negative energy of Hoopa’s so-called “Shadow Form.”

The little Hoopa was then adopted by Ghris.

Ghris treated young Hoopa as his own, raising him together with his great-grandchildren and granddaughter.

Over time, young Hoopa gradually mastered the truth of “giving and receiving,” and was no longer influenced by the “shadow.”

But centuries later, the Imprisonment of the “Prison Bottle” began to loosen, and no one was certain whether the “shadow” might appear again.

Natsume recalled the plot of the anime movie and murmured to himself:

“Hoopa should be in the Arche Valley of the City of Wastes... and in the form of Hoopa.”

Hoopa has two forms.

One, the “Shadow Form,” formed from the evil shadow—towering, savage, reveling in destruction and war.

The other, mischievous Hoopa, full of innocent pranks and pure-hearted tricks, yet never malicious.

Natsume found Hoopa to be absolutely adorable...

But the big Hoopa was the true super demon god.

In “Hoopa and the Clash of Ages,” the super Hoopa summoned Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, the Sinnoh Creation Trio, the Unova Fusion Dragon God, and others—seven legendary Pokémon in all.

These seven legendary Pokémon were drawn from Hyperspace’s universe, summoned into the modern era through Shadow Hoopa’s signature “Hoopa Rings.”

Confused by their sudden appearance, the legendaries burst into battle, creating countless iconic scenes.

The Shadow Hoopa summoned seven legendary Pokémon, but Hoopa countered with a single Hyperspace’s black Rayquaza, standing alone against seven.

This was the famous “Black Rayquaza 1-vs-7” showdown.

Technically, Lugia also made an appearance and performed impressively.

As for Ho-Oh—not in the battle, since that one was busy facing the camera, busy with filming, no time for a cameo. (Just kidding.)

Natsume felt mixed emotions.

Say, if the black Rayquaza is summoned by Hoopa and is on our side, that’s fine—

But what if the big brother gets pulled out by Shadow Hoopa and becomes an enemy...?

“Should be... no big deal.”

Natsume paused.

After all, if Shadow Hoopa can summon legendary Pokémon with the “Hoopa Rings” from Hyperspace’s universe,

I can do a “Natsume Gacha” and summon legendary Pokémon from our own dimension.

Regigigas, the Hoenn trio, the Creation Trio, Unova’s Opelucid dragons, Darkrai...

Ten to seven—the advantage is mine!

Natsume convinced himself, nodded in satisfaction, grabbed his suitcase, and headed back inside the store.

Ting-a-ling... the wind chimes tinkled.

The little ones looked back at their boss in surprise.

Natsume: “Don’t mind me, keep at your work. I need to find Darkrai.”

No sooner had he spoken than a shadow of pure darkness drifted from the courtyard into the front hall, dimming all the light.

The angles of light shifted, murky fog rising from the gloom.

Darkrai crossed its arms, face cold and sharp: “What is it?”

Natsume: “...”

He had to admit—this guy who could stand up to both Temporal and Spatial Dragons really was cool.

“The next trip—I might need you with me.” Natsume said.

Darkrai paused; a subtle look flickered across its face, and it spoke in a gruff voice:

“Do you remember... who we ran into last trip?”

“Yveltal and Xerneas.”

“And before that?”

“Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon.”

“And before that?” Darkrai raised an eyebrow.

“Uh... too... too many...” Natsume’s confidence faltered.

“You see?” Darkrai snapped.

I’ve lived for a thousand years, and never met as many legendary Pokémon as I did traveling less than a year with you!

“I swear, this will be the last time.”

Natsume raised his right hand, putting on a solemn face: “And it’s super safe this round. We’ll have plenty of helpers!”

Darkrai: “...Are you sure?”

Natsume: “Fletchling’s... uh, tailfeathers—cross my heart.”

“All right then,” Darkrai said coldly. “I’ll go with you.”

Darkrai melted into the shadows, and in a blink, Natsume’s elongated shadow transformed into Darkrai’s silhouette.

“So what’s the reason for this trip?” Darkrai asked, not bothering to hide his curiosity.

Natsume pondered a moment, then said:

“You know... the super demon god—Hoopa?”

Darkrai: “...”

Natsume: “Hey, don’t you walk away! Gengar, use Mean Look!”

……

Natsume originally planned to invite a few other Champions to join him in the City of Wastes, to boost their safety.

But Natsume was reluctant to pull Cynthia into the party due to the risks.

Red was on Mt. Silver, Green busy power-leveling his squad, Leon too likely to get lost...

All things considered, the best choice would still be the ever-reliable Steven.

Seems like I’ve teamed up with Steven even more often than with Cynthia...

Natsume gave a discreet cough and shook his head.

Forget it, no need to bother Steven this time—there’s nothing to dig up in the City of Wastes anyway, it’s all sand.

An early departure would also let him avoid running into Ash’s group.

Wait!

Suddenly, a perfect “taunt main-tank” flashed across Natsume’s mind—a champion-class initiator!

When it comes to the Hoopa movie, Natsume was already certain he had the perfect explanation plan.

Gold joins the party, which means Silver joins, which naturally draws Giovanni in.

If Giovanni joins, surely Red wouldn’t be far behind.

After all, those two are like two sides of a coin—inevitably drawn together!

Natsume opened his chat group, clicked Miss Mary’s avatar, and sent a private message:

“Gold, are you free this weekend?”

Moments later, Gold the Fifth replied:

“If you want to play games with me, I’m up for it anytime!”

“No, actually...”

Natsume paused and replied:

“The Touran League assigned me a mission—need to investigate the state of the seal in the City of Wastes, and I’ll need three helpers.”

“First person I thought of was Johto’s star Trainer—”

Gold the Fifth perked up his ears.

“Gold of New Bark Town, so—”

“No need to say more.”

Gold donned his goggles, his eyes firm. “I’ll be there to assist you, Natsume-sensei!”

As a Pokédex Holder—and Johto’s star Trainer—it’s only natural to be ready to save the world!

“Let me finish,” said Natsume, “We’ll check in at the Manaphy Hotel in the City of Wastes. By the way, I must warn you—the risk this time is very high, just as dangerous as that time in Michina Town...”

“Manaphy Hotel!” Gold exclaimed. “That’s the legendary seven-star hotel, right?”

Well, the accommodation doesn’t really matter. The point is helping out Natsume-sensei!

Natsume was a bit taken aback.

Right, and you’re not even asking about the risks!

……

Serena, with her freshly cut hair, had joined the First-stage Exhibition match at Dendemille Town.

This time, the performance theme was “baking Poké Puffs,” which happens to be Serena’s specialty.

With her emotional baggage gone, Serena performed brilliantly, securing victory and claiming her first Princess Key.

“That’s so great~”

Bonnie danced around Serena, cheering, “That was amazing!”

Serena, sporting a red cap and neat short hair, blushed as she replied, “Thank you, Bonnie~”

“Um... I just bought some rice balls, and there’s a lottery included. Anyone want to give it a shot?”

Ash, munching on a seaweed rice ball, rice stuck on his cheek, offered a scratch ticket: “Apparently there’s a special grand prize.”

“You had to spend a lot to get a lottery ticket—how many did you eat...?” Clemont asked in astonishment.

“Watching the Performers make Poké Puffs made me hungry!” Ash laughed, scratching his head.

“Pikachu~” Pikachu copied the gesture, tongue out.

“Let me give it a try!”

Bonnie grabbed the ticket and handed it to the clerk: “Please, let me have a go~”

“Sure thing, young lady, just spin the controller.” The Magikarp-selling Uncle grinned.

Bonnie pursed her lips, Dedenne atop her head, spinning the controller.

Clunk, out rolled a golden ball.

Ta-da!

Sound effects blared, confetti launched in all directions.

“Congratulations to our guest!” The clerk was startled. “You’ve just won a two-day trip to the City of Wastes!”

“Awesome!ヾ(≧▽≦)ノ”

Bonnie cheered, then asked, “But it’s only for one person?”

“That’s right. If anyone else wants to go, you can buy tickets from me,” said the Magikarp Uncle, eyes twinkling.

Ash and the others exchanged glances, unsure.

“I hear the City of Wastes is holding a special Battle Festival and attracting lots of Trainers,” the clerk added casually.

“Alright!”

Ash, eyes glittering, pulled out his allowance and clenched his fist:

“Our next stop is the City of Wastes!”