Chapter 0752: Journey Cleared, Time to Go Home and Sleep(Two-in-One)

“Arcanine!!”

The white flames burning along Arcanine’s body gradually faded away.

Sunlight broke through the clouds, shining down upon the standing Arcanine—its figure imposing, courageous, and unmatched.

Natsume glanced back at Entei, looked him up and down, and then turned his gaze away.

Compared to his big canine companion, the Entei standing atop the rocks behind looked rather diminished!

Natsume’s gaze stabbed deeply into Entei.

Entei: “……”

Are you being polite, Trainer?

Entei and Arcanine are about the same height, roughly two meters tall, with species strength not far apart.

Blessed by Ho-Oh, Arcanine's current power even surpassed that of the secondary god, Entei—

As everyone knew, Entei’s nickname was “Little Arcanine!”

“How do you feel?” Natsume placed his hand affectionately on Arcanine’s big, warm head.

“Arcanine!” Arcanine nuzzled his palm cheerfully, wagging its huge tail.

It felt like it could run for ten days and nights without stopping!

Natsume: “……”

Oh no… I’ve already started mentally planning renovations for my new home!

Sacred Fire provided Arcanine with a surge of life energy. As its level broke through, Arcanine’s HP was further boosted.

Additionally, Sacred Fire can burn foes and inflict a burn status. If used on itself, its sacred white flames can also cleanse toxins, freeze, paralysis, and other status conditions.

Sacred Fire bolstered both offense and defense—alongside raising the budget for the house-wrecking campaign!

But at least he’d also gotten Sacred Ash on this trip, so it was worth it.

Natsume raised the glowing Rainbow Wing in his hand and stared at it silently.

If the Sacred Ash ever runs out, would it be possible to have Arcanine use Sacred Fire on this feather to make new Sacred Ash?

Rainbow Wing: o(╥﹏╥)o

Big Brother, don’t! We’re on the same side!

“My duty here is done.”

Ho-Oh folded its rainbow wings and came to rest on the emerald-blue boulder. Its golden crown glowed, and its dark-ringed eyes calmly watched Natsume.

“Sacred Ash and Sacred Fire… Use these powers well, Rainbow Hero.”

Natsume pondered, glancing at the folded leaf in his hand. “How do I use the Sacred Ash? Brew it into tea?”

Tea…

Ellipses appeared above Ho-Oh’s head as it replied, dumbfounded,

“Channel your Aura to draw upon the power within the Sacred Ash—you can restore life to any human or Pokémon.”

“Only one?”

“Only one.”

Natsume was a little disappointed.

He’d thought, like in the games, maybe he could revive several fainted Pokémon at once.

Still, it was an extra trump card in hand—a life-saver.

Even if he pulled a stunt as reckless as Gold, he’d have a backup.

Natsume took out a Premier Ball and asked Sirfetch’d to use Grass Knot to tie the leaf bundle tightly.

Sirfetch’d gave the formidable, glowing Ho-Oh a sidelong look. Legs stiff, he lowered his head and expertly tied the leaf as though it were a bunch of herbs.

“Sirfetch’d… (′︿‵)”

Why’d you have to call me out for this, boss…

Ho-Oh eyed Sirfetch’d, catching a glimpse of a hazy future with Future Sight and looking a little surprised.

Indeed… This is a Pokémon with great fortune.

Natsume stored the Sacred Ash and returned the timid Sirfetch’d to its Premier Ball, musing on the world’s revival mechanics.

As Gold said, there are quite a few legendary Pokémon in this world able to bring back the dead.

Arceus and Ho-Oh have absolute resurrection power.

In Special: Gem, Celebi altered the timeline to revive Steven, Norman, and others—it might trigger paradoxes, but let’s not dwell on that.

Palkia and Dialga together can even reverse time and space to revive both human and Pokémon.

That kind of legendary power is what lets Gold keep pulling reckless moves!

“Can’t let Gold rub off on me… Mess up one time and you’re toast,” Natsume muttered.

Both Sacred Fire and Sacred Ash had been entrusted to this Rainbow Hero, as aid for facing the next disaster.

With nothing more to say, Ho-Oh beat its rainbow wings, soared skyward, and cast down sparkling light, forming a radiant rainbow.

Natsume and Gengar looked up together, gazing in awe.

“Gengar……” Gengar murmured in admiration.

Ho-Oh’s departing telepathy echoed in the minds of its guardians and Marshadow:

“Guide the Rainbow Hero down the mountain.”

Marshadow gazed skyward at the distant Ho-Oh, then looked back to Natsume and his Arcanine.

It was hard to believe he’d truly received Ho-Oh’s blessing, and gained both Sacred Fire and Sacred Ash!

Flames flickered in Marshadow’s eyes as it fell deep in thought.

Lord Ho-Oh must have had profound reasons for this—perhaps to show goodwill to the League, or to prepare for the approaching disaster…

A north wind blew, thunder rumbled, and hot wind followed.

The legendary trio, Ho-Oh’s royal guard, strode down the mountain path ahead of Natsume, clearing the way.

The fierce wild Pokémon of Mount Tensei, cowed by the Legendary Beasts, hid in the fog in silence.

Natsume looked at the trio’s retreating figures, full of emotion.

One had to admit: among the Legendary Beasts, Suicune was the most beautiful, and had the best presence both in comics and in the anime.

There was a Trainer called Eusine who searched for Suicune for over ten years in vain.

In the Special editions, Suicune even took on over ten Gym Leaders on its own.

But in the anime, it was taken down by a fishing net.

Just goes to show—sometimes the writers don’t understand Pokémon. That’s not Suicune’s fault.

Marshadow trailed in Natsume’s shadow, silently.

In its palm it held a pitch-black Gracidea flower, clutching it tighter.

Thinking of how Natsume would soon depart and how unlikely it’d be to meet again, Marshadow was overcome by complex feelings.

Humans call this parting, dejection, loss.

Natsume walked ahead, then suddenly spoke:

“Do you get days off, Marshadow?”

“Marshadow?”

Marshadow looked up, puzzled, then nodded slightly.

“When you have some free time, come visit my shop,” Natsume smiled. “It’s in Lumiose City, Kalos. Maybe you’ll meet some new partners.”

“For directions, Gengar can share the location with you through the shadows.”

“Gengar~(￣︶￣)↗” Gengar popped his head out from behind Natsume’s shoulder.

New partners...

The flames in Marshadow’s eyes danced as it lifted its little dark head and nodded with great sincerity.

“Marshadow!”

Alright! I’ll come visit!

……

Mount Tensei, at the foot of the mountain.

“Didn’t he say he’d be right back? What’s taking so long?”

Ryo looked up at the thick mist atop the mountain.

“The trial might be especially tough. But the greater the risk, the greater the reward,” President Masaru speculated.

Then, a disturbance sounded along the mountain path, with thunder rolling.

Ryo grew alert, reaching for his Poké Ball, but then he widened his eyes in shock.

Three figures were making their way side by side along the distant road.

From left to right: the God of Volcanoes, Entei; the God of the North Wind, Suicune; the God of Thunder, Raikou!

Three immense pulses of different types swirled into cutting winds, driving away the mountain’s mist.

Ryo’s gaze grew grave, cold sweat breaking across his brow.

Among the legendary Pokémon, these Legendary Beasts served as Ho-Oh’s royal guard!

Oh no… there’s no way I could take on all three at once!

“They don’t seem hostile,” President Masaru said, squinting to discern a shape behind them. “That figure is…”

A single person emerged from the mist, with the Legendary Beasts clearing the way and Marshadow, Ho-Oh’s Messenger, at his side.

It was clear who stood before them—the very image of the Rainbow Hero!

The two of them stared, dumbstruck, at Natsume as he approached.

“President Masaru, Ryo, Champion.”

Natsume called out, “Trial’s done. Let’s go.”

Ryo swallowed hard, eyes darting to the Legendary Beasts behind Natsume. “And… these three…”

“Oh…”

Natsume glanced back, then said, “You don’t need to escort me—go home, and tell Ho-Oh thanks for me.”

The Legendary Beasts’ gazes were cool and imposing; each nodded silently, then leaped to the blue stones and vanished into the thick fog.

As they parted, Entei was full of emotion.

I was the one to first share Sacred Fire with his Arcanine, healing its wounds.

In the blink of an eye, Arcanine himself has been blessed by Lord Ho-Oh with Sacred Fire—now, even I’d struggle against him!

Who could have foreseen it!

A long moment later, Ryo and President Masaru finally realized: the three Legendary Beasts had been sent by Ho-Oh to guide Natsume down the mountain.

Not only to ensure his safety, but to show sincere respect!

Ryo, Champion: “……”

Unbelievable… We’re both trial-takers, but the difference in treatment is worlds apart!

“What did you receive?” President Masaru asked curiously.

Natsume answered straightforwardly, “Ho-Oh gave my Arcanine a blessing…”

Ryo, Champion, suddenly felt a little better.

If it was only a blessing, no physical present, that wasn’t even as good as my Heat Rock…

Natsume continued, “And Lord Ho-Oh taught Arcanine the move Sacred Fire.”

Ryo: ???

Arcanine can learn that move?

Wait—Ho-Oh actually gave him that move?!

“Oh… really? That’s wonderful!”

A flicker of barely contained excitement appeared in President Masaru’s eyes.

In the ancient legends of Touran, there was once an Arcanine granted Sacred Fire by Ho-Oh.

And now, after nearly a thousand years, a Trainer had earned Sacred Fire from Ho-Oh again—with an Arcanine from Touran's legends, no less!

This meant this young man had real potential to reach the title of “Battle Legends” in this era!

Once you become a Battle Legend, Champion or not ceases to matter.

After all, “Battle Legends” requires recognition from multiple leagues and is seen as an honorary title.

To this day, only a handful of Trainers have attained that title!

“I see.”

President Masaru looked at Natsume’s thoughtful expression and mused to himself,

“So you retired as Champion to have a better shot at the legendary domain…”

Natsume: “……”

Champion or not—doesn’t matter.

It’s time to head back to my café and develop some new ice cream flavors!

President Masaru’s gaze burned with anticipation.

He’s had adventures across many leagues and now received Sacred Fire personally from Ho-Oh.

Rather than sit on the Champion’s throne, why not be like Red and retire to travel the world?
Achieve—Battle Legends!

……

Three days later.

One week had passed since Natsume cleared Victory Road and became Champion of the Touran League.

During that week, the sensation and impact of a new Champion continued to shake the region.

In Pokémon Centers throughout the major cities, promotional posters of Natsume and his Gengar were hung up, drawing the attention of countless Trainers.

The Miss Joys gazed at the posters during work, and it put a spring in their step.

Trainer academies and their teachers began to give greater emphasis to strategies and tactics in tutorials—directly influenced by the Champion.

The old teaching tradition of “focusing on breeding, neglecting command” was starting to shift, injecting new energy.

Invisible changes were lifting new Trainers’ command skills and overall level.

At this very moment—

Natsume had become the figure the younger generation of Trainers looked up to and aspired toward, sparking a whole new wave of enthusiasm!

His Battle Club boasted the best facilities in the entire league, coveted by Trainers everywhere.

His Pokémon Company announced the creation of a Pokémon charity foundation, aimed at aiding children with leukemia and other serious illnesses.

It was not an act, nor sanctimonious: this was a Champion who loved Pokémon, possessed a kind heart, and had a mature understanding of strategy.

If the title “Champion” means anything at all,

It means something unique for each Champion.

For Leon, who shoulders the hopes of Galar; for Lance, who seeks justice; for Diantha, who embodies romance and freedom...

As for Natsume, he gave his own, personal answer.

November 1st, a new wave of PTCG card packs launched.

At the announcement event, lots of new Trainer Cards were revealed.

Among them was Natsume-sensei’s very own UR-grade Trainer Card, along with hints about his retirement.

The card featured a handsome black-haired young man in a casual shirt, one hand in his pocket.

Below, a brief caption read:

[Natsume-sensei, Profession: chef; League Champion (former)]

The next day, Natsume’s retirement was officially confirmed. The reason given: “Pursuing a higher domain as a Trainer.”

On this matter, Trainers across all regions voiced both their regret and their understanding.

Red and Mustard both made choices just like Natsume-sensei.

The former went to Mt. Silver to achieve legendary status.

The latter laid down his arms, bought the Isle of Armor, and founded the Master Dojo.

Every Champion makes their own choice, and countless people feel both disappointment and acceptance.

“Red, Mustard, Steven... Natsume-sensei is the fourth Champion to retire.”

“A noble retirement from Touran, aiming for higher heights—understandable!”

“Ryo’s overjoyed!!”

“It’s fine, anyway, Natsume-sensei will still be in next year’s World Tournament!”

Countless people discussed, and countless looked forward in anticipation.

Natsume suddenly felt a sense of kinship with Leon.

To carry the hopes of an entire Galar—never allowed to lose, or face a tide of criticism and condemnation.

Under such pressure, Leon could still smile in the heat of battle—That man truly loves battling.

Natsume is different.

When things get tough—just get some sleep!

Victory Road in Touran, perfectly cleared.

November 3rd, Wednesday.

Natsume had returned to his café in Lumiose City. He sprawled on a soft mattress, staring dazedly at the ceiling.

“After clearing a journey, you always have to come home, lie on your own bed, and get some rest first...”

Natsume yawned, then paused suddenly.

Did I forget something important?

He smacked his forehead.

“Oh no, I forgot to visit Dragonite!”

The Overlord Dragonite atop the summit among the dragons—he’d promised to check in on it.

Natsume coughed and pulled the covers up.

“Forget it, I’ll get to it after I finish this next thing...”

The weekend was Lumiose City’s traditional food festival.

There would be eating championships, cooking battles, and gourmet juice competitions.

The Lumiose business association had invited the café owner, Natsume-sensei, as a special guest and contestant for this year’s festival.

The endorsement fee was already at the level offered to Leon and Diantha.

As for this—Chef Natsume happily accepted.

Even if Siebold, the “Chef of the Elite Four” himself, shows up—it’s no use.

Today, I, the “Young Head Chef of Touran,” will single-handedly take on the entire gourmet street of Lumiose City!