Chapter 0745: So When Will Natsume-sensei Become the Touran Champion?(Two-in-One)

Mustard’s mastery of the Fighting arts?

Natsume glanced at Mustard’s deep, smiling eyes, visions of two Urshifu rising unbidden in his mind.

The “one-hit finishing move,” embodying merciless belief in a decisive strike—linear, direct, and always aimed to kill.

The “multi-hit secret,” relentless as a river—sometimes surging, sometimes calm—delivering an unbroken string of blows.

Both arts shared a common trait: every attack was a critical hit!

This was the unique mastery of Mustard’s school.

Chuck’s style had similar secrets. In the special editions, Blue Oak’s mastery—“Insightful Strike”—let Fighting types hit Ghosts and made it easier for Pokémon to land critical blows. It was known as “The Blade That Cuts the Unseen.”

Martial artists of the Pokémon world had even invented moves like Cut and Aerial Ace… sometimes more dangerous than Pokémon themselves!

Natsume cleared his throat.

He pictured a Sirfetch’d that had mastered both the “one-hit finishing move” and the “multi-hit secret.”

Meteor Assault for the decisive strike; blinding Close Combat for rapid piercing blows.

Add “always hits critically,” and these two arts were a perfect fit for Sirfetch’d!

He felt the faint shaking of the Premier Ball at his hip.

A smile tugged at Natsume’s lips.

You’re the only Fighting-type in the whole team...

Even if you don’t volunteer, I’d still pick you, duck!

And besides, Ryo Champion’s Tyranitar is quadruple weak to Fighting.

Powering up Sirfetch’d before Finals wouldn’t just raise him to Champion level—it’d also make him a trump card for the match! A perfect double strike!

“I have no objections, Mr. Mustard. Let Urshifu guide us—I’ll watch and learn as well.” Natsume smiled.

“You’ve already decided which Pokémon?” Mustard returned the smile, hands clasped behind his back.

“Hm... Since this school flourished in Galar, naturally I’ll pick a Galar-native as my representative Pokémon.” Natsume said.

Back in the Premier Ball, Sirfetch’d began to sense something wasn’t right.

“Sirfetch’d... (°ー°〃)”

A Galar... representative Pokémon...

Oh, right, it must be Gigantamax Blastoise, obviously!

“I get your intention.” Mustard grinned. “Same as my own thinking...”

Leon’s Charizard never learned either of Urshifu’s secret arts.

And Avery and Klara both studied Psychic and Poison, not Fighting types.

Mustard wanted his Fighting tradition passed on. And after today’s battle, that resolve was only strengthened.

Hearing Natsume accept, Mustard’s smile widened. “It’s Sirfetch’d, isn’t it?”

“Sirfetch’d?( -'`-)” Sirfetch’d was baffled.

Natsume nodded. “Please look after Sirfetch’d for a while!”

For Galar’s representative, there could be none more fitting than Sirfetch’d, the evolution of Farfetch’d!

Not only is he Fighting-type, but his sword-and-shield motif matches “one-hit” and “multi-hit” styles perfectly... There’s no Pokémon more suitable!

Natsume and Mustard shook hands warmly.

Sirfetch’d couldn’t run, couldn’t hide, utterly devastated.

“Sirfetch’d!! (′︿‵)”

Why is it always me, duck…?

Natsume gazed up at the sky, mind racing.

A martial arts master Sirfetch’d… even imagining the taste of that meat makes my mouth water!

Ahem… I mean, that strength is truly admirable!

……

The fifth challenge of Victory Road ended.

The match video, released that night, shook leagues across the world!

The former Battle Legend, Mustard, had all but disappeared from public tournaments.

For him to appear as an examiner showed just how tough—and prestigious—Touran Road truly was.

By public consensus, Mustard still had Champion-level strength and could easy take one of the eight Master spots in the World Tournament, even with his age and fading condition.

And who did he face? The Challenger at the height of his momentum, crushing all comers—Natsume-sensei!

Normally, Mustard might take it easy, letting Natsume-sensei pass the test.

But here, Mustard revealed his full Champion strength—and even called on the legendary Pokémon Urshifu!

Clearly, Natsume-sensei had stoked his fighting spirit and drawn out his all!

In this pinnacle duel, Blastoise entered—and completely overturned the battle, unleashing “Torrent”!

Viewers stared in shock, their worldview shattered.

“This thing got gears? Is there a second, a third setting?”

“How many trump cards does Blastoise have!?”

That last beam clash—

Urshifu’s Focus Punch colliding with Mega Blastoise’s Aura Sphere was like something out of a blockbuster, chat messages flooding the screen.

“Damn, turtle!!”

“Who’s the real Urshifu here?!”

“Shell Smash Blastoise—output on par with Kyogre!”

Natsume-sensei’s Blastoise still had one move unlearned: Shell Smash.

“Shell Smash” could hugely increase Attack, Special Attack, and Speed—one of Blastoise’s signature techniques, on par with Geomancy in boost, but at the cost of drastically lowering defense and special defense—a big risk.

That’s why Blastoise had never learned it.

Natsume considered: even if he can’t use Shell Smash proactively, he could trigger it reactively.

A crack in the shell = nearly dead = Shell Smash, Torrent, everything on!

He decided: in the next team trial, Blastoise would learn and train Shell Smash.

But until then, he’d train alongside Sirfetch’d until the two master Mustard’s secret arts.

Far away in the Galar region, Leon heard of Mustard’s defeat. He was surprised—

But upon learning it was Natsume-sensei who beat him, that surprise turned to burning fire in his gaze.

Leon smiled to the staff. “Next year’s World Tournament—”

“All the league Champions… will get seeded spots in the World Championship.”

Leon’s eyes sharpened, a smile tugging at his lips.

I look forward to that day, Natsume-sensei!

Three days remained until the grand finals.

Victory Road’s main stadium stood ready.

In front of tens of thousands, Natsume and Champion Ryo would clash in a full-scale six-on-six duel!

Champion Ryo had begun his preparations.

Though lacking special powers, though his moves played by the book, his pride and his strength remained worthy of a champion!

Moderation does not mean mediocrity; pride is not arrogance. That is Champion Ryo’s way as a Trainer!

As the finals approached, all Victory Road was charged with excitement.

Fans from other regions poured in—crossing vast distances, led by figures like Lance and Norman—just to witness the match in person.

The spectacle would surpass even the Indigo Plateau Conference and Wyndon All-Star Tournament!

Natsume rested in the training ground, sitting calmly on the bench, watching the arena’s center.

There, two Urshifu stood, pulses of Dark and Water type energy rippling across the field, Sirfetch’d trapped between them.

“Sirfetch’d…(⊙x⊙;)” Sirfetch’d, sandwiched by two legendary Pokémon, stayed utterly still.

No way I’ll say a word.

“That’s Single-Strike Style Urshifu?” Natsume asked in surprise.

Mustard nodded. “He was my partner in youth...but these days, old man here favors Rapid Strike Style.”

A veteran’s HP and strength may fade, but skill only grows sharper with age.

Natsume nodded, noting which moves the two Urshifu used—

Guidance!

By guiding Sirfetch’d’s movements, they passed down both “one-hit” and “multi-hit” secrets, fusing the styles into his techniques.

“Urshifu!!”

Single-Strike Style Urshifu was fierce—like a ruthless sensei.

No slacking—keep training!

Sirfetch’d gripped its leek, lumbering along.

“Urshifu…”

Rapid Strike Style Urshifu frowned, calm but equally demanding.

Too slow on that Close Combat—again!

Gritting his beak, Sirfetch’d stabbed the target with lightning speed, crying inside.

“Sirfetch’d... (′︿‵)”

This is just too much...

Strangely, even facing two legendary Pokémon, Sirfetch’d’s spirit never wavered.

Natsume nodded quietly.

After all, in the Hall of Origin, Sirfetch’d had swung his blade at Arceus itself!

“Sirfetch’d!”

Bathed in sweat, Sirfetch’d’s eyes began to glaze—yet their sharpness only grew.

Rapid Strike Urshifu stared back, suddenly realizing—he couldn’t see through him at all!

Sirfetch’d was full of apparent openings.

Compared to the flawless Blastoise, Urshifu could have easily targeted Sirfetch’d’s weaknesses.

But for that reason, Urshifu dared not be careless... just like a Psyduck whose headache could unleash terrifying Confusion at any moment!

After a break.

Mustard got to his feet, smiling. “Alright, let’s take a little rest.”

Natsume sent a surge of Aura of Ripple into Sirfetch’d’s body, noting his dazed expression.

“Are you overheating?” Natsume asked with concern.

“Sirfetch’d…”

Sirfetch’d shook his head, staring blankly at the sky.

Being guided by two legendary Pokémon at once...

For some reason, this scene felt oddly familiar...

……

In the chat group.

“Anyone heading to Touran Road by ship?”

Lt. Surge, cigar between his lips, announced, “There are still spots available on the S.S. Aqua!”

“Me!” Ash immediately signed up.

There was no way he’d miss a face-off between Champions!

“I’m going too!” Iris chimed in. “But I’ll be taking a flight from Mistralton City, hehe…”

Lt. Surge winced. “Kalos is way too far—the S.S. Aqua doesn’t go there. Ashrookie, you’ll have to figure something out yourself!”

“If you don’t mind, you can take a Devon Corporation flight,” Steven offered with a gentle smile. “There’s now a special route direct to Touran Road.”

“Amazing!” Bonnie cheered.

“Science really is paving the way for the future,” Clemont murmured.

Flint scratched his head.

He’d originally wanted to visit Touran Road to observe and learn.

But Cynthia’s had already set off—and he definitely wasn’t about to intrude on her and Natsume-sensei’s alone time.

Despite that reckless image, Fire-type Elite Four Flint was actually thoughtful at heart.

What mattered most… Flint really didn’t want to end up in another entry of Natsume-sensei’s journal!

“I’ll be there cheering you on!” Gold declared.

Natsume politely declined: “No need, but thank you.”

Gold: ???

Lance replied calmly, “I can’t make it, but I’ll be watching the livestream.”

If Natsume-sensei really did become the Touran Champion…

Next year’s World Tournament might have another formidable contender in the mix!

“Looking at team composition… Natsume-sensei has a high chance of winning.”

Lucian adjusted his glasses with cool precision. “Of course, Lord Ryo is no pushover either… After all, he’s a well-rounded veteran.”

Low EQ: lack of identity.

High EQ: balanced ability.

Cheren, himself a tactical contestant, nodded in agreement:

“Yes, I’ve analyzed Champion Ryo’s team composition—Talonflame for Tailwind speed control, Tyranitar has huge offensive room to work.”

But as for Natsume-sensei’s team composition…

Cheren, nicknamed ‘the walking Pokédex’, looked conflicted.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t analyzed—it was simply impossible to analyze!

Blue Oak fell silent.

Touran’s Champion match, huh…

In just a year, Natsume had built his team from scratch—just as he’d expected, now standing on the Champion battlefield.

In Blue Oak’s sharp gaze, a trace of pride and fighting spirit flickered.

I acknowledge his strength… just as I do Leon and Red!

Ash, Gold, and other group members affirmed they’d be at the finals arena.

Cynthia would also be arriving at Touran Road tonight.

Meanwhile, far away in Alola, two elders had already boarded a ferry to return;

Tokyo Metropolitan University Principal Hiroshi had received an invitation from Natsume himself—

To witness the battle for the Touran Championship!

……

Nimbasa City, amusement park.

The Ferris wheel ticket booth girl leaned on her hand, bored out of her mind.

“Today… that handsome green-haired boy hasn’t shown up…”

High above the sky, N sat astride Zekrom’s back, his deep eyes gazing beyond the sea of clouds.

As a student, he was heading to Touran—deciding to quietly watch Natsume-sensei’s battle from the sidelines.

Hoenn Region, Verdanturf Town.

Wally zipped up his backpack, waved to his parents with a bright smile, and hopped on his Magnezone.

A year ago, that frail, timid, green-haired boy had grown into an outstanding Trainer.

He still loved Pokémon, believing in their bonds even more than their base stats.

Kalos, Lumiose City.

Professor Sycamore looked at the gray-haired young man before him and said with a smile,

“You’re from the Sinnoh region… Paul, was it? Natsume-sensei mentioned you to me.”

A trace of light flickered in Paul’s deadpan eyes. He nodded, then said quietly,

“I want to understand… the meaning of Mega Evolution’s bond. Please, teach me.”

Galar, Hammerlocke.

Once a critically ill child, John had now fully recovered.

“Hey, did you hear? Today’s Natsume-sensei’s Championship match!” a companion said excitedly.

John smiled shyly, a tiny Rookidee perched on his shoulder—his very first starter Pokémon.

“Yeah! I… I sent a postcard to Natsume-sensei… I hope he becomes Champion!”

The postcard sailed across the sea.

On the envelop, colored in crayon, was a wobbly drawing of Gengar, tugging down its eyelid and sticking out its tongue.

Natsume opened the envelope, took out the postcard, and gazed at it for a long while.

“Sylveon…” Sylveon lay curled up in Natsume’s lap, glancing up at her Trainer.

A look both gratified and bemused settled over Natsume’s features.

“Togepi doo-ee…”

Togepi sat on the sofa, sharing a game controller with Victini; as their karts sped by on the screen, their bodies swayed left and right.

“Sirfetch’d…(′ω`)”

Sirfetch’d sprawled on the carpet, exhausted, head full of that day’s training.

“Tyranitar… (￣～￣)”

Tyranitar crunched through a diamond with a crisp “CRACK.”

In the past month, Tyranitar had devoured copious minerals… and now had enough energy stored to unleash “Precipice Blades!”

Natsume glanced around at his little ones at home, smiling helplessly.

At first he’d feared for their safety; later he’d worried about spending money. Even now he worried about these little ones getting hurt.

But battle was unavoidable…

Because they had supported him this far, as their Trainer he had to meet their expectations in return.

Natsume continued to flip through letters from his followers.

Besides John’s letter, there were many more comments from fans.

“I love your Pokémon, Natsume-sensei—Gengar, Sylveon, Togepi—they’re all so adorable.”

“I’m your student—thank you for being my guiding light on the path of a Trainer…”

“So when will you become the Touran Champion, Natsume-sensei?”

Natsume slowly stood, pressed a button, and took the enlarged Poké Ball in his palm, gaze steely.

Today is the day!