Chapter 739: VS Dragon-type Elite Four—A Battle of Weather(Two-in-One)

Natsume cleared the second stage of Victory Road with ease.

News of him defeating the Overlord Dragonite spread quickly.

When the word got out, not only the audience but the other contestants wore bewildered faces.

After all, in the battle with Overlord Dragonite, all you needed to do was last ten minutes to advance.

Instead, Sylveon had knocked Overlord Dragonite out cold in under ten minutes?!

Who’s evaluating who, exactly!!

Takuya had taken on the trial a day before Natsume. After reaching the mountain peak, he faced the legendary Overlord Dragonite—eventually being eliminated.

That Overlord Dragonite, commanding thunder amid the storm, had left Takuya with haunting memories.

He was sleepless that night at the hotel. When he read the news the following afternoon, he was so shocked his glasses nearly fell off his nose.

“N-Natsume eliminated the Overlord Dragonite?!”

The article stated that Natsume’s Sylveon used Hyper Beam and left Overlord Dragonite fainted.

The rescue team rushed up the mountain to aid the Dragonite.

According to interviews with junior captains:

“If Natsume-sensei hadn’t pressed the emergency beacon in time, Overlord Dragonite would’ve been in no shape to continue as examiner for the next two days!”

At the end of the news page, Takuya stared at the screen in disbelief, muttering:

“To defeat a peak-Champion level Overlord Dragonite… That has to be a real, honest-to-goodness Champion-level Sylveon…”

He could still remember the time Sylveon came to his Gym to challenge.

Back then, Takuya worried he’d injure Sylveon and deliberately brought out his second string to spar with the little one.

A year later, Natsume returned—with a full Champion-level team.

Takuya could only sigh: “I missed my only shot at ever beating that guy!”

After Natsume cleared the second stage, the remaining challengers’ evaluations were postponed.

After all, the last challenger had soloed the examiner!

If the schedule wasn’t changed, would they have to put Natsume at the peak and make Sylveon the examiner herself?

Contestants pictured Sylveon, imposing as a boss at the summit, and shuddered.

That’d be even scarier than Overlord Dragonite!!

It was Sylveon's first time displaying the power of the Pixie Plate against Dragons—even Natsume was awed by her destructive capability.

In order to look after Dragonite, Natsume spent the evening at the summit, sent out Blastoise and joined the rescue team in spamming Heal Pulse until the Overlord Dragonite woke up, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

“Sylveon~” After the battle was over, Sylveon turned and gave a faint smile.

That’s what being the Sylveon “sis” is about—gotta look out for your little brothers.

When Overlord Dragonite woke up and saw Sylveon's smiling face, he trembled in terror.

A pink demon! Hell itself!

Natsume quickly soothed Overlord Dragonite with the Aura of Ripple, and only then did the great dragon relax and close its eyes in comfort.

“Natsume-sensei, is that the Aura of Viridian?” the junior captains asked, astonished. “I've heard Lance the Champion has similar strength—he can heal Dragon-types!”

“Uh… more or less. Lance’s ability is pretty similar to mine,” Natsume replied.

The junior captains looked on with respect.

Only the pure-hearted, blessed by the forest, can possess the Aura of Viridian.

Sure, Natsume’s tactics might be “dirty,” but being granted something like the Aura of Viridian means his character is absolute!

……

The energy at the summit was abundant, and there were even natural hot springs for a bath.

On the night after the evaluation, Natsume camped out in a tent at the mountain peak, planning his strategy for the challenge against Dragon-type Elite Four.

President Masaru didn’t send anyone to stop Natsume.

After all, Natsume was a strong contender for this year’s champion; letting him stay among the dragons would only help his training.

Much of Victory Road's scenery had been built by Pokémon strength, but the ridge of the Dragon-type habitat had existed since ancient times.

Natsume even saw a Dragapult—like a ghostly fighter jet—levitating past, carrying a clutch of Dreepy children.

It must be a spirit born from the generations-long rest of dragons on this ridge.

It was cold at the peak, mist drifting everywhere, but above, the starry sky was dazzling—a shining painting spread out before Natsume’s eyes.

He sat at the edge of the cliff, legs dangling, hands gripping the rocks, heart surging.

He was afraid of heights, but the more afraid he was, the more he wanted to test the limits!

Like standing atop a skyscraper—irresistibly drawn to the railing, peering over the edge.

Maybe that’s just human nature.

Beside him, a massive Dragonite was also gazing at the stars.

Its huge backside took up most of the cliff—one careless move and it could easily push Natsume off.

“Dragonite?” Overlord Dragonite plucked a branch loaded with berries and offered it to Natsume.

Want one?

“Thanks, but I’ll make myself a midnight snack in a bit,” Natsume smiled.

“Dragonite~” Overlord Dragonite shrugged—“Suit yourself”—and stuffed berries and branch in its mouth, chewing with satisfaction.

Natsume kicked his legs.

The huge Dragonite did the same, stirring up a powerful wind.

Natsume’s face went pale. He shouted, “Latias, if I fall, catch me with Agility!”

“Now you remember me~” Latias hovered quietly above, giggling.

Night was peaceful. In the distance, the lights of the Victory Road arena shone at the mountain’s base.

Natsume felt a chill as night deepened. He heard a rustle and turned.

Sylveon crept nearer, ribbon holding a thick blanket, acting startled before looking away in disdain.

“Bu…Sylveon…”

It’s not like this is for you or anything…

Natsume chuckled and scooped Sylveon into his arms.

You take the blanket—I'll take Sylveon!

Sylveon didn't resist, eyes turning to the wilderness beyond the cliff, then tilting her head upward. In her pupils was reflected the radiant starry sky.

A subtle aura flowed from her and the dragons of the ridge fell silent—not a single roar broke the night.

After a while, Sylveon narrowed her eyes and yawned: “Sylveon~”

I'm sleepy. Tomorrow, we battle together again~

“Let's eat dinner first.”

Natsume looked back toward the tent, Gengar waved him over with a proud “Gengar!”

Everything's ready~!

Beside the camping stove, legendary chef-form Rotom appliances assembled—a microwave, electric fridge, oven...

“System overload, Rotom… o(TヘTo)”

Natsume set Sylveon down and stood, legs trembling, “Dragonite, come eat with us!”

“Dragonite?” Dragonite blinked in confusion.

Half an hour later.

The six-meter Dragonite was upending a pot of boiling curry, pouring it down in a single go!

“Dragonite~!”

So good! So good!

Natsume rested both hands on his hips in exasperation, staring up at the enormous, chubby white belly.

“Gengar! Σ(っ °Д °;)っ” Gengar took a step back.

This guy eats even more than me!

“Tyranitar…(￣～￣)” Tyranitar gnawed a rice ball, crunching diamonds as if they were snacks.

I still prefer my hard foods!

……

A year ago, Natsume and Shiori had already battled once.

It was just an unofficial little web tournament, where Natsume appeared as a “special guest commentator” and challenged the leader.

Back then, Shiori was just a Dragon-type Gym Leader. Now, a year later, she was already the Dragon-type Elite Four.

Her growth had been rapid… But next to training geniuses like Natsume or Iris, it was still another level.

For the third evaluation round, she would serve as gatekeeper to accept Natsume’s challenge.

The battle took place at the summit of the Dragon Ridge.

No live audience would be present, but the video would be uploaded later.

The dragon aura there posed a heavy burden for any challenger, interfering with commands and judgment.

But for Shiori of the Blackthorn family, there was no such problem.

The day following the “Dragonite Extermination Battle,” a cold northwest wind blew.

Shiori wore a tailored dark-green cheongsam trimmed in white fur, black hair rippling in the wind.

With her were Kurosawa, President Masaru, Champion Ryo, Mustard, and his disciples.

They stood on the mountain’s mid-slope, watching satellite footage of the summit.

“I heard… little Natsume pitched a tent on the summit?” Kurosawa asked.

“Yes,” President Masaru replied, “He’s been there a whole day and night.”

“The Dragon-type pulse up there is deadly. Even an aura wielder would struggle—how’s he holding up?” Kurosawa asked.

“Well… even Overlord Dragonite approves of him,” Ryo mused.

“He flattened that Dragonite—of course he'd get respect,” Mustard chuckled.

On screen, Shiori looked serious.

Something loomed ahead: a Gigantamax Gengar tent!

So President Masaru hadn’t been kidding—Natsume was really camped out at the mountaintop?!

The next moment, Shiori’s worldview was shattered again.

“Oh, you’re here.”

The tent flap swung up, a black-haired youth poked his head out, stifling a yawn: “Isn’t there still half an hour till the match?”

“…I’m early,” Shiori replied.

Why do I feel like the challenger here?!

“Just give me a sec…”

A moment later, Natsume stepped free, shivered against the summit chill.

Suddenly, a giant shadow blotted out the sun.

Shiori looked up, composure shifting to respect.

A massive, chubby Dragonite landed with a thump, regarded Shiori curiously, recognized her, and waved warmly: “Dragonite~”

Shiori smiled—then her eyes went wide.

Dragonite plopped down, hugged its knees, and nuzzled its cheek against Natsume's palm, purring: “Dragonite~”

The boss aura vanished. All that was left was a gentle, childlike giant.

“Wh-what…?” Shiori was speechless.

Overlord Dragonite got knocked out by Sylveon just the other day.

Shouldn’t it be holding a grudge against Natsume?

Yet they acted like old friends—and the Dragonite listened to Natsume as if he was its trainer...

Shiori put a hand to her forehead and staggered back.

In just a day, her family’s revered Overlord Dragonite was nearly caught by Natsume!

“Are you alright?” Natsume asked.

“I’m fine… just a little oxygen deprived.” Shiori shook her head tiredly.

Natsume looked guarded.

“I only brought one oxygen tank—gotta save it for myself!”

Shiori was at a loss for words, then said subtly, “Let’s… just start the battle early…”

Facing Sylveon, who had KO’d Overlord Dragonite, Shiori had no confidence in victory.

But Overlord Dragonite hadn’t had a trainer’s command.

And a trainer is a miracle worker.

Besides, the gap between Champion and Elite Four isn’t always insurmountable—

Even Cynthia the Champion has lost half her team to Flint of the Elite Four, winning only thanks to Garchomp!

Natsume nodded, “No problem.”

Mist curled over the summit. Natsume and Shiori stood at either end, the sunlight breaking through clouds.

Overlord Dragonite flapped out to the field’s edge, tilting its head toward Rotom Pokédex: “Dragonite?”

“I’ll be the referee, Rotom!” Rotom Pokédex announced, brandishing two little flags.

“Battle format is 6v4 singles. I’ll send out my Pokémon first.”

Shiori tossed an Ultra Ball: “I’m counting on you, Goodra!”

Goodra’s two antennae stood tall atop its head, its glossy purple body covered in sticky slime, gentle-natured, fond of hugging favorite trainers—and leaving foes in a gooey mess. Sometimes, misunderstood commands just left it dumbfounded, absolutely adorable.

It looked cute, but as a species it boasted a base stat total of 600—a genuine pseudo-legendary from Kalos.

Unlike other regional pseudo-legendaries like Tyranitar, Salamence, or Kommo-o.

“Kalos’s pseudo-legendary really is unique…” Natsume mused inwardly.

He drew a Poké Ball, releasing a beam of red light: “It’s your turn, Togepi!”

“Togepi doo-ee~ ( ^▽^)”

Togepi clutched its Eviolite and struck a dazzling pose.

Shiori’s expression flickered.

It was just too cute… but she couldn’t underestimate it.

She’d already been tricked by Togepi’s Baton Pass once, a year ago.

“Are you going for Baton Pass strategy again…” Shiori called, “Goodra, use Power Whip!”

Goodra zipped forward, antennae slicing the air with a whipping whoosh!

“No need for Baton Pass. Use Draining Kiss!”

Smack!!

Goodra’s antennae struck the ground, shattering rocks as Togepi was flung backwards.

“Togepi~( ×▽× )ノ！”

But at the same time, Togepi fired off a heart-shaped kiss—landing squarely on Goodra’s cheek.

Goodra staggered back a few steps, shaking its head.

Shiori frowned, calling, “Goodra, Rain Dance!”

As a pseudo-legendary that evolves in mist and thunder, Goodra had potent weather control.

“Goodra!!”

With a howl, Goodra summoned drizzling mist at the summit, instantly turning to pouring rain!

Shiori whipped out a paper umbrella, ready for this.

She looked at Natsume—who, cool as ever, pulled a black umbrella from nowhere.

Shiori’s gaze froze, and Natsume sneered:

“You thought I wouldn’t come prepared?”

All you Dragon-type masters—just like Lance, like Raihan—love weather strategies!

Overlord Dragonite stood dazed in the rain, fat droplets bouncing off its big head in a white mist.

Rotom Pokédex: “I’m drowning, Rotom… o(TヘTo)”

Rain poured down as Shiori recalled Goodra, now glancing at Togepi's glimmering form.

Togepi began radiating white light, powering itself up with a move!

Was it Nasty Plot or Self-Motivation?

No time to wonder—Shiori swapped in a Dive Ball and ordered:

“Kingdra, use Hydro Pump!!”

Kingdra’s Swift Swim gave it massive speed in rain.

Cold-eyed, Kingdra gathered water at its snout, compressing it into a razor-sharp jet!

The water blade flew at Togepi—but Togepi vanished in a flash of red, returning to its Poké Ball.

A switch prediction?!

Shiori’s eyes shrank. She recognized that red flash—she’d lost to this very move a year before.

“You said you wouldn’t use Baton Pass again!” Shiori demanded.

“And you believed my trash talk? That’s called psychological warfare!”

Natsume returned Togepi, quickly drawing a Dusk Ball.

“Go, Tyranitar—take back the weather!”

The water blade thundered in—

BAM!!

Amid a swirling sandstorm, a huge silhouette appeared, arms crossed.

Tyranitar's special defense is boosted in sand, letting it tank the Hydro Pump.

Weakness Policy triggered, surging power flooding into Tyranitar’s body.

The tyrant’s crimson eyes blazed as it roared atop the sand-swept summit!

“BANGIII!!”

“So he Baton Passed the buff, stole the weather, AND activated Weakness Policy…”

Mustard, arms clasped behind his back, nodded approvingly: “Natsume’s prediction switches are even sharper than ever!”

“What’s a prediction switch?” Klara tilted her head.

“It’s the art of anticipating your opponent’s command, swapping Pokémon in to counter or escape hazardous moves,” Mustard explained.

Avery adjusted his spectacles, “Master’s Urshifu always carries Choice Scarf for speed, switching in to get us out of tight spots.”

Champion Ryo scowled.

His Tyranitar wasn’t as strong as mine.

And yet—why do I feel anxious before this sandstorm, as if something dangerous lurks…

At the peak, a sandstorm blocked out the sun.

The storm churned across the battlefield—creeping ever closer to Kingdra!

Natsume called firmly, “Tyranitar, Stone Edge!”

“Tyranitar!!”

Tyranitar slammed the ground—explosive force surged below, white light erupting in a line of jagged pillars aimed right at Kingdra!

Kingdra’s eyes widened at the rumbling earth—a razor column burst beneath, lifting it skyward!

THUD!!

Kingdra crashed to earth, spiral-eyed.

Champion Ryo’s jaw dropped.

My Tyranitar can use Stone Edge, too… but not like THAT!

It looks like it’s channeling something special—more than just Stone Edge…

It’s more like—

Primal Groudon’s signature move, Precipice Blades!!