Chapter 736: Victory Road! First Round Advance（Three-in-One）

“Natsume-sensei, good luck!!”

A tidal wave of cheers rolled through the arena.

The trainer’s silhouette on the screen instantly captivated countless members of the audience!

The first round of Victory Road required a challenger to win ten consecutive single battles to advance.

Challengers appeared at random, in a gauntlet format—once someone achieved ten straight wins, they advanced automatically, and the other contestants continued their battles.

This format, to minimize HP loss, was full of instant knockouts and the violent beauty of relentless offense.

Whether trainer or spectator, everyone’s adrenaline surged!

In the stands, Bea sat upright, fists resting on her knees; amidst the roaring crowd, her expression remained intense: “Master…”

Mustard stood, one hand behind his back, stroking his beard as he smiled: “Natsume-boy really is quite the crowd favorite.”

President Masaru sighed emotionally: “His past achievements brought fans from other leagues—some traveled all the way from Norman just to cheer him on.”

“Even without a Champion title, he’s already got several Champion accomplishments!”

“Every Champion, no matter how strong, will one day meet defeat.”

Beneath his long white brows, Mustard’s gaze was gentle as he watched Natsume, just as he once watched Leon—just as he once watched his younger self. He smiled:

“Victory Road is full of randomness—so this old man won’t make any rash predictions. But… the strong aren’t always the ones who win, but the winner is always strong.”

“You mean the importance of luck, Master?” Avery asked.

Mustard gently shook his head, eyes flickering:

“When a trainer finally becomes a league Champion… they always become stronger.”

The commentator’s passionate voice echoed:

“Both contestants are in position! Natsume brings out his iconic Rotom Pokédex! That signature first-person livestream style of his!”

Natsume-sensei’s livestreaming Rotom, now as well-loved as Raihan’s selfie Rotom, was officially recognized by event staff and fans alike.

Rotom Pokédex floated overhead. Fans flocked to the stream, many eyes moist as the black-haired young man’s silhouette stood tall on the stage of Victory Road.

“Ten-year fan here—finally watching Natsume-sensei step onto Victory Road!”

“I’m fired up!”

“Even if the Elite Four show up, Victory Road is just another Baby Cup to him!”

The commentator announced: “In the blue corner, our contestant from the Kalos Region—former Lumiose City tournament Champion, Morgan!”

“Red corner, the challenger from Touran Region, Tokyo City—Natsume! He’s already sent out his Pokémon!”

A beam of red light shot to the field.

Arcanine’s eyes blazed wide, his flowing mane flaring in the wind, body marked by black and orange stripes like a wild tiger. His glossy fur shone in the sun.

“Arcanine!!!”

That powerful, majestic roar—the sheer presence—instantly won over countless hearts in the audience!

“The ancient oriental legendary Arcanine! From ages past to today, its galloping figure inspires trainers everywhere!”

Morgan, in an orange windbreaker, stared with admiration at this formidable opponent, steadied his breath, and threw out an Ultra Ball:

“Let’s go, Absol!”

Absol landed gracefully, limbs crossed fore and hind, white fur sweeping its brow, and a black sickle extension arcing from its head.

“Absol, the Pokémon said to foretell disaster—often misunderstood, but in truth a kind and helpful Pokémon.”

The commentator added, “Its Mega Evolution was first discovered in Kalos, possessing the remarkable power to quell chaos!”

Viewers held their breath.

Absol’s deep gaze locked with Arcanine’s slitted eyes.

The referee dropped the flag: “Let the battle begin!”

“Absol—!”

Morgan showed no trace of complacency as his Key Stone bracelet burst into radiant light.

“Mega Evolution!!”

“Absol!”

Absol’s head angled upward, shoulder fur flaring like wings, its lowered brow covering one eye, the black sickle standing tall—a perfect union of angelic and demonic aura!

The evolutionary glow swept across the field; the audience’s faces registered their awe.

“Morgan opens with a Mega Evolution!” the commentator exclaimed.

Natsume extended his arm: “Extreme Speed!”

Arcanine lunged, agile and sure, cutting across with a white streak—the Extreme Speed exploded with a bang!

Mega Absol’s body shimmered with a green Protect barrier but shattered after a split second—the crack resounding!

“Stone Edge!” Morgan shouted.

Mega Absol, knocked skyward, landed nimbly, claws raking the ground as blinding white light surged below—a ring of stone pillars erupted forth!

“Stone Edge is super effective! Natsume’s Arcanine—he’s charging straight through!!” the commentator marveled.

“Flare Blitz!” Natsume commanded.

Arcanine’s body erupted with searing fire, turning into an orange-and-yellow blur—a wildfire engine smashing through rock pillars!

Rumble!

The temperature spiked. Viewers’ mouths went dry.

“Flare Blitz just broke straight through the rocky blockade!”

After shattering the stone columns, Arcanine surged on, fire trailing from his agile form, pounding toward Mega Absol!

Morgan’s eyes narrowed. “Absol, Detect!”

Absol’s ruby eyes flashed, taken aback as Flare Blitz closed in almost point-blank—no way to dodge!

Boom!!

The arena shook—Mega Absol crashed backward, white fur scorched, tumbled to the turf, the mega aura dissolved—and it fainted instantly!

The smoke cleared.

“Arcanine!!!”

Arcanine stood tall at center field, roaring like a lion, mane blazing in the light.

Morgan stared at Arcanine in stunned silence, sighing softly.

Absolute… one-sided domination!

“Mega Absol was taken down in a single hit?!”

“Baby Cup vibes are back again!”

“The strength gap is too much.”

“Champion—this is what a Champion’s Arcanine looks like!”

The commentator declared, “No rest between rounds—the next contestant is up immediately…”

Before he finished:

Boom!!

Arcanine’s Fire Blast smashed a giant charred crater into the sponsor’s billboard at the edge of the field!

“Fire Blast… missed, huh.” Natsume winced inwardly.

My hit rate with this move isn’t even thirty percent!

“No surprise there.”

“Didn’t expect to see this kind of dinner highlight reel on Victory Road!”

The second trainer, last season’s Unova runner-up, gaped speechless.

Fire Blast missed… but the pressure was overwhelming!

His Mega Scizor, quadruple weak to fire, was drenched in cold sweat.

The trainer glanced at the blackened crater.

Knowing victory was now impossible, he went for a chip-damage strategy:

“Scizor, use Bullet Punch!”

Mega Scizor sprang forward, pincers gleaming with bullet-like silver sparks!

“Arcanine, Flamethrower!”

“Arcanine!!”

Arcanine opened his jaws, erupting a torrent of flames that engulfed the leaping Scizor!

Bullet Punch landed, lightly denting Arcanine’s chest—barely leaving a mark.

The fire faded—Scizor dropped to its knees, head drooping, pincers limp—then toppled with a thud.

“Winner: Natsume!”

The referee waved his flag.

Near a window on the arena’s second level, Champion Ryo folded his arms, coolly observing:

“This Arcanine’s flames are every bit as fierce as my Talonflame.”

Shiori cast him a sidelong glance.

That’s one way to toot your own horn…

“How long did you take to clear this round?” Shiori’s voice was icy.

“Three hours… that was the all-time record,” Ryo boasted.

Shiori tapped the glass, calm: “He’s just finished his third opponent.”

Cough! “Third match? That’s not even ten minutes!”

“Mmm…” Even Shiori’s cool composure wavered.

In the ring, Ampharos lay groaning on the ground, shrouded in darkness.

Arcanine, backlit by sunlight, bared his fangs in an honest smile: “Arcanine~”

“Ampharos…” Ampharos’ eyes rolled back, spiraling. It fainted on the spot.

The commentator: “A one-hit knockout again! Mega Ampharos was finished off by Extreme Speed!”

“I gave up. One shot—that’s all to say about it.”

“Natsume-sensei: As a Champion, fighting through Victory Road with a Champion Pokémon is perfectly logical, right?”

Backstage.

“The difference in raw strength…”

President Masaru muttered, “This is truly a Champion-level Arcanine.”

Ancient legend has it: Arcanine galloped across the Touran continent, driving back the eternal night.

Touran’s love for Arcanine rivals the Unova people’s veneration for Volcarona.

It had been many years since a Touran trainer bred an Arcanine to such a level.

Watching Arcanine’s heroics, well-versed in mythology, President Masaru felt a rush of excitement!

Klara glanced at her teacher: “Next round, Arcanine’s opponent is Milotic.”

“I’ve heard both Mr. Leon and Natsume-sensei like to give their Pokémon coverage moves.” Avery pushed his glasses up.

“It won’t last long, believe me.” Mustard smiled, hands folded behind his back.

Fourth match—the Milotic trainer tried for a stall battle.

Aqua Ring wove a curtain of water around Milotic’s creamy body; jets of water fired at Arcanine’s eyes!

Bang! Bang!

Arcanine turned to block the jets, threw his head back, howled—a white sphere gathered in his jaws, launched skyward, and parted the clouds!

The sun blazed bright.

“Sunny Day! Arcanine changed the field weather—this will weaken water-type moves!”

The opponent realized Natsume was setting up Arcanine’s Solar Beam strategy, and ordered coolly,

“Milotic, use Protect!”

Just as Natsume expected: “Arcanine, Agility!”

The crowd and livestream gasped together.

“Wow, so greedy!”

“He read the Protect perfectly!”

“Even in a Baby Cup, you gotta anticipate the opponent’s moves?!”

Backstage, trainers looked on in envy.

It’s a hopeless fight… but Natsume-sensei always finds a way to make things even tougher!

If it were me, I’d get demolished too…

The opponent broke out in cold sweat as Arcanine, now lightning-quick, circled Milotic’s flank—and a call to ‘dodge’ was already too late!

‘Arcanine, Solar Beam.’

Natsume gave the mental cue.

With Sunny Day, Solar Beam requires no charge, so he didn’t call it aloud—using The Power of One’s intuition made it hit even easier!

“Arcanine!!”

Crystal light gathered in Arcanine’s mouth, sunlight streaming in, and the Solar Beam fired in an instant!

“Milotic~”

Milotic wailed as the Solar Beam engulfed it, cream-colored body scorched, head drooping, smoke rising.

“Milotic’s amazing special defense let it survive! But Arcanine’s next attack—”

Boom!!

“Arcanine~~”

Arcanine, showing no mercy, Extreme Speed’d Milotic out of the ring!

Thud!

Milotic hit the ground, eyes swirling.

“Milotic’s Cute Charm had no effect!” The opponent clutched their head in confusion.

“Arcanine…”

The big dog glanced at fallen Milotic, breathing a sigh of relief.

It had learned a lesson from Sylveon— the prettier a Pokémon is, the more fierce and dangerous!

Milotic, you won’t fool me!

“Fourth round—winner: Natsume!”

The fifth opponent sent out speedy Hitmonlee, but it couldn’t match Arcanine’s speed—Body Slam sealed the deal.

Sixth match, an Alolan trainer brought Snorlax and unleashed its signature Z-Move!

“Snorlax, Pulverizing Pancake!!”

“SNORLAX!!”

White energy from the Z-Ring surged into Snorlax, its massive form glowing red,

Snorlax’s eyes snapped open, burning with destruction, pounding across the field toward Arcanine!

The ground thundered.

Spectators all swallowed hard.

Gentle Snorlax—somehow turned into a rampaging titan!

Like a moving mountain, overwhelming in its pressure!

“Arcanine, block it.”

Snorlax’s trainer was stunned.

Did I mishear? Just “block it?”

I used a Z-Move and you’re not even using Protect?!

“Snorlax, crush it!” the trainer cried in frustration.

“SNORLAX!!”

Snorlax charged with everything it had!

Arcanine, equally reckless, met it head-on!

Bam!!!

The arena shook; viewers gulped.

“He really blocked it…”

“He stopped a Z-Move with a normal move?!”

A hush, as the dust settled.

Snorlax blinked in shock, sweat on its brow.

“Arcanine!” Arcanine, head wedged into Snorlax’s belly, bared its fangs in a ruthless grin.

Then, Arcanine heaved and tossed Snorlax up—huge body lifted clean off the ground, huge arms flailing!

“Snooorlax, snor…”

Viewers stared, astonished: “Wonder what Snorlax is saying…”

“My guess is: Put me down…”

Thud!

Arcanine tossed Snorlax, its head shining with Iron Head, and bashed it hard!

“Winner—Natsume!”

Bea maintained her attentive student posture, eyes sparkling: “Sensei’s Arcanine is amazing.”

That move even included fighting skills—clearly inspired by Ash’s Charizard’s Seismic Toss!

Spectator area.

Shiori checked her watch, “Half an hour, six straight wins.”

She glanced at Ryo in silence.

“Hmph. Not bad!” Ryo replied, as cool as ever.

The sun dipped; the black-haired young man stood in the arena, shirt hem fluttering in the wind.

Natsume glanced at the board, murmured, “Four more matches…”

“All right then.”

Arcanine braced himself, eyes locked on the next contestant emerging from the tunnel, unleashing an Intimidate roar.

From the livestream, you could hear Natsume-sensei’s calm tone.

“Next.”

Seventh match, the opponent sent out rock steel-type Aggron.

“Aggron—Mega Evolution!!”

Blazing white light—the mega Aggron looked wrapped in kurt steel armor, face sharpened, gaze fierce.

A flash of orange wildfire barreled across the field, booming like a crashing train!

Boom!!

The massive Aggron was sent flying, slamming into the ground with a roar, the earth caving and crisscrossing with cracks!

The field went silent, all eyes wide.

“One turn… instant knockout…” Even the commentator’s voice faltered.

“Next.”

Blue sparks rippled around Natsume, his black hair stirred by the aura’s force, voice calm as always.

No trash talk—yet the stream chat was exploding!

In the audience, a silent Elite Four member in Taoist robes, Kurosawa, stroked his beard, smiling, “That young man has a unique aura.”

“Aura?” Shiori asked.

“Just like me… no, he’s a higher-level aura wielder than I am,” Kurosawa said.

“Similar to my own Dragon’s Power?” Shiori pondered.

Ryo’s face twitched, but he said nothing.

Special abilities—what’s the big deal… It’s not like I have any…

Except… I really don’t!

The eighth victim entered.

From Hoenn, a challenger named Kochha.

“He’s contending for Hoenn’s Elite Four, having challenged the Hoenn Champion League before—a formidable opponent!” said the commentator.

Natsume glanced at Arcanine.

“Arcanine!”

Arcanine shook sweat from his mane, grinned fiercely, fired up!

Kochha threw out his Poké Ball: “I’m counting on you, Blastoise!”

“Blastoise?!”

“That’s Natsume-sensei’s signature Pokémon!”

“Not all Blastoise are created equal…”

“Blastoise!”

Blastoise wore a Key Stone on its forehead, gaze razor-sharp.

Natsume mused to himself.

Putting a Key Stone in such an obvious spot is just asking for trouble.

In a wild battle, I’d smash the Key Stone and stop Mega Evolution cold…

If Kochha knew what he was thinking, he’d be cursing, ‘heartless!’ Instead, he raised his Key Stone bracelet and bellowed:

“Blastoise, Mega Evolution!!”

The light faded.

Mega Blastoise raised its massive rear cannon, both arm-cannons locked onto Arcanine, three rivers of Hydro Pump merging into a roaring blast!

Arcanine was caught off guard, staggered by Hydro Pump, baring his fangs: “Arcanine…”

Kochha’s heart soared.

It may be a gauntlet, but beating Natsume-sensei is still bragging rights!

“This is Hydro Pump?!” Natsume frowned.

“How about that! With Hydro Pump’s power, how much longer can Arcanine last?!”

Natsume was silent.

That “Hydro Pump” felt more like a Water Gun.

This Blastoise’s Hydro Pump…?

In internal matches, Arcanine shrugged off even that Blastoise’s Hydro Pump—this was nothing…

Kochha pressed the attack: “Blastoise, keep using Hydro Pump!”

“Blastoise!”

Mega Blastoise’s cannons spun out torrents of water, three lines booming toward Arcanine!

“Wild Charge,” said Natsume.

Staggered by Hydro Pump just moments ago, Arcanine suddenly sprang forward.

The viewers’ eyes widened as loose stones on the field exploded into the air under Arcanine’s thunderbolt-like charge.

A straight line plowed through the earth, crisscrossed with blue electricity.

Arcanine, incarnation of azure lightning, slashed through the water with a shock of blinding light and shot past Blastoise!

In real-time, everyone froze for a split second as Blastoise tumbled to the ground with a thud!

Even the referee could hardly react, stunned by what just took place.

Mega Blastoise, who had held all the advantage, was toppled in a heartbeat and knocked out!

“Fusion Bolt?”

Kurosawa’s eyes flew wide in disbelief.

Why would an Arcanine wield the dual forces of black and white Opelucid?

Shiori remained silent.

I suspect this Arcanine is a dragon in disguise—and I have every reason to believe it…

Ryo, back turned to the group, kept up his frosty pose.

Fusion Bolt… nothing to do with me…

Kochha’s smile froze on his face. Dazed, he looked at his fallen Blastoise, then glanced at Natsume.

“Your Blastoise's Water Gun is pretty good.”

Natsume-sensei gave a slight smile.

Kochha was confused, but…but that was supposed to be Hydro Pump…

“Haha, that’s just savage!”

“Don’t go thinking all Blastoise Hydro Pumps are created equal!”

The stands erupted with commotion.

“Next.” Natsume glanced toward the contestant tunnel.

A wave of cheers filled the arena, impossible to contain.

Bea straightened her back, actually trembling slightly, her eyes shining with starlight. “Master…so cool…”

The ninth opponent was a fan, who introduced himself—and the livestream chat exploded with “Good guy!”

“So it’s true—wherever you go, you’ll find Foodie Friends!”

“Victory Road isn’t just a Baby Cup, it’s a Fan Tournament too…”

“Natsume-sensei is usually ruthless when it comes to battling fans!”

As soon as the battle began, Natsume calmly said:

“Arcanine, Morning Sun!”

Arcanine raised his head, howled, and sunlight sparkled around him, flowing into his body, small flames flickering as wounds healed at a speed visible to the naked eye!

“Battled for an hour, only to realize the boss is back at full health.”

“It’s hopeless… so this is the pressure Natsume-sensei brings.”

The fan’s Nidoking stood no chance against Arcanine and was down after five minutes from Iron Head.

Beep—

The big screen now showed Natsume had won nine in a row—just one more to advance!

And only an hour had passed on the clock—a new record could well be set!

The last challenger emerged from the contestant tunnel, a Master from the Fire-type Gym named Saionji.

Renowned as the veteran most likely to become a Fire-type Elite Four, he’d once crossed paths with Entei.

Saionji took out his Ultra Ball, speaking gravely:

“For some reason, from your Arcanine I sense a familiar power.”

“I’ll verify my judgment in battle.” He threw his Ultra Ball.

“Go, Emboar!!”

Boom!

Emboar landed, golden-black belly swirling with a flame pattern, shoulders ablaze with orange fire, a stocky frame.

Natsume was briefly taken aback.

As for the aura Saionji spoke of—most likely the Sacred Fire bestowed by Entei.

This Emboar’s Ability was “Reckless,” powering up its reckless moves, but still far less than the boost of crossed-forces.

Saionji thought otherwise, declaring, “Emboar, Flare Blitz!!”

Boom!!

The ground beneath Emboar split open, stones flying, shoulder flames surging higher, a fiery aura engulfing Emboar!

“ROOOAR!!!”

Natsume looked at Arcanine—who turned, nodded fiercely: “Arcanine!”

Natsume nodded back, “Arcanine, Flare Blitz!!”

Boom!!

Blazing orange fire shot into the sky, wrapping Arcanine as blue lightning flickered through the heat!

The viewers held their breath.

Thud, thud!

Arcanine and Emboar charged simultaneously, the exploding fire illuminating their collision!

No one imagined this would be an even match.

Saionji’s eyes shrank, bewildered.

Impossible?

It was a one-sided instant win.

Elite Four-level Emboar lasted less than two seconds before giving up the struggle!

Boom!!

An explosion of black smoke.

Emboar’s back was charred—he collapsed at Arcanine’s feet.

Beep—

The electronic buzzer echoed through a silent arena.

The timer stopped at 1 hour 10 minutes.

Shiori silently glanced at Ryo again.

“Ahem, let’s get ready for the next evaluation,” Ryo muttered, making his escape.

“Arcanine!(￣0￣)”

On the field, Arcanine beamed innocently, mane gleaming in the sunlight.

A tidal wave of cheers erupted in the stands.

“That big dog is adorable!”

“Natsume-sensei: I could battle ten more!!”

Saionji finally recovered, shaking his head, “My instincts weren’t wrong after all…”

That Sacred Fire was the same overflowing surge as Entei’s energy!

“Ten rounds, all complete—let’s congratulate contestant Natsume on advancing!”

The commentator took a deep breath and said:

“We’ve witnessed history—the birth of the fastest record for clearing the first round!”