Chapter 0734: Becoming Champion and the Matter of Remedial Exams(Two-in-One)

To challenge Victory Road, you need to meet one of the following qualifications:

【Reach the semifinals in any regional League Tournament;

Serve as a regional Gym Leader for at least one year and submit an application to the league;

Clear any regional Battle Facilities, such as Unova’s Battle Subway or Hoenn’s Battle Frontier, etc.】

These requirements are universal across all regions and may be adjusted accordingly.

For example, if Tobias wins the Lily of the Valley Conference Championship, he can directly challenge the Champion League, going up against the Elite Four or even the Champion.

But in the Touran Region, even after winning the tournament Champion, you’re still required to pass one more round of Victory Road Evaluation.

This shows just how difficult it is to become a league Champion.

The “roadside trainers” you encounter on Victory Road might very well be former League Tournament Champions.

There’s a vast gulf of strength between the Tournament Champion and the league Champion.

And even among Tournament Champions, the level of competition varies widely.

For instance, Alain and Ash’s Lumiose Conference was clearly a cut above other League Tournaments.

And of course, there are outliers like Natsume, who absolutely demolished the competition… But Lily of the Valley Conference was, in fact, the first tournament Champion trophy he lifted.

Therefore, Natsume has the qualifications to take on the Touran challenge. After defeating other trainers on Victory Road, he can directly challenge the Elite Four and Champion.

Yesterday, news from the live stream spread like wildfire, causing a sensation across the entire Touran trainer forums.

“Natsume-sensei is really going to challenge the Touran route?”

“I told you, he conquered the league and went on to do graduate studies at Tokyo Metropolitan University… but nobody would believe me!”

“Natsume-sensei even brought a baby team to the Intercollegiate League—unbelievable.”

“Call it senior evaluation for newbies, just like Alder! (insert doge emoji)”

Natsume’s record in Touran is crystal clear.

He started by catching a rookie team, debuted at the Piplup Cup, and bred and leveled up his team all the way.

In just a year and a half, even his rookie team reached Champion-tier… Across all major leagues, only Red, Green, and Leon have achieved something like that!

As for Natsume’s main team lineup, opinions differ.

Some say it’s made up of extremely rare Pokémon like Darkrai and Latias.

Others claim to have spotted him riding Giratina, Reshiram, or even Regigigas.

“I’m from Alamos Town; I saw him with my own eyes, chaining Palkia and Dialga!”

“That day I saw a Reshiram galloping across the sky, and the trainer on its back looked familiar… It was the one who took my allowance!”

“I was there in person! Regigigas floored Primal Groudon!”

Just the thought that you might see these legendary Pokémon on Victory Road in Touran fills fans with a magical excitement, and the forums are once again reliving the hype!

Touran League, competition committee.

President Masaru looked at Ryo of the Elite Four, his face bronze and resolute, arms folded, cape draped, brows tight.

“At the Lily of the Valley Conference in Sinnoh, we’ve seen Latios appear, but there are also rules in some Battle Facilities banning mythical and legendary Pokémon.”

President Masaru chose his words carefully. “What do you think… Should there be any restrictions on Natsume’s team?”

Ryo replied awkwardly, “I suppose it’s best to set some limits… I think.”

If I really had to battle the likes of Reshiram or Giratina… my life might be at risk!

President Masaru nodded, a sigh escaping.

Even last year, President Masaru was convinced that Natsume’s mettle was far beyond that of a rookie trainer.

Back when he discussed this with Tokyo Metropolitan University’s former principal, President Shoya, they both suspected as much—looking back now, their judgment was sound.

This kid really is a Pokémon Master!

Of course, the league never forces Champions to do anything.

League governance is loose—thanks to advanced technology and productivity, humans and Pokémon live in peace, each with their own roles.

Being Champion is more about a trainer’s personal pursuit.

Some trainers find their path on the journey and grow up into responsible adults.

Others forge ahead and make training their profession, becoming Elite Four or even Champion.

Whenever disaster strikes, Champions always stand up out of duty and mission. Champions from different regions will help each other, so there’s never any need to impose extra demands.

“I really am looking forward to this.”

President Masaru smiled kindly. “Just what kind of performance will this kid deliver—and what kind of surprises will he bring!”

Ryo crossed his arms tighter, a flicker of unease cutting through his usually icy composure.

Just after becoming Champion, he has to face Natsume… That’s a mountain of pressure!

But.

Ryo’s eyes shone with determination.

As a seeded candidate for next year’s World Championship, I have to give it my all…

……

Touran Region, Tokyo Metropolitan University.

“Come in.”

Former Principal Hiroshi stroked his white beard and looked up at the visitor. “Takashi, is this about school team funding?”

The Tokyo Metropolitan University school team coach, Takashi, shook his head with a smile. “It’s about Natsume.”

Hiroshi paused briefly, the image of a cheeky, handsome young man rising in his mind, and he scolded half-laughing:

“That guy hasn’t attended class in a year—good thing I never expelled him!”

Coach Takashi exclaimed in surprise, “But I thought if you win a League Tournament Championship, your Battle Department credits are all covered… How could you expel him?”

“Oh… he’s actually in the Finance Department,” the former principal replied.

The two of them exchanged a glance, spotting the same confusion in each other’s eyes.

They had certainly heard stories of the hero who saved the Hoenn Region—at first, they wondered if it was just someone with the same name.

But sure enough—good grief—it really was a third-year student named Natsume from their Finance Department!

“That kid was very low key in his first year.”

Coach Takashi mused, “Maybe seeing Professor Rowan stirred up memories of being a Trainer.”

“In some leagues, kids can set out on their journeys at age ten, so I’m not too surprised,” the former principal said calmly, stroking his beard. “So, your news about him—what is it?”

“Oh, it’s this: Natsume just announced he’s joining the Touran Victory Road, and in a couple of days, he’ll be back in Tokyo.” Coach Takashi spoke.

“Victory Road?” Hiroshi said with a start.

Coach Takashi nodded. “Since he won the Lily of the Valley Conference, he’s eligible.”

Back in the day, the former principal also won the Touran Conference Championship and challenged Victory Road, only to fall short.

Hiroshi stroked his beard, a bittersweet look in his eyes.

Maybe… I’ll find echoes of my lost youthful dream in Natsume’s journey.

“Oh, and he even called me… asked if I needed him to join our team for this year’s Intercollegiate league,” Coach Takashi added.

“Cough, cough!” The former principal choked, then barked, “He can still enter the Intercollegiate league?”

“He actually can… He’s only a junior this year…” Coach Takashi whispered.

The former principal glared slightly. “Tell him to focus on preparing for Victory Road.”

“And… mail him a copy of every test he missed this year, and make sure he makes up each and every one!”

Coach Takashi was stunned, stammering, “A st-student who saved the world still has to do make-up exams?”

“What’s the problem with that?” the former principal said levelly.

“No problem, Principal! Wise as always!”

……

September 23rd, Thursday, Autumn Equinox.

After a full day of fermentation, news of Natsume’s Victory Road challenge caused quite a stir.

Group members all reached out privately for confirmation, and upon getting the answer, many fell into thoughtful silence.

“It must be so he can hold the Champion title and take part in next year’s World Championship.”

Blue Oak spoke calmly: “This way, he skips both Poké Ball and Ultra Ball tiers, straight into Master Ball tier.”

“So Natsume-sensei is finally going to join the World Championship? I can’t wait.” Leon said with a laugh.

Ash’s eyes sparkled, already dreaming of the World Tournament a year from now. “Senior Red, will you be there?”

“We’ll see,” Red replied, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly.

“But…” Yellow worried about Red’s old wrist injury.

“Heh, I’m going to make my debut on the World Championship stage and become a Star Trainer!” Gold wiped his nose.

Silver said coolly, “Whether you can even make Ultra Ball tier is another question.”

Gold bristled, “Nonsense! Come downstairs and fight me right now!”

Whitney teased, “So Silver is just living with Gold then, huh?”

Crystal sighed, “Those two are always at it. Let’s just ignore them, everyone…”

Natsume checked the Chat Group, pausing in confusion.

Join the World Tournament?

What are you guys talking about!

Of course, after I win the championship, I’ll retire and go honeymooning in Alola!

…Wait.

Natsume blinked.

Victory Road finishes up just after New Year’s, around when the Lumiose Conference ends.

So it turns out my schedule is synced with Ash—he’ll head to Alola, too?

“No wonder it’s been over twenty years of anime, and the timeline hasn’t even reached two years.” Natsume murmured.

Group members continued passionately discussing next year’s World Championship.

Steven, Cynthia, Leon… all the champions from every league would gather on the grand stage.

And very likely, another new Champion: Natsume-sensei!

Natsume gave a small laugh and closed the group chat, turning to pack his luggage.

In two days, he’d set off for Tokyo, then head to Victory Road near Kyoto City.

Rumor had it, masters and challengers from every league would be gathering, joined by the four mighty Elite Four and the eagle-eyed Champion Ryo.

Some matches would be held in arenas where viewers could buy tickets to watch.

Others wouldn’t be open to the public, leaving audiences with boundless room for the imagination.

Natsume zipped up his backpack and glanced at the system’s list of tasks.

Top prize was the Champion bonus—including a Master Ball.

The Master Ball is legendary in the Pokémon world, thought to guarantee a 100% catch rate; in the anime, however, it’s hilariously underwhelming.

A fisherman once tried to catch a giant Whiscash with a Master Ball, only for Whiscash to swallow it whole, not getting caught at all.

It’s like the trap card “Mirror Force”—looks unbeatable, but never actually works in real life…

“What I really want is the berries… Unlocking the entire Berry Pokédex would be best.” Natsume muttered.

“Beep…not editing yesterday’s card, Rotom?” asked the Rotom Pokédex.

“No, Gold’s not online—if I make the video now, it’ll just lack that flavor.” Natsume said calmly.

Since it was a fun team, the main purpose was to explain Palossand’s abilities and how to counter it.

Now, if a trainer does run into a dangerous Palossand, they won’t naively throw in a water-type Pokémon.

Also, a new program is already in the works—

That’ll be the Alola clamming video!

Out on Alola’s beaches, there are things like Pyukumuku, Pincurchin, Crabrawler…

Natsume reflexively wiped his mouth.

“Sirfetch’d!? Σ( °Д °;)”

In the corner, Sirfetch’d sensed danger and bolted upright from its sleep.

Natsume glanced at Sirfetch’d.

For Victory Road, Sirfetch’d and Tyranitar would definitely be core members of the main team.

And of course, Arcanine—known throughout Touran as a legendary among Pokémon—would naturally be leading the charge.

“Gengar~”

Gengar, with its little horn twitching, happily folded clothes and packed them neatly into the luggage, squinting its red eyes.

I get to go home for a visit!

“Sylveon…” Sylveon lay on the sofa, baby-blue baby-doll eyes distant.

There must be lots of powerful wild Pokémon on Victory Road, too…

Natsume sorted his Poké Balls and attached them to his belt.

Meloetta, Victini, and Latias would each be traveling with him.

Even if they didn’t battle, Victini’s infinite energy could always help the team recover quickly after each match.

Since Victory Road lasts several months, Cynthia said she’d join just before the finals, bringing Professor Carolina along too.

Natsume himself wondered if he ought to confess his secret to his parents.

To tell them that their son… well, the Gengar he raised is actually a pretty amazing Trainer…

He headed to the café front hall.

Natsume told Indeedee that he’d be away from Lumiose City for a while, and asked it to help look after the shop.

Indeedee smiled and nodded.

Wind chimes tinkled.

Natsume turned back and saw the travel-weary Delibird shake off its feathers and set its bag on the floor.

“Delibird…” Delibird rummaged in its bag for a long time, then presented a huge, heavy cardboard box, blushing as it hauled it to Natsume.

H-here! Your delivery!

Natsume quickly took it, nearly buckling from the weight. “What is this, five years of college entrance exams in three years?”

Delibird shook its head.

I just deliver the packages, okay?

Natsume placed the box on the wooden table. Steenee in her apron, Alcremie with a whisk, and Meowstic with a tray all gathered around in curiosity.

“There’s also a letter from Tokyo Metropolitan University…”

Thoughtful, Natsume opened the envelope and glanced at the signature.

Principal Hiroshi’s bold brushstrokes sprawled across the stationary.

Natsume read through the letter, his expression slowly turning odd.

The gist of the letter was:

Here are all the exams you missed this year. Finish them when you have time, so we don’t have to expel you.

“But wait… I thought once you won a tournament, your Battle Department credits were full…” Natsume trailed off.

And then it hit him: I’m in the Finance Department!

Natsume was filled with mixed emotions.

What is this… Even after saving the world, I still have to do make-up exams?

He opened the box and inside found a thick stack of crisp white tests, still fragrant with fresh ink.

By rough estimate, even flipping through the books would take three days and nights to complete.

Respect for your teachers is such a virtue. For the former principal to remember him like this, mailing exams all the way out… Natsume could only feel grateful.

Natsume clasped the stack of tests, eyes quietly misting over.

Thank you, former principal!