Chapter 0731: Rankings Revealed! The Illegal Pokémon(Two-in-One)
Added 2025-08-03 05:00:07 +0000 UTCPrism Tower, battle arena.
Tyranitar, cloaked in gray-green armor, and Sirfetch’d, holding leek and shield, stood on opposite sides, gazing at each other.
Their physiques formed a stark contrast.
Natsume stood at the boundary of the field’s center line, serving as referee with Little Rotom at his side.
“When Larvitar was born, it was Sirfetch’d that hatched it…” Natsume’s mind wandered a moment.
This intra-team match was the final assessment before returning to Touran.
Just like in the games before Victory Road, you open up your party info, check the levels, and make sure everyone is holding the right moves and items.
At the same time, this was directly related to the pecking order in Natsume’s household!
“Tyranitar!”
Tyranitar swung both claws, letting out a booming roar like a fierce, adorable monster.
“Sirfetch’d…”
Sirfetch’d looked calm and still, nodding quietly.
Tyranitar pondered.
Seems my Intimidate has no effect on Senior at all…
However.
Tyranitar’s gaze grew resolute.
This is also my chance to show it how far I’ve come!
“Sirfetch’d…(`Д`)”
Sirfetch’d felt conflicted—he just couldn’t go all out!
“Sirfetch’d—”
Natsume called out, “Treat this as a Guidance battle!”
Sirfetch’d’s “Guidance” had provided the little ones vital help in the early days of the team.
Even Blastoise used to call him ‘Sirfetch’d Guidance’… and still does to this day.
Right now, though, Sirfetch’d lacked proper power-ups and couldn’t compare in raw strength to Blastoise with Mega Evolution.
If you really wanted to power up Sirfetch’d, you’d probably have to go back to its origin, the Galar Region.
Hearing Natsume’s reminder—
Sirfetch’d paused, and a determined glint slowly bloomed in his eyes.
Guidance battle?
That, I know well!
“Sirfetch’d!”
Facing the towering Tyranitar, Sirfetch’d took hold of its leek, unfurrowing its signature V-shaped brow, exuding an impressive calm.
Come at me, my student.
Let me witness your growth!
In an instant, the battle began!
Tyranitar threw back its head and roared, a wild sandstorm raging throughout Prism Tower!
Sirfetch’d: o(一︿一+)o
You're supposed to attack, not start the weather!
Natsume’s mind raced.
Tyranitar has a quadruple weakness to Fighting, but its physique is overwhelming. Plus, it’s been eating Anti-Fighting Fruit regularly, so it won’t faint from a single Bullet Punch like in the games.
According to “Giovanni’s techniques” breeding, this Tyranitar’s most powerful moves are the wide-range Earthquake and Rock Slide.
In Sandstorm, combined with quicksand hell, Tyranitar can even use the sand for a Counter Shield strategy!
“Tyranitar—!!”
Tyranitar’s drive to battle was sky-high, ranking in the top three throughout Natsume-sensei’s whole team.
As the Desert Tyrant, it unleashed its proudest offensive move right at the start!
Gray energy swirled around Tyranitar, coalescing into massive, sharp rocks. The next moment, the stones shot upwards, and, hidden by the sandstorm, came crashing down in a pounding Rock Slide!!
Natsume’s eyes sparkled, but he gave no command.
Staring up at the falling meteors, Sirfetch’d didn’t flinch.
Instead, he lowered his center of gravity, eyes razor sharp.
Sirfetch’d whirled his leek into a seamless shield of blades, reading the trajectory, white sparks spraying as he split the rocks midair!
Bang! Bang!
This move is called “Detect”!
Natsume’s expression was complex.
This is basically Observation Haki!
Sirfetch’d’s speed was never great, but his swings had a weighty elegance.
Just then, Tyranitar stomped, and the ground cracked, fissures spidering outward, surging with explosive energy!
Rumble!!
Tyranitar unleashed his pride: Earthquake!
“Sirfetch’d!!” In the manner of a jouster, spear held center, Sirfetch’d dashed full speed at Tyranitar.
As he sprinted, golden light condensed on the tip, coating the entire leek in dazzling gold!
“Sirfetch’d!!”
Watch closely—this is the irrepressible Meteor Assault!!
Natsume folded his arms, expression flat.
I know this ability… this is called Armament Haki.
Sirfetch’d’s Brave Bird slashes emitted golden arcs as well—so flashy.
The Earthquake roared, beams bursting from the cracks, swallowing Sirfetch’d.
But a glimmer of gold shot out from the blinding light.
Sirfetch’d, wounded but undaunted, emerged lance-ahead and continued his charge!
Meteor Assault has two uses; throw or thrust, both leave a recoil penalty.
But as long as he holds onto his lance, there’s no worry about losing it.
“Sirfetch’d!!”
Sirfetch’d’s eyes locked with Tyranitar’s.
“Tyranitar!”
Tyranitar bared its teeth in a grin, raising a glowing fist to smash down onto the spearhead!!
Boom!!
Black smoke erupted.
Natsume was startled.
Tyranitar, panting and armor battered, had actually withstood Meteor Assault!
Did its arm block absorb part of the attack?
Looking at his little one’s wounds, Natsume instinctively glanced aside.
“Heal Pulse ready!” Latias called cheerfully.
Natsume stayed silent, turning to Blastoise.
“Blastoiseヾ(■_■)” Blastoise gave a thumbs up.
Full Restore, Revival Herb, Life Dew, Heal Pulse… all ready!
Natsume finally relaxed and nodded.
“Latty~” Latias drooped disappointedly.
On the field, Sirfetch’d braced his sword against the ground, paralyzed from the move, breathing heavily.
Looking up, he saw Tyranitar stomping the ground, armor shaking with a dark red pulse as the sand roared harder!
Dragon Dance!!
“Sirfetch’d! ~ (っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)” Sirfetch’d started crying.
Natsume’s eyes lit up—this was the perfect team assessment opportunity. He raised his right hand and announced:
“Tyranitar—Mega Evolution!!”
Sirfetch’d: ???
The sandstorm grew even wilder, vision all but gone. Natsume put on his Safety Goggles.
In this weather, being on the offensive is nearly impossible for the opponent.
This defines Tyranitar’s crucial role as the team’s weather setter!
Through the goggles’ infrared, he saw the now-spiky, monstrous Mega Tyranitar, howling in triumph.
Yellow sand everywhere crackled down; Sirfetch’d, overwhelmed by emotions, suddenly had a bulb light up over his head: “Sirfetch’d!”
“Sirfetch’d!” Sirfetch’d spun his leek furiously, sending gales that blew the sand away—a mighty Defog!
A huge gust, a real gale!
Mega Tyranitar’s eyes widened as the sand abruptly cleared and Sirfetch’d rushed forward!
“Sirfetch’d!” Sirfetch’d leapt high, blade glowing with a dazzling green Leaf Blade for a critical strike!
But the faster-acting, Dragon Dance-boosted Tyranitar was already moving!
Tyranitar’s body flashed silver, almost like steel, yet tinged with the gleam of diamonds.
Energy focused atop Tyranitar’s head as Iron Head collided straight-on with the leek!
“Sirfetch’d!” Sirfetch’d’s sword met the blow—sparks flew—and he was hurled backwards.
His leek dug into the ground as Sirfetch’d slid meters away, golden sand pelting down.
After a brief silence—
“Sirfetch’d…” Sirfetch’d flopped down, spiral-eyed.
“Beep…Winner, Tyranitar, Rotom!”
Tyranitar disengaged from Mega form, scratching its head curiously. “Tyranitar…”
Why did Senior suddenly give up…?
Natsume rubbed his chin.
Elite Four peak Sirfetch’d can’t beat a Dragon Dance-boosted Mega Tyranitar. That’s expected.
But was it the Guidance factor…? It feels like Sirfetch’d was holding back, no, flooding the field with mercy!
First round sparring ended.
The medical team rushed in for recovery assistance.
“Victini~” Victini’s V-sign glowed, arms open, bestowing energy.
“Meloetta~” Meloetta’s gentle song helped the little ones relax.
Natsume thus gauged Tyranitar’s level:
In normal mode, Elite Four; with Mega Evolution, Elite Four pinnacle.
Perfectly fine for Elite Four of Victory Road—facing the Champion would be tricky.
Natsume glanced at the still-playing-dead Sirfetch’d.
“Sirfetch’d…( -'`-)”
I’m flat out~
Natsume shook his head softly.
Got it—when facing a legendary Pokémon, you definitely won’t hold back!
Match two:
Tyranitar versus Arcanine!
Arcanine’s standing in Natsume’s team is his Intimidate, shared defense, Morning Sun presence, and role as a sun setter.
And, Arcanine’s move pool is incredibly broad: Solar Beam, Wild Charge, Scorching Sands…
In restricted-format matches, Arcanine can be as toxic as Leon’s Charizard.
Additionally, as for special abilities—Arcanine’s Wild Charge and Flare Blitz allow him to trade damage with fierce power.
Cross force, a rare energy mixing thunder and fire, adds massive power to his moves, but puts heavy strain on his own body.
This gives Arcanine a berserker playstyle, boosting damage with cross force—then using Sacred Fire to heal it off!
Natsume shivered instinctively.
Is this… is this going to get me reported for cheating?
You think you’re fighting Mundo (the undying), turns out it’s Olaf with Mundo’s moveset!
As for levels, Arcanine is top Champion team, so he took control against Tyranitar.
“Arcanine!!”
Arcanine opened his jaws, spewing not fire but a vibrant green Solar Beam!
Rumble!
Sirfetch’d: “Sirfetch’d…_〆(´Д｀ )”
Lucky I wasn’t put in this round… facing Arcanine would be a disaster.
Has nothing to do with strength—
That’s just raw food chain dominance!
Natsume: “Why did you recover so fast?”
“Sirfetch’d…_( -'`-)” Sirfetch’d flopped face-first to the ground.
Medic—help!
Natsume: “……”
Everyone here deserves an Oscar…
To Natsume’s surprise,
Third match: Togepi faces Arcanine.
“Togepi doo-ee~(｀▽´)”
Togepi waved his finger.
A slashing blade of energy sliced through nothingness, shearing a tuft of fur from Arcanine, then splitting space with a hiss!
“Woo… Σ(っ °Д °;)っ” Arcanine’s jaw dropped.
Darkrai: “Yah—Spacial Rend? Σ(っ °Д °;)っ”
You can get that off a Metronome?!
Natsume blinked, looking conflicted.
Gengar and Darkrai never learned that move.
But Togepi did, via Metronome!
“Arcanine!”
Arcanine tested with a Fire Blast, booming toward the little eggshell.
Togepi recalled his brother’s gaze, raising both hands:
“Doo-ee! (╬◣д◢)”
Togepi’s look turned sharp!
Natsume: “……”
I have got to have words with Gold!
Then Togepi bounced into the air, hurling himself at Arcanine in a golden flash, as though drawing down a heavenly sword—so bright it looked like a meteor!
Dragon Ascent!!
Natsume: “What the—!”
Darkrai: “What the—!”
Boom!
Black smoke billowed.
Arcanine’s massive body was embedded in the wall, wise old eyes full of confusion: “Arcanine…”
Natsume gazed at the ceiling.
If Togepi can Metronome a Dragon Ascent… it must be because of that Rainbow Meteorite fragment.
Using that meteorite, they let Rayquaza Mega Evolve, and Natsume kept hold of it ever since.
Supposedly Togepi’s eggshell is full of happiness, and if you treat it gently, it’ll share luck with its Trainer.
Whether Togepi has shared any luck, Natsume isn’t sure.
But when he skips giving commands, Togepi just rolls Dragon Ascent through Metronome…
“What is the point of being a trainer!!” Natsume wailed.
Match four: Togepi versus Blastoise.
“Doo-ee…” Togepi bowed cutely.
“Blastoise.”
Blastoise, anticipating trouble, instantly stacked three layers of Iron Defense—fully armored.
Apparently, Arcanine’s defeat weighed on him!
Then Blastoise used Aqua Ring, sparkling with Life Dew energy, with an added bonus of antidote.
Natsume massaged his brow. Letting Togepi and Blastoise get stuck in, he drifted into thought.
On this team, Blastoise is top-tier damage, and with Mega Evolution, stands at the peak of Champions.
Once Origin Pulse is fully mastered, he might challenge Battle Legends status.
On the field, Togepi squatted to play on his handheld console.
Blastoise withdrew, stacking even more defenses…
If this goes on, we still won’t have a winner by sundown.
Natsume: “…By fatigue rules, let’s move Blastoise to the next round.”
It is our duty to restore the honor of stall battles!
Match five.
Sylveon vs. Blastoise.
To keep it fair,
Natsume thoughtfully had Gengar use Black Mist to clear Blastoise of all positive buffs.
Sylveon, elegant and adorable, trailed glimmering ribbons of light as she strode onto the field.
She opened her crystalline blue eyes.
“Sylveon! (#｀皿´)”
Natsume: “……”
Sylveon, unstoppable!
“Blastoise…” A bead of sweat rolled down Blastoise’s forehead.
Sylveon-sister’s presence only grows stronger…
The palm-sized Pixie Plate floated up, hovering above Sylveon, shimmering and then merging into her body.
Fairy energy suffused the battlefield as Sylveon’s white coat gleamed with an aura of beauty.
Blastoise frowned deeply.
With Geomancy in play, there’s no point contesting power-ups!
“Blastoise!” Blastoise acted fast, jets of water launching him backward as he took cover.
Blastoise’s confidence surged. He glared back, cannons aimed and ready!
Full HP, Torrent active!!
Natsume looked complicated.
Against Primal Kyogre, that was red HP Torrent… maybe he’s got Focus Sash Torrent now…
“Sylveon!”
Sylveon wasn’t holding back either—her whole body glowed, as energy from every direction congealed into a dazzling ball, pouring into her.
You could see her powering up with Geomancy across the entire field!
With the Pixie Plate and support from Xerneas,
Sylveon mastered her signature move even quicker than Blastoise or Tyranitar!
Darkrai, arms crossed, twitched nervously.
In less than half a month, Sylveon had reached Champion level.
With Pixie Plate and Geomancy, Sylveon had leapfrogged past even Blastoise in the battle with Primal Kyogre!
Nothing fancy.
Blastoise’s eyes narrowed, and he fired two full-powered Hydro Cannons from his back!
Boom!
Like thunder, the combined Hydro Cannon raged across the field, unleashing a massive torrent toward Sylveon!
In front of Sylveon, a layered Light Screen shined. Empowered by Lunar Dance, the Light Screen glittered vividly!
Boom!
The Hydro Cannon punched through a first, second, a third Light Screen and hammered Sylveon directly!
“Sylveon!!”
Sylveon gritted her teeth, digging in as the massive hit flung her backward. With phenomenal special defense, she endured the assault.
“Blastoise…” Blastoise’s gaze was intense, but in front was a Geomancy-boosted Sylveon, her white fur radiant, eyes fierce.
“Sylveon! (▼皿▼#)”
Blastoise glanced at his Trainer. Natsume, using Victini’s energy, raised his hand high:
“Blastoise—Mega Evolution!!”
“Blastoise!”
Brilliant light flashed across the field.
Buzz—
Mega Blastoise’s pupils glowed red, his head bulging, a giant turret rising over his shell, with arm cannons like rapid-fire guns.
But, still locked in Hydro Cannon’s cooldown, Mega Blastoise was rooted, frowning, only able to fire Water Pulse skyward!
Water Pulse!
The spray split into a waterfall, raining down from above!
With Geomancy’s boost and Sylveon’s already immense special defense...
Natsume wasn’t worried for Sylveon—he was more fearful of Blastoise’s medical bills!
“Damn!”
From Sylveon’s mouth gleamed a cataclysmic white glow—Natsume’s eyelid twitched.
He thought nobody could take down Blastoise now…
Forgot there’s always Sylveon-sister!
“Sylveon!!”
Sylveon unleashed a blinding Hyper Beam—the awesome flash swallowing Mega Blastoise whole!
Natsume twitched again.
Forget math… this Hyper Beam topped at 13,000 power points!
The little ones’ faces shifted.
“Gengar~o(≧Д≦)っ!”
“Sirfetch’d…~(っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)”
“Beep… System Overload, Rotom! o(TヘTo)”
Black smoke dissipated.
Blastoise’s Mega Form faded away. He knelt on one knee, his shell emitting black smoke. Glancing back at his shell, he slowly raised his right paw. “Blastoise…”
All the little ones were visibly shaken.
The invincible Blastoise had fallen!
“Sylveon~” Sylveon swished her ribbon in proud defiance.
Who dares call themselves invincible? Who dares claim to be undefeated?
A hush fell over the field. The aftershock of Hyper Beam had shattered Latias’s Light Screen and rattled Prism Tower.
Natsume swallowed hard.
This… this is what it means for Sylveon to be equipped with the Pixie Plate!
He glanced at Clembot and saw it was already frozen in crash mode.
“Gengar…” Gengar looked up blankly and glanced at Natsume.
Natsume: “We don’t need any more battles… Better call the renovation team first…”
……
Sunset fell and dusk settled in.
The final rankings for Natsume’s team were hot off the press.
In order: Gengar, Sylveon, Blastoise, Togepi, Arcanine, Tyranitar, Sirfetch’d.
In the end, even Referee Little Rotom personally entered the fray and narrowly lost to Sirfetch’d.
Gengar, as the Trainer, was indisputably number one.
Sylveon defeating Mega Blastoise—now that was quite a “surprise”…
Natsume finally understood: every one of his Pokémon possesses some unique trick or talent!
Before returning to Touran,
Natsume decided to start a long-awaited live stream, and announced his own challenge of Victory Road.
The script was already set.
The Sinnoh script was called “Sinnoh Live-in Son-in-Law”…
This episode, this one would be called: The God of Battle Returns!
