Chapter 0716: A Battle Legend Playing in the Baby Cup...?(Two-in-One)

A hush fell over the gardens.

“Amazing…”

Korrina couldn’t help but punch the air, imitating Gengar’s earlier moves, and murmured, “He really knocked out Mr. Lance’s Red Gyarados with his fists!”

Gengar’s Attack Stat left much to be desired, yet the physical move “Foul Play” could harness the ferocious destructive power of Red Gyarados for itself.

Looked at another way—when a spellcaster is pushed to their limit, swinging their fists is perfectly reasonable!

Sunshine spilled over the fallen Red Gyarados, its scales shining.

Mega Gengar had managed to knock down a Red Gyarados nearly eight meters tall—the spectacle was astounding. Even Steven privately marveled.

Not challenging Natsume-sensei… was absolutely the right call!

“Come back,” Lance said, taking out a Poké Ball. A beam of red light recalled Red Gyarados.

The red-haired man’s brows were drawn, his authoritative gaze met Natsume’s, and after a moment, a helpless smile crept onto his lips.

“I lost, Natsume-sensei.”

“Gengar~(￣︶￣)↗”

Gengar had already reverted from Mega form, its red eyes narrowed, sticking out its tongue to lick along Natsume’s cheek.

A chilling, sticky sensation crawled down his spine; Natsume shuddered, face tense and numb as he nodded, “Well done.”

Lance paused, not caring for the win or loss—rather, he was worried for Natsume-sensei’s safety.

That was a Champion-level Gengar’s “Lick”, wasn’t it?

Taking that with your body is really fine, Natsume-sensei?!

“Woohoo! I got it all recorded!”

The cap-wearing young man in the spectator’s area pumped his fist with his mobile phone, delighted, “Now Lieutenant Surge can’t claim I was lying!”

Lance cocked his head at a 45° angle and fixed Gold, who was blissfully unaware, with a withering glare.

“Hey—what did you say you recorded? That last match?”

“Of course! Don’t take it so seriously, Senior Lance.”

Gold wiped his nose, held his head high, and grinned, “After all, I got crushed by Natsume-sensei before too. Nothing to be ashamed of! Hahaha!”

For the first time, Lance managed a smile, which inexplicably made everyone present shudder.

The oppression of a dragon’s presence!

Silver looked at Gold with deep sympathy.

“Come on, Gold, let’s have a battle!” Lance lifted his cape and strode over, laughing and joking with Gold, “Use your favorite format!”

“Wild Battles? Just so you know, I’m not holding back.”

“Of course...” Lance’s eyes lost their glint, giving Gold a lofty look, “I’ll just send out all three Dragonair together.”

“What?!”

What followed was a ‘no-holds-barred battle’ between Lance and Gold using a special, unconventional set of rules.

Each took three Poké Balls to the field’s dividing line—it was allowed to attack the Trainer directly, allowed substitutions, and the first to knock out any one of the opponent’s Pokémon won.

Natsume looked on, face odd.

If Ash were battling, the whole thing would look like—

Ash fighting 1v4 with his own body, Pikachu shouting from the sidelines:

“Pikachu!” (Ash, stop fighting and get back here!)

Now it was Rotom’s turn to broadcast the live match between Lance and “Gold the Fifth”.

Natsume had some time for the chat group and glanced at the records, one eyebrow arching.

Good grief, betting on Lance and me, and you didn’t invite me—

Of course I’d bet on Lance to win!

Gold the Fifth twisted and dodged, causing quite a bit of trouble for Lance, but Lance eventually activated the “Aura of Viridian” cheat to power up his Dragonair and knocked out Gold’s “Exbo” Typhlosion.

“You, you cheat! That was a sneak attack!” Gold, battered and bruised, leaned on Crystal’s shoulder.

Lance, arms folded, face streaked with dirt, calmly replied, “In no-holds-barred battles, you use every trick you’ve got.”

Still… Lance brushed weeds off his cheek, feeling frustrated.

Somehow, fighting an all-out match with Gold was even less relieving than before!

Cynthia stood outside the arena, observing with a smile:

“It’s a rare thing for Gold to actually spar with Lance.”

Natsume nodded, reflecting, “Just a shame about Gold’s normal format... that’s another story...”

Among Pokédex holders, Gold the Fifth excelled most at Wild Battles—Emerald was better with strategy.

As for regular format... Gold couldn’t even beat the Johto Gyms. It was enough to make you cry.

By sunset, golden sunlight spilled over the gardens.

Siebold and the rest recovered from the shock and rose to say their goodbyes.

Lance and Steven both had their own business; the Johto Trio left on Steven’s private jet.

Three hours later, after the group mute lifted—

Roxie: “Ψ(￣︶￣)Ψ Pay up, pay up!”

Lt. Surge: “crying x3”

Sabrina coolly: “Serves you right.”

“So Steven didn’t battle Natsume-sensei?” Wallace asked in surprise.

“No,” Steven went online, smiling, “I have to continue my travels in Kalos.”

“Still collecting ores for your collection?”

“If I can find some promising youngsters, I’d like to nurture a few Trainers for Hoenn as well,” Steven smiled.

Natsume remembered the rookie from Hoenn, Sawyer, who met Steven in Kalos and received a Sceptilite, and shook his head.

I’m jealous, so jealous!

Finishing that match with Lance also stirred new insights for Natsume.

Even facing Mega Red Gyarados, the counter-type Gengar relied on overwhelming level and flexible strategy.

But at present, if Lance sent his ace, Dragonite—

Without using Victini’s “Infinity Energy” cheat,

even Mega Gengar would have some trouble.

Natsume sank into thought.

Lance and his partner Dragonite’s strength had reached the absolute peak among Champions—strong enough to duel Blue Oak, Red, and the rest…

Maybe they should have a different title than just Champion.

Back in the front hall, Natsume nodded at Indeedee at the bar.

“Is there a title higher than League Champion?”

Natsume asked Cynthia: “For example, the legendary from Mt. Silver? The undefeated legend?”

“That would be ‘Battle Legend’.”

Cynthia paused in thought, correcting, “After Kanto and Johto merged, the league held a meeting and decided to bestow lifetime honorary ‘Battle Legend’ titles to two Trainers—Red and Blue Oak. Even Lance, who was League Champion at the time, didn’t get that honor.”

“In the Galar region, Mustard, who was a thirteen-time Galar Champion, was also given the ‘Battle Legend’ title in his youth.”

Cynthia hesitated, then said, “Even though it’s a lifetime honor, time doesn’t spare anyone...”

Natsume nodded softly.

Battle Legends… Trainers with this class even showed up in Ultra Sun and Moon.

The old Mustard could even fight Leon evenly with Lance. In his youth, “Battle Legend” was well-deserved.

“Did the Sinnoh League never grant such a title to its Champion?” Natsume wondered.

Cynthia shot Natsume a look, sighing, “That title isn’t easy to come by—”

“Becoming a Champion is practically the basic requirement. Plus, you need agreement from all the leagues to be recognized as an official Battle Legend.”

“But,” Cynthia looked at Natsume, smiling a little, “getting recognized by the leagues... at least Sinnoh, Unova, and Hoenn would do it for you.”

Natsume looked up at the sky.

Unova and Hoenn recognizing him made sense—after all, he’d dealt with Ghetsis and stopped the massive meteorite.

As for Sinnoh—if even the Champion is in your own circle, who cares anymore?

“Having the Battle Legend title would actually be pretty inconvenient.”

Natsume said seriously, “At least Red couldn’t, say, enter the Baby Cup like I can.”

Cynthia: “……”

A Battle Legend playing in the Baby Cup...?

“That’s who you are.” Cynthia smiled warmly.

“Thanks for the compliment.” Natsume scratched his head.

“Gengar! (ノдヽ)” Gengar covered his forehead.

That wasn’t even a compliment!

“Sirfetch’d…(′ω`)”

Sirfetch’d, holding leek and shield, nodded off in the corner, blinking in confusion.

Battle... legend...

Hadn’t someone mentioned that before?

But when was that exactly…

Sirfetch’d’s sharp V-shaped brow furrowed, his gaze steady but dull, his eyes slowly closing.

“Quaa… zzz~(。-ω-)”

……

That day, reports of the ribbon-cutting ceremony made headlines across the major media.

The awe of gathered Champions, the owner’s powerful background... all this stirred deep curiosity.

Before the other guests arrived, Natsume decided to store the Rainbow Wing and DNA Splicers in the back room to avoid trouble.

“They seem pretty lively, huh.”

Natsume casually gave both legendary items an Aura of Ripple scan.

In an instant, the Rainbow Wing shimmered with a sparkling, prismatic glow, and the DNA Splicers crackled with thunder, fire, and ice!

Natsume: “……”

So it’s not just Pokémon—even legendary items can ‘match’ their Trainer…

The most important event that day, aside from obtaining the Sparkling Stone and the friendly match with Lance,

was Valerie’s info about the “Mineral Kingdom.”

If Arceus could get back the Pixie Plate, it would be a long-overdue boost for Sylveon as well.

He suddenly thought of something, and to check Ash’s schedule, Natsume opened the private message interface.

“How many badges do you have now, Ash?”

Ash: “Just got my first one, Miss Viola’s Bug-type badge!”

Natsume grinned: “Congratulations.”

“By the way, Natsume-sensei, can I invite a partner into the group?” Ash asked.

“Who is it?”

“Um... it’s Serena, a Trainer from Vaniville Town.”

Serena?

Serena, the girl protagonist of Pokémon XY, rescued by Ash as a child, and one of the few girls to show clear romantic interest in Ash.

Besides her first date with Ash and covering for him in battles while he was sick, she even kissed him when leaving Kalos.

Fated companion plus childhood friend—truly winning at life!

With her short, ear-length haircut, Serena looked entirely different from the XY Special and game female protagonists—her appearance was only fitting.

Natsume’s eyes showed appreciation, nodding: “Approved!”

……

Kalos Region, outskirts of Santalune City.

Seeing the group list, with famous Coordinators like Wallace and Fantina—

“Is it really okay?” Serena asked uncertainly.

“No problem!” Ash grinned cheerfully. “Natsume-sensei already said yes!”

Serena nodded gently, carrying her own hidden dream in her heart.

Back when she watched Natsume-sensei and Meloetta’s performance, and all those splendid shows in the short Pokémon films, Serena had set her resolve.

Even if it went against her mother’s wishes, Serena wanted to follow Natsume-sensei and Wallace’s footsteps—to become the best Pokémon Performer in the world of Coordination.

“Ash…” Serena, wearing a pink cap and with her hands behind her back, quietly said, “What’s your dream with Pikachu?”

“Oh, you’re asking the right guy!”

Ash, Pikachu on his shoulder, suddenly clenched his fist, his eyes burning, “I’m aiming to rise to the top at the Lumiose Conference with Pikachu and become a Pokémon Master!”

“Pikachu~” Pikachu snuggled against Ash’s cheek.

Serena smiled: “I’ll be there to see you do it, Ash.”

“Eh?” Ash looked at Serena curiously.

Serena’s entering Lumiose Conference too?

“Nothing!” Serena’s face reddened and she hurried ahead.

Ash clenched his fist, determination flaring:

“All right, Pikachu, we can’t lose to her and Fennekin!”

“Pikachu...” Pikachu sighed helplessly.

……

September 10, Friday.

Early morning, the weather clear.

A golden-haired beauty sat on the sofa, legs crossed, gray eyes absorbed in a book.

“Is the research conference starting again this year?”

Natsume took a chilled cola from the fridge and asked offhand.

“Yes,” Cynthia glanced up slightly. “Are you going?”

“No… I’ve still got the café to run.”

“Grandmother’s been talking about you nonstop.”

“Really? Let’s go visit her together soon,” Natsume smiled.

Cynthia gave a light smile, her gray eyes shimmering, reflecting, “By the way… uncle and aunt…”

“They’re honeymooning in the Alola Region,” Natsume replied with a complicated look. “The league called for it—maybe they’ll have a second child.”

Come to think of it, I haven’t even graduated yet?

Natsume shook his head slightly.

As everyone knew, even high schoolers were off saving the world, so a full-time student being Champion was totally reasonable!

“Gengar~”

Gengar split into Double Team, one with apron, one carrying a bucket, all working hard to mop the floor…

In just ten minutes, the living room gleamed.

‘Household chores expert’ Gengar wiped sweat from its brow, looked around, and grinned, baring its teeth in satisfaction.

Togepi, sitting on a rug before the TV and holding a controller, turned to call out:

“Too-gee!( ╯▽╰) ”

“I’ll play with you.”

Cynthia’s beautiful eyes lit up. She set down her book, smiled, and gathered Togepi into her arms.

Natsume glanced at the TV screen: a Devon Corporation racing game, with its most powerful item being Victini’s “Victory Star”.

Looking over, he saw Victini perched at the outdoor kitchen, belly round, a plate of macarons nearby, clutching half a cookie.

“Victini~” Victini, cheeks sprinkled with crumbs, held its face with a blissful smile.

Natsume smiled, then walked to the balcony and rested a hand on the railing, overlooking the gardens.

In the sunlight, the gardens sparkled. Lucario struck a training log—bang, bang—drenched with sweat.

Blastoise, following his example, was doing one-armed push-ups, gaze sharp: “Blastoise.”

Arcanine stood proud in the sunshine, eyes squinting happily and a gentle smile on its lips: “Arcanine…”

Crunch, crunch!

Tyranitar tore open a family-sized bag of chips, stuffed a handful into his mouth, and mumbled, “Tyranitar… (￣～￣)”

Meloetta rested on a tree branch, legs swinging, smiling up: “Meloetta~”

It was a peaceful, slack-off day, untouched by the world.

“The wind is rowdy today~”

Natsume murmured quietly, propping his chin on one hand against the railing, opening the chat group with the other hand.

Since Serena joined yesterday, the group chat had moved to “Battle Castle”.

Ash’s group had just arrived at Battle Castle, where Ash was about to debut for the “Baron” title.

Larvitar evolved at Battle Castle—Natsume held the “Duke” title there as well.

Considering Tyranitar hadn’t had too many practical battles, someday he’d bring it to Battle Castle to level up to “Archduke”.

But first, a trip to “Mineral Kingdom” was in order.

Natsume opened the private message interface and fired off an invitation that couldn’t be refused:

“Steven? Free next week? Join me for some mining!”