Chapter 0706: The PTCG World Championship and Froakie(Two-in-One)

Lumiose City, Pokémon café.

A Chimecho-shaped wind chime jingled crisply.

“Gengar~”

Wearing an N-style cap and clutching his backpack straps with both hands, Gengar glanced around the shop, nodding in satisfaction.

I’m home~

Natsume reached over and pressed the brim of his newsboy cap down, blocking Gengar’s view. Gengar immediately flailed his arms.

“Gengar~ (ノдヽ)”

Meanwhile, Blastoise, wearing sunglasses, fixed his sharp gaze on a bonsai shaped like a Sudowoodo. At last, he nodded.

Not an explosive nor an actual Sudowoodo… Risk check complete!

After a full month away from the café, the place was spotless, clearly well cared-for during their absence.

In Natsume’s mind appeared an image of Delibird standing on a little stool, laboriously wiping down the bar with a rag. He couldn’t help but smile.

So be it—let Rocket Delivery give Delibird a raise!

“Gengar! (｀ω｀)” Gengar tossed off his cap, bounced up, and slurped Natsume-sensei’s cheek with his tongue.

The “Lick” paralysis effect successfully triggered!

Natsume froze, rubbed his numbed neck, and walked calmly toward the courtyard.

“Let’s put our luggage in the back room first.”

“Gengar~o(≧Д≦)っ！” Gengar blinked in surprise.

Sylveon moved her slender white legs swiftly, ran into the courtyard, leaped lightly onto the swing set, and twisted the rope tight with her ribbons.

After the hamster wheel, the swing became another “Sylveon must-have!”

“Sylveon! (`皿`)” Sylveon glared at Meloetta, who hovered invisibly with Levitate.

This is mine~!

Meloetta was startled, then smiled sweetly, plucking a small flower from the treetop and offering it to Sylveon:

“Meloetta~ヾ(´▽`)ノ”

For you~

Passing by the stunned Sylveon, Natsume tossed out:

“Get along with your little sister, Sylveon~”

“Sylveon! o(｀^´)o” Sylveon caught the flower with her ribbon and lifted her snout proudly.

Just a plain flower, I won’t be bribed—!

“Arcanine…” Arcanine yawned, baring his teeth and rolling onto his side to sun his belly in the courtyard, squinting at Tyranitar beside him.

Wasn’t it just an egg not long ago… How did it get so huge so fast…

“Tyranitar~” Tyranitar sat in the sandbox, wholly absorbed in building a sandcastle.

Blastoise was watering a circle of Revival Herbs planted around the Tree of Beginning—Ultimate Budget Model.

The old-man Blastoise, carrying a Squirtle watering can, passed by and splashed some extra water on the sandcastle for support.

“Tyranitar!” Tyranitar roared happily, sending a passing Fletchling flying from the treetop.

Sirfetch’d stood absolutely still, holding his leek and shield.

“Sirfetch’d! (｀ω｀)”

A sharp blade, a sharper eye!

A fallen leaf floated by on the breeze.

Sirfetch’d slowly closed his eyes again, like a swordmaster sheathing his blade.

Victini: “Victini~! o(*≧▽≦)ツ”

Sirfetch’d: “Sirfetch’d~( -'`-)”

So hot… When’s my next vacation… Hoenn’s not nearly as fun as advertised…

“Phew… That’s the luggage sorted.”

Natsume wiped his brow, glancing back at the lively gardens. Though smaller than Professor Oak’s, the atmosphere was all joy.

Let the little ones play by themselves.

Natsume checked Team Rocket’s status and discovered the trio not far from Lumiose City.

James was an avid PTCG collector, and with all the buzz about the World Championship, he’d dragged Jessie and Meowth along to Kalos.

The twerp and Team Rocket’s itineraries had, in a strange twist, coincided.

Natsume shook his head and messaged Team Rocket’s Matori, asking her to come to the café.

“Understood.” Matori’s tone was polite. “What is it regarding?”

“The PTCG World Championship event—short on managers. I trust your abilities.” Natsume planned to recruit a few extra hands.

“Understood.” The reply came, Matori briefly hesitated.

Wait, isn’t this supposed to be a Pokémon Company gig?

So you’re just getting free labor!?

But thinking it through… getting to eat the boss’s own midnight snacks… that’s a win…

Matori tidied up, dressed in a capable business suit, grabbed a folder, and set off in high heels for Southern Street, Lumiose City.

Outside the café, Matori narrowed her eyes, wary of the tall, strong presence of another businesswoman walking up.

She wore a researcher’s lab coat over an office outfit—a tight skirt with a side slit revealing shapely black-stockinged legs, chestnut long hair. Except for her high hairline, she was an impeccable office beauty.

Matori squared her shoulders and met Oleana’s gaze—a rival she’d worked with once before—gritting her teeth.

Damn… she’s so tall, her presence is overwhelming!

“Miss Matori.” Oleana stopped, her heavily nearsighted eyes shielded by contacts, somehow cold. “Are you also here for the PTCG World Championship?”

“Yes.” Matori returned with a professional smile. “Such an important company project needs the best staff.”

“But you aren’t on Pokémon Company’s payroll, are you?”

“Mr. Natsume trusts me highly, so he invited me.”

“I see… I look forward to your performance, Miss Matori.”

“Of course. I hope Miss Oleana brings her A game as well.”

A silent contest began between the two assistants.

Sometimes, a little workplace competition isn’t a bad thing…

The shop door opened.

Both women started, looking at the apron-clad manager.

“I’m preparing a tea party,” Natsume explained. “Come inside to talk.”

Click.

A Polteageist-style teacup was set delicately on a porcelain plate.

“This tea set…” Matori took a sip of her tea, set down her cup in surprise, and whispered, “Is this the real thing?”

“It’s not.” Natsume picked up his cup, serene. “I carved the marks on the base myself, using ancient language.”

Matori: “……”

Don’t let Professors try their hand at forgeries anymore!

“This is the Project Plan for next week’s PTCG World Championship.” Oleana handed over the folder meticulously. “I’ve annotated all key details—please review them.”

Matori immediately countered, producing her own: “Rocket Delivery will lease the Prism Tower for a full day; central plaza will all be available for the PTCG event!”

Natsume exchanged their folders. “Please, review each other and submit every possible improvement—no need to spare my feelings!”

Matori & Oleana: “……”

It was as if a spark ignited in their eyes.

There’s no way you can find more mistakes than I will!

Watching the two absorbed and fiercely competitive assistants, Natsume sipped his tea in contentment.

Work harder! Give it your all!

……

Lumiose City, Professor Sycamore’s Institute.

Professor Sycamore, lab coat over a purple shirt, stroked his stubble, looking thoughtful.

“Professor sycamore.” In walked Alain, wearing a black jacket.

“Alain.” Professor Sycamore smiled in jest. “Where’s your girlfriend?”

“Professor sycamore!”

“Haha, I heard about you and Mr. Steven and Natsume-sensei’s exploits in Hoenn.”

Professor Sycamore’s gaze grew serious. “Alain, I was a Trainer in my youth, too. I know how tempting strength can be. But if you chase it blindly, the temptation can backfire on you.”

Alain looked down at his Key Stone bracelet, remembering Charizard being struck by Precipice Blades. “I understand…”

“To protect others, you must first become strong yourself.” Professor Sycamore patted his shoulder, smiling. “By the way, a Trainer from Pallet Town will arrive in Lumiose City today. Want to meet him?”

“No, I’m planning on traveling with Charizard, and hope to become the greatest Mega Evolution Messenger soon.” Alain paused. “Mairin’s with me.”

“That’s the spirit!” Professor Sycamore laughed, hands in his pockets.

“I hear Lysandre Labs has had some new developments lately,” Alain said.

“I know… it seems to concern applications of holographic imaging technology. As long as it doesn’t lead to disaster, scientific progress is a good thing.”

“Professor, Lysandre… What was he really like?” Alain asked suddenly.

Professor Sycamore fell silent for a moment, recalling his old friend, his eyes thoughtful. “He was very kind—a perfectionist.”

“He grew disillusioned with the world, wanting to create a beautiful world without conflict.” Professor Sycamore smiled. “In a way, he was a remarkable genius.”

“A beautiful new world…” Alain murmured.

“Enough of that.” Professor Sycamore composed himself. “Alain, come look at the data on this Froakie.”

“Froakie?”

Alain followed Sycamore’s gaze to the garden.

There, a battered, sharp-eyed Froakie sat alone in the treetop, lost in thought.

“What’s wrong with it?” Alain asked.

“Its former Trainer returned it,” Sycamore sighed, “because it wouldn’t listen to commands or battle. And it’s not the first time.”

“Is this Froakie too weak?”

“No, on the contrary—it’s the best physically of all the new Pokémon in this batch.”

Professor Sycamore scratched his head. “Is the Trainer’s level too low? But Froakie itself is only a starter—it’s odd.”

Froakie stayed by itself, eyes slitted.

“Maybe it just wants to stay here in the garden. Someday, it’ll find the right Trainer,” Alain said.

“I hope so.” Sycamore sighed.

“Well then, Professor sycamore, I’m off.”

“Travel safe—with your lady friend.”

Sycamore waved with a smile, meaning layered.

Watching Alain depart, the Professor stroked his chin, gazing upward:

“A Trainer from Pallet Town… Ash, was it? Professor sycamore knows Natsume-sensei…”

……

Malva, with pink braids and a knockout figure, took off her red sunglasses.

The mirrored lens caught a red villa—where Lysandre now served a life sentence.

It was a life countless people envied.

Because Lysandre Labs had so many ties of interest—even several Kalos League members were Lysandre’s protégés.

Before prison, Lysandre had been friends with Champion Diantha and Professor Sycamore.

This tycoon, in pursuit of a beautiful world, had started Team Flare—only for Blue Oak, of all people, to bring him down in Kalos.

In full form, Blue Oak—even Boss Giovanni would give way.

Malva saw Lysandre pondering on his balcony, put on her shades, and left quietly.

“He seems to be doing just fine…”

As Kalos’s Fire-type Elite Four, Malva was also a news anchor for the holographic communicator—and had once been Lysandre’s subordinate.

Her battling prowess was questionable, but hey—this is Kalos. Becoming an Elite Four was never a challenge.

Inside the villa.

Lysandre, all suit and fiery lion’s-mane hair, sipped from a wineglass, and gazed into the sky.

“Team Rocket reforming, Team Galactic exposed by International Police, the new Team Plasma… What a fascinating world.”

He turned slowly. The room had zero communication devices—only a small stack of Pokémon Trading Card Game cards stood out.

He’d wondered: If Pokémon battles used holograms instead, would disputes in this world decline?

After all, some Pokémon are not born to battle—yet Trainers catch them, and force them into battle…

That’s why Lysandre Labs had focused so hard on holographic technology.

Lysandre shook his head.

Perhaps it’s just a delusion.

A world that uses holograms to resolve conflict might just create more conflict.

All one can do is pin hopes on Team Rocket, Team Plasma, and new mentors.

Maybe they will make this world a kinder place…

……

“Got the technical license from Lysandre Labs?” Natsume asked in surprise.

“Yes.” Oleana replied meticulously. “Malva is managing Lysandre Labs now and responded right away.”

Natsume nodded.

Oddly enough, all Kalos knew Malva and Lysandre were “villains.”

But the masses still loved Lysandre—and many even volunteered for Team Flare.

So Malva was never demoted, and Lysandre never executed.

Considering Lysandre’s contradictions… he even donated profits from developing holographic communicators to charity… It wasn’t baseless.

“Born in the wrong era, that lion-head,” Natsume mused.

With that hair, if he lived in old-school Tono City, he’d at least be President.

Want a new world—no need to wipe out life with some ultimate weapon. Just play cards!

Of course, Lysandre’s villain roots never changed—Natsume was only borrowing their holography for cool stuff at the PTCG World Championship.

With tasks assigned, the afternoon reached four o’clock.

Natsume received a message from Clemont.

“Ash has arrived in Lumiose City!?”

……

“Pikachu, look—so many Pokémon I don’t know yet!”

Ash’s eyes shone as he dashed along the brick path, taking in the scenic sights of Lumiose City like a kid in a candy store.

Pikachu scampered alongside, cheery: “Pikachu!”

“Ash, slow… slow down…” Clemont gasped, trailing behind. “You’re running… too fast!”

Bonnie was out of breath too. “Bro, wait for me…”

“There’s a battle arena in the park up ahead!” Ash called back. “Let’s battle there, Clemont!”

“Got it…” Clemont wiped his brow.

The Prism Tower was leased by the Pokémon Company for the PTCG World Championship.

Proxy leader “Clembot” was not malfunctioning, but since Ash wanted a battle, Clemont would fight him in person.

They reached a leafy park, not far from Southern Street, the Professor Sycamore Institute sign visible in the distance.

“Let’s do it here.” Ash, now in a new cap, said, “Give me a proper gym battle, Clemont!”

“Alright then…” Clemont caught his breath and smiled. “I’ll show you Lumiose Gym’s strength!”

“Go, Magneton!”

Three Magnemite burst from the Poké Ball, spinning together, magnets crackling with blue electricity.

“Okay, Pikachu! I choose you!”

Ash threw his arm forward—Pikachu leapt from his arm onto the field, crouched low, cheeks sparking: “Pika!”

“Thunderbolt!” they said at the same time.

Lightning flashed—two electric currents crashed, shrouding the field in smoke.

Several turns later, Pikachu panted, clearly running low on HP!

Clemont muttered: “Strange… it almost looks like Pikachu’s holding back…”

Suddenly—a robotic arm shot out, grabbing Pikachu.

“Who goes there!” Ash shouted, spinning around.

A spotlight snapped on.

“Since you asked in earnest…”

“We’ll answer with compassion…”

Fast-forward: a sharp-eyed Froakie burst on the scene!

“What’s this?” Meowth tilted his head.

“Looks tough…” James murmured.

Froakie tossed a Bubble, wrapping the machine—and it exploded.

The trio were caught off-guard and blasted skyward in a starburst.

“Hate this feeling~”

“Wobbuffet!”

Ding.

Natsume, watering berry sprouts in the café gardens, paused and looked up at the sky.

“Did something just fly past…”

No matter.

He shifted his gaze back to the egg-shaped berry pot, the system description popping up:

【Berry Planting Pot: A portable training container for easy berry breeding at any time.】

The system could exchange berries directly, but self-grown ones had their own flavor.

Bury a berry in the pot, wait for it to sprout, then transplant it to the gardens—maybe it’ll grow into a Galar-style tree.

Natsume nodded, satisfied.

If Steven is obsessed with ores, then Natsume is surely a berry maniac!

With Oleana and Matori as managers, Natsume didn’t need to worry about the PTCG World Championship.

He just needed to show up for the event in person.

To motivate participants, Matori even announced, “Champions can battle the Founder in a card duel,” with a limited-edition UR card as the prize.

Natsume suspected Tobias would bring his “sidekick” Darkrai to compete.

He wasn’t afraid of losing to Tobias.

If it came to it, he could just make up new rules—or print new cards—after all, it was his company…

Evening fell.

Natsume hummed, washing food in the kitchen, but then frowned, recalling something:

“The first day Ash arrived in Lumiose City… didn’t something huge happen…”

Physically climb to the top of Kalos—and then jump off Prism Tower!?

Natsume jolted, smacked his forehead.

No—he’s about to make headlines!