Chapter 0693: Red Orb, Blue Orb(Two-in-One)

Hoenn Region, Mt. Chimney.

Silver, wearing gloves, retrieved a crimson Orb Fragment from beneath a blazing-hot rock and glanced back at Boss Giovanni, who stood with his hands in his pockets.

“Is this it?”

“Yes. A Fragment of the Red Orb, containing part of Groudon’s strength. A complete Red Orb can even control Groudon.”

Giovanni spoke calmly, “But right now, it’s nothing more than a harmless Fragment.”

“The one you sent Lt. Surge to find at Seafloor Cavern—is it the same kind of Fragment?”

“More or less. If he finds it…” Giovanni said, “I plan to present both Fragments to Natsume. What do you think?”

“Doesn’t matter.” Silver shrugged, “I don’t need this.”

“…What do you want?” Giovanni’s brow furrowed, troubled by a sense of indebtedness.

Silver stayed silent for a moment, then fixed Giovanni with a serious gaze:

“For the Mauville TV superhero show to resume airing as soon as possible.”

Giovanni: “….”

Might as well just buy out Mauville TV and give it to Silver.

“But… are we really alright sneaking in and taking the Fragment while Groudon is away?”

Silver was no stranger to this—he’d stolen Badges and Dusk Balls before—but breaking into a Legendary Pokémon’s home was a first.

“No need to worry. Only the complete Orb is dangerous; Fragments mean little to them.”

Like father, like son. Giovanni himself once stole resources from the Hoenn Region to enhance Deoxys.

Giovanni said matter-of-factly, “We just need to retreat before Groudon returns.”

Silver nodded thoughtfully.

His earpiece beeped.

Lt. Surge, out of breath, reported, “Boss, found…an indigo stone Fragment!”

“Excellent.”

Giovanni nodded slightly. “Rendezvous at Mauville City.”

Mauville City was built with underground shelters, so its communications, electricity, and Pokémon Center were likely among the first to recover.

Lt. Surge grinned, “Boss, you’re a genius!”

Giovanni tucked one hand in his pocket, examining the crimson Orb Fragment in his palm.

Two Fragments, containing Groudon and Kyogre’s strength—Natsume had no reason to refuse.

A faint smile curved at Giovanni’s lips.

Never indebted to anyone, building trust and cooperation with Silver…

No matter the era, in the end Team Rocket and I, Giovanni, are the only victors!

……

August 15th, Sunday, night.

After sixteen straight hours of battle, Natsume had returned to Rustboro City, collapsed on a flat sofa in the Devon Corporation’s lounge, legs twitching with fatigue.

“I’m dying…”

“I’m tired too, you know.” Latias, sprawled on the sofa as well, was barely conscious.

Sixteen hours of nonstop flight was the very limit for little Latias.

It was their first aerial battle—thankfully, Natsume hadn’t caused an air disaster.

Steven sat on the adjacent sofa, legs crossed, sipping iced coffee with a smile:

“I’ve invited the Hoenn Leaders and Wallace here to Rustboro City for a victory banquet.”

Steven checked his watch. “In about three hours, everyone should have arrived.”

“Did you notify the Sinnoh Champion?”

“Of course. She left Sinnoh Region the moment she got word.”

“Help me up!”

Steven blinked, watching as Gengar supported Natsume’s aching back.

Natsume declared sternly:

“As a Master Chef, there’s no way I’ll let the guests prepare their own meal!”

“Still not allowed to rest, Natsume-sensei!” Natsume slapped his own left shoulder for emphasis.

Steven opened his mouth, speechless.

His respect for Natsume-sensei…was growing in all sorts of strange domains.

Rejuvenated, Natsume accepted the coffee from Steven and caught up on recent developments.

“So you’re saying… Ruby and Sapphire are at Sky Pillar, undergoing Rayquaza’s trial?” Natsume sipped his coffee.

“That’s right.” Steven frowned. “It’s been a whole day. I haven’t heard a word from Ruby. Either things are running too smoothly, or…”

“No need to worry about those two lovebirds.”

Natsume smiled: “I’ve heard stories—Ruby could chase away a Salamence at five years old.”

“And Sapphire,” Steven added, visibly relaxing, “Professor Birch says these days she can solo an Aggron and hold her own.”

Natsume choked on coffee. “Cough, cough.”

“Natsume-sensei, are you alright?”

“Cough… I’m fine. Sapphire’s a Trainer who excels at no-holds-barred battles, for sure.”

“But it’s only when Ruby gets her angry that she unleashes that astonishing strength.”

Steven mused, “Maybe that’s what Wallace called…the strength of love?”

Natsume replied coolly, “That’s the strength of jealousy.”

“If there’s still no news tonight, I intend to go to Sky Pillar with Mr. Norman.”

Steven grew serious: “After all, we need Rayquaza’s help if we hope to resolve the Meteorite crisis!”

The Rainbow Meteorite had already been safely retrieved. From Steven, Natsume learned this Meteorite is one of the keys to evolving Rayquaza.

Supposedly, any Trainer passing the Sky Pillar Trial could become the Successor, commanding Rayquaza in ‘Dragon Ascent’—the critical step to Rayquaza’s mega evolution.

On one side, Steven pinned his hopes on mega Rayquaza; on the other, President Stone was preparing a plan involving ∞ energy and dimension-transfer technology.

Steven gave Natsume-sensei an overview and said he’d explain it to Wallace and the rest at the banquet.

“What’s a dimensional transfer device?” Natsume asked curiously.

“In short, it sends an object from one dimension to another. The specs are much higher than a spatial warp; it’s cross-universe.”

Natsume recalled the time-wandering Arceus he’d met in Michina Town—it must have been Arceus from a Parallel Universe.

Game Freak also has settings about other universes. In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon, Battle Tower boss Anabel came to Alola—‘the mega universe’—via an Ultra Wormhole from a universe where mega evolution doesn’t exist and joined the International Police.

Thinking of all those dimension-traveling Berries, Natsume looked oddly pensive.

“Natsume-sensei, what’s wrong?”

“I was just thinking about Berry stalls… Ahem, never mind, please go on.”

“Due to the staggering energy cost, my father believes we could take inspiration from the Kalos king’s Ultimate Weapon—a living energy core—for the transfer device.”

Steven continued: “But you should know, the Ultimate Weapon brought ruin to Kalos… Using living energy isn’t humane. So, we’re trying to use the Rainbow Meteorite instead, with mega energy as a substitute.”

“The Rainbow Meteorite would serve as the power core, launching a rocket with the transfer device to send the Meteorite to another universe.”

Steven sighed.

“If Rayquaza doesn’t intervene, that’s our last option.”

Natsume fell silent.

Game, anime, and manga all stitched together in a single plot.

If I hadn’t already patched up the main story myself, I’d have failed miserably here!

“I understand now…” Natsume rubbed his brow. “If Ruby’s not back tomorrow, I’ll go with you to Sky Pillar.”

Steven said seriously, “We can’t burden you any further, Natsume-sensei.”

“It’s fine.”

Natsume replied, “After all, I promised Cynthia we’d watch the ‘Leo Minor meteor shower.’”

Steven paused, then laughed, “Is that the strength of love this time?”

“This time, it’s the strength of a promise.”

Natsume twisted his wrist.

I already soloed an earth titan and a fat-head fish—what’s one more Caterpie?

But before that…

“Tyranitar, pack your things.”

Natsume grinned:

“You’re coming to the feast!”

“Tyranitari!!”

Tyranitar balanced Togepi on his head and roared with joy.

“Togepi doo-ee! ”

Togepi pointed, giant dinosaur, charge, charge, charge!

“Sirfetch’d… (′︿‵)”

Sirfetch’d looked absolutely heartbroken.

My Leek—the Leek I lost at sea!!

Natsume glanced at Sirfetch’d and responded coolly:

“Mr. Steven sent someone to fish it up for you, and I also put in an order for a few more from the equipment department… You can toss your Meteor Assault leeks as often as you want from now on!”

The leek Sirfetch’d lost increased its critical hit rate—a Held Item, not the actual Leek from home that had been coated in poison.

That real Leek…never worry about Sirfetch’d eating it out of hunger…

“Sirfetch’d! ”

Sirfetch’d bounced back, full of energy.

Nice, more leeks to wave around!

“Isn’t Sirfetch’d’s signature move Meteor Assault?” Steven asked curiously.

Natsume: “Meteor Strike? Meteor Assault? Whatever…same difference!”

……

He hadn’t eaten in an entire day, but the chef’s pride meant Natsume took over the banquet kitchen himself.

A rough head count: eight Hoenn Leaders, the Johto Trio, plus Senior Red and Yellow now on the guest list…

Most important of all, Moe-Moe!—already contacted in advance.

Seeing a safe and sound Natsume over video call, Cynthia visibly relaxed.

“If you’re busy, you don’t have to rush here from Sinnoh,” Natsume said.

“If Palkia and Dialga woke up, would you hurry back to Sinnoh?”

“Of course,” Natsume said instantly.

“Then I’m the same,” Cynthia replied. “I might not have joined you in Hoenn against Kyogre and Groudon, but I promise you…”

“Next time, I’ll fight by your side.” Cynthia’s tone was firm, her grey eyes clear.

A strange reassurance washed over him; then Natsume realized something was off:

“Next time?”

“I already guessed as much,” Cynthia said, arms folded, helpless. “Don’t worry. There’ll definitely be a next time.”

Natsume: “….”

Damn, I can’t even argue!

“I’ll get to Rustboro City soon.” Cynthia’s lips curved into a bright smile.

“What do you want for dinner?” Natsume asked offhand.

Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, eyelids lowered, brow furrowed, sinking into a long struggle of indecision.

Natsume quietly watched Cynthia’s serious, delicate face as she wrestled with her choice—savoring these peaceful moments after a great battle.

It was half an hour before she ended the call, and, as if chiseling an answer from ice, Cynthia finally said three words:

“Ice Cream.”

“Roger.” Natsume grinned, clearly having anticipated this.

The dignified, golden-haired beauty glanced up at Natsume; the corners of her mouth lifted softly, a smile blossoming like ripples on a calm spring lake.

……

Preparing the banquet is an essential skill for any Master Chef.

His eyes swept across each dish.

For the Pokémon: Pokéblock, Poké Puff cake, Poffin bread, macarons, bricks…

Natsume: ?

Tyranitar: ψ(*｀ー′)ψ

“So this is your recipe… That’s one tough dish!” Natsume nodded.

Human trainers had a simpler menu: udon, curry rice, pork floss buns, sandwiches…

And of course, the ice cream Cynthia requested.

With disaster recovery underway, the chat group grew lively. Natsume browsed the chat as he found time.

Wallace: “So Groudon and Kyogre have left at last?”

Yellow, blushing with excitement: “Yes! Natsume-sensei commanded Regigigas and flattened Groudon!”

Wallace was momentarily stunned.

Gold: “And Blastoise… Unreal. His cannon shattered an Origin Pulse!”

Blue Oak: “…That’s just ridiculous.”

Red: “I’m in Hoenn. That’s pretty much how it happened.”

With Red’s confirmation, Blue Oak stared blankly for a long while, but found it much easier to believe.

“So, Natsume-sensei ran back and forth between east and west, stalling both Primal Groudon and Kyogre by himself?” Wallace asked, dazed.

“That sums it up.” Steven smiled, “Focus on your recovery. Driving back Primal Kyogre was a huge contribution—you’ve earned your rest.”

Wallace opened his mouth.

While I was unconscious, Natsume-sensei single-handedly drove off both Hoenn divinities!?

Is that really how wide the gap between Champions can be?

Back in Alamos Town, Wallace had fought alongside Natsume-sensei once. Now he owed him even more.

“The Hoenn League really owes Natsume-sensei…” Wallace murmured.

“No worries,” Iris—playing the wise kid—declared, “because Alder-Grandpa and the Unova League are in the same boat!”

Flint scratched his afro.

So that means Sinnoh owes Natsume-sensei even more, huh?!

After all, Natsume-sensei has literally smashed the Creation Trio!

Well…is it really a debt, if the Sinnoh League even gave up its own Champion…

Ash, finishing a day’s training, scanned the chat and stared wide-eyed:

“Natsume-sensei flattened Groudon and Kyogre!?”

Just like that, question marks exploded in the chat like a fish market.

Lorelei: ???

Bruno: ???

Lance: ???

Natsume, embarrassed, closed the chat.

Ash, you’re absolutely the group’s top hype man!

……

That night at the victory banquet.

Norman, anxious and distracted, barely touched his food and sought Steven out halfway through—saying he wanted to head for Sky Pillar.

“Natsume-sensei is coming with us tomorrow,” Steven replied softly. “Please rest tonight as well, Mr. Norman.”

Crew cut and all, Norman hadn’t slept for two days, arms folded, ultimately letting out a long sigh.

Natsume, observing Norman, nodded inwardly.

No wonder he trained Slaking into the ultimate mover—like Steven, Norman was a true grind king!

Norman’s method involved Skill Swapping Slaking’s ‘Truant’ ability with a Spinda, then swapping again—giving Slaking a new trait.

Leader or not, Norman was no weaker than the Elite Four—potentially even Champion material in Hoenn…

Glancing around, Natsume spotted other familiar faces.

Roxanne, with her twin tails; Old Man Wattson; Wallace, his body bandaged…

“Tonight’s chat group is adding a lot of new characters…” Natsume muttered.

This wasn’t a chat group at all—it was a collectible mobile game: Pokémon Master!

Steven and Wallace discussed post-disaster reconstruction.

Cynthia, meanwhile, leaned closer to Natsume and whispered:

“Jervis says the Hoenn Region manor was destroyed in the flood…”

Just as I expected—Moe-Moe! has a residence here in Hoenn too.

“I can handle this one.”

Natsume nodded gloomily. “I know a construction company chain.”

“That company is bound to give me, Mr. Land, the special rate!”

……

An hour later.

“Natsume-sensei, what an honor!”

The Renovation Captain, partner to a Vigoroth, regarded Natsume like a saint and shook his hand enthusiastically.

Natsume: “…Third uncle or fourth cousin from Unova, right?”

“I’m not sure what you mean…”

Renovation Captain: Hoenn Form paused, then smiled:

“But I heard of your achievements on Mauville City Radio.”

“My whole crew and I want to contribute to Hoenn’s hero and help rebuild Hoenn!”

“Roooaaar!!” The squad of bodybuilding Vigoroth struck poses, roaring as one.

Natsume blinked in surprise.

Good grief… my reputation with construction companies across the region is nearly maxed out!

Unlock successful: Renovation Captain, Hoenn Form!