Chapter 0674: Natsume-sensei's Home Visit! Unova Journey Concludes（Three-in-One）

Under the spotlight of anticipation, the World Tournament Youth Tournament semifinals were about to begin.

Thirty minutes until match time.

Wally stood outside the guest commentator lounge, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

Three days in Lacunosa Town... and he still hadn't spoken to Natsume-sensei.

Every time he saw the man surrounded by admirers, he wanted to ask if he remembered him—but surely Natsume-sensei had too many students to recall...

Just like Professor Oak... He definitely remembered Wally caring for that Treecko, yet ultimately gave it to someone else...

These thoughts flashed through his mind as the green-haired boy tugged at his shoulder straps, preparing to return backstage for his semifinal match.

Then—the door cracked open, revealing Blastoise's sunglasses-wearing face peering through.

"Blastoise?" Wally whispered.

"Blastoise." Blastoise nodded solemnly.

Almost blasted you with Hydro Pump for lurking... Come in properly if you have business!

"Y-You recognize me? From Celadon School... um, Natsume-sensei's student," Wally stammered.

"Blastoise?" [How wouldn't he?]

Hope flickered in Wally's eyes as he bowed slightly. "E-Excuse my intrusion!"

"Neither Wally nor Paul sought you out?" Cynthia remarked from the sofa, legs elegantly crossed.

Natsume sat opposite her in an armchair. "Paul's busy exchanging techniques with Ash."

"As for Wally... We've crossed paths several times, but he always avoids me. Maybe he's embarrassed to be associated with me?"

"You're self-aware for once," Cynthia chuckled.

"Strange... I remember him being quite the battle enthusiast," Natsume mused.

Wally hadn't expected to hear his teacher mention him. Warmth flooded his chest as he lightly knocked.

"Natsume-sensei... Champion Cynthia..."

Under their dual gaze, Wally felt like a student called to the principal's office—equal parts nervous and hopeful.

"I-I'm Wally. I heard you were commentating today, so... I came to see you."

"Of course I know you're Wally!"

Natsume rose with a smile, appraising the boy. "You've grown stronger."

"Rehabilitation helped," Wally said shyly. "And Gallade... did more for me than I can say."

"Why wait until now to visit?"

"I... I thought..."

Seeing Wally's hesitation, Natsume clapped his shoulder.

"Never mind that. Focus on your upcoming battle!"

"Pokémon battles aren't about victory—they're where trainers and Pokémon express their bonds through conflict."

Natsume crossed his arms, grinning. "Though winning wouldn't hurt."

Wally listened intently to these familiar teachings, then whispered:

"I want to prove to Professor Oak, Leader Norman... that even someone like me can become an exceptional trainer..."

"Natsume-sensei!" His gaze turned fierce. "Please witness mine and Gallade's battle properly!"

To ordinary-born Wally, Ruby had always been "the Gym Leader's son"—making him acutely aware of his own sickly childhood and others' dismissiveness.

But Natsume knew this boy possessed remarkable resilience. In the games, Wally obsessively pursued egg hatching, movesets, and IVs to compensate for his disadvantages...

Yet stats meant nothing before conviction. Pachirisu became world champion, after all.

'Bonds' were battles' true essence.

Seeing Wally find his path—growing alongside Gallade as true partners—filled Natsume with pride.

"Save the declarations for after you win," Natsume said. "Losing's fine too—just enjoy the fight."

"I will." Wally hesitated. "Natsume-sensei... If I win... would you visit my home?"

"My parents want to thank you... And Leader Norman—I think you'd share many battle philosophies!"

[Norman—Ruby's father, Wally's neighbor. A man who rode Rayquaza in Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire. Rumored to be near-Champion level.]

Natsume's eye twitched.

Doubt his parents care... But Norman and I? We'd have nothing in common!

"A visit sounds fine... Where was your hometown again?"

"Verdanturf Town! In Hoenn!" Wally beamed.

Natsume glanced skyward. "Schedule-wise, it's manageable..."

Though isn't Hoenn that region with... what was the warning?

Eh. A short trip won't hurt. What're the odds of volcanoes or tidal waves?

"Deal." Natsume slung an arm around Wally. "Show me what you've got!"

With a determined nod, Wally departed for his semifinal.

Natsume returned to his seat on the sofa.

Cynthia handed him a pecha berry, giving him a sideways glance. "What?"

"I want it peeled."

Natsume sat upright, adopting a businesslike tone.

Cynthia considered this for a moment before delicately splitting the berry with her manicured nails. With an amused smile, she leaned in closer. "Here."

"Ah—" Natsume opened his mouth, only to freeze. "Why are you feeding Gengar instead?"

"Gengar~(￣～￣)" Gengar happily nibbled the treat between its tiny hands.

"You could always share with Garchomp," Cynthia teased.

Natsume glanced behind the sofa where Garchomp stood with visible irritation.

"Garchomp..."

Ugh. These two and their constant flirting...

Wisely, Natsume peeled another slice himself—then offered it to Cynthia, who responded with a playful, radiant smile.

Just then, another knock came at the door.

Natsume sighed. "Security here is terrible."

"Maybe another one of your backstage students?"

Cynthia's prediction proved correct.

Paul stood in the doorway, his usual deadpan expression in place.

"... Natsume-sensei. May I call you that?"

He shifted from shoving his hands in his pockets to crossing them.

"Your guidance... about balancing bonds and battle strategies... I see the merit in it now."

"Regardless." Paul's gaze sharpened. "I'll surpass you first—then completely crush Ash."

"Just wait and see."

Having delivered this blunt declaration, Paul turned and left without ceremony.

Cynthia rested her hands on her knees, smiling. "That's just like him..."

"Still better than certain other rivals," Natsume remarked. "Come on—the semifinals are starting!"

……

Youth Tournament Semifinals - First Match: Wally vs. Ash (3v3 Rules)

Against all expectations, the heavily favored Pikachu was completely outclassed by Wally's Gallade.

Pikachu demonstrated its full "Oscar-worthy" performance capabilities, perfectly replicating its infamous "Unova slump" condition.

"Pikachu!"

After taking a brutal Karate Chop from Gallade, Pikachu spun three dramatic circles before theatrically collapsing with swirl-eyed dizziness:

"Pii...ka...chu..."

"Pikachu!" Ash rushed forward to cradle his fallen partner.

Pikachu weakly opened one eye to look at Ash. "Pi...kachu..."

"Even giving it your all... you still couldn't win?" Ash gritted his teeth.

I need to train harder! I can't embarrass Natsume-sensei and Mentor Blue like this!

On the commentator panel, Natsume facepalmed while Cynthia raised an eyebrow.

"Ash's Pikachu seems... off its game?"

"That's its default setting."

Already mentally planning his Hoenn visit, Natsume absently remarked:

"Pikachu's been carrying Ash to heights he doesn't deserve."

Wally's Gallade maintained its unstoppable momentum, easily defeating Ash's Snivy next.

Natsume's expression turned complicated.

Snivy, Oshawott, Pignite... Not a single fully evolved starter on Ash's Unova team. With teammates like these, can you blame Pikachu for sandbagging?

Of course, trainers were inherently hypocritical.

His own unevolved Togepi was plenty strong without evolving, and since it showed no interest, Natsume was content keeping it in "baby mode."

But Pupitar was different—if it didn't evolve from its cocoon state to conquer that Abomasnow...

No evolution meant no mealtime privileges. A tragic fate indeed.

(Note: Poké Puffs had no effect on Metapod, Kakuna, Silcoon, or Pupitar... for obvious reasons.)

Ash's final hope, Krookodile—evolved earlier than in the original timeline—engaged Gallade in an epic clash before ultimately falling to Wally's second Pokémon, Roselia.

The timid Roselia mirrored Wally's personality, refusing to evolve despite opportunities. Natsume had personally cited the legendary "kung-fu Bellsprout" from Indigo Plateau as proof unevolved Pokémon could excel.

After his 3-1 victory, Wally wiped his brow and glanced hopefully at the judges' panel.

Natsume met his gaze with an approving nod.

Wally's growth was remarkable. While still far from Ruby's level, he'd become a trainer worthy of respect.

As for Ash? He deserved this loss.

Losing even at the Nimbasa City amusement park battles? Natsume hadn't dared tell Blue Oak about that disgrace - the man would've had a stroke!

Using weaker Pokémon like Leavanny and Scraggy and still failing to perform? That just proved Ash wasn't ready.

Kid needs to train through a few more regions!

"You promised Wally a visit to Hoenn?" Cynthia murmured.

"Not yet. Lumiose first," Natsume replied, already contemplating transportation options.

For flying mounts, the obvious contact was "Dragon-type Elite Four" Lance—pfft.

Natsume stifled a laugh at the title, coughing into his hand.

Lance had mentioned leagues provided specialized transport Pokémon for inspectors—Charizard rides in Alola, Corviknight taxis in Galar.

With his connections, securing one should be easy.

Personally, Natsume wanted one of those "Wings of Dawn" Corviknights—

Massive, majestic, and wide-winged enough to prevent tragic falls. The perfect dream bird!

Next Match: Paul vs. Iris

Alder watched sternly from the stands, his messy red hair blowing in the icy wind sweeping down from Giant Chasm's snowfields—where Natsume had once commanded Reshiram in battle.

Paul stood with one hand in his pocket, glaring across the field.

"You're strong... but abandon your champion delusions. They're just fantasies."

He'd once shared those dreams—until Cynthia and Pyramid King Brandon crushed them. Iris's ideals seemed equally naive against reality's harshness.

"Won't know until I try!"

Iris's dark skin glowed with vitality as he grinned fiercely.

"Unlike others... I'm a genius! I'll carry everyone's hopes forward!"

The crowd erupted as Opelucid City's Drayden watched the broadcast intently.

This growth... It's no accident. She's been changed by those around her.

The camera panned to the black-haired commentator, where a Victini perched on his head flashed a peace sign. Natsume glanced at the lens and half-heartedly mirrored the gesture.

Live chats exploded:

【Forced participation lol】

【Blink twice if you need rescue, sensei!】

Drayden's eyes gleamed.

This is what a true champion's influence does.

Paul scoffed. "Pathetic. Electivire! Thunder!"

"Dragon Rush evasion!"

Iris's Dragonite snarled, muscles coiling as it dove through the thunderstorm with terrifying speed—

—For a split second, Paul saw Cynthia's Garchomp instead.

"Thunder Punch!"

BOOM!

Electivire's crackling fists met Dragonite's charge head-on, skidding backward from the impact.

"Flamethrower!"

Dragonite ignored Iris entirely, tanking Electivire's electric discharge to deliver a brutal Mega Punch instead.

"You can't even control your own Pokémon," Paul sneered.

"Don't need to! We understand each other!"

Iris clasped her hands prayerfully, purple braid whipping in the wind as her Village of Dragons heritage activated—

Dragon Heart!

Paul's face went slack.

First Ash's plot-armored Infernape... Now this?

Did I... fail as Natsume-sensei's student?

Is the true secret not strategy... but illegal strategy?!

Empowered by Dragon Heart, Dragonite overwhelmed Electivire before falling to Paul's Torterra. His final Drapion defeated Axew but fell to Excadrill.

"Winner: Iris!"

As cheers erupted, Paul studied his trembling Poké Balls—Aggron's frustration at being benched, Gastrodon's comforting presence.

For the first time... he felt their emotions.

"So this... is what sensei meant."

With a faint smile, Paul departed without farewells.

"Paul!"

Ash came sprinting after him. "Let's go to Kalos together! Natsume-sensei says there's new bonds and moves to discover!"

Paul didn't turn.

"I'll get stronger. Not you."

A pause.

"And thank Natsume-sensei... and Champion Cynthia. I finally understand her words."

"Which words?"

"Life and... nevermind. You wouldn't get it."

Post-Match

Natsume leaned over the balcony railing as Cynthia joined him.

"I expected them to battle," she admitted.

"Same," Natsume agreed. "Probably considering their Pokémon's condition?"

"He's grown stronger."

"Obviously." Natsume smirked. "I taught him."

Cynthia arched an eyebrow. "And Ash?"

"Ash was Gold's student! Not my problem!"

……

Paul voluntarily forfeited, not bothering to compete against Ash for third place.

Apparently, he saw no value in battling someone of Ash's current level.

The final championship match unfolded between Iris and Wally.

Despite Wally's flawless strategy, rotations, and commands, he ultimately fell to Iris's Dragonite.

"The Youth Tournament champion has been decided!"

Amidst roaring cheers from the crowd, Alder placed the medal around Iris's neck.

"So, who do you want to thank most?" Alder asked jovially.

Iris stuck out her tongue. "Definitely not Grandpa Alder!"

A sharp pang struck Alder's chest—as if an arrow had pierced him.

What the... My charisma shouldn't be worse than Natsume and Cynthia's!

Post-Match

Natsume leaned against the dimly lit contestant tunnel wall, watching Wally's slumped, dejected figure approach.

"Natsume-sensei..." Wally's voice trembled.

"That's how the world works."

Natsume spoke calmly. "Effort might mean nothing against talent. Individuals face insurmountable gaps against legacies... But everyone has the right to defy fate."

Wally's coughing fit erupted, his bronchitis seizing his throat until his face flushed red, nearly choking him.

Kneeling, Natsume channeled aura to soothe Wally's symptoms.

"Fate isn't equal, but it's fair. You can resent it, fight it, even lose to it—but you can't stay down."

"Wally. You're a trainer."

Glowing blue particles seeped into Wally's body, easing his labored breathing.

In Natsume-sensei's deep black eyes, Wally saw his own tearful reflection—still brimming with frustration.

"As long as you're standing," Natsume said, "a trainer can create miracles."

The distant cheers no longer mattered.

Wally stared blankly as Natsume rose with a warm smile.

"Come on. Let's get curry rice, then discuss that home visit!"

"It's not a home visit... You're my guest," Wally mumbled.

"Same difference!" Natsume laughed. "I'll put in a good word for you!"

Their figures faded into the tunnel's shadows as the applause finally died.

The World Tournament Youth Tournament had officially concluded.

……

In the chat group.

“Hmm… I think I’m still young enough to join the Youth Tournament, right?” Gold crossed his arms, nodding to himself.

“You can’t even beat the Frontier, and you want to compete in the World Championships?” Silver sneered.

“Hey, why are you so prickly today?” Gold grumbled.

“Because the tokusatsu show got postponed due to unforeseen circumstances,” Green said, resting her chin on her hand. “Apparently, Hoenn’s having weird weather again.”

“Extreme weather’s nothing new in Hoenn,” Old Man Wattson laughed. “But that’s also why their tidal and volcanic energy tech is so advanced!”

Natsume-sensei: “Don’t say that… I was planning to visit Hoenn soon.”

Lucian cried in despair: “After the Youth Tournament, you’re going on a Hoenn trip?!”

“The closing ceremony hasn’t even happened yet,” Natsume chuckled awkwardly. “By the way, you’re off today? @Lucian.”

“It’s Sunday,” Lucian said gloomily.

“If the closing ceremony hasn’t happened, that means the Finals are already over, right?” Flint said.

Cynthia: “Yes. The new Champion is Iris.”

“Oh?” Lance said. “Congratulations.”

Yellow: “Woohoo! Congrats! ??ヽ(°▽°)ノ?”

“Hehe… I just got lucky,” Iris scratched her head. “When we faced a strong opponent, Dragonite finally listened to my commands…”

“I saw Wally at the Youth Tournament. @Ruby,” Sapphire said. “He’s gotten so strong!”

“He was always talented,” Ruby said proudly. “I even helped him catch Pokémon back in the day!”

The second-gen rivals, Gold and Silver, were the classic “dumb and grumpy” duo.

The third-gen rival, Wally, was like something out of a “chase and conquer” romance drama…

Poor Wally. His tragedy level was almost on par with N’s.

Luckily, he’d recovered well and rediscovered his path as a Trainer.

Natsume-sensei had promised to visit Wally in Hoenn next month for a “home visit.”

But first, he’d return to Lumiose City to prepare for the café’s opening and sort out transportation.

After the closing ceremony, Ash stayed in Unova to train for the Vertress Conference in a week.

Meanwhile, Natsume boarded Moe-Moe!’s private jet.

“Heading back to your Sinnoh League duties?” Natsume glanced at the golden-haired beauty yawning beside him.

“Mhm…” Cynthia stretched lazily. “Can’t leave Lucian to handle everything forever.”

That excuse had zero credibility!

Natsume looked up at the sky, reflecting on his Unova trip with a strange expression.

A whole month of vacation… Lucian really had it rough.

But it was fine.

Because future vacations would be even longer!