Chapter 0672: First, There Was the Sin of Pride...(Two-in-One)

The arena roared with excitement as the giant screen replayed the battle, drawing continuous gasps from the crowd.

After taking their bows, Natsume and Champion Alder exited the stage, making way for Cynthia and Caitlin's exhibition match.

With two Champions having set such a high bar, the competitive Sinnoh Champion wasn't about to be outdone.

Following a brief intermission, the arena erupted in cheers again. Team Rocket seized the opportunity to peddle drinks and snacks.

Ash happily bought some plum rice balls from Meowth and took a big bite.

"Mmm... delicious!"

"Pikachu~" Pikachu stood on the seat, clutching a rice ball in its tiny paws, ears twitching happily.

"Thank you for your patronage, meow~" Meowth rubbed his paws together with a sly grin.

No one even recognized the trio in disguise...

"After Champion Cynthia's exhibition match, the tournament officially begins," Iris said. "The first round of battles starts this afternoon!"

"How long does the tournament last?" Ash asked through a mouthful of food.

"A week, and then the Vertress Conference kicks off right after!" Iris replied.

Ash glanced to the side. "Paul, are you entering the Vertress Conference?"

"No. The level of competition there doesn't meet my expectations."

Paul's deadpan expression didn't waver, even as Trip, sitting behind them, looked ready to bite through his teeth in frustration. "I'm planning to travel to Kalos to master Mega Evolution... But enough about that. The exhibition match is starting."

The crowd erupted in cheers as the spotlight illuminated the rising platform, where a regal, golden-haired beauty stood with one hand on her hip, glancing downward.

Then, Cynthia lifted her gaze to the giant screen, her gray eyes glinting as a smirk played on her lips.

The arena roared—proof of the Sinnoh Champion's overwhelming popularity.

"Champion Cynthia!!"

"So now when Champion Cynthia and Natsume-sensei appear at events, it’s always as a couple, huh?"

"Ugh... whatever!"

Cynthia smiled faintly. This Champion was known for her warmth in person, yet radiated an intimidating aura in battle.

"Garchomp!!"

A beam of red light shot from the Poké Ball as Garchomp swung its twin scythes with a thunderous roar. Cynthia crossed her arms, her amused expression sharpening into focus.

The arena fell silent for a split second before erupting into even louder cheers. Another platform rose into position.

The barrier around it unfolded like petals, revealing Caitlin, looking drowsy and indifferent beneath her white round hat, stifling a small yawn.

Then, red light flickered across the field as Gothitelle emerged, poised like a loyal lady-in-waiting beside its princess, curtsying to the audience.

"After watching your earlier battle, I’m looking forward to this one," Cynthia said.

"No matter how hard I tried back then, I could never defeat you, Cynthia," Caitlin murmured. "But the meaning of defeat lies in reflecting on your own shortcomings. That’s what I learned after becoming one of Unova’s Elite Four."

"Then... show me how much you’ve grown!" Cynthia’s eyes gleamed as she smirked. "Garchomp, Fire Blast!"

"Thunderbolt," Caitlin commanded coolly.

The orange Fire Blast collided with the bright blue Thunderbolt in a deafening explosion that shook the arena!

From the second-floor viewing window, Natsume observed the match, stroking his chin.

"Cynthia’s Garchomp is running a mixed moveset. As for Gothitelle... no Perish Song, just straight-up Thunderbolt to the face!"

"Gengar~" Gengar, fresh from a 'grueling' battle, sat on a small stool sipping an iced cola.

Victini hovered beside Natsume, eyes sparkling as it watched the match. "Victini~!"

Sylveon lounged on the sofa, baby-blue eyes fixed on the screen, while Togepi sat right in front of it, gaming away with a giant bottle of cola and chips beside it.

"Togepi~(´▽｀)"

Sirfetch'd napped under the AC, Blastoise pumped out push-ups, and Arcanine lazily bared its teeth.

Pupitar’s hollow eyes met Natsume’s, blinking slowly.

Natsume: "..."

My Pupitar’s actually pretty well-behaved...

Knock knock!

Someone rapped on the private box door.

A staff member informed him that Champion Alder had invited him to discuss appearance fees.

After agreeing, Natsume lingered by the window a moment longer. Cynthia and Caitlin’s battle was nearing its climax.

"Garchomp," Cynthia called. "Dragon Rush!!"

The audience stared skyward, awestruck.

Garchomp dove like a fighter jet, wreathed in deep purple draconic energy!

The move was clearly held back—just like Gengar’s restrained Dream Eater earlier.

As the dust settled, the ten-minute time limit arrived, ending the exhibition match in a draw!

The viewers, dazzled by the spectacle, burst into applause.

But to seasoned trainers, the battle’s flow felt like a carbon copy of "Natsume-sensei vs. Alder"!

Seeing Cynthia hold back left Caitlin with mixed feelings.

So... couples really do start resembling each other, huh...

Whoosh!

Flames ignited in the arena’s silver basin, marking the official start of the World Championships Youth Tournament after the two exhibition matches.

The sacred flame of Unova, originating from Volcarona, symbolized its revered status among the region’s people.

Then, the giant screen lit up with matchups, and participants’ phones buzzed simultaneously with battle details!

Iris sought to prove her resolve as Unova’s new Champion, Ash hungered for preparation before the Vertress Conference, and Wally aimed to show Natsume-sensei how much he’d grown...

With different motivations driving them, Paul’s deadpan gaze shifted to Trip’s smug grin.

"Looks like we’re up first," Trip said, waving his phone. "Lucky me!"

Paul frowned.

This guy... has he always been this bold?

Whatever. He’d find out soon enough. Paul’s eyes hardened.

Unlike Ash, I brought my old team!

……

In the living room.

Natsume settled onto the sofa, resting an arm on its back as he glanced around at the furnishings.

The cabinet displayed clay figurines of Golurks, the fireplace resembled a Darmanitan, and the handwoven rug shared motifs with Alder’s traditional attire.

The Black & White Champion, Alder, drew inspiration from Native American culture—even now, Unova retained ancient tribes like the "People of the Earth."

Rapid technological advancement had created a Unova where antiquity coexisted with modernity. Industrial growth also spawned pollution, overpopulation, and Pokémon abuse.

Trubbish scavenging garbage, Timburr laboring alongside humans, rumors of fat Doduo preying on people…

It was in these societal cracks that Team Plasma’s ideology took root.

Alder, clinging to tradition and rejecting the PC storage system, drowned in grief over his lost partner… and ultimately relinquished his title as Unova’s Champion.

Then came Iris, a symbol of vitality—the youngest Champion in history—inheriting the mantle from Alder.

This was Unova, where "Truth and Ideals" intertwined—the very reason Black & White and its sequel were hailed as masterpieces.

Or so went Natsume’s made-up analysis.

Who the Unova Champion was didn’t matter. The real priority? Appearance fees!

Natsume: "These decorations really capture Unova’s ethnic style."

"Just little trinkets I picked up during my travels," Alder replied from the sofa, smiling. "Feel free to let your Pokémon out. No need to keep them cooped up."

"Gengar!" Gengar leaped from its Poké Ball first, executing a flawless "Splash" into Natsume’s shadow without so much as a ripple!

Sirfetch’d followed, its sharp gaze landing on the scruffy old man Alder before immediately losing interest.

"Get back here!" Natsume recalled Sirfetch’d.

The others showed no desire to emerge. Alder studied Gengar’s unrestrained movements, musing,

"I know someone… who despises Poké Balls. His ideal is to liberate all Pokémon from their confines."

"N, you mean?" Natsume chuckled. "We’ve spoken. He’s a remarkable student."

Alder blinked, surprised Natsume-sensei had reached such a fanatic. But he merely smiled, opting not to pry.

Perhaps… this was why they called him "sensei."

"And your stance on Poké Balls?" Natsume asked.

"Me? I don’t mind them," Alder said, scratching his messy red hair. "But I refuse to use the PC system. Storing Pokémon in some… computer feels too cold!"

"You don’t use any electronics?" Natsume raised an eyebrow.

"Who needs ’em?" Alder grinned, crossing his arms. "Letters work fine. A Pidove can deliver messages anywhere in Unova!"

Rotom short-circuited momentarily:

"Beep… System Overload, Rotom!"

"Whoa! So this is a Rotom?" Alder eyed it like an alien artifact. "Never got the hang of these… looks complicated!"

That’s because I’m the one exploiting Little Rotom.

It’s actually zero effort!

Change wouldn’t come overnight. Natsume nodded.

"I rarely use the PC either… but ordinary trainers lack Professors to safeguard their Pokémon. Temporary storage isn’t inherently wrong."

Alder’s expression sobered. "Which is why I say—if you can’t care for them properly, don’t catch them."

"The League’s six-Poké Ball limit exists for a reason. Any more, and you risk neglecting them." Alder shrugged. "But if you can manage? Bring a dozen! No issue!"

Natsume sighed in agreement.

Unlike games, Pokémon weren’t data to be dumped in a PC. In reality, catching one meant responsibility: keep them close or entrust them to a garden. The PC was merely a stopgap.

Imagine Pokémon trapped eternally in dark Poké Balls… No matter how lavish the interior, it’d still feel like a prison.

Natsume’s gaze flicked to Alder’s neck—laden with a full string of Poké Balls, each housing a partner.

Besides bonding, that necklace had another perk: Wild battles became a breeze.

Toss ten Poké Balls at once? Try it. You’ll never go back.

"Apologies, I’ve digressed," Alder said. "Back to your appearance fee—"

"Gengar! (￣︶￣)↗"

Materializing behind the sofa like a specter, Gengar levitated, eyes glowing as it stared Alder down.

Natsume waved a hand. "Ah, no need! It’s nothing, really."

Alder: "..."

Rising, Alder strode to the cabinet, retrieving a small case.

"Victini~!" Victini phased out of invisibility, sensing the energy within.

Natsume’s smile froze. This isn’t right.

What’s inside? Please don’t be literal diamonds.

"I’ve heard trainers who master Mega Evolution often pursue Z-Moves next," Alder said, opening the case. "But I’m past learning new tricks. My role now is to find a worthy successor."

He shook his head. "Natsume-sensei, these are two Z-Crystals—Firium and Buginium. Valuable on the market… or you could keep them."

Actual gemstones.

Natsume’s expression twisted.

The translucent crystals shimmered, one etched with fiery patterns, the other a deep verdant gray.

Having already obtained a Normalium Z, Natsume- recognized their energy instantly.

But here’s the catch:

All Z-Moves require ridiculous dancing.

You crafty old man. "Not researching Z-Moves"? More like dodging humiliation!

Yet Alder’s words struck a chord.

Z-Crystals were rare. Trial-goers would never sell theirs. Only naturally occurring Darkinium or Flyinium surfaced occasionally—at astronomical prices.

Even if unused, they could motivate students.

And then there was that quest.

Natsume silently pulled up his system, eyeing the progress bar:

[Badges Collected: (6/8)]

[Mission Reward: Sparkling Stone]

As long as he didn’t unlock [Sparkling Stone], hoarding eighteen Z-Crystals was fine!

"Gengar~(￣▽￣)／" Gengar swiped the case, grinning.

Mine now~!

Natsume hesitated, then blinked at his overeager partner.

Since when are you my manager?!

Watching their bond, Alder relaxed. "Champion Cynthia’s fee will be negotiated separately. But one last question…"

He paused. "What do you think of Iris?"

Natsume recognized the unspoken question: Was she Champion material?

"A good kid. Reckless, but more mature than Ash."

Natsume shrugged. "Unova might be Iris’s starting line—but not his."

"I see…" Alder’s gaze flickered.

Natsume grinned. "Either way, let’s see how they shine in this tournament!"

……

World Championships Youth Tournament, elimination round matchups.

"Contestant Paul's Electivire has defeated two of Contestant Trip's Pokémon consecutively!"

The commentator's voice echoed through the battle arena.

Trip's face twisted in frustration, his fingers turning white as they clenched around his last Poké Ball.

Looking at the Electivire standing arrogantly on the field, even curling its fingers in provocation, Trip clicked his tongue.

What's up with this guy?!

I've beaten Ash twice in a row... There's no way I should lose to someone Ash defeated.

But... Trip gritted his teeth, sweat dripping down his forehead.

Why is his Electivire so strong?!

Trip, guilty of the sin of arrogance, still hadn't realized why Pikachu was the god.

After defeating a "sandbagging" Pikachu with his Snivy, Trip had sneered in disdain—such prideful trainers were doomed to fail.

In truth, the Pika God could have beaten Snivy easily, but it went easy on "cute" Pokémon like Togepi.

Trip failed to understand Pikachu's mercy and even mocked Ash for it, fueling his own ignorance and hubris.

Pikachu didn't intervene directly. Instead, it appointed Paul's Electivire as its ambassador.

This was the god's benevolence!

"Electivire, use Thunder Punch!!" Paul commanded sharply.

A brilliant flash of electricity erupted across the field. Electivire's Motor Drive crackled as it lunged forward with terrifying speed, slamming its fist into Trip's Serperior.

BAM!!

Under Trip's horrified gaze, the Thunder Punch tore through Serperior's Leaf Blade storm and struck true.

ZZZT—CRACKLE!

The lightning flared and faded, leaving Serperior sprawled on the ground, its eyes swirling.

Trip's lips trembled. He still couldn't comprehend the gap between them.

The referee swung his flag. "Winner—Contestant Paul!"

Whispers spread through the audience.

"That was brutal... Three wins in five minutes?"

"Damn... That was a massacre."

Paul stood with his usual deadpan expression, hands in his pockets, his Electivire looming menacingly in front of him.

"Pathetic," Paul said coldly. "You're nowhere near that Infernape."

"Tch..." Trip clenched his jaw, watching Paul's retreating back before suddenly shouting, "Hey! Tell me—who's your mentor? Or who do you look up to?!"

Maybe it's time to stop idolizing Champion Alder... and follow someone stronger.

Paul paused briefly but left without answering.

From the spectator stands, Ash gaped. "Pikachu, Paul's gotten crazy strong!"

"Pika... chu..."

Pikachu sighed wearily.

Iris huffed. "Or maybe you just got weaker!"

"What?! Training a new team is part of the process!" Ash argued. "Natsume-sensei taught me that!"

......

"Winner—Contestant Wally!"

Wally wiped sweat from his messy green hair, exchanging a determined nod with his Gallade.

During the post-match interview, the host asked:

"Contestant Wally, could you share the secret behind your dominant 3-0 victory?"

Wally took a deep breath, mustering his courage.

"U-Um... Trust your Pokémon completely. Build a bond first, then add battle strategy."

"Like Thunder Wave, Drain Punch, Hypnosis..."

As Wally listed them off, the host chuckled awkwardly.

"Sounds like you've studied battle tactics thoroughly."

"Yeah!"

Wally nodded firmly, eyes shining.

"All of that... I learned it from Natsume-sensei!"