Chapter 0660: Ideals and the Hero of Truth - Natsume-sensei(Two-in-One)

Colress stared at Natsume, speaking slowly through his paralysis:

"Give me a chance..."

"What kind of chance?"

"My inventions could serve the Unova League," Colress said calmly. "I wish to remain a scientist."

"Sorry."

Natsume shook his head. "Maintaining world peace is a Champion's duty."

Colress fell silent.

The world's savior - simultaneously a Team Rocket Executive and International Police consultant.

Now that's truth for you!

Ghetsis groaned on the ground, his eyes widening when he caught Natsume's words.

Natsume, you bastard - you ARE the Champion?!

Furious, he shot a venomous glare at the green-haired young man in white.

If not for this monster... the Hero of White would never have come!

Noticing the stare, N met Ghetsis' gaze briefly before turning away, resolve hardening.

"Natsume-sensei," N said toward the cavern's rumbling exit, "we must help Reshiram."

BOOM—

Lightning and fire lit the cavern as rocks rained from the ceiling - Giant Chasm was collapsing!

Natsume frowned.

In Legendary battles, the trainers behind the scenes were often easier to defeat.

"Can't get careless," Natsume warned. "Without Ghetsis' commands, Black Kyurem will grow even stronger!"

Ghetsis: "..."

The insult cuts deeper than the injury!

Colress glanced at his speechless superior and nodded:

"I must admit, I share that assessment."

Ghetsis bristled. "Silence!"

"N, escort the prisoners out."

Natsume tossed N a Premier Ball.

"If they misbehave, have Sirfetch'd use Thousand Years of Death... ahem, Throat Chop!"

(Throat Chop: Leaves opponents speechless from excruciating pain!)

N fumbled to catch the ball as Sirfetch'd materialized, poison-tipped leek at the ready.

"Sirfetch'd! ( -'`-)"

Behold, the Leek Hero!

Ghetsis' buttocks clenched as he wisely shut up.

For good measure, Natsume had Gengar hit both captives with Confuse Ray and Thunder Wave before leading them out.

N stared in awe at Natsume's ruthless efficiency. This Champion wasn't just a master strategist—he handled dirty tactics like a veteran street brawler.

Colress twitched, his body no longer obeying him.

Why are you better at this than actual crime syndicates, Natsume-sensei?!

CRASH!!

Giant Chasm collapsed, its entrance buried under rubble - as if erased by the aftershocks of the Legendary battle.

The group stood on the snowfield before the cavern, thick snow crunching underfoot as they watched the aerial duel through the blizzard.

Cramped spaces could never showcase Legendary Pokémon's true majesty.

Only the vast, endless sky was worthy of being their battlefield!

"Reshiram!!"

Reshiram's cry shook the heavens as it dove through the clouds, unleashing a scorching Blue Flare toward Black Kyurem!

Black Kyurem looked up, gathering crackling electricity before firing a thunderbolt!

KABOOM!!

The collision of fire and lightning sent shockwaves rippling outward.

Like a meteor striking earth, the blinding explosion lit up the snowy plains, the deafening roar echoing for miles.

Even Ghetsis was awestruck, his voice hoarse: "That... is the power of Legendaries!"

Natsume gave him a sidelong glance. "It's just a small scene."

Ghetsis froze, then turned livid: "Small scene??! Those are Unova's three most powerful dragons! If I had their strength-"

THUD!

Colress kicked Ghetsis face-first into the snow, smiling at Natsume: "My apologies. Mr. Ghetsis seems... overexcited."

If he angers this man further, I'll suffer too.

Natsume studied Ghetsis, now playing dead in the snow like an ostrich.

"Colress, you're intelligent," Natsume said, gazing skyward. "You knew you couldn't fully control Black Kyurem. That it would turn on you."

Colress remained silent.

"Then why risk fusion?"

"Because... science has no limits." Colress adjusted his gleaming glasses. "When genius glimpses illumination, it must seize the flame. That is civilization's purpose."

Natsume's eyes glinted.

If Ultra Beasts invade... perhaps there's still a role for Colress to play.

(In Ultra Sun/Moon, it was Colress who invented the N-Solarizer for Necrozma and Solgaleo, helping Elio and Selene.)

But for now—

He must reap what he's sown.

BOOM!!

The fierce aerial battle continued.

Reshiram folded its wings and streaked across the cloud sea, its tail engine spewing blazing flames.

Black Kyurem's black right arm unleashed a lightning bolt while its blue left palm fired an Ice Beam—the attacks crisscrossing toward Reshiram!

CRASH!!

Thick black smoke billowed up.

"Reshiram!"

Reshiram cried out in pain—one white wing now bore lightning scorch marks, its engine sputtering as thin frost formed on the thrusters.

Natsume's eye twitched.

Holy hell, it's an elemental shaman!

"Darkrai, move in for support—"

Standing in the falling snow, Natsume commanded:

"Victini, use V-create on Black Kyurem!"

Victini's Ability was "Victory Star," which boosted accuracy for itself and allies.

With a power of 180 and 95% accuracy, combined with "Victory Star," V-create would never miss!

This was the undefeatable, invincible Victory Star!

"Go, Victini!!" Natsume shouted.

"Victini!!"

Victini closed its eyes, channeling energy to the V-shaped mark on its forehead, which began glowing brilliantly before erupting into V-shaped flames!

Black Kyurem's pursuit faltered as it glared at the incoming V-create, a flicker of wariness in its eyes.

The blazing V-create illuminated the sky, clearing away the falling snow!

Then—

The attack sailed right past Black Kyurem, slamming into the cliff face behind it.

Black Kyurem: ?

Natsume: ?

It missed?!

Clearly Victini wasn't the traitor here... which left only one obvious culprit.

An awkward silence hung over the battlefield.

Reshiram hovered midair, wings flapping, utterly perplexed.

In centuries of legend, no one had ever heard of Victini—the embodiment of victory—missing its mark!

Colress adjusted his glasses. "This defies science... My research confirmed Victory Star enhances accuracy."

Natsume nodded sagely. "Black Kyurem's Teravolt neutralizes Victory Star. That's why it missed. (Absolutely certain)"

Colress's eyes widened in realization.

As expected of Natsume-sensei—his mastery of Abilities is unparalleled!

Black Kyurem's levitating form radiated smug satisfaction as the attack missed...

But Natsume always had a backup plan.

"Gengar, Mega Evolution!"

Natsume's psychic command continued: "Darkrai, intercept that V-create with Dark Void! Then Gengar, hit Kyurem with another Dark Void!"

"Stop treating black holes like portals!"

Darkrai grumbled—even as it obediently teleported before the mountainside, tearing open a vortex to swallow the blazing attack.

Brilliant evolution light erupted as Gengar's forehead split open into a yellow eye, its body sprouting jagged spikes.

Mega Gengar bared its fangs in a terrifying grin, wreathed in crimson-black mist as it lunged at Black Kyurem!

"Gengar~"

Before the stunned dragon could react—

Mega Gengar pressed a swirling dark vortex against its forehead.

BOOM!!

The delayed V-create erupted from the void point-blank, flames engulfing Black Kyurem completely! The shockwave sent Mega Gengar flipping backward.

"Kyurem!!"

Black Kyurem's pained roar shook the mountains.

Ghetsis spat out snow, gaping. "He... actually wounded Black Kyurem?!"

"By using the Reverse World's spatial coordinates to redirect the attack..."

Colress shuddered, eyeing Natsume.

Just what is his relationship with the Ruler of Reverse?

Since when does Giratina let mortals use its dimension as an artillery platform?!

Natsume handed a panting Victini a pink macaron.

"Victini"

Victini nibbled happily, its energy spent after one V-create.

Commanding three Legendaries simultaneously—Victini, Darkrai, and Reshiram—with Mega Gengar on top...

And he made it look effortless.

Colress's glasses nearly slipped off his trembling nose.

To Natsume...

Reshiram dodged Black Kyurem's enraged lightning storm, glancing at Natsume with newfound respect.

Only now did it understand the difference a Trainer's guidance made.

With The Power of One's real-time radar, Reshiram could evade nearly every attack!

"Reshiram!"

Reshiram’s bright blue eyes locked onto the airborne Mega Gengar.

Gengar darted and weaved, sticking out its tongue at Black Kyurem and pulling down an eyelid.

“Gengar~”

Can’t hit me, can’t hit me~

“Kyurem!”

Black Kyurem’s body became encased in freezing light, its form CRACKLING with ice as it charged forward.

The ice carried magnetic electrical currents, firmly locking onto Mega Gengar—

Black Kyurem’s signature move, Freeze Shock!

Gengar: “Gengar~(°ー°〃)”

Oh no, this is bad~

“Gengar, Ally Switch with Reshiram!” Natsume commanded.

Reshiram: ???

So you show off, and I take the hit?!

But it was the best option.

In a flicker of movement, Reshiram surged with flames, colliding with Black Kyurem.

Reshiram gritted its teeth. 「Zekrom, snap out of it!」

BOOM!!

The three dragons clashed in an instant.

N suddenly looked up at Natsume.

“Natsume-sensei, I can sense it—Zekrom is still conscious!”

Natsume gave a slight nod, his gaze lifting toward the sky.

After the collision, the swirling snow began to fall again. The distant mountains stretched endlessly, the world reduced to only black and white.

“Transcend the laws of time and space—”

Natsume murmured softly, closing his eyes.

In his vision, white beams extended toward the enraged Black Kyurem—only to be deflected instantly.

Fighting through dizziness and nausea, Natsume spotted a tiny point of light in the distance, resonating with Black Kyurem.

His eyes snapped open, staring at the glowing object in his pocket.

“The DNA Splicers…?”

The cone-shaped DNA Splicers levitated from Natsume’s pocket, hovering above his palm, emitting a faint glow.

In an instant, every eye on the battlefield turned toward him.

Reshiram’s voice wavered slightly. 「DNA Splicers… Human hero, how did you come by these?」

“To be precise, they latched onto me.”

Natsume casually flicked an Aura Sphere, holding up the DNA Splicers toward Reshiram.

DNA Splicers: (＾▽＾)

Reshiram: “……”

The DNA Splicers… actually seemed to be enjoying this.

Ghetsis and Colress both gulped.

The DNA Splicers we’ve been scheming for… were on YOU this whole time?!

“We lost the intel war,” Colress muttered.

“We never should have enacted the Opelucid City plan…” Ghetsis said, looking utterly defeated.

In truth, it was after the Opelucid City incident that Drayden entrusted the DNA Splicers to Natsume.

Natsume turned to N.

“Can you try reaching out to Zekrom?”

“I’ll try.”

N walked to the edge of the cliff amidst the falling snow, slowly spreading his arms.

When his eyes met Black Kyurem’s—

The Mental World.

N stood once more beneath a stormy, lightning-streaked sky, gazing up at Zekrom, frozen within a block of ice.

Between them stretched a towering staircase, bolts of lightning striking the steps, leaving scorch marks.

N stepped onto the stairs without hesitation. Lightning CRACKLED against his white dress shirt!

Agonizing pain surged through him. Teeth clenched, sweat beading, every step felt like martyrdom—every step brought him closer to Zekrom.

The final step was impossibly wide.

The lightning above transformed into falling ice crystals. Frost crawled up N’s ankles, locking him in place.

His lips were pale, his cap covered in ice. His dull eyes lifted toward Zekrom, still encased on the platform.

「Give up. Your Ideals for changing the world will only bring you suffering.」 A dark, whispering voice echoed behind him.

It was the final straw.

N’s knees hit the ground with a thud, his flesh freezing to the ice. His hands stiffened, numbness spreading.

“You’re right… why does it have to be me?” N murmured, voice hollow.

Even without me, there’s Natsume-sensei. There’s Red. There are other Trainers who could change the world.

Why must I bear this pain…?

Why…?

Tears streamed down his face—freezing instantly.

Back in Reality.

Natsume shook N’s shoulder, his eyes vacant, tear tracks still visible. A pulse of Aura of Ripple washed over him.

“Hey, a hero can’t just run away!” Natsume said.

Using The Power of One to communicate with Black Kyurem was draining!

N looked up as a single beam of light pierced the dark clouds.

The ray cut through the gray world, mist swirling.

The howling wind and snow seemed to part like a miracle. N staggered to his feet, a flicker of light returning to his eyes.

Team Plasma’s members… Unova’s Pokémon… they were all waiting for their “king” to return.

This pain. These Ideals… I must bear them. I must carry them.

Because—

N’s gaze sharpened, resolve burning deep within.

I… am the King of Team Plasma.

The clouds parted.

Sunlight bathed the ice, cracks spreading—until it SHATTERED completely!

Zekrom stood tall, crimson eyes blazing.

“Zekrom…” N smiled weakly, exhaustion lining his voice.

「Where you go…」 Zekrom caught N as he collapsed, voice solemn. 「…I shall follow.」

Reality.

“Kyurem!!”

Black Kyurem’s engine sputtered, leaving it wide open for Reshiram’s fiery strike.

「Now! Try to reach Zekrom—awaken it!」 Reshiram urged.

Natsume glanced at N, swaying on his feet. “Gengar, watch over this unlucky kid!”

“Gengar~!” Gengar gave a thumbs-up.

Natsume: “Transcend the laws of time and space!”

His consciousness plunged into darkness, sinking into soundless depths, feeling the ripple of unseen currents.

When Natsume opened his eyes again, he found himself standing in the mental realm once more.

The Tao Trio… tied to nature, spirit, and matter…

Before he could finish the thought, movement caught his eye—he nearly jumped.

Zekrom loomed over him, massive wings spread, its red eyes piercing.

The Dragon of Ideals, Zekrom!

Wonder if this guy’s related to Red-Eyes Zekrom…

Zekrom’s gaze was unwavering.

「Human… what are your Ideals?」

“Can’t you two come up with a new question?!” Natsume groaned.

First Reshiram, now Zekrom grilling him!

Zekrom remained impassive, repeating the question.

Natsume rubbed his chin, thinking.

Wait…

If he remembered right, Unova’s legend stated that Zekrom could see into the deepest Ideals of one’s heart—and manifest them as truth.

This was the blessing of the Dragon of Ideals.

“My Ideals…”

Natsume’s expression turned dead serious, his palms sweating. Slowly, he answered:

“Marry Cynthia. Then do a wedding dress roleplay.”

Zekrom stared.

Natsume stared back.

Zekrom: ???

I have never met a “hero” this shameless!

And yet… his conviction was as unshakable as N’s desire to free Unova—

He truly is the Hero of Black?!

After a long silence, the world trembled. Zekrom’s roar echoed.

「Your resolve… embodies Ideals!」

Natsume smiled. “Thank you, Zekrom.”

Following his recognition as the Hero of White, Natsume-sensei had now earned Zekrom’s approval—becoming the Hero of Black!

Both Natsume and N opened their eyes at the same time.

N, like a child seeking praise, grinned weakly. “Sensei… I did it.”

“You worked hard, N.” Natsume nodded.

It was because of N’s efforts that he could communicate with Zekrom.

“The honor was mine.” N’s smile was shy.

Natsume looked down at the DNA Splicers in his palm.

With Opelucid’s acknowledgment… what came next would be simple.

The snowy sky.

Reshiram turned toward Natsume, eyes widening in shock.

Natsume raised the DNA Splicers high—

They ascended, erupting in blinding light!

Ghetsis’ face twisted in realization. “Impossible! How can he—how can he have earned both dragons’ recognition?! Zekrom and Reshiram are destined rivals—they fight to the death!”

Colress sighed. “Contradictions contain unity. Under the right conditions, opposing forces can transform into one another… That is the true meaning of the Tao Trio.”

Ghetsis stared blankly.

Colress chuckled. “And… Mr. Natsume didn’t just earn two dragons’ approval.”

He looked up, awed.

“He gained the acknowledgment of all three.”

Ghetsis’ face turned ashen, as if an invisible hand gripped his throat.

The dream he had schemed for—now realized by another.

His eyes burned with despair as he stared at Natsume.

That should have been my Tao Trio… my tools to rule Unova!

“Black Kyurem—!”

Under the gaze of every fighter on the battlefield, Natsume’s coat flapped in the wind as he held the glowing DNA Splicers aloft.

“DEFUSION!!!”