Chapter 0654: The King Returns to Unova(Two-in-One)

Since Meloetta had chosen to continue traveling with Natsume.

Karus had no intention of forcing it to return.

After all, Meloetta possessed the ability to hear heartsongs—if Natsume hadn't earned its trust, it would never have grown so close to him.

For the Karus tribe, focusing solely on guarding the undersea temple would make their duties much simpler.

As for Natsume? He'd just gained another permanent resident at his café.

Darkrai's Pokéblock bill for saving Opelucid City still hasn't been settled...

Without the System, just the ingredients alone would give me a headache.

Natsume: "The System brought you Berries. Say: 'Thank you, Berry Stand!'"

[?]

Technically, Natsume and Meloetta weren't in a Trainer-Pokémon relationship—more like guardian and ward.

He was looking after Meloetta... and the ancient Poké Ball meant to contain it.

Given Natsume's tradition of treating Pokémon as family... this felt more like adopting a daughter.

"The café's going to get even livelier..."

His gaze drifted to Meloetta perched on Cynthia's shoulder, its eyes curved into happy crescents. Something stirred in his chest.

If anything, Meloetta didn't resemble him—

It was far more like Cynthia.

The same crescent-eyed smile, the same love for ice cream...

"Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," Natsume mused.

"Hm?" Cynthia noticed his thoughtful expression.

"I said Meloetta takes after you," he replied.

Cynthia rested one hand on her hip, the other teasing Meloetta's chin as she glanced back with a smile:

"I thought so too... Don't worry, I'll take good care of it while you're in Eindoak Town."

"You stay alert too," Natsume nodded. "Can't rule out Colress doubling back to Opelucid."

A dangerous glint flickered in Cynthia's gray eyes.

"I'd welcome him to try."

"Meloetta~!" Meloetta blinked from Cynthia's shoulder.

It wanted to accompany them to Eindoak Town, but Natsume refused—its constitution was still weak post-illness, making the trip risky.

Placing tiny hands over its microphone-like crest, Meloetta sighed wistfully.

"Meloetta..."

"As compensation, I'll host a concert when we get back."

Natsume tapped its forehead lightly.

"Already have a name: 'Meloetta's Sparkling Recital.'"

Named after the 24th Pokémon short—Meloetta's starring feature.

Meloetta's dejected expression transformed, eyes widening before sparkling with joy as it nodded eagerly.

"Meloetta!"

……

Two days had passed since Natsume's heroic actions in Opelucid City.

Media outlets covered the UFO incident over Opelucid, prominently featuring Natsume-sensei's courageous deeds.

The event left an indelible mark on Unova's citizens—his popularity now rivaled, if not surpassed, that of the region's own Champion Alder.

A hero who stands against disaster... always moves hearts.

One incarcerated Team Plasma member muttered solemnly:

"Team Plasma's king won't return... The whole organization was a lie from the start. But at least I witnessed a true hero."

Whether sincere or seeking leniency,

Natsume had undeniably influenced these former radicals—saving even their lives as the battleship plummeted.

Castelia City, Unova International Police Headquarters

Given his blinding achievements against Team Plasma's remnants,

Chief Jenny broke protocol by nominating Consultant Natsume as Deputy Director of Countermeasures—prompting fierce opposition.

"Regardless of merit, Natsume-sensei is far too young."

"His record is impeccable, but such a promotion requires further scrutiny."

"Very well." Chief Jenny tabled the discussion—for now.

In truth, recruiting a sitting Champion was an honor for the International Police.

This Jenny superior operated with decisive efficiency:

If the old Countermeasures Division resists...

Then establish a new one.

Coincidentally, plans were already underway for an Ultra Beast Task Force—

And that amnesiac "Fall", who'd tumbled from an Ultra Wormhole, displayed exceptional field aptitude.

Perfect as Consultant Natsume's colleague...

And Detective Handsome's new partner.

Lost in strategic contemplation, Chief Jenny steepled her fingers.

……

Icirrus City, Dragonspiral Tower

A towering, rugged man with russet hair—Champion Alder—crushed through the icy steps beneath his boots as he surveyed the distant peaks.

His gaze swept across the crumbling Ancient Ruins, where endless snow painted the world in monochrome.

Exhaling a white puff of breath, Alder adjusted the Poké Ball necklace around his neck and tilted his head toward the spire.

"One more hour... should get me to the top."

Rolling his stiff shoulders, he sighed. "Being Champion is a thankless job."

Ever since his partner Pokémon's passing, Alder had lost interest in the title—spending recent years scouting successors instead.

Yet he still fulfilled his duties.

With Colress and Kyurem on the loose, verifying the imprisonment stones became critical.

He'd heard Cynthia and Natsume had arrived in Unova. Though he hadn't met the young Champion yet, Alder imagined him as bold and valiant—

The hero who'd saved Opelucid City.

The thought faded as Alder's expression hardened.

After this mission, the Unova League must properly thank them both.

And selecting Unova's next Champion can't wait any longer...

Weariness flickered across his face as he resumed climbing, the Poké Balls around his neck clinking with each step.

Much like N despised Poké Balls, Alder rejected the storage system—choosing to carry all his companions physically.

His reasons were simple:

Distrusted modern technology

Wanted his Pokémon close at all times

Preferred hands-on care

As snow swirled, Alder suddenly halted. The steps ahead bore unnaturally thin accumulation—as if recently disturbed.

Brushing aside the powder, he frowned at what lay beneath.

"Footprints..."

At the summit of Dragonspiral Tower, Alder crossed his arms, gazing up at the snow-choked sky.

Behind him, the stone tablet lay shattered—the Dark Stone that should have imprisoned Zekrom was gone, leaving only scorch marks in its wake.

A trainer had earned the Dragon of Ideals' recognition...

Become the Hero of Black.

Alder fell silent, staring into the distance as if he could still see Zekrom soaring—

Lightning fracturing the blizzard, the dragon's azure-overdrive tail blazing as it plunged through the storm clouds.

His brow furrowed.

"That trainer on Zekrom's back... Who was it?"

One Day Earlier

N adjusted his cap, lifting dull eyes to the flickering Dark Stone.

"I came... for Kyurem's acknowledgment."

Crimson light pulsed from the stone. A voice like thunder resonated in his mind:

「Speak your ideals.」

His waist-length green hair whipped in the gale. Pressing a hand to his cap, a spark ignited in his gray eyes.

Before meeting that trainer...

He would've answered with fiery passion—spoken of liberating all Pokémon in Unova, rapid and fervent.

That version of himself might have swayed Zekrom too.

Pure. Romantic. Recklessly noble.

But now...

His lips parted haltingly, gaze flickering.

Memories surfaced:

Pokémon wounded by Team Plasma's schemes.

Families shattered by blind faith in "the King."

And Natsume—his Pokémon's harmonious heartsongs, which had stirred even N's own soul.

Lifting his head, N met the stone's glow with newfound clarity.

In his mind's eye, he stood before a black-armored dragon—

Mechanical wings spread, gemlike red eyes piercing the storm.

Slowly, firmly, N spoke:

"My ideal... is to atone for my mistakes."

"To return as Unova's true king."

Silence.

Then—

Zekrom's gaze softened with something like approval.

「Your resolve... manifests ideals.」

BOOM!

The psychic realm shattered. When N reopened his eyes, the Dark Stone blazed with light—

And before him stood Zekrom, its turbine tail crackling with energy.

「Thus, you have my allegiance.」

N pressed a hand to the dragon's metallic hide, whispering:

"Thank you... But there are others I must thank. Wrongs I must right."

White light erupted from his palm as Zekrom's tail supercharged the storm—

Clearing the blizzard in a thunderous roar.

Clutching his cap, N mounted the dragon and soared toward Eindoak Town.

Ghetsis. Colress. Kyurem.

Natsume-sensei's words echoed:

"Even destined to bleed... some battles are worth fighting. That is a trainer's purpose."

His grip tightened.

As Zekrom vanished into the clouds, thunder rumbled across Unova.

……

"Zekrom has been awakened?"

Natsume received the less-than-ideal news.

Gym Leader Drayden's expression turned grave.

"Champion Alder's investigation at Dragonspiral Tower confirmed it... The Dark Stone is gone, and Zekrom's current whereabouts are unknown."

"I see..."

The deviation from game and anime lore left Natsume uncertain—who could have awakened Zekrom?

Most likely N... but Black or even Colress remain possibilities.

"Understood."

Natsume nodded cautiously.

"I'll expedite my trip to Eindoak Town to investigate the Sword of the Vale!"

……

July 12th, Monday

Exiting Icirrus City Airport, Natsume exhaled a white puff at the biting wind.

"No wonder they call it Icirrus City..."

"It's getting late," Ash noted, eyeing the dusky sky. "Are we heading to Eindoak Town tonight, Natsume-sensei?"

"Gengar~~!" Gengar stretched its mouth wide, catching falling snowflakes.

Natsume shot it a glance.

"We'll lodge at the Pokémon Center tonight. Tomorrow we visit Eindoak's locals—

Starting with the Sword of the Vale."

He pointed toward the snowbound city's edge, where the ancient tower stood amidst an improbably verdant wilderness.

"Dragon veins supposedly bless this land—allowing vegetation and rivers despite the tundra."

Ash blinked. "Then... wouldn't snowbound neighbors get jealous?"

"Pika-chu!" Pikachu nodded from his shoulder.

Natsume raised an eyebrow. "Exactly. That resource conflict sparked the war between the Black and White princes."

"Each championing their ideals and truths, they led dragons into battle—birthing Unova's Opelucid legend."

All gleaned from Cynthia's mythology tomes.

Her scholarly influence had clearly rubbed off on him.

Ash's eyes lit up with that "knowledge acquired" glow.

En Route to Pokémon Center

Natsume considered his foldable bike—

Then wisely summoned Arcanine instead.

Pikachu's "Bike Destroyer" title wasn't earned lightly!

"Arcanine~!" The fiery mane radiated warmth through the blizzard.

"Arcanine's always so cool!" Ash gushed, scanning it with his Pokédex.

The Legendary Pokémon smirked.

Kid's got taste.

Their crimson streak across the tundra ended at the Pokémon Center's locked doors.

Knock. Knock.

No response.

Finally, a bundled-up Nurse Joy yawned open the door.

"Sorry. Icirrus observes early curfews for safety. Lodging's unavailable—try nearby hotels."

She frowned. "This is clearly posted on our website."

Natsume side-eyed his Rotom Dex—

The device sweatdropped. "Beep... May have checked a two-year-old archive, Rotom!"

Natsume sighed.

Considering Rotom's talents lie in appliances... I'll forgive this artificial simpleton.

"Apologies for the trouble."

Turning to Ash: "We'll camp nearby. Sword of the Vale at dawn."

As they turned to leave—

"Wait!"

Nurse Joy's sudden shout froze them. Her cheeks pinked beneath the cold.

"N-Natsume-sensei... We actually have vacancies..."

Natsume stiffened.

Sus.

Through The Power of One, he mentally alerted Blastoise:

"Scan her. Is this Joy actually a Mismagius?!"

He remembered that DP episode where Ash's group stumbled into an illusionary Pokémon Center run by ghost Pokémon.

A man must protect himself outdoors!

"Your heroics in Opelucid City earned you Unova-wide privileges," Nurse Joy explained, smiling.

The logic held. Combined with clean aura readings, Natsume relaxed.

"Much obliged. By the way..." He produced a business card. "Could I get Icirrus City's renovation team contacts?"

"Purely... professional curiosity."

Nurse Joy: ?