Chapter 0631: Natsume's Future Ace(Two-in-One)

The next day.

"Natsume-sensei Teaches Battling 017: Sandstorm Team" topped the daily trending charts.

This was Natsume-sensei’s first livestream since his "brutal sweep" through the Champion League—and also the first time Cynthia appeared as a guest commentator.

"Missing person finally returns!"

"Who are you, and why are you on my follow list?"

"NATSUME-SENSEI ACTUALLY UPLOADED?!"

Every day, fans would check the rankings, hoping to find Natsume-sensei’s latest "entertainingly disastrous" card battles, only to be disappointed.

Instead, it was his meme-filled, chaotic highlight clips that often dominated the Music Category’s top spots.

But today, fans’ eyes lit up as they eagerly unwrapped their takeout and clicked on the new video.

Unlike the control-heavy "Sun-Sand Team" or "Rain Perish Song", Sandstorm Teams were known for their raw, aggressive playstyle.

A staple across multiple competitive generations, Sandstorm Teams naturally had a massive following.

So when Natsume-sensei finally dropped his "Sandstorm Team" guide, fans couldn’t contain their excitement.

"He went toe-to-toe with Steel-type Champion Steven!"

"Sandstorm is just too cool—Rock, Steel, and Ground types all synergize so well."

"Holy crap, did Natsume-sensei just predict Steven’s prediction?!"

Despite Mega Metagross’s devastating Ice Punch being capable of one-shotting Mega Garchomp, Steven gambled on predicting Rotom’s switch-in.

But Natsume-sensei was playing 4D chess—not only did he not switch, he retaliated with an Earthquake that obliterated the supposedly invincible platinum Metagross!

"The invincible platinum Metagross takes another L! (sobbing)"

"I get the strategy, but man, that shiny 'white body, red eyes' Metagross is just chef’s kiss."

"Look, Trainers are free to have their preferences… but I strongly recommend therapy."

President Steven’s obsession with Metagross was on par with Kaiba’s love for Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

And in this simulated battle, Natsume used Cynthia’s signature Mega Garchomp to crush that platinum Metagross.

Fans once again witnessed Natsume-sensei’s impeccable command skills, his abysmal luck… and his bond with Moe-Moe.

"Back in Wyndon, Natsume-sensei borrowed Cynthia’s team… so this is the connection?"

Outside of Battle Facilities, only those with the closest bonds—comrades-in-arms, partners—could lend each other their teams and wield them flawlessly.

Like how Red and Green often swapped Venusaur and Charizard, or how Red’s Pikachu would obey Yellow’s commands.

As for Natsume-sensei and Cynthia—

"Sniff… I’m not jealous. Not at all!"

When Cynthia’s soft laughter echoed through the tutorial, the chat instantly turned lemon-yellow with envy.

"Why must I suffer emotional damage while learning strategies?"

"More! I live for this!"

Then, when Excadrill transformed into a sky-piercing drill, securing a one-versus-three sweep, the chat erupted in fiery red.

"Here we go, Excadrill!"

"That’s not a double—no, a triple helix!"

Steven’s Claydol, Cradily, and Skarmory fell one by one to Excadrill’s relentless drill.

The chat exploded with "OHHHHH" and "TEARS IN MY EYES", viewership and comments skyrocketing!

As the screen shook from the finishing Earthquake that took down Mega Metagross, the first half of the video concluded.

The chat unanimously spammed: "MASTERPIECE."

"Screenshot for posterity."

"Skip to 7:03—my favorite part: Sun Team bullying."

"It’s here! Tyranitar beating up Little Groudon!"

The "Sun Team massacre", a recurring segment in Natsume-sensei’s videos, had become a beloved meme.

And in this tutorial match, Tyranitar demonstrated the art of weather control, triggering its Weakness Policy and annihilating everything—including its ally—with Earthquake.

"Tyranitar!!" Tyranitar slammed the ground, and a question mark appeared over Excadrill’s head.

Then—BOOM!

Torkoal, Typhlosion, and even poor Excadrill were wiped out in one glorious triple KO.

"Sacrifice the teammate, unleash unlimited power!"

"I can’t afford one, but damn do I love Tyranitar."

"Excadrill: TURN ON YOUR MIC!"

……

Nimbasa City, Unova Region

A metropolis packed with musical theaters, battle arenas, and amusement parks—its iconic landmark being the towering Ferris Wheel.

Legend says two people who ride that Ferris Wheel together will become either lifelong partners... or lovers.

Ash, utterly uninterested in such urban myths, barged into the Pokémon Center and eagerly asked Nurse Joy:

"When does the Nimbasa Gym open? Can I challenge Leader Elesa today?!"

Nurse Joy smiled. "Once Miss Elesa finishes her modeling show, the Gym should be available."

"Great!" Ash clenched his fists, exchanging a determined look with Pikachu on his shoulder. "Today’s the day we win the Bolt Badge in one shot!"

Beside him stood Iris, clad in an oversized shrine maiden outfit, her hair tied into twin purple drills.

The future Unova Champion was still in the midst of her journey—and by sheer coincidence, traveling with Ash for now.

With Axew snoozing on her shoulder, Iris sighed.

"Ash, you’re such a kid."

"What?! I’ve competed in four League Conferences!" Ash protested.

"Ohhh~?" Iris squinted. "And?"

Ash’s shoulders slumped. "...And didn’t win any of them."

"Exactly." Iris threw her hands up. "You gotta study the basics first! Solid fundamentals are everything!"

Ash scratched his head. "Well, yeah... But Senior Red told me battling on instinct is the way to go."

"Red?!" Iris’s eyes sparkled. "Wait—you’re from Pallet Town too?!"

"Senior Red became Champion just by trusting his instincts," Ash said proudly.

"You and him are not the same!!"

Iris huffed, storming off with her arms crossed. "Ugh, I’m going to practice Excadrill’s techniques instead!"

"I know Natsume-sensei too," Ash called after her. "I just watched his latest video!"

Iris froze mid-step, cheeks puffing. "Urk..."

Why do I suddenly feel jealous of this idiot?!

……

The Isle of Armor, Master Dojo

Dawn’s first light crept over the horizon.

Mustard rose early, his hunched back shuffling into the living room with a kindly chuckle:

"One more win today, and I should clinch World’s Number One~"

"Yaaawn—" Mustard stretched, booting up his game—only to freeze, eyes widening. "Wh-what happened?!"

The screen blazed with the radiant Champion’s throne, its golden crown emblem glittering unmistakably:

World’s Number One: Mustard!

Mustard gaped at the battle reports from last night, his breath quickening, blood pressure spiking.

"Master?!" Avery rushed in, his tall hat askew. "Are you alright?!"

"It’s nothing."

Mustard waved a trembling hand, eyes glistening.

"Good heavens… I owe Steven thanks… but especially that Natsume-boy!"

……

Kalos Region, Lumiose City

The café hummed with afternoon serenity, its sole patron being Cynthia.

Dressed in a light-blue blouse and black wide-leg trousers, she leaned on the small table, a book in hand. Golden strands slipped over the pages, which she absently tucked behind her ear, gray eyes unwavering.

Cool air wafted through the room as steam curled from her Eevee Latte, its foam art a perfect Eevee silhouette.

"Sylveon~" A snowy Sylveon leapt onto the black-and-gold counter, stretching its forelegs with regal grace, eyes lidded in a Baby-Doll Eyes gaze.

"Gengar!" A levitating Gengar swiped a feather duster through the air, sending motes of dust dancing in sunbeams.

Behind the counter, Natsume set a fresh Berry Salad before Cynthia—the Leppa Berries carved into Scorbunny shapes with knife precision.

Cynthia glanced up, propping her chin on one hand. "Isn’t this too adorable?"

Natsume speared a ‘Scorbunny’ with a toothpick, crunching it loudly. "Tch. Picky."

"Mm…" Cynthia sipped her coffee, steam veiling her face as her gray eyes pinned him.

He slid into the seat opposite her, toothpick poised to stab a ‘Rowlet’—until Cynthia leaned over and stole it.

Natsume blinked.

She chewed the Leppa Berry daintily, lips glossy, brow arched: You saw nothing.

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

By the air conditioner’s rug, Sirfetch'd squatted halfway, eyelids drooping…

Then snapped them open, gaze sharpening.

Sirfetch'd, O Sirfetch'd! You must set an example for the younger ones!

"Sirfetch'd…( -'`-)" It flopped back down.

Training starts… tomorrow.

Cynthia kept her gaze lowered. "The intersection of truth and ideals—the hero who mastered Unova's twin Opelucid."

"...Don't tell me there's a Victini involved too," Natsume said.

Cynthia looked up, faintly surprised. "You've read this Mythology anthology?"

Natsume hesitated.

Not the anthology—just Unova's films.

"Victini and the Hero of Black/White" featured Zekrom and Reshiram, the twin Opelucid embodying ideals and truth. Their legend permeated Unova Region, woven into games, animations, Team Plasma, N, even the International Police...

Natsume shook his head, dismissing the thought.

Overreacting. Cynthia's a myth scholar. Researching Unova's Opelucid is perfectly normal.

"What's wrong?" Cynthia asked.

"Just wondering..."

He paused.

"Team Plasma's leader—he's been arrested by now, right?"

"Why ask suddenly?"

"Rocket Delivery's expanding into Unova Region," Natsume stated plainly.

After the Michina Town incident, Cynthia had gleaned fragments of Natsume's ties to Team Rocket but never pressed further.

Resting her chin on a hand, she mused, "Alder mentioned a criminal called Ghetsis was captured... though remnants of Team Plasma still lurk in Unova."

"Like Unova's old poaching rings?"

Cynthia shrugged. "Every region has its troubles."

"Then it's likely Ash and Iris's turn to handle it."

Natsume pondered.

"Once Iris mops up Team Plasma's remnants... that'd count as Champion-worthy deeds."

Unova's Opelucid legends have too many versions. Which timeline is this?

One thing's certain—

The Trio's operating in Unova now. Hope they stay safe.

A cool touch snapped him from his thoughts—Cynthia's finger brushing his forehead.

"You seem preoccupied," she murmured.

"Just planning ahead," Natsume sighed.

"Regardless," Cynthia's gray eyes softened, smiling. "I'll stand with you."

Warmth flickered in his chest.

"Speaking of," he said, "I need to visit Battle Castle soon."

"Oh? When?"

"Day after tomorrow."

Natsume turned toward Larvitar, gloomily munching chips in a corner.

Understanding a Pokémon's heart is a trainer's duty.

Togepi remained cheerfully unevolved, content as ever.

But Larvitar? Under Sirfetch'd's guidance, it burned to grow stronger—to prove itself, to rival its seniors... and maybe score extra snacks.

"Larvitar! (〃ω〃)" Larvitar giggled to itself.

Natsume rubbed his chin. "No idea who it takes after."

"Perhaps a Champion's strength," Cynthia teased.

"Strength?"

"Unmatched power. Absolute weather control. Even weaknesses become strategic tools." She smirked. "It'll be a battle prodigy... a future Champion's Ace."

Natsume recalled Larvitar's hatching—right after his clash with Giratina.

A trainer's resolve shapes their Pokémon, and vice versa.

But one truth binds them: they fight as one.

He glanced upward.

"Checked earlier—Grant's Rock-type Leader, Grant, will be at Battle Castle too."

"Perfect for Larvitar's trial."

Cynthia winced. "He'll regret accepting your challenge."

……

Unova Region

The Trio trudged through the wilderness, covered in dust, when their Communicator suddenly lit up.

"It's a call from the Executive, meow!"

James pulled out the Communicator, its blue light projecting a holographic display into the air.

The three immediately snapped to attention."What instructions do you have, Executive?"

"Nothing too critical."

Natsume paused, then continued:

"Team Plasma's remnants are still active in Unova Region... Remember, your safety comes first. Understood?"

The Trio exchanged glances before saluting in unison. "Understood!"

Natsume gave a slight nod. He trusted the Trio's self-preservation skills.

The International Police Headquarters was based in Unova Region, after all—they wouldn't let Team Plasma run wild forever.

Though it does mean 'Handsome' will have to pull some overtime...

The call ended.

The Trio huddled together, whispering.

"The Executive's words must have deeper meaning," Jessie mused.

Meowth rubbed his chin, then suddenly flailed excitedly.

"He's tellin' us to take over Team Plasma and expand Team Rocket's operations, meow~!"

"Oh, that makes perfect sense!" James praised. "If we wipe out Team Plasma, we'll prove our worth to the Executive!"

"Pfft, some Team Plasma." Jessie clenched her fist. "We're elite operatives who've even captured Pikachu before!"

"...We never actually caught Pikachu, meow," Meowth muttered.

"Shut it!"

In an instant, the Trio's fighting spirit ignited.

Jessie, James, and Meowth had all ranked first in Team Rocket's division exams—their elite operative status wasn't just for show.

As the saying went:

Aside from catching Pikachu, there's nothing Team Rocket can't master!

"Change of plans—we're ditching the twerp." Jessie planted a hand on her hip, flipping her hair. "Time to get moving."

James produced a rose with a smirk. "Let's show Unova Region and Team Plasma the true meaning of evil."

"Less 'evil organization,' more... loyal servants of the Executive—er, I mean, Boss Giovanni, meow!"

Meowth leaped between them.

"Crush Team Plasma! Conquer Unova Region! Get promoted to Three Executives!"

"Feelin' good~~"

Wobbuffet popped out of its Poké Ball with a "POOF!" and saluted.

"Wobbuffet!!"