Chapter 0603: A Single Strike to Fell All Foes!（Three-in-One）

Natsume studied the crouching Pikachu, his mind racing.

Pikachu’s performance in League Tournaments was notoriously unpredictable—a wild card.

Against powerful opponents, it could erupt with overwhelming fighting spirit, transforming into the legendary Pika God.

But most of the time, Pikachu just… slacked off, earning it the nickname Oscar-winner.

The key to facing Pikachu was preventing it from activating god mode—which made psychological warfare a crucial part of the strategy.

"Starting with Pikachu, huh?" Natsume tightened his grip on his Poké Ball. Just as expected.

Following his pre-match plan, Natsume deployed his ultimate Pikachu counter—

"I choose you, Togepi!"

Togepi wasn’t weak—in fact, it had joined his team even before Sirfetch’d.

Its baby-like appearance just made people underestimate its true strength.

Starting with Togepi meant that even if his prediction was wrong, he could seamlessly switch using a Baton Pass strategy.

And more importantly… Togepi’s sheer luck could rival even Pika God’s divine mode!

Now…

A no-holds-barred battle of the babies was about to begin!

A beam of light burst from the Poké Ball as the little one hopped out with a cheerful pop!

"Togepi doo-ee~! (◕‿◕✿)"

It wobbled slightly upon landing but quickly steadied itself, waving happily.

The crowd erupted in noise, and the live stream flooded with messages.

"Bringing a rookie to a Baby Cup final? Classic."

"Blastoise for easy fights, Togepi for tough ones!"

"And… Sirfetch’d for desperate situations?"

"This isn’t holding back—this is a calculated massacre!"

In the stands, Gold’s Togebo burst out of its Poké Ball in excitement, flapping its wings.

"Togekiss!!" (Go get ’em, sis!!)

"You’re blocking my view, Togebo," Gold said flatly.

"Togekiss?! (╬◣д◢)"

On the opposite side of the arena…

Aunt Delia clasped her cheeks, beaming. "My, aren’t Togepi and Pikachu just adorable~?"

Blue Oak frowned slightly. "Is this Natsume-sensei’s way… of suppressing Pikachu’s potential?"

"Then let’s compose a senryū for Togepi—"

Professor Oak crossed his arms, eyes lighting up before he suddenly grinned and clapped.

"Cold morning breakfast,

Togepi curls in blankets—

What a cute sight, ah!"

Despite his poetic inspiration, the audience ignored him completely, their focus locked on the battlefield.

"Togepi is too cute!"

"I’ll take either of these babies, honestly…"

"Oh no, Ash’s Pikachu is totally gonna throw this match!"

On the standard battlefield…

"Pikachu…" Pikachu crouched low, glancing back at Ash with reluctance.

In the anime, Pikachu always held back against Misty and Dawn—how could it possibly go all-out against Togepi?

"Don’t underestimate Togepi, Pikachu!" Ash said firmly. "That’s a Pokémon raised by Natsume-sensei! Give it everything you’ve got!"

"Pikachu!" It nodded, refocusing on Togepi as electricity crackled across its cheeks.

The referee scanned both sides before raising his flags.

"Battle… BEGIN!"

Ash’s arm shot forward. "Pikachu, Quick Attack!"

"Pikachu!"

Crouching low, Pikachu surged forward like a streak of white lightning!

Natsume already had Pikachu’s entire moveset memorized: Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Volt Tackle, Thunderbolt.

A pure brawler’s toolkit—every strategy boiled down to rush in and smash. Classic Pallet Town Ash at his finest.

"Togepi," Natsume said calmly. "Use Charm."

Charm drastically lowered an opponent’s aggression—a perfect counter for Pika God’s hyper-offensive style.

The ultimate strategy? Win without fighting.

Breaking castles was easy. Breaking spirit was the real art.

"Togepi doo-ee~ ξ( ✿＞◡❛)"

Togepi’s eyes shimmered, unleashing a devastating wave of adorable energy straight at the charging Pikachu.

"Pikachu?!" Pikachu faltered mid-charge, its speed visibly dropping.

"Togepi~!" Clutched in Togepi’s tiny hands was a gleaming Evolution Stone, boosting its defenses even further.

THUD!

The impact barely fazed Togepi, who spun gracefully in the air before landing with a hop.

The audience, now dead silent, held their breaths.

Against all expectations… Togepi was the perfect counterplay.

"Pikachu!" Ash pivoted instantly. "Fall back—Thunderbolt!"

"Pikachu!" Pikachu leapt backward, electricity crackling across its cheeks.

Natsume’s instincts flared.

No way I’m letting Pika God charge up.

"Psychic! Lock it down!"

"Togepi doo-ee~ (◠‿◠✿)"

Pikachu, mid-air and defenseless, froze as pink psychic energy coiled around it.

"Pikachu…!" Straining against the glow, Pikachu couldn’t channel electricity through its body.

This was just like their nightmare match against Saffron City’s Kadabra—where Confusion had wrecked them.

But its tail was still free. Ash seized the opening. "Pikachu, Iron Tail!"

"PIKACHU!"

A metallic CRASH echoed as Pikachu’s tail smashed through the psychic bindings!

"Ash’s Pikachu breaks free!" the commentator shouted. "What’s next—?!"

A dust cloud erupted, obscuring the field.

Natsume, using The Power of One, pinpointed Togepi’s location and relayed a mental command.

‘ Sweet Kiss ！’

"Go, Pikachu!"

Ash’s voice burned with determination. "Volt Tackle!"

From the smoke, a blinding blue streak erupted.

Pikachu, wreathed in crackling energy, tore across the battlefield like a lightning bolt!

"Pikachu charges at insane speed!" the commentator gasped. "This is Electric-type’s ultimate move!"

"That commentator’s clueless," Lt. Surge muttered, adjusting his shades. His gold chain glinted under the sun.

"Obviously," Gold scoffed, smug. "Real ultimate moves are stuff like my Pichu’s Super Sunrise Strike!"

Lt. Surge blinked. "…That’s just Volt Tackle with extra steps."

The true pinnacle of Electric moves? Something like 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt—the kind only Raikou could unleash.

Ash and Pikachu could pull it off with Z-Power… but right now? Not a chance.

Natsume didn’t flinch as the electrifying strike barreled toward him.

"Togepi doo-ee~"

Togepi, hands tucked behind its back, casually sidestepped the attack.

BOOM!!!

Pikachu slammed into the barrier, leaving a smoldering crater.

"Volt Tackle missed?!" the commentator choked. "How did Togepi dodge so effortlessly?!"

From the Champion’s seat, Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, smirking.

As a Togekiss trainer, she recognized the tactic instantly.

Sweet Kiss—a move with a 100% confusion rate.

Amid the dust, Natsume had timed it perfectly.

The jumbotron replayed the moment.

"Togepi doo-ee~ (◕‿◕✿) mwah!"

As Pikachu’s blue lightning streaked past, Togepi blew a kiss—then dodged.

The kiss landed. Pikachu, now hopelessly confused, plowed straight into the wall.

"Pikachu!" Ash yelled in alarm.

"Pi…kachu…" Dizzy and dazed, Pikachu wobbled to its feet.

"Pikachu is confused!" the commentator announced. "That Sweet Kiss sealed its fate!"

The livestream chat exploded with spam:

"DIRTY play!"

"Togepi didn’t even fight—Pikachu wrecked itself!"

Togebo flapped wildly, shoving Gold’s face with its wings. "Togekiss Togekiss!"

"Yeah, I saw it," Gold grumbled. "Quit shoving me!"

Nearby, Blue Oak’s expression shifted.

Grandpa was right…

This guy’s a tactical monster.

"Togepi—"

Natsume wasn’t sure if Ash’s Snarl could cure confusion.

But he wasn’t wasting this opening.

"Mystical Fire."

"Togepi doo-ee~!"

Togepi traced a glowing circle in the air—intricate patterns flaring to life—before unleashing a spiraling burst of orange flames.

KABOOM!!!

The fire engulfed Pikachu, blasting it skyward.

"PIKACHU!" Ash shouted.

Pikachu tumbled twice before landing hard, shaking its head to clear the dizziness.

"Take a breather," Ash said, relieved.

"Pikachu!" Nodding, Pikachu dashed back to Ash’s side, steadying its ragged breaths.

"Mystical Fire."

"Togepi doo-ee~!"

Togepi traced a glowing circle in the air—intricate patterns flaring to life—before unleashing a spiraling burst of orange flames.

KABOOM!!!

The Mystical Fire engulfed Pikachu in a blazing explosion, sending it tumbling through the air!

"Pikachu!" Ash shouted.

Pikachu flipped twice before landing shakily, shaking its head to clear the dizziness.

"Take a breather," Ash sighed in relief, locking eyes with his partner.

"Pikachu!" Nodding, Pikachu darted back to Ash’s side, steadying its ragged breaths.

Natsume’s stomach dropped.

Crap. Didn’t lock Pika God down hard enough.

Every time Pikachu retreated, it came back stronger—like some kind of hidden regeneration.

I swear this Pikachu’s running illegal abilities. Where’s the Regenerator hidden skill?!

From the stands, Paul watched with crossed arms, his expression icy.

Ash, deep in thought, clenched his Poké Ball tighter—until his eyes sharpened with resolve.

"I need to knock out Togepi before it lands another Sweet Kiss…"

In other words… speed was key.

Ash: "Go, Sceptile!"

The thrown Poké Ball released a beam of light.

Sceptile landed with a twig between its teeth, arms crossed as Leaf Blades gleamed ominously. "Scep-TILE!"

"That’s Ash’s ace from Hoenn," Professor Oak mused. "A swordsman swift as the wind!"

A breeze ruffled Sceptile’s leaves as it stood motionless, eyes closed.

"Scep…"

Move with the wind… but never let your guard down.

Natsume’s brow arched. A blade master? Then I’ll match you with my sword saint.

"Sirfetch’d, I choose you!"

The Premier Ball burst open, revealing the snow-white knight.

Sirfetch’d emerged, leek and shield at the ready, its V-shaped brows furrowed in intensity.

"Sirfetch’d!( -'`-)"

A concentrated will can shatter stone!

After its semifinals performance, Sirfetch’d had already seared itself into the audience’s memories.

Now, it faced another master of Leaf Blade—Sceptile!

The livestream exploded as the crowd roared:

"Blademaster vs. Blademaster!"

"Coolness is like the wind—always by my side."

"Who’s the real king of style?!"

"SIRFETCH’D, MURDER HIM!!"

Yet amidst the chaos, the two combatants remained utterly still.

"Scep… (｀⌒´メ)"

Sceptile’s eyes narrowed, analyzing Sirfetch’d’s stance. The pressure only fueled its fighting spirit.

"Sirfetch’d… (っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)"

Sirfetch’d, however, looked miserable.

We just battled two days ago! Where’s my vacation?!

Even slackers need basic labor rights!

Bruno, munching a steamed bun, observed calmly.

Both were masters of the blade—yet their styles couldn’t be more different.

One strikes like a storm. The other pierces like a meteor.

The winner? Whoever outplays the other first.

Natsume remained wary. This Sceptile had slaughtered gods before.

"Sirfetch’d, First Impression!"

"Sir-FETCH’D!" Sirfetch’d lunged, leek-turned-lance gleaming!

"Sceptile…!"

Sceptile blurred forward, twig still clenched between its teeth.

You’re too slow.

"That Quick Attack is insane!" Bug-type Elite Four Aaron gaped.

Even his speed-specialist Ninjask might struggle to keep up!

"Ash excels at high-speed offense," Cynthia noted, amused. "It’s his greatest strength."

Strategy? Rushing in is the best strategy!

Sceptile’s speed was terrifying.

It dodged Sirfetch’d’s thrust effortlessly—then slashed its back with a glowing Leaf Blade!

THWACK!!

"Natsume-sensei’s move missed again!"

"Sirfetch’d really is his spirit Pokémon!"

Sceptile's assault didn't slow after that first hit.

Blade after blade, its attacks grew stronger—a storm of Fury Cutters!

"That's Sceptile's Fury Cutter!" the commentator yelled. "With its insane speed, each slash cuts deeper!"

"SCEP-TILE!!"

Twig still clenched between its teeth, Sceptile's arms became emerald blurs as Quick Attack let it strike from all angles.

THWACK! THWACK! THWACK!

In seconds, Sirfetch'd's back was crisscrossed with wounds—no time to counter!

"Sirfetch'd's leek is too heavy!"

"It's too slow… gonna get overwhelmed!"

"Guess even masters fall to brute force?"

Ash wiped his sweaty palms. "Again, Fury Cutter!"

"Sceptile!" This slash glowed brighter—aimed to finish.

But as Sceptile attacked, Natsume had been watching. Waiting.

"Detect."

At the last possible moment—

Sirfetch'd spun, shield raised.

CLANG!!!

The perfect counter froze Sceptile mid-strike.

"Sceptile?!" The twig nearly fell from its mouth.

"Sirfetch'd." Sirfetch'd smirked, shield still poised.

BAM!!

The shield bash sent Sceptile stumbling back!

"Sceptile!"

It landed lightly, leaves shimmering with energy.

"Sceptile!" Ash seized the opening. "Leaf Storm!!"

Grass-type energy surged into Sceptile's tail, its yellow sacs glowing as razor-sharp leaves spiraled around it—

A blender of blades, ready to shred everything in its path!

"First bait out Detect, then hit with Leaf Storm?"

Blue Oak smirked, hands in pockets. "Ash has improved."

"But that alone won't beat Natsume's Sirfetch'd," Professor Oak said gravely.

He remembered this Sirfetch'd from his backyard battles—brutal efficiency honed into art.

And now? It was terrifying.

"Endure it, Sirfetch'd." Natsume ordered. "Swords Dance."

Then—

The storm unleashed.

Thousands of leaves, each sharp as a dagger, blasted toward Sirfetch'd!

"SIRFETCH'D!!"

Sirfetch'd spun its leek and shield, creating a whirling barrier.

A duel of storms.

TING! TING! TING!

Sparks flew as leaves clashed against metal, the screeches ear-splitting!

"Is that…" Paul muttered. "Counter Shield?"

Even offensive moves could become defense in the right hands.

Both Ash and Paul had mastered it.

And Natsume-sensei, the "Strategist"?

...He knew a thing or two.

The Leaf Storm tore at Sirfetch'd's leek, some blades slipping through to slice its body—

But most were deflected by the massive leek and shield, sparking wildly!

That oversized leek was Sirfetch'd's weakness…

And its greatest strength.

The distance required for Leaf Storm gave Sceptile room to charge.

"Sceptile!"

The instant the move ended, Sceptile blasted forward, kicking up dust—

"Sceptile!" Ash roared. "LEAF BLADE!!"

"SCEP-TILE!!"

Twig in teeth, arms back, its Leaf Blades glowed viciously green as it leapt—

A blur of slashes, an impenetrable net of blades, all aimed at Sirfetch'd below!

A thousand cuts in one strike!

"Sirfetch'd…"

Sirfetch'd stood calmly, stance stiff yet unshakable.

Eyes empty yet piercing, locked onto Sceptile.

"Sceptile?!" Sceptile flinched.

A true master never stops being a student.

"Sirfetch'd." Natsume's voice cut through the chaos.

"BRAVE BIRD."

Sirfetch'd raised its shield—

A golden phoenix of light erupted behind it, swirling around its leek before SLAMMING forward—

A single strike to fell all foes!

BOOOOOOM!!!!

The Brave Bird shattered the flurry of blades, plowed through the storm—

And obliterated Sceptile mid-air.

"SCEP—!" Its eyes widened, twig dropping as it hurtled backward—

CRASH!!!

Sceptile slammed into the ground, motionless.

"Sceptile is unable to battle!" The referee's flag shot up.

Sirfetch'd stood, white fur streaked with blood—but its eyes burned.

"Sirfetch'd~( -'`-)" It raised its leek triumphantly.

The livestream lagged—then exploded with "OH MY GOD" spam.

"Fast attacks? ONE HIT. THAT'S ALL IT TOOK."

"Sirfetch'd for Lily of the Valley MVP!"

"THE TRUE BLADE MASTER!!"

In the stands, Bruno nodded solemnly.

"Enduring relentless strikes… to land a single decisive blow."

He closed his eyes. "Like a boxer's KO punch. This is fighting."

"I thought Sirfetch'd was done for…" Gold whistled. "Thank Arceus for shields!"

"Not bad." Lt. Surge grinned. "Ash's rookie forced four moves out of Sirfetch'd!"

"Good work. Return, Sceptile."

Ash recalled Sceptile, replaying the battle in his mind.

Sirfetch'd didn't carry any Fighting-type moves... That's my opening!

"If it's raw power we need—I choose you!"

He hurled the Poké Ball with all his might: "Snorlax, I'm counting on you!"

The livestream chat exploded with confusion:

"Master of type disadvantage?!"

"No, this must be calculated!"

Natsume's brow arched.

Ash's skills had skyrocketed during his Sinnoh journey.

As for his Pokémon? Half the region's elites probably trained them for him.

Typical Pallet Town privilege.

THUD!!

"Snorlax! (ー`´ー)"

The arena shook—once—as the massive Snorlax landed.

Brock commented in their chat: "This Snorlax is actually slim for its species."

"Can Snorlax even do speed strategies?" Yellow asked.

"Ash makes it work," Red replied. "Mine... has a different style."

Red's Snorlax could tank bullet trains—an absolute monster.

Ash's? A nimble sumo wrestler who could butterfly stroke.

Natsume hadn't known Ash's full lineup beforehand...

Now, staring at Snorlax, he felt a twinge of dread.

Did he bring his entire A-team?!

This Orange Islands veteran, though rarely used, had a stellar win record.

"Sirfetch'd! Σ(°△°|||)︴"

Sirfetch'd paled, looking up at the behemoth.

"Return, Sirfetch'd."

Natsume's Premier Ball recalled it—Sirfetch'd sighing in relief.

Vacation time~ ヽ(；▽；)ノ

For this finals, he'd intentionally omitted Fighting moves on Sirfetch'd...

But other team members? Oh, they packed punches.

"Arcanine, go!"

The Luxury Ball burst open—

"Arcanine!"

Flaxen mane billowing, the legendary beast bared its fangs, black-red markings rippling with power.

"Countering physical attackers!" the commentator shouted. "Natsume leads with Intimidate Arcanine!"

The titans faced off—

Ash's blue vest fluttering, Pikachu at his side, Snorlax an immovable wall.

Seeing Natsume's choice, Ash inhaled sharply—

"Snorlax! Mega Punch!"

THUD! THUD! THUD!

The ground trembled as Snorlax charged, fist glowing white—

"Close Combat!" Natsume ordered.

Arcanine pounced, mane whipping back, limbs alight with fighting energy—

CRASH!!

The Mega Punch landed first—but Arcanine tanked through, fangs bared!

"Protect!" Ash shouted.

Natsume blinked.

Since when did bushy-browed Ash run Protect?!

Paul smirked from the stands.

Even rivals borrow tactics sometimes, Natsume-sensei.

"Snorlax!" Crossing its arms, Snorlax erected a green Light Screen—

Then Ash roared: "Body Slam!"

"Snorlax!"

Like a gigantic cannonball, Snorlax leapt—

BOOM!!!

The arena floor shattered on impact.

"Ash's Snorlax," the commentator gasped, "has insane jumping power!"

""Snorlax!" Crossing its arms, Snorlax erected a green Light Screen—

Then Ash roared: "Body Slam!"

"Snorlax!"

Like a gigantic cannonball, Snorlax leapt—

BOOM!!!

The arena floor shattered on impact.!"

Sprawled mid-air, belly-first, it became a living meteor—

"Dig!"

Arcanine dug just before impact—

Ash's eyes narrowed. "Keep falling! Mega Punch the ground!"

"SNOR!"

Fist cocked back, Snorlax aimed straight for the crater—

"Ho!" Professor Oak's eyes gleamed. "Artificial Earthquake?!"

Blue Oak smirked.

"Those spur-of-the-moment calls... That's Ash's real gift."

Natsume sighed skyward.

Classic Ash.

Every tournament, one of these absurd plays.

Ash.exe has activated?

KABOOOOOM!!!!

The seismic shockwave ripped through the arena—

Arcanine barely scrambled free, fur singed, snarling: "Arcanine!"

"Now!" Ash fist-pumped. "Giga Impact!"

"Arcanine." Natsume raised a hand. "Reversal."

The lower Arcanine's health, the stronger this Fighting move became—

"Snorlax..."

As Snorlax staggered up—

WHAM!!!

Arcanine's full-force tackle sent it flying into the barrier—

CRUNCH!!

The entire stadium shook.

Silence.

Then—

"What just happened?!"

"Did Natsume-sensei plan that?!"

"Snorlax..."

Snorlax struggled to pull itself from the dented barrier, arms hanging limply as it gasped for breath—hanging on by the slimmest thread of HP.

Natsume blinked in surprise. It's still standing?

But this was exactly why he loved these tenacious Pokémon.

And why, in battles that tested the bonds between trainer and Pokémon, he had to give it everything he had!

Ash: "Snorlax, Rest—"

"Arcanine." Natsume's voice cut through sharply. "Extreme Speed!"

"Arcanine!"

Arcanine's muscles coiled—then it blurred forward, mane streaming behind it like a golden comet.

WHAM!!!

"Snorlax—!" The impact sent Snorlax crashing backward.

BOOM!!

Dust billowed as the referee's flag swung.

"Snorlax is unable to battle!"

"Arcanine~! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧"

Arcanine threw its head back triumphantly, its black-and-red markings gleaming—every inch the heroic warrior.

Then it turned to Natsume-sensei, instantly morphing into a goofy grin. "Arcaninel! (◕‿◕✿)"

"Good job~" Natsume ruffled its mane as it trotted off.

The crowd's cheers roared like thunder—but Ash stood quietly, fists clenched at his sides.

Is this... as far as I can go?

"Ash." Natsume's sudden address made him jerk his head up.

"Huh?"

"After this match..." Natsume's lips quirked. "You and your Pokémon should come over."

"I made Pokéblocks... and, uh, spicy curry."

Ash's blue vest flapped in the arena's wind as his eyes lit up.

"You got it!"

"Contestant, send out your next Pokémon!" The referee's voice rang out.

Ash's eyes burned with renewed determination as he adjusted his cap brim. With a baseball pitcher's windup, he hurled the Poké Ball across the arena.

"I'm counting on you, Infernape!"

"Infernape!"

Flames erupted across the armored Infernape's body as it landed in a battle-ready crouch, its gaze locked unflinchingly on Natsume.

"You've grown stronger," Natsume remarked with a smile, remembering the scrawny Chimchar he'd first met in Sinnoh.

"Infernape!" Infernape monkey nodded fiercely, its eyes blazing with even greater fighting spirit as it stared down Natsume.

Challenge the strong. Again and again—until we stand at the very peak with our Trainer!

Natsume closed his eyes briefly, sensing Infernape's burning resolve. "So this is your answer..." he murmured.

Recalling his battle-worn Arcanine, Natsume drew a Dive Ball from his belt. A beam of white light shot forth—

—and materialized into Blastoise's formidable form, its sheer aura rippling outward in visible waves that sent dust swirling across the battlefield.

"INFERNAPE!!!"

Infernape's flames surged violently as it spread its arms wide, clenched fists shaking with barely-contained energy, and roared its challenge to the skies.

"Blastoise...(■_■)"

Blastoise casually removed its sunglasses and tossed them aside, rolling its neck with a series of audible cracks.

The nearly tangible battle aura between them electrified the entire stadium—yet the audience sat in breathless silence.

"Ash. Infernape."

A gentle breeze ruffled Natsume's dark hair as his eyes gleamed with quiet intensity, a faint smirk playing at his lips.

"Show me how far you've come."