Chapter 0602: Proof of Our Bonds(Two-in-One)

What Natsume loved most about Pokémon was their capacity for genuine emotion.

Every encounter between trainer and Pokémon nurtured new bonds.

Ash's rebellious Charizard.

The effortlessly cool Sceptile.

The unyielding Infernape.

Gold's sister-complex Togebo.

The pool shark Typhlosion.

That Pichu with the matching bangs.

Steven's invincible Metagross.

Cynthia's majestic Garchomp.

Red's legendary Venusaur.

Not to mention a certain "Baby Cup" Champion's Gengar.

The tsundere Sylveon.

The ever-vigilant Blastoise.

Trainers and Pokémon grew more alike over time—their emotions and bonds deepening together.

This was the profound truth Natsume had discovered in just over a year.

Blinking awake, Natsume's eyes met Gengar yawning upside-down from the ceiling.

"Gengar~~" Gengar clung like a balloon, adorable in sleep.

(Though waking to a floating specter was still terrifying.)

Natsume: "..."

If Gengar sleeps on the bed, does that count as ghost oppression?

Morning light filtered through the curtains, illuminating the golden-haired beauty in blue pajamas beside him.

Her hair fanned across white sheets, a few strands clinging to porcelain skin.

The usual faint smile played on her lips as she breathed evenly.

Natsume rose carefully.

Exchanged nods with the buzzing Rotom vacuum in the living room.

Received an aura pulse from the cubic aquarium.

Then activated Rotom's "Legendary Chef Mode" in the kitchen, contemplating breakfast.

Sylveon would wander in half-asleep, stealing berries with its ribbons before drifting off again.

Sirfetch'd might help chop vegetables—or practice leek swings outside: "Sirfetch'd! (′︿‵)"

Arcanine sprawled like a lion in the living room, though its lolling tongue ruined the majesty.

"Larvitar..." Larvitar alternated between watching Togepi's games and staring transfixed at the TV.

By the time breakfast was ready, the golden-haired beauty would emerge sleep-tousled for their morning greeting.

Just another ordinary day during the Lily of the Valley Conference.

……

The Lily of the Valley Conference finals would pit Ash against Natsume in battle.

To prepare, Ash had recalled veterans and aces from across the regions—including Cameran Palace's Lucario.

At the Tree of Beginning, Natsume and Blastoise had saved the withering sacred tree.

There, Lucario had met Ash—an Aura Warrior whose spirit mirrored Sir Aaron's—and pledged to join his team when needed. Now it stood as Ash's trump card.

In the training arena, Riley adjusted his gentleman's hat, eyeing Ash's Lucario with surprise.

"This is the one you mentioned?" Riley asked. "The Guardian of the Tree of Beginning?"

"Yep!" Ash grinned. "This guy's always been the strong, silent type!"

Lucario crossed its arms, crimson gaze flickering to Riley.

So... Sir Aaron's descendant.

A faint smile touched its muzzle as it closed its eyes again.

The bloodline's aura potential remains strong.

Riley's expression grew complicated.

As an aura wielder, he could sense the familiar ripple emanating from Lucario—

It felt like watching his ancestor climb out of ancient paintings... only to get caught by Ash!

Ahem. "Against Natsume-sensei," Riley redirected, "we must counter his Blastoise above all."

"Its aura mastery... is unprecedented."

Ash nodded, meeting Lucario's determined stare.

The warrior's eyes blazed with fighting spirit:

"I look forward to battling Lord Natsume and that Blastoise!"

Its aura surged, igniting Ash and his team.

"Sceptile!" Sceptile's leaf blades gleamed as it bit down on its signature stalk.

"Charizard!" Charizard roared fire into the sky, wings flared.

"Infernape!" Infernape crouched low, gaze piercing.

"Snorlax... (￣—￣)"

Snorlax snored peacefully as Gible bounced on its belly, giggling.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu frantically tried corralling Gible—awakened Snorlax was terrifying.

"Gible, get down!" Ash dove into the chaos, laughing as his Pokémon swarmed him.

Paul watched silently, arms crossed.

Some icy part of him thawed at the sight.

"Different trainers... different styles," he murmured.

In that moment, he finally understood Champion Cynthia's philosophy—

And Natsume-sensei's teachings.

His lips quirked as he studied Ash.

This guy... will become my greatest rival.

……

In the Chat Group

"Ash and Natsume-sensei made it to finals?"

Erika blinked behind her fan. "How exciting~"

"Ash once defeated Frontier Brain Brandon," Brock noted. "With his old team, he'll put up a good fight."

Blue Oak scoffed. "Ash remains Pallet Town's weakest trainer."

Natsume did a double-take.

Why does this 'town loser' narrative feel so familiar?!

Lorelei sighed. "That's because Pallet Town breeds monsters! Context matters!"

Lance sipped tea in his office, cape draped casually.

"Professor Oak says a Pallet trainer appears in every League—an ancient tradition."

Gold snickered. "Is that why Senior Red wrecked you? Birdbrain Lance!"

The nickname "Lance the Birdbrain" had spread since Pokémon's release—

—much to the Dragon Master's fury.

Lance's hair bristled like an angry Dratini.

[Member 'Gold' has been removed by Admin 'Lance']

"Banned right after his timeout!" Whitney cackled. "Brutal!"

"I'd just freed him..." Red sighed.

"Setbacks build character," Steven mused.

Wallace blinked. "You're online early?"

Lorelei smirked.

Did Wallace set a special alert for Steven?

"Helping Natsume-sensei track Mega Stones," Steven explained. "Took the day off."

Natsume-sensei: ???

Damn you Steven! (×)

Damn you Gold! (√)

"I rejected Gold's rejoin request," Natsume said calmly. "Need peace."

Flint scratched his afro. "What's your finals lineup, Natsume-sensei?"

"Tactical inquiries are improper," Lucian chided, closing his book. "Wait for the match."

Whoever won would face the Elite Four—

And Lucian, Sinnoh's strongest, would be ready.

Because—

His glasses gleamed ominously.

I'm tired of overtime! (;´༎Д༎`)

Kindhearted Crystal reinvited Gold—

Who wisely DM'd Natsume-sensei first:

"I'll spot you ten shots next pool game?"

Natsume-sensei: "..."

For someone who could sink the cue ball avoiding the 8-ball—

This was a devastating concession.

"After the conference," Natsume mused darkly, "I'm hosting another banquet..."

……

Natsume closed the chat group and glanced at the tournament schedule.

The semifinals had just concluded. The finals in two days would take place at the main stadium where the Sacred Flame burned.

Sinnoh's Champion, the Elite Four, and President Charles Goodshow would all attend to watch the matches.

Tourists on Lily of the Valley Island kept increasing, with many coming specifically for the finals.

Lt. Surge, after having his confidence crushed, focused on his Captain duties, shuttling guests from Kanto to Lily of the Valley Island these past few days.

Aunt Delia and Mr. Mime also boarded the S.S. Aqua to cheer for Ash and to meet Natsume.

"You've been so kind looking after Ash~" Aunt Delia held her cheeks and offered handmade sweets with a gentle smile.

"Not at all," Natsume replied politely. "But I'm also here aiming for the Sinnoh Champion title, so..."

"No, please, hold nothing back. Teach that boy a proper lesson."

Delia's eyes turned serious. This gentle woman was also a strict mother.

"Let him understand the harshness of a Trainer's path—"

A flicker of sorrow passed through Delia's eyes. Ash's father had been a Trainer who disappeared during an expedition.

She had single-handedly raised their family. This resilient mother had her own thoughts on the matter.

"If he still refuses to give up after facing defeat..."

Delia's gaze steadied as she smiled softly:

"Then I suppose... I’ll have no choice but to keep supporting his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master!"

Natsume paused for a moment before nodding. "You have my word—"

"I’ll make sure Ash experiences true hardship firsthand!"

……

By afternoon, Lily of the Valley Island grew even more crowded.

Green’s stand was deserted; Team Rocket’s business boomed.

"Tobias-approved! Our card packs have amazing drop rates, meow!" Meowth shouted from atop the stand.

James rubbed his hands together. "Yes, yes! Not that we’d ever admit they’re rigged—"

Jessie clamped a hand over his mouth, forcing a grin. "A-Anyway, come get yours now!"

The crowd exchanged glances before surging forward despite the trio’s nervousness.

"I want Natsume-sensei’s merch!"

"Gimme Champion Cynthia’s signature ice cream!"

"Draw the cards! All commons? Again! I’ll keep pulling till I hit gold!"

As the finals approached, media and reporters worked overtime.

News spread back to Tokyo City, where Natsume’s meteoric rise as a Trainer drew endless attention.

"Natsume-sensei’s still steamrolling baby tournaments?!"

"After conquering the Sinnoh League… shouldn’t he return to challenge Victory Road for the Champion title?"

"Victory Road? More like Youth Road—keep it beginner-friendly!"

Natsume did plan to eventually challenge Victory Road for the Touran Champion crown.

But with only two Champion-level Pokémon currently on his team… caution demanded more preparation!

The ores Steven sent—including the Smooth Rock—were nearly devoured by Larvitar.

Though Larvitar had mastered Sandstorm, its next training goal seemed daunting… financially.

One of Tyranitar’s signature moves, Stone Edge, summoned jagged pillars by smashing the ground. Its mere 80% accuracy hinted at its devastating power.

Mastering this Rock-type move would demand heavy investment in ores and training facilities.

Luckily, Natsume’s net worth now exceeded nine digits.

Meanwhile, his parents—vacationing in Alola—caught wind of the Lily of the Valley Conference finals and video-called.

"The Lily of the Valley finals must be tougher than that Piplup Cup, right?" Mother Misuzu asked after some research.

"About the same."

Natsume grinned. "No need to worry!"

Misuzu sighed in relief before launching into her usual reminders about warm clothes and balanced meals.

Like a breeze rustling through reeds.

Natsume listened quietly, then glanced at Gengar peeking over with concern. "Gengar?"

"It’s nothing." He couldn’t help but smile.

……

June 3rd, Thursday — Clear skies, no wind.

The main arena of Lily of the Valley Island was packed to the brim, its four-sided stands holding a roaring crowd of 100,000.

The finals of the Lily of the Valley Conference were about to begin!

The deafening cheers surged like a tidal wave, shaking the arena as excitement and passion overflowed.

Gold sat sandwiched between Bruno and Lt. Surge.

A few seats away were Silver, Green, Crystal, and Jasmine.

Gold groaned. "Why do I have to sit between these two muscleheads?!"

"Because group seating was hard to book."

Lt. Surge, clad in a camouflage vest with sunglasses and a gold chain, crossed his arms. "And this was after Elite Four member Lucian pulled some strings!"

Bruno’s massive frame blocked the view for those behind him, forcing him to hunch over, hands clasped.

Today, he wore an oversized white T-shirt to hide his gruesome scars. Oblivious to the crowd, he muttered, "I’ve already finished all the steamed buns..."

Gold patted Bruno’s shoulder with a grin. "Convince Lance the Birdbrain—uh, I mean, Lance—to let me into the group chat, and I’ll have Aibo fetch you some Rage Candy. Deal?"

Bruno’s eyes gleamed as he shook Gold’s hand. "Deal!"

Professor Oak and Blue Oak, along with Norman, had traveled all the way to Lily of the Valley Island without requesting special privileges, buying tickets like everyone else.

"Wow!" Professor Oak adjusted his lab coat, surveying the stadium. "This rivals even the Indigo Plateau!"

"Lily of the Valley Island was designed specifically for the League Tournament," Blue Oak remarked, hands in his purple jacket’s pockets. "This scale isn’t surprising."

Delia waved her cheer sticks excitedly. "Mr. Mime, look! Ash is entering!"

"Mr. Mime!!" Mr. Mime cheered along.

"Now, please welcome our next contestant—Ash from Pallet Town!"

Ash emerged from the contestant tunnel as the cheers grew louder, waving enthusiastically at the crowd.

This is the closest I’ve ever been to becoming a League Champion.

His chest burned with determination as he flashed a grin toward Delia in the stands.

Even if he couldn’t defeat Natsume-sensei… this battle would prove the bond between him and his Pokémon!

"Next, let’s welcome our challenger from Tokyo City—Natsume!"

Cynthia, draped in a black trench coat, crossed her legs, a slow smile curling on her lips.

Aaron’s cowlick bounced as he stammered, "L-Look! Natsume-sensei’s here!"

"Why are you so hyped?" Flint raised an eyebrow.

"If Natsume-sensei wins the championship, he might challenge for an Elite Four seat!" Aaron explained nervously. "We should study his strategies now!"

Flint shoved his hands in his pockets, expression stiff.

If Natsume-sensei challenges anyone… it’ll be me with his Blastoise!

He glanced sideways at the composed Lucian, stomach sinking.

This guy’s always overtime—no way he’ll accept a challenge!

Amid the cheers, Natsume offered the cameras a faint smile.

Beside him, Gengar stretched its mouth wide, eyes bulging in opposite directions as it stuck out its tongue. "Gengar!"

The crowd burst into laughter.

"Gengar!" It grinned before diving back into Natsume’s shadow like a swimmer off a board.

Rotom Pokédex fluttered its mechanical arms, hovering nearby.

"Live stream activated, Rotom~!"

Fans who couldn’t attend flooded Natsume-sensei’s first-person broadcast.

"Let’s go, boys!"

"My Poké Ball’s trembling!"

"Charge! Charge!"

Across the stands—cloaked Tobias, stern-faced Paul, Riley in his gentleman’s hat.

Sinnoh’s Elite Four, Champion Cynthia, Professor Oak from afar…

Familiar and unfamiliar Trainers alike focused on the finals.

Ash’s blue vest fluttered as he took a deep breath, adjusting his cap.

His first Pokémon had been decided long before the match.

Natsume met Ash’s gaze with a calm smile. "Come at me with everything you’ve got."

Ash’s eyes sharpened, lips curling into a grin as he thrust out his arm—

"I choose you, Pikachu!"

"Pikachu!"

Pikachu leaped from his shoulder to his arm, then onto the battlefield, landing low as electricity crackled across its cheeks.