Chapter 0601: The Final Showdown Approaches(Two-in-One)

Even against Tobias's two Legendary Pokémon, Natsume had achieved a flawless sweep.

Post-match, forums, comment sections, and livestreams exploded with activity.

Long after the victory fireworks faded, fans continued spamming 'Oh My God'—

Not just for Natsume-sensei advancing to finals, but for Sirfetch'd's growth and Gengar's legendary one-shot!

"Legendaries? We specialize in slaying legendaries!"

Passionate fans edited highlight reels synced to rock music—

The crescendo hitting perfectly as Sirfetch'd's leek-lance pierced the heavens like a meteor, felling Latios!

"OHHHHHH"

"Meteor Assault (×) Leek Lancer (√)"

"GO LEEK PANCAKE!!"

Gengar's beam struggle against Darkrai also gained massive popularity.

Who would've thought Natsume-sensei actually taught Gengar Dark Void—with damage output?!

"That was clearly Shadow Ball with fake callouts!"

"Don't hate—this man calls Hydro Cannon 'Water Gun' too!"

"Children's Day bonus against rookies is real for certain Champions!"

With the semifinals concluded, Natsume-sensei would face Group B's winner for the Lily of the Valley crown—

One step closer to marrying the moe goddess!

Amid cheers, Natsume exited through the competitor's tunnel toward the Pokémon Center.

A Sirfetch'd's leek was part of its essence—even if broken, treatment could restore it.

"Sirfetch'd~( -'`-)" Sirfetch'd currently trembled in its Premier Ball, overwhelmed by post-battle nerves.

Sensing this, Natsume chuckled.

Performance anxiety means insufficient training—

Understood. More drills when we get back!

"Sirfetch'd~!~(っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)" (My suffering continues~!)

"Gengar! (≧◇≦)" Gengar celebrated by cracking open a soda from the shadows.

"Cans taste better than bottles," Natsume remarked.

"Togepi doo-ee!" Its ball shook violently in protest.

"...Are you playing attorney games again?"

Meeting up with Gold's group, the redhead asked:

"Natsume-sensei, what were you saying earlier?"

"Nothing important," Natsume sighed. "Just met another siscon."

Even gentle Latios fought recklessly—

The power of siscons is terrifying! (Thanks, Gold!)

Bruno finished his last Rage Candy bar, nodding approvingly:

"That Meteor Assault was exceptional."

As a Fighting-type Elite Four, he recognized the technique's mastery—

A level 70 move honed through battles against Arceus and Latios had forged Sirfetch'd's resolve.

As everyone knew, Sirfetch'd had legendary potential.

Misty's "Duck Deity" Psyduck. Rain teams' "Duck Deity" Ludicolo.

And in Natsume-sensei's squad?

The one true deity of Lily of the Valley—Golden-Beaked Sirfetch'd!

Sirfetch'd's reached Elite Four tier, Natsume mused.

Larvitar still needed growth (current Gym Leader level).

Meanwhile, Mega Gengar and Blastoise—empowered by The Power of One and Aura of Ripple—could rival Champions.

His promise to Arceus about the Fairy Plate could wait—

It'd be crucial for strengthening Sylveon later.

"After the conference ends..."

Natsume pondered: "Kalos honeymoon—I mean, Plate retrieval..."

According to the schedule, tomorrow would feature Ash versus Kiritani's match.

After watching today's battles, Ash had rushed off in excitement to prepare.

Kiritani—that Ranger who'd captured Heatran—was considered a strong contender for runner-up.

Whoever advanced to finals, Natsume felt confident in his chances.

Still... he couldn't help hoping to see Ash gather his old team for an all-out battle.

After all, that had been his childhood dream.

Just like sweeping the Divine Beast Tamer and marrying the moe idol—the pinnacle of life!

On his way out of the arena, Natsume caught sight of Tobias in the crowd.

The usually stoic trainer stood stiffly in line, handing cash to Meowth: "One... one card pack please!"

From his shadow, a now-conscious Darkrai facepalmed in embarrassment.

"Gengar~(￣▽￣)／" Gengar waved cheerfully beside Natsume.

Using The Power of One, Natsume asked curiously: "Card shopping right after our match?"

Darkrai emerged reluctantly, nodding stiffly as passersby stared.

Just then—

"I got it!" Tobias trembled, holding up a golden holographic card. "YES! I WON!"

"Congratulations, meow~" Meowth rubbed its paws. "You've pulled our rarest UR card!"

"Feeling lucky? Want to buy more?" James grinned slyly.

Tobias's eyes gleamed with obsession. "Another pack!"

Darkrai covered its face, clearly wanting to disown its trainer.

Natsume: "..."

Such were the simple joys of a true card addict.

……

The night grew deeper.

Click—

The door unlocked.

Natsume stepped inside, greeted by a Gastrodon slithering past his feet.

"Gastrodon~" Gastrodon gave him a sideways glance before continuing its slow journey, leaving a glistening trail behind.

A cleaning robot beeped as it approached the mess.

"Gengar? Σ(っ °Д °;)っ"

Gengar suddenly materialized, stomping on the robot.

Trying to steal my chores? Not happening!

"Gengar~ヾ(≧▽≦*)o" With a kick that flipped the machine, Gengar summoned clones and grabbed mops.

Natsume: "..."

What evil could Purple Fatty possibly harbor? It just really loves cleaning!

Cynthia sat at her desk, focused on work. Her slender fingers paused over the laptop as she lifted a mug.

"Welcome back~" She smiled. "You performed wonderfully today."

"Of course! I dominated!" Natsume boasted.

Cynthia sipped her tea, steam curling. "I meant... Sirfetch'd."

A red beam shot from Natsume's Premier Ball, revealing Sirfetch'd standing proudly with Leek and shield.

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

Natsume: "..."

One day, I'm cooking you with Rotom! (Just kidding)

"Mmm..." Cynthia stretched languidly, one hand grasping her pale forearm. "Decided your finals lineup yet?"

"Depends who I face," Natsume said. "But their aces are Fire-types—that matters."

Cynthia tilted her head. "After winning... will you enter the Champion League?"

"How does it work?"

"Tournament champions may challenge any Sinnoh Elite Four member to claim their seat."

She set down her mug, lips curving. "Succeed, and you can challenge the reigning Champion."

Natsume studied her crimson lips, pulse quickening. "I'll decide after securing the title!"

"What if you face Ash in finals?" Cynthia asked softly.

Ash's lifelong dream was becoming a League Champion.

This tournament might be his closest chance yet.

Losing to his own mentor could crush his spirit.

Natsume met her gaze steadily.

"I believe in that Pallet Town kid."

"Even if he falls, even if the summit seems forever out of reach... he'll keep fighting."

Cynthia's eyes shimmered at his faith.

"The greatest respect isn't holding back—it's battling him with everything I have."

Memories flashed of Ash and Pikachu rising again and again. Of the prophecy in Kalos.

New bonds await. He'll claim his own glory.

Natsume's voice burned with conviction.

"But his destiny isn't here. Not at Lily of the Valley."

He declared:

"Because the Sinnoh Champion's throne belongs to me."

Cynthia's smile deepened.

She rose gracefully, golden hair cascading over her black wide-leg pants.

Her fingertip brushed his lips—a swan's touch upon still water.

"I'm already yours," she murmured, neck flushing pink.

……

June 2, Wednesday, Sunny

Natsume yawned heavily as he watched Ash's match with Gold and the others.

"Didn't sleep well?" Bruno mumbled through a mouthful of steamed buns, offering one. "Try these."

Because Rage Candy fixes sleep deprivation, right?!

Natsume accepted one anyway. "Was up all night researching strategies."

"I literally saw you online all night!" Gold said around his drink's straw.

Natsume: "..."

Blocking you later—

...Then unblocking for card games!

"Gengar~(￣～￣)" Gengar sat munching a burger beside Natsume, rummaging in its pocket dimension for soda.

It pulled out—"Gengar! Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"

A cleaning robot?!

Natsume's eye twitched.

You brought the housekeeper?!

In Group B's semifinal, Ash fielded his Johto team against Kiritani's powerhouse Heatran.

The match grew tense—Pikachu fell to Heatran, leaving only Swellow.

The so-called "Bug Slayer"!

Against the steaming metallic beast, Swellow soared fiercely before diving in an Aerial Ace—

—only to get engulfed in flames.

"Show your guts, Swellow!" Ash shouted. "Aerial Ace!"

Natsume- smirked.

Cheat code activated.

"Swellow!" Swellow's eyes blazed as it became a white streak, knocking out Heatran!

The livestream erupted:

"Bro's using hacks?!"

"If Gengar gets Dark Void, I get god mode!"

"This tournament's stacked!!"

Who knew tiny Lily of the Valley hid such talents?

A Baby Cup-crushing Champion. A card-obsessed Divine Beast Tamer. Now a Pallet Town protagonist with plot armor!

"Are all Pallet trainers monsters?"

"Three tournaments, zero wins—Ash's time is running out!"

As Ash advanced to finals, their group celebrated.

Facing Natsume-sensei next...

Ash's eyes shone not with fear, but anticipation.

Even destined to lose, he'd fight with everything—

The very lesson Natsume-sensei and Senior Gold had taught him at Hall of Origin.

Now was his chance to prove how far he'd come!

……

Pallet Town, Oak Research Institute

"So Ash is battling Natsume."

Professor Oak stroked his chin cheerfully. "Even this old man is getting excited!"

Blue , dressed in scholarly attire, held a file casually. "Ash requested his Kanto team be transferred."

"His Kanto partners?" Professor Oak scratched his head. "Which starters were those again?"

"Including his current roster—"

Blue closed the folder slowly.

"Pikachu. Charizard. Snorlax. Sceptile. Infernape."

The Professor Oak jolted, then laughed heartily. "Haha, give it your all, give it your all!"

"Nurse Joy at Charicific Valley mentioned Charizard already left for Sinnoh," Blue added, hands in pockets as he gazed skyward. "Should be arriving soon."

That Charizard I personally trained for you...

Blue's lips curved.

Don't lose too embarrassingly, Ash.

……

Cameran Palace - Starry Night

The noble Lucario stood gazing at the constellations, silent.

Memories surfaced—of Sir Aaron, the Blastoise that saved the Tree of Beginning, and Ash whose aura mirrored his master's.

A year had passed without contact. Had Ash forgotten?

Shaking off melancholy, Lucario turned—

"Queen Ilene!" It knelt immediately.

"Lucario." The queen smiled, staff in hand. "The Aura Guardian needs you."

Lucario's eyes widened. "The... Guardian?"

"Young Ash requires your strength," she said gently. "Stand by him as you once did for Sir Aaron."

"But—!"

Queen Ilene gazed skyward. "You haven't forgotten him, just as your bond remains."

"Distance cannot sever what connects trainer and Pokémon."

Her staff glowed softly.

"And battle—" she smiled, regal yet warm, "—is that bond's purest expression."

After a long pause, Lucario bowed. Red light enveloped it as it entered the staff's Life Orb.

Holding the artifact, the queen watched the stars, anticipating the coming clash.

"Ash versus Mr. Natsume..." She closed her eyes, serene.

Victory mattered little.

The collision of wills and bonds—that was true Pokémon battling.

……

Sinnoh Region, Lily of the Valley Island

Ash reached out to Paul for strategic advice before the finals.

"Taking on Natsume-sensei?" Paul scoffed. "There's nothing I can do to help you."

"No, Paul," Ash said earnestly. "You have the strategic thinking I lack. You must understand Natsume-sensei's battle style better than I do!"

Paul fell silent for a long moment before finally responding, "Show me your lineup first."

A flash of white light—

Several powerful Pokémon materialized behind Ash.

Sceptile stood with arms crossed, a leaf casually dangling from its mouth.

The ever-reliable Snorlax.

Infernape, eyes burning with determination.

Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder: "Pikachu~"

Then—

A terrifying aura erupted as Lucario's eyes snapped open: "Lucario!"

"T-This is...?!" Paul took an involuntary step back. "Your starting team?!"

"Just some old partners I left at Professor Oak's lab," Ash replied, scratching his head.

Paul: "..."

I don't even know what to say... This is just discouraging...

Dark clouds gathered overhead as a shadow circled in the sky.

"Charizard! Over here!" Ash called out, waving.

Paul looked up, his pupils contracting. "Charizard?!"

With a powerful flap of its wings, the draconic beast landed with a ground-shaking thud, smoke billowing from its nostrils.

"Charizard!!" Its mighty cry shook the air—a king announcing his presence.

Lucario nodded approvingly. "You've gathered impressive allies, Ash."

Ash grinned, patting Charizard's scales. "He hasn't changed a bit—"

"Charizard!"

A Flamethrower instantly reduced Ash to a charred mess. Charizard promptly crossed its arms and turned away.

"Hey! Are you okay?!" Paul shouted in alarm.

Ash simply shook off the soot. "I'm fine!"

Paul: ???

Are your clothes fireproof or something?!

Ash surveyed his assembled team—

Pikachu. Charizard. Snorlax. Sceptile. Infernape.

And Cameran Palace's Lucario.

This was every ounce of strength he could muster.

A slow smile spread across Paul's face as understanding dawned.

"Fine. I'll do what I can to analyze Natsume-sensei's team composition for you."

......

"What's your finals lineup going to be?" Cynthia asked Natsume.

"Ash is fighting with everything he's got," she added, arms crossed with a knowing smile. "Don't let him down."

After a moment's contemplation, Natsume pressed the release on his Dive Ball.

A beam of red light materialized into Blastoise—its ripple aura flaring briefly before settling into perfect calm.

Blastoise adjusted its sunglasses, radiating 2000% readiness.

"Blastoise ヾ(■_■)"

"Then let's see how much he's grown," Natsume said, hands in pockets as his shirt fluttered in the breeze.