Chapter 0594: The True Rival

The Full Restore was a green medicinal spray capable of healing injuries and curing all status conditions.

Meanwhile, the Energy Roots and Revival Herbs grown by Blastoise in their backyard could revive fainted Pokémon.

Used together, they provided double the happiness!

As Natsume finalized the payment, Green slumped in relief.

Thank goodness! o(╥﹏╥)o

Sure, she wasn’t as profitable as that Meowth Stand… but this stall was still a success!

……

After the Top 16 battles, Larvitar’s combat experience had visibly improved.

Its clash with Mega Sableye gave Natsume a clear impression of its temperament.

This was a polite, adorable, yet formidable pseudo-legendary.

Raised in Natsume’s household, it lacked the usual ferocity of Tyranitar.

But it still possessed an unyielding will to fight—and the pride of never accepting defeat.

A growing child… destined to become the Sandstorm Tyrant!

Moreover, Larvitar had inherited Natsume’s strategic style. Its future Sand Stream could decide weather wars.

Bearing the pride of a strategist… Restoring the glory of a Champion… Because I am Tyranitar—

"If I control the weather, I win!!"

…That might’ve derailed a bit.

But it didn’t matter.

Back at their lodgings, Natsume had Blastoise, the team’s resident doctor, examine Larvitar’s injuries.

With invisible Aura, it cast Heal Pulse for recovery.

"Larvitar~!" Larvitar’s dark green armor shone like it had been polished, yet Blastoise kept healing.

"That’s enough," Natsume intervened. "Any more and other trainers will report us for doping!"

"Blastoise ヾ(■_■)" Blastoise adjusted its sunglasses—this Aura was undetectable by officials.

Natsume paused, rubbing his chin.

"Hmm… You make a good point."

If Sabrina and Caitlin’s psychic powers were legal in battles…

Then starting with an "Aura of Ripple" buff and strengthening bonds via "The Power of One" was perfectly fair!

Considering the 6v6 full battles in the Top 8…

Blastoise was right—they needed to be thorough!

"Beep… Analyzing Larvitar’s physical condition."

The Rotom Dex emitted a soft blue light, scanning the well-behaved junior dinosaur before announcing:

"While suppressing evolution, it can now train new moves, Rotom~!"

Trainers generally fell into two categories:

Early Evolution (for immediate battle strength, but risk missing key moves).

Suppressed Evolution (learning moves unavailable post-evolution while building energy reserves).

Notably, final stats remained the same, so it was a matter of preference.

Natsume didn’t oppose evolution, but Blastoise’s gradual approach had its merits…

"New move training?"

Natsume and Larvitar exchanged glances. "Which one?"

"The Rock-type sandstorm, Rotom!"

Natsume’s heart skipped a beat.

Sandstorm was Larvitar’s core move, crucial for mastering Tyranitar’s Sand Stream.

Rock, Steel, and Ground types go hand-in-hand. Even Giovanni’s techniques emphasized sandstorm strategies.

Risky? Maybe. But it had to be trained early.

"Lily of the Valley Island should have specialized training grounds."

Cross-referencing manuals, Natsume mused: "And we’ll need to buy more ores from Steven…"

"Larvitar!(^▽^ )" At the mention of food, Larvitar’s eyes lit up.

Win battles, get treats—Sylveon sister wasn’t lying!

Ironically, the most temperamental in Natsume’s household was usually the gentle Sylveon…

A Smooth Rock could enhance sandstorm power and duration—and was part of Larvitar’s diet.

Rare, but Steven’s collection had to include some—

"I have them."

Steven, wearing miner’s gloves, smiled through his PokéNav. "I can have them delivered."

"No, market price is fine."

"I see..." Steven mused before shifting topics. "Actually, I'm planning a trip to the Kalos region soon. They say the most brilliant diamonds in the world can be found there."

"Kalos is the birthplace of Mega Evolution, overflowing with Mega Stones." Steven smiled warmly. "Natsume-sensei, I'll keep an eye out for Tyranitarite for you. You have my word."

Natsume's mouth opened slightly, his expression complicated.

I came to buy a Poké Ball for 200 Pokémon Coins, and you directly sold me a Master Ball for 99,999…?!

Glancing at Larvitar's expectant face, Natsume steeled himself.

Training funding can't be skimped!

"I appreciate it, Steven," Natsume said through gritted teeth. "I'll contact you when I'm in Kalos!"

"Haha, of course!" Steven laughed heartily.

"One more thing." Natsume recalled the promising girl from earlier. "Winona shows real potential. I promised to put in a good word for her."

"Is that so? I understand." Steven smiled brightly. Mentoring newcomers was one of his few hobbies.

Having discovered talents like Ruby, Sapphire, and Sawyer, his eye for potential was proven.

He'd also been the first to recognize Natsume-sensei as Champion material—back during the Tree of Beginning's collapse.

After some pleasantries, the handsome, flawless gentleman logged off to resume mining.

The Smooth Rock would now be part of Larvitar's diet.

"Larvitar..o(*≧▽≦)ツ" Larvitar danced happily.

Natsume stared at the trembling, whimpering ground beneath it and sighed.

"As long as you don't start snacking on Mega Stones... we're good."

……

At its current level, Larvitar can rival the main team Pokémon of most Gym Leaders.

Thanks to Natsume's Weakness Policy strategy, it even managed to defeat Winona's Mega Sableye decisively.

However, there's still a noticeable gap compared to Brock's Mega Steelix or Misty's Mega Gyarados.

When you compare the two regions—

Hoenn Trainers get Mega Stones gifted by Champions during their journeys.

Kanto Trainers face Gym Leaders already using Mega Evolution (though they do scale down their teams for fairness).

The difference is... literally heaven and hell!

May 25th, Tuesday - Overcast

Today's matches are being held in the indoor arena.

With the professional training grounds empty, Natsume assigned Sirfetch'd to oversee Larvitar's training.

Let Sirfetch'd's guidance guide your guidance!

When it comes to theoretical knowledge, Sirfetch'd is an absolute professional—especially with Gengar (who's studied [Giovanni's Techniques]) supervising nearby.

"Larvitar~!" Larvitar whipped up a sandstorm, the flying debris cracking the protective barriers with sharp pings.

Natsume's eyelid twitched as Sylveon hurriedly patched the damage with Light Screen.

What's wrong with the Tournament Committee's barrier maintenance?!

Don't they have overtime today?!

Meanwhile, in the Chat Group...

"No matches for anyone today?" Green asked curiously.

"Natsume-sensei's match is tomorrow afternoon. Mine's first thing in the morning," Ash said.

The Top 4 qualifiers will pit Ash against Paul—a clash of destined rivals.

In the anime, this was where Infernape pulled off an epic 1v3 sweep, cementing its status as Ash's undisputed ace and winning over countless fans.

Natsume is highly interested in witnessing this battle live tomorrow.

"Tobias has already advanced to the Top 4," Lucian adjusted his glasses, book in hand. "Efficient as ever—he didn't even need a second Pokémon in a full 6v6."

Flint raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you on overtime for barrier repairs? Why are you chatting?"

"Though it is overtime..."

Lucian elegantly checked his wristwatch. "Tea first, work after."

Lance, sipping tea in his office, nodded approvingly: "Work-life balance is essential."

His subordinate Falkner muttered internally: "Meanwhile, I'm the one doing all the 'balancing'!"

Of course, the righteous Dragon Master's duties usually involve cross-regional investigations.

On rare breaks, enjoying tea and neatly pressed capes beats "creating new worlds" any day.

Natsume eyed the strained Light Screen barriers thoughtfully.

So Lucian's in charge of maintenance... and he's at tea time...

His gaze shifted to the hardworking Pokémon in the training grounds—then lit up with inspiration.

"Little Rotom—" Natsume called. "Time check!"

"Beep... 3:05 PM, Rotom!"

Natsume jolted.

Three o'clock already?! Training can wait!

"@Lucian, save me a seat at tea!"

……

The Smooth Rock had arrived via Rocket Express delivery to Lily of the Valley Island.

"Larvitar~ (￣～￣)" Larvitar crunched on the mineral-rich rock, making steady progress in its Sandstorm training program.

Natsume treated the Trio to afternoon tea while reviewing their financial reports.

"This much?!" Natsume's eyes widened at the documents.

"Not even enough for one big machine, meow~" Meowth draped his arms over the table.

"Indeed. After building two or three, we'll be strapped for funds again," James added.

"One more week until finals! We'll earn even more then!" Jessie pumped her fist, flames of determination in her eyes.

Natsume: "..."

Their part-time hustle skills defy comprehension!

"You three..." Natsume said gravely. "No reckless operations for now. Follow my orders—focus on stockpiling funds!"

"Why, meow?" Meowth tilted his head.

"Yeah! We've saved enough to shine for Team Rocket!" James cheered.

Because your stall is more reliable than your usual schemes... Natsume rephrased:

"Because we're planning something BIG!"

"These funds are nowhere near enough!" Natsume declared. "Keep saving up—no more unreliable machines!"

The Trio shuddered.

Something... BIG!

"Th-this amount... still not enough, meow?" Meowth's voice trembled.

"Correct." Natsume nodded.

"How much longer...?" James swallowed hard.

"At least until the Lily of the Valley Conference ends," Natsume said. "No unauthorized mischief until then!"

The Trio gazed skyward, already envisioning their promotion to Executive status—the legendary Three Executives they'd become!

Currently, Sabrina, Lt. Surge, and Koga embodied that elite trio—idols to all Team Rocket members!

This... is the best feeling ever~~~!

"Understood!" The Trio snapped perfect salutes. "We'll develop new revenue streams immediately!"

Natsume nodded approvingly.

Better they save money than build robots that explode in their faces.

If nothing else, these funds could fulfill their dreams—Meowth's ramen shop, Jessie's acting career, James' rare bottle cap collection...

Next Day - Ash vs. Paul, Top 4 Qualifiers

Natsume and Cynthia took their seats to witness this clash of rivals.

"When lives intersect..."

Cynthia murmured, watching the diametrically opposed Trainers.

"They always create something new," Natsume finished naturally.

Cynthia glanced at him, a faint smile playing on her lips before turning back, her profile regal.

"That is... a Bond."

Her iconic phrase perfectly captured Ash and Paul's Sinnoh-spanning rivalry.

Now, their emotions, strategies, and Pokémon collided in battle!

"Go, Pikachu!" Ash yelled.

"Aggron, standby for battle!" Paul commanded.

The ground shook as the armored behemoth Aggron emerged, its plating gleaming. Pikachu crouched low.

"Pikachu!" Its Iron Tail struck Aggron—barely a scratch. Ash recalled Pikachu, sending out Infernape.

"Infernape!" Infernape blitzed forward, a white-glowing fist smashing into Aggron!

"Ash finally remembered type matchups," Natsume noted approvingly.

"But Paul excels at rotations," Cynthia observed, resting her chin on one hand.

Paul countered with Gastrodon, its swirling mud shield dazzling the crowd with defensive artistry.

"I've studied this move too!" Ash's eyes burned. He recalled Infernape—"Buizel, go!"

Honoring their agreement, Ash used only Sinnoh-caught Pokémon (except Pikachu) to prove his training and strategy matched Paul's.

Yet Paul outmaneuvered him at every turn. When Torterra fell instantly to Drapion, Cynthia frowned:

"Ash struggles with tankier Pokémon."

"His spatial tactics are weak," Natsume agreed. "A slow fortress clashes with his hit-and-run style."

"But..." Natsume smiled. "He's got his ace."

"Infernape, one more time!" Ash roared. Infernape's back flames erupted into golden brilliance!

Against all odds, Infernape overpowered Drapion, its Flare Blitz evaporating the toxic spikes on the field.

Natsume blinked.

Since when does Flare Blitz remove hazards?! That's illegal!

Infernape snowballed, finally clashing with Paul's Electivire.

"Mach Punch!!"

"Thunder Punch!!"

The fiery ape and electric brute collided fist-to-fist in a shockwave of energy.

Memories flashed—abandonment by Paul, redemption under Ash, losses fueling its resolve.

Now, Infernape's golden eyes blazed with unbreakable bonds.

"Electivire!!" Its Mach Punch connected first, sending Electivire crashing down!

Silence—then the arena exploded in cheers.

"I... won?" Ash whispered, before tackling Infernape in a hug. "WE won!"

Natsume's eyelid twitched.

Dumbass, you're gonna squeeze Infernape unconscious!

Know your own strength!!

Paul stared at Electivire's Poké Ball, his expression unreadable—until a small smile surfaced.

"Good work."

Even in defeat, he'd shown Cynthia and Natsume-sensei his growth.

As he turned to leave, Ash's voice stopped him:

"Paul!"

Paul paused.

"Let's battle again!" Ash grinned.

"Pikachu!"

After a long moment, Paul chuckled—still facing away—and raised a hand in acknowledgment before walking off.

Their rivalry's climax had concluded.

(Though in the anime, Paul—widely considered the best rival—never reappeared, later replaced by... a literal dog.)

Natsume analyzed Ash's performance:

"Speedsters like Ash struggle with tanks. As a senior, I should demonstrate textbook tactics!"

"Which Pokémon are you using this afternoon?" Cynthia asked, resting her chin on one hand.

"A heavy tank build," Natsume mused. "Time to showcase Arcanine's staying power!"