Chapter 0589: Natsume Knows a Little Bit of Everything

The sun shone brightly over Lily of the Valley Island, the air electric with battle fervor.

With no match scheduled today, Natsume sat in a private box on the second floor, gazing through the glass at the arena below.

On the field, a tall, hat-wearing man strummed his harp as he issued a graceful command:

"Roserade, Solar Beam!"

Roserade raised its flowered arms, gathering dazzling white energy that coalesced into a brilliant, scorching beam.

The attack tore through the opponent's defenses, the sheer force slamming into Bastiodon's stone-like shield head—ending the match in an instant.

"Winner: Contestant Nando!" The referee waved his flags.

Cheers erupted as Nando plucked his harp strings, bowing elegantly to the audience stands.

Up in the private box, Cynthia crossed her legs, resting her chin on her hand.

"A traditional Coordinator's battle style..."

Old-school Coordinators favored flashy, high-impact ultimate moves—though the charging time often left openings.

New-generation Coordinators like Wallace and Ruby, however, focused on move combinations to achieve equally stunning effects.

Then there were those like Jessie, who prioritized showcasing the Coordinator's performance... though that style wasn't particularly popular in Sinnoh.

In Kalos, however, such performers were celebrated in specialized competitions like the "TriPokalon."

"I'm a Coordinator too," Natsume remarked casually from the sofa, Togepi in his lap playing a handheld game.

"Though I'm not sure which category I fall into."

"The kind that uses... strategies to make opponents lose points?" Cynthia smiled knowingly.

You were totally about to say "dirty strategies," weren't you?!

Still, even in Contest Battles, rigid rules weren't absolute.

If a performance could move hearts, even a Feebas could earn a Master Rank Beauty Ribbon. (Dirty strategies included.)

Natsume had great respect for Coordinators—but that didn't mean he'd go easy on Nando.

"Either way," Natsume declared, "it's time to show everyone my battle style!"

"Which is...?" Cynthia blinked.

"Overleveling and steamrolling the Baby Cup!" Natsume said proudly.

Cynthia studied his dead-serious expression before uncrossing her legs, laughter bubbling up.

The Strategy Master... had come full circle, resorting to the simplest approach in the League Tournament.

"Good luck with your match," she said, amused. "I'll be cheering for Togepi!"

From Natsume's lap, Togepi waved its game console excitedly:

"Togepi doo-ee~! (｀▽｀)"

……

Different Trainers, different battle styles—this was common knowledge in the Pokémon world.

Take Cynthia: her battles were ruthlessly efficient. Even against the Elite Four, she sometimes swept through with just Garchomp—pure level advantage.

Leon's style resembled Natsume-sensei's, but not quite. His philosophy? "All strategies lead to Gigantamax Charizard."

The two Hoenn Champions, Steven (Mega Evolution specialist) and Wallace (Contest master), couldn't be more different.

As for Natsume?

Well... he knew a little bit of everything.

After the morning matches, Natsume went to meet up with Ash and the others, hoping for a goodbye kiss from Moe-Moe.

Under the dual pressure of Cynthia's sweet smile and the murderous aura from Garchomp behind her, he reluctantly abandoned the idea.

Cynthia watched him leave, her cheeks faintly pink as she muttered under her breath:

"L-Later tonight... might be okay..."

"I HEARD THAT!" Natsume shouted, his hearing enhanced by Aura of Ripple.

Cynthia froze—then her smile turned icy. "No, you didn't."

Natsume: "..."

"Gengar~" Gengar patted his shoulder sympathetically.

Dammit, why do I keep self-sabotaging?!

A cautious man like him must've been infected by some single-celled organism's recklessness—

Time to extend Gold's mute duration by another two hours!

……

In the Chat Group

The well-informed (yet perpetually customer-less) Green shared the Top 32 matchups in the group chat.

"Nando," Wallace murmured. "A Coordinator who participated in the Wallace Cup. I remember him."

"Mr. Nando is really nice~" Ash chimed in cheerfully. "He even invited me to watch Pokémon Contests!"

Fantina, with her fashion designer's eye, commented:

"His outfit appears to be self-tailored. Quite distinctive."

Then, abruptly changing the subject while covering her mouth with a giggle: "Ara, Natsume-sensei, when will you wear that outfit I designed for you?"

"That adorable Sylveon set!" Yellow recalled instantly.

Lance looked up at the sky, mentally picturing himself wearing pink as Champion.

A shiver ran down his spine. He turned back to his cape, muttering:

"I'll stick with my beloved cape, thank you..."

Rumors in Celadon City claimed that Champion Mr. Lance frequently purchased identical capes from the Celadon Department Store.

Among the Kanto Elite Four:

Bruno loved Rage Candy.

Auntie Lorelei adored doujinshi and plushies.

Agatha—

Agatha liked Professor Oak... (scratched out)

Natsume cleared his throat. "It's too hot... Next time for sure!"

Thus successfully dodging the topic.

Natsume extended Gold's mute duration by another two hours in the penalty box.

Then he opened the official Lily of the Valley Conference forums.

The Top 64 hadn't generated much discussion—only Natsume and Tobias stood out.

"Total domination! Natsume-sensei continues his tradition of shutouts!"

"Tobias swept his match too, but he used a Darkrai."

"Both are stomps—one uses pseudo-legendary babies, the other uses mythicals. Need I say which is more impressive?"

"SHOCKING! What Natsume-sensei did to that Space Team contestant... Click for details!"

Natsume's eye twitched as he opened the last post.

It turned out to be just an analysis thread explaining Natsume-sensei's strategies to confused viewers.

[Opening with Dragon Dance created the illusion that Trick Room would benefit the opponent.

But Natsume-sensei had Taunt ready. Psychological warfare combined with brute force—utterly ruthless!]

"So that's what happened!"

"Was at the match but couldn't follow. Thanks for explaining!"

"I get it now... but that title was pure clickbait!"

Though the first elimination round had just ended, the forums were already flooded with contestant posts.

"We all have eight Badges... until you notice one is Natsume-sensei and the other is 'Legendary Pokémon Guy'?!"

"The Lily of the Valley Conference is brutal this year~ (☉_☉)"

"Not getting swept by these two counts as a win!"

Conway, who'd lost in the first round, found comfort in everyone else's panic.

At least I held my own against Natsume-sensei briefly!

Worth it. This tournament was worth it!

......

Next Day: Top 32 → Top 16

The next day at the Lily of the Valley Conference.

The Top 32 advanced to the Top 16 in the sub-venues.

Due to their outstanding sales performance, the Team Rocket trio had been transferred inside the main arena by the merchandise zone manager.

Though the arena had air conditioning and better perks, they had to rebuild their customer base from scratch.

Standing behind their empty booth with forced smiles, the trio couldn't hide their disappointment.

"Starting over again, meow..." Meowth sighed.

"That's the Team Rocket way!" James encouraged. "Like Boss Giovanni and the Executives—unyielding spirit!"

"Exactly!"

Jessie slapped James and Meowth's backs so hard they winced, tears welling silently.

"Even if we have to start over a hundred times, we'll succeed! Understood?"

"Wobbuffet!!" Wobbuffet, wearing a sales cap, cheered enthusiastically.

"Shh." James put a finger to his lips, looking toward the hallway. "Customer approaching."

A graceful golden-haired beauty in a black trench coat strolled over, hands in pockets, a serene smile on her lips.

Her gaze lingered on their merchandise before settling on the trio, eyes curving like crescents. "My, it's been a while."

"It's Champion Master Cynthia, meow," Meowth mumbled from atop the shelf.

"CHAMPION?!" The trio snapped to attention, saluting stiffly. "Y-Yes! Long time no see!!"

"No need for formalities." Cynthia chuckled. "I never properly thanked you last time~~"

"Hah, it was nothing!" James scratched his head, then rubbed his hands eagerly. "Take your pick—anything you want!"

Cynthia leaned down slightly, gray eyes scanning the shelves thoughtfully. The trio maintained their frozen smiles, whispering through gritted teeth:

"She's really torn, meow?"

"She always takes forever to decide."

"But her presence alone is drawing customers!"

Soon their booth was swarmed. Finally, Cynthia made up her mind, lightly clapping her hands.

"One ice cream, please~~"

......

The stadium buzzed with excitement, every seat filled.

Flint glanced at Cynthia in the next seat, happily enjoying her ice cream.

"Sylveon sister really loves her ice cream," Aaron whispered, nudging Flint.

"It's Natsume-sensei's match today," Flint whispered back. "Only reason she'd risk it melting to come watch."

"What happens with Ice Cream Acid Armor...?" Aaron wondered aloud.

Flint fell silent, gazing upward at a 45-degree angle—remembering when he'd first become a Fire-type Elite Four member and been utterly crushed by Cynthia.

"That... is another story," he said gravely.

Looking down through the glass at the battlefield, cheers rose like tidal waves.

Natsume and Nando stood facing each other, exchanging nods.

"Natsume-sensei," Nando said with a smile. "I've studied your performances in the Wallace Cup."

"Well... I'm not exactly a master of Contest Battles," Natsume admitted honestly.

Knowing Natsume-sensei's modesty, Nando shook his head with a chuckle, giving him a profound look.

"For this battle, I hope you'll share your wisdom."

This was a Coordinator's formal invitation to a spectacular battle.

Natsume smiled slightly and nodded. "I'll do my best to oblige."

Nando plucked his harp strings, and despite the arena's noise, a cool, harmonious melody emerged.

"Contestants, send out your Pokémon!" the referee announced.

"Go." Nando tossed a Poké Ball, releasing a red beam. "Roserade!"

Roserade crossed its arms in meditation, then suddenly spread its petals like a masked performer making a grand entrance.

"Rossss~!"

The classic Coordinator's flashy entrance instantly ignited the crowd's passion.

For pure spectacle, Contest Battles were second to none!

"He's not going to use dirty strategies again, is he...?"

"He might win, but the opponent's performance could outshine him?"

"Wait, I remember Natsume-sensei knows Contest Battles too!"

When Natsume threw his Poké Ball, the audience blinked in surprise before their eyes lit up.

A tiny, adorable Pokémon emerged from the ball, sparkling brilliantly!

Showy entrance—Look at me!

Togepi became the center of attention!

"Togepi doo-ee~! "

The stadium erupted instantly.

"Awsl!!!"

"Togepi angel, mommy loves you!"

"That's Master Rank Cuteness Ribbon material..."

"Natsume's not just about strategies—he's a Top Coordinator too?"

"So you're saying he's good at everything?!!"