Chapter 0577: At This Point, Not Getting Married Would Be Unacceptable

Dun-dun~ dun-dun-dun~!

With the imagined sound effects playing, Arceus sighed helplessly, "You may leave now."

The great Creator actually having to work part-time as a medic? How absurd.

Natsume clipped the Dive Ball containing Blastoise back onto his belt, flashing a friendly smile.

"Arceus, we're friends!"

Arceus fell silent. This Natsume was completely different from the one during their battle earlier.

But after all, he was the Messenger it had chosen, even granting him The Power of One...

"I look forward to the day you return with the Fairy-type Plate," it said slowly.

"Absolutely, without fail," Natsume nodded with a smile.

Arceus's healing was undoubtedly superior to any Pokémon Center's Chansey.

Having it repair the cracks saved Natsume from having to use instant noodles for fixes... (scratched out)

Arceus gave a resigned smile, its golden hoof creating ripples as the surrounding white light gradually dissipated.

"Return now, Natsume."

The ripples formed a watery curtain before Natsume.

Through it, he could see Cynthia's solemn gaze, Boss Giovanni standing beside Silver, the teary-eyed Trio...

Wind swept through the temple ruins as glowing particles rose upward, drawing surprised expressions from everyone.

The entire Michina Town was bathed in golden light—dry rivers flowed again, withered plants regained vitality, everything restored.

Symbolizing the end of disaster, the golden particles radiated tranquility.

Giratina, Palkia, and Dialga's injuries healed within this glow, their eyes showing both exhaustion and relief.

They'd actually done it...

Faced Arceus directly and created a miracle!

Watching this scene through the curtain, Natsume smiled faintly.

"I deeply regret my actions..."

Arceus's voice softened as it said meaningfully:

"Natsume, it's time for you to return."

Natsume gave a slight nod.

He recalled the Larvitar currently gnawing on marble pillars back into its Dusk Ball.

"Larvitar?" Larvitar licked its lips reluctantly.

Arceus: "......"

Natsume closed his eyes, sensing the newly acquired "The Power of One."

Countless white threads extended outward from him like radar signals—the brightest glow coming from the Poké Balls containing his little ones.

With this power, he could now pinpoint their locations at all times.

Unlike the emotion-conveying "Aura of Ripple," "The Power of One" allowed direct telepathic communication with Pokémon.

This meant Natsume's commands could now be more subtle and fluid.

Moreover, through Hall of Origin's barrier...

He could sense Darkrai, Mew, and Regigigas eagerly awaiting his return...

"The Power of One" was strength transcending time and space, formed through bonds between lives.

A faint white thread symbolizing friendship connected Natsume to Arceus before him.

If major trouble arose later... perhaps he could directly summon Arceus for help.

Simultaneously, numerous glowing threads tightly connected Natsume to Cynthia beyond the barrier.

After surviving disaster after disaster together, their hearts were now inseparably linked—

At this point, not getting married would be unacceptable!

"Time to go back," Natsume thought.

The white mist enveloping Natsume and Arceus gradually dissipated.

When his vision cleared, Gold and Ash came running up, shouting in unison:

"Natsume-sensei, are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

Natsume shook his head with a smile. "We can leave now."

Arceus stood atop the high platform, its hoof lightly tapping to summon an energy-filled portal behind the trio.

"Wahoo!"

Gold blew his bangs aside, hefting his pool cue. "When I step in, saving the world's a piece of cake!"

"Senior Gold, you almost died back there..." Ash murmured.

"That's called trust between comrades-in-arms!" Gold glared, glancing at Pikachu. "Just like you and your Pikachu!"

Ash nodded thoughtfully.

Whether against the Spearow swarm or when he'd died and been revived by Ho-Oh... Ash had never felt fear.

Because he firmly believed his love for Pokémon could reach even legendary ones.

This pure passion... was why Natsume had admired this Pallet Town boy since the very beginning.

As Ash walked toward the portal, he waved at Arceus and laughed:

"See you later, Arceus!"

His Pikachu waved too: "Pikachu~~"

Natsume's steps faltered slightly.

Don't go setting up death flags, you idiot!

Arceus's eyes held faint amusement as it nodded gently.

"We will meet again, Ash. Pikachu."

Natsume: ???

Let's NEVER meet again, Arceus!!

……

Michina Town, Arceus Temple

Darkrai lurked in the shadows, gazing at the glowing particles floating over Michina Town as it murmured:

"Natsume... he actually succeeded!"

Giovanni held his wind-fluttering cape, eyes glimmering as his lips curved upward.

As expected... Mentor never disappoints.

Pryce slowly wheeled his chair beside Giovanni, the cliff winds tousling his silver hair.

The old man's eyes reflected the revitalized Michina Town as he said steadily: "I must admit... Samuel has an eye for talent."

The Pokédex Holders had repeatedly saved the world from collapse.

And this time... villainous Leaders, former rivals, Team Rocket (the true protagonists).

Everyone joined forces to avert this catastrophe!

"Indeed," Giovanni said. "They possess remarkable spirit."

Pryce too felt that awe reserved for the younger generation.

Gently stroking his Swinub, Pryce grew thoughtful.

I wonder if that young man Natsume has caught any Ice-types...

According to Samuel, he specializes in hail strategies too...

Pryce's expression turned stern, like a strict teacher.

Then let me show him what real blizzard tactics look like!

As a breeze swept through, a spatial rift appeared amidst the golden particles.

All eyes turned toward it.

Cynthia's black trench coat fluttered as she tucked golden hair behind her ear with elegant grace.

Her gentle eyes sparkled upon seeing the familiar figure, lips curving into a tender smile.

Natsume stepped through the spatial gateway, meeting Cynthia's gaze.

"I'm exhausted."

His black hair danced in the wind as he smiled wearily:

"I need a hug from someone special."

He must have endured an unimaginable battle—proving his convictions to Arceus and returning from the crumbling Hall of Origin.

Memories flashed through Cynthia's mind—Alamos Town's chaos, glacial calamities, divine lightning streaking across skies.

Studying those clear black eyes, she detected his evolving resolve... and deeply buried unease.

"I know."

Her smile softened as she opened her arms, pulling him close.

"So," Cynthia whispered by his ear, "everything's alright now..."

The group tactfully averted their gaze from the intimate pair.

They deserved this private moment...

Natsume inhaled her floral scent, feeling exhaustion melt into warmth and affection.

"I love you, Cynthia," Natsume murmured.

"I know," Cynthia whispered back. "Because so do I."

Giratina hovered behind them against the skyline, flanked by Palkia and Dialga.

The ancient titans stood vigil as their markings pulsed with light.

"Mew~！★,°:.☆(￣▽￣)/$:.°★ 。" Mew circled them playfully with a giggle.

Gold emerged from the portal only for Silver to wordlessly drag him away.

"Hey! I wanted to say hi!"

"Don't interrupt."

Ash scratched his head in confusion upon exiting.

Why was Champion Cynthia supporting Natsume-sensei?

Oh... stomach pain! Must be sensei's chronic condition!

Darkrai peeked from Natsume's elongated shadow until Gengar shoved its face:

"Gengar~('-')ノ)`-')"

This spot's taken, scram!

"Wait, let me watch a bit longer..." Darkrai mumbled. "I'll pay double..."

With the crisis resolved...

Temple guardian Sheena studied the Plates while Natsume approached the restored ruins.

"Arceus will continue protecting Michina Town," he assured. "No need to worry."

Sheena glanced between the inscribed Plates and the returning hero, awe-struck.

Suddenly, her pupils contracted.

She sensed familiar power... The Power of One matching her ancestors'!

"Pardon my boldness," Sheena asked, "did you pacify Arceus as His Messenger?"

Natsume shook his head. "No, I'm not His Messenger."

Sheena blinked in confusion—then how had he obtained The Power of One...

"Technically, we're friends."

After a pause, Natsume added: "The kind who polish turtle shells together."

Sheena: ???

What exactly happened in Hall of Origin?!

Giratina, Palkia and Dialga also sensed this unique energy.

This human had faced Arceus, passed His trial, and earned His respect...

Clearly, granting him face earlier was the right choice!

The Sinnoh Three Gods all breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to say goodbye to Natsume.

"Visit anytime!!"

Natsume waved at Giratina while activating Aura of Ripple.

Giratina shuddered, eyes glimmering beneath its platinum helm as it nodded:

"Call me through The Power of One if needed... I'll be in Reverse World."

Natsume froze.

So besides being a radar, it also functioned as a battle pager?

Being Arceus' friend certainly had perks among legendaries...

Still...

Better not abuse this privilege...

With wingbeats stirring mirror-like ripples, the Antimatter Lord vanished.

Dialga and Palkia, sensing stabilized spacetime, expressed gratitude before departing in blue and purple streaks.

Only dopey Regigigas remained, scratching its head in confusion:

"Regigigas?(°ー°〃)"

You all can fly—what about me?

Locking eyes with Natsume, the awkward silence stretched.

Natsume: "..."

History repeats itself!

Ahem "Snowpoint Temple's nearby..." Natsume suggested. "Or wait while I fetch Mr. Brandon's Stone Orb!"

"Regigigas—"

Nodding, Regigigas plopped down with a thud, reverting to Slow Start mode.

With spacetime restored, electronics reactivated.

Giovanni stood at the cliff's edge as a massive airship ascended.

Gale-force winds buffeted the autonomous vessel now hovering before him.

Having battled Arceus as a father, the Boss now resumed his stern demeanor.

Hands in pockets, he addressed the red-haired youth behind him.

"Returning to Team Rocket?" he asked quietly.

"No." Silver glanced at Gold. "I have my own path."

"I won't inherit your organization... even reformed. My principles stand."

"I see."

Giovanni gazed at cloud seas, likely considering another candidate. "You've grown, Silver."

Studying his father's back, Silver recalled the man's earth-shaking valor moments ago.

A notorious leader, yes. Ruthless, certainly. But in that instant...

Silver had glimpsed the father long absent.

Their silence stretched until Giovanni abruptly asked: "Do you... like cats?"

Silver blinked. "What?"

"Persian... nevermind."

Clearing his throat, Giovanni adjusted his hat toward the rumbling airship. "Forget it."

Expressionless, Silver checked his buzzing phone—99+ messages from Sister Green.

His following list showed one perpetually low-viewed channel:

[Tales of Cat and Child]

Watching his father's retreating figure, Silver suddenly shouted:

"Dad!"

"I'll defeat you properly—and make you leave Team Rocket!"

Giovanni froze, armor forged against gods now laid bare.

Turning slowly, the man offered a rare smile.

Between them stood mountains and earth—no words needed when wind carried understanding.

"I'll await that day," Giovanni said. "When you defeat me... with your own hands."