Chapter 269: The Champion of Frozen Bear Country

"The situation has been resolved."

Natsume looked at Sugimoto Ken, who was still standing there. "Let's head back."

"Wait a moment."

The ranger from Frozen Bear Country, who had been silent until now, suddenly stepped forward and stopped Natsume, looking slightly nervous. "Um, thank you so much for helping us resolve the Yveltal incident."

"No need to thank me. I didn't do this for you."

After Natsume finished speaking, he noticed that the ranger didn't seem inclined to step aside. He raised an eyebrow. "Is there something else?"

Danila hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "Gym Leader Natsume, you probably don't know how to handle Yveltal either, right?"

"What are you trying to say?"

"After all, this is a legendary Pokémon from our Frozen Bear League region, so we can handle it ourselves."

Hearing Danila's words, before Natsume could respond, Sugimoto Ken couldn't help but angrily retort, "Handle it yourselves?"

"If Gym Leader Natsume hadn't come, this entire area would have been destroyed."

"How exactly were you planning to handle it?"

Danila insisted, "If something like that had really happened, we would have had the strength to deal with it."

Natsume looked at him and smiled. "Waiting for someone, aren't you?"

Danila was momentarily stunned.

Natsume stood still. "It's fine. I've got some time to spare."

Sugimoto Ken sighed helplessly as he looked at Natsume.

The leagues of both regions must have already been informed about what had happened here.

The reason Danila suddenly stepped forward to stop Natsume was likely due to orders from the Frozen Bear League.

Without a doubt, the person with real authority would arrive soon.

Natsume didn't have to wait long. Two figures flashed in the sky.

Then, a burly man wearing only a wool jacket, accompanied by a Mr. Rime, walked toward Natsume.

Natsume glanced at Mr. Rime's level—88.

"Natsume, that's Jekalov, the Champion of the Frozen Bear League."

"He's a legendary Trainer."

"Jekalov is a master of Ice-type Pokémon, and that Mr. Rime is one of his main Pokémon."

"Additionally, he also has the legendary Regice."

Yuki quietly gave Natsume a brief introduction as the man approached.

Natsume nodded slightly. "A Champion, huh? Quite the big shot."

Jekalov looked at Natsume. "I've already been briefed on what happened here."

"Gym Leader Natsume, thank you for your help in resolving this matter."

"Let's skip the pleasantries."

Natsume had no intention of beating around the bush with Jekalov. He directly held up Yveltal's Poké Ball. "You want it, don't you?"

Jekalov clearly didn't expect Natsume to be so direct.

After a moment of silence, he spoke. "Yveltal has always been a legendary Pokémon within our league."

"It holds special symbolic significance for the Frozen Bear League, and we also need to study how to resolve the land issues here, so we require Yveltal's power."

Although Jekalov was the Champion of the Frozen Bear League and possessed immense strength, seeing Zacian and Lugia standing beside Natsume, he knew he had to approach the situation diplomatically.

While Jekalov also had a legendary Pokémon, Regice's reputation paled in comparison to legends like Lugia and Zacian.

After listening to Jekalov, Natsume calmly uttered two words.

"No."

Although Jekalov's words sounded reasonable, everyone knew that Yveltal's power was one of destruction.

His desire for Yveltal was likely just a simple craving for its power.

It might not necessarily be about exploiting Yveltal, but having such a Pokémon under his control would undoubtedly make him feel more secure.

Jekalov frowned.

"Natsume, Yveltal isn't a Pokémon that Trainers can control. You probably have no use for it, right?"

"How about we make a deal? Mega Stones, treasures—what do you want?"

Natsume casually slipped Yveltal's Poké Ball into his pocket. "I can obtain treasures and Mega Stones on my own."

"As for a Pokémon like Yveltal, to be honest, I think it's safer in my hands."

Jekalov's previously diplomatic expression faded as he looked at Natsume.

Natsume continued, "However, since you, the Champion, have come all this way, I can't let you leave empty-handed."

"What are you suggesting?"

Natsume said directly, "Let's have a battle."

Jekalov narrowed his eyes. "Using a legendary like Zacian to battle me?"

Natsume smiled. "I wouldn't go so far as to use Zacian to bully someone."

Zacian glanced at Jekalov's Mr. Rime.

It really wasn't an opponent worth getting excited about.

"Awooo~"

Zacian yawned. After all, the previous battle had taken quite a toll on it.

Zacian thought to itself: Let's wrap this up quickly so I can get back to the Farm and have Indeedee prepare some Pokémon food made with Hearty Grains.

The environment here was too unpleasant, and Zacian was already eager to return to the Farm.

Meanwhile, Sugimoto Ken and Yuki, hearing that Natsume was about to battle Jekalov, exchanged strange looks.

"Not wanting to bully the Champion of Frozen Bear Country?"

That statement was truly something else.

Jekalov, suppressing his anger, looked at Natsume. "Then let me see just how strong the Pokémon you've trained really are!"

Natsume turned to Dragonite.

"Dragonite~"

Dragonite stepped forward, flexing its fists.

Beside Jekalov, Mr. Rime took its position.

Before the battle began, Natsume looked at Jekalov. "Champion Jekalov, you haven't mentioned what you'll offer if you lose."

"What do you want?"

"I want a Frigibax, or a Frigibax egg."

Natsume smiled slightly. "It's not much, just a little wager."

Hearing Natsume's words, Jekalov's expression grew even darker.

What Natsume was asking for wasn't unreasonable for a Champion.

But it could also be interpreted as Natsume implying that even with his own trained Pokémon, Mr. Rime wouldn't stand a chance against Dragonite.

This battle, for Natsume, was just a pastime.

Notice: Daily Battle Quest Triggered

Task Requirements: Defeat Mr. Rime

Quest Reward: Rare Candy*1

Jekalov immediately gave the order. "Mr. Rime, Ice Punch!"

Whoosh~

Mr. Rime instantly appeared in front of Dragonite.

Boom!