Chapter 188:A Temporary Plan!

On the surface of the sea, the wreckage of the warship was still burning.

The Pokémon soldiers who jumped from the ship were terrified, floating on the water's surface and looking at Lapras No. 1.

One person exclaimed in shock, “How is this possible? Ikeda Champion’s Greninja didn’t put up any fight at all.”

“To be unable to even release their Pokémon, the gap in strength is just too large.”

At this moment, Natsume understood through Gardevoir’s Hypnosis why Ikeda had tried to stop him.

Natsume looked down at Ikeda kneeling before him and said, “So, you’re with Trident. That makes sense.”

“You should have a good understanding of your organization’s leader, right?”

“Where do you think he would keep little Lugia?”

Ikeda, with a dazed look, replied, “Brando is a very self-centered person; he trusts no one.”

“Little Lugia is definitely with him.”

Natsume pondered over Ikeda’s words thoughtfully.

“Altaria~”

A long call echoed from the sky.

Natsume looked up to see an Altaria flying swiftly toward them.

A woman was sitting on the back of the Altaria.

She was wearing a black kimono and had an aloof demeanor.

“Natsume, the overall Champion of Kyushu Island, Natsumi, has arrived.”

Watanabe said to Natsume, “Natsumi's strength is formidable.”

“She previously defeated the Elite Koushin from the Eastern Region.”

“Furthermore, that battle made her the overall Champion of Kyushu Island.”

“Altaria~”

Altaria flew in front of Lapras No. 1.

Natsumi glanced at the sea and then tossed a Poké Ball.

Bam~

With a huge splash, a Wailord appeared on the surface of the water.

The people who had fallen into the water climbed onto Wailord's back.

Natsume quickly checked the data of these two Pokémon.

Level 73, carrying a Mega Stone, Altaria.

Level 68, with Champion Potential, Wailord.

Natsumi then looked at Natsume and calmly said, “Mr. Natsume, don’t you think this is a bit excessive?”

“We allowed you to pass freely, yet you attacked our warship?”

Natsume replied, “Since you came here so quickly, I’d assume you’ve received the news.”

“Your people had no intention of allowing us to pass smoothly.”

Natsumi glanced at Ikeda, who was still kneeling before Natsume.

Her expression remained neutral. “Sir Ikeda was merely trying to confirm your identities, although his methods were somewhat inappropriate.”

“But I believe he shouldn't have been treated like this.”

Natsume sighed, “That’s truly unfortunate.”

“What’s done is done.”

“What do you want to do about it?”

Natsumi looked at Natsume and said, “Apologize.”

“Apologize?”

Natsumi replied earnestly, “In a one-on-one battle, if I win, you will publicly apologize.”

For Trainers—whether ordinary or Champion-level—battling is often the best way to resolve conflicts.

Whoever wins is right.

Natsume smiled and asked, “What if I win?”

“You tell me.”

Natsume replied directly, “I found a Lapras today.”

“But her kin have been captured.”

Natsumi looked at Natsume in confusion. “What does this have to do with what’s happening now?”

Natsume explained, “That’s the condition.”

“If I win, you help me find Lapras’s kin.”

Natsumi paused for a moment after hearing Natsume’s words. “Is that all?”

Natsume nodded. “That’s enough.”

Natsumi looked at Natsume silently for a moment.

“Is that difficult?”

Natsumi spoke up. “I understand.”

“Then let’s begin.”

Natsume turned to Dragonite.

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite flapped its wings and flew toward Altaria.

“Froslass, go!”

Bang~

“Froslass~”

A Froslass appeared in front of Dragonite.

“Froslass, huh? I thought the opponent would be Altaria.”

Natsume looked at the information of this Froslass.

Name: Froslass  
Type: Ice/Ghost  
Level: 82  
Ability: Snow Cloak  
Individual Values: HP 31, Attack 31, Defense 31, Special Attack 31, Special Defense 31, Speed 31  
Moves: Shadow Ball, Blizzard, Snowscape, Hail, Destiny Bond  
Inherited Moves: Icicle Crash  
Potential: Champion  
Absorbed Treasure: Never-Melt Ice, Icy Rock  

“An Level 82 Froslass; that’s quite strong.”

Natsume thought to himself, “I wonder how long this Froslass has been alive.”

“Natsume, this Froslass is quite strong.”

Watanabe reminded him, “As far as I know, this Froslass has been cultivated by Natsumi’s family for a long time.”

Ghost-type Pokémon are generally quite long-lived.

Therefore, some families might spend generations cultivating a single Ghost-type Pokémon.

If well cared for, a Ghost-type Pokémon can definitely protect a family for a thousand years.

“Lapras.”

Lapras looked at Natsume with a worried expression.

“Eevee.”

Arcevee sat on Lapras's back, confidently looking at Lapras.

With Dragonite’s strength, there was nothing to worry about.

“Froslass, ice and snow world!”

At this moment, Natsumi issued her command first.

Natsume looked up and surveyed the surroundings.

Snowflakes began to swirl in the air, and large hailstones pelted down toward the sea.

“Snowscape combined with Hail, huh?”

Natsume immediately understood what this so-called "ice and snow world" move was.

“Dragonite, use Rain Dance.”

“Dragonite!”

Dragonite wasn't fond of this weather.

It quickly threw a blue energy ball toward the sky.

Bam~

The energy ball exploded, and soon black clouds gathered rapidly from all directions.

The converging clouds formed a massive black curtain, quickly overshadowing the sky.

The once white landscape caused by Snowscape and Hail was now filled with oppressive colors.

Rumble, rumble~

The wind began to increase on the surface of the sea.

Swish~

Heavy rain began to pour down.

The sea presented a spectacular scene of mixed rain and snow.

“Froslass, use Blizzard!”

“Dragonite, use Hurricane!”

Froslass took a deep breath, and a snowstorm rapidly condensed and barreled toward Dragonite.

The previously turbulent sea was instantly frozen under the effect of Blizzard!

Whoosh~

At the same time, Dragonite swung its wings forcefully.

Whoosh~

The blizzard was instantly blown back toward Froslass.

Crack~ Crack~

The waves rose high in the storm, surging toward Froslass.

Boom~

With the sound of crashing waves, Froslass vanished from its previous spot.

“Behind Dragonite!”

“Froslass~”

Froslass reappeared behind Dragonite, condensing a Shadow Ball in its hand.

Upon hearing Natsume's warning, Dragonite did not move its body, but its tail began to sway rapidly behind it.

The water began to condense and extend endlessly upward along Dragonite's tail.

Aqua Tail!

Boom~

Dragonite's Aqua Tail was like a wave rising in the sky, crashing down forcefully onto Froslass.

The Shadow Ball in Froslass's hand exploded instantly.

A shockwave of black energy spread out in all directions.

Gardevoir, standing on the boat, immediately created a protective barrier.

This blocked the successive waves that came rushing in with the shockwave.

The Wailord floating in the water also quickly used Protect, but it was still pushed away by the waves into the distance.

“Dragonite, use Dragon Claw!”

“Dragonite~!”

Dragonite turned around and swiftly lunged at Froslass.

“Double Team!”

Froslass acted quickly.

Its figure flickered continuously in the rain and snow.

At the same time, many clones of Froslass appeared above the sea.

“Dragonite, another Hurricane!”

Whoosh~

A fierce storm started to brew again.

The surrounding Froslass clones exploded in the Hurricane.

Froslass was also swept into the sea under the pressure of the storm.

“Froslass, Thunder!”

Natsumi seized the opportunity presented by Dragonite’s Hurricane.

In the water, Froslass's eyes glimmered with determination as it gazed at the sky.

Zzzzap~ Boom!

A bolt of lightning struck down instantly!

“Dragonite, use Thunder Punch!”

“Dragonite!”

Dragonite raised its fist.

Electric currents crackled around its fist as the lightning struck down onto it.

At that moment, Dragonite’s entire arm was enveloped in electricity!

Thunder Punch!

“Dragonite!”

Dragonite, soaring in the air, charged toward Froslass floating in the water.

In that instant, Dragonite was like a massive bolt of lightning slicing through the sky, aimed directly at the sea.

“Dragonite!”

With a roar, Dragonite slammed its fist down toward the surface of the water.

Boom~ Bang!

As Dragonite's fist struck the sea, the electric light illuminated the entire area, making the sea glow as bright as day!

The water was blasted apart, forming a massive whirlpool.

In the whirlpool, currents danced like silver snakes, swirling around.

Around them, tall columns of water erupted, splashing like mist.

Froslass's body slowly began to sink beneath the waves.

Froslass was knocked dizzy by Dragonite's final punch.

“Altaria!”

Altaria cried out, suddenly accelerating and diving into the sea, chasing after Froslass.

Natsumi leaped toward Froslass, which had been sent flying by Dragonite, and hugged it close.

“Altaria~”

Altaria quickly flew away from the surface of the water with them.

“Dragonite, are you alright?”

Natsume asked as Dragonite flew back to his side.

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite shook its arm.

It felt a bit tingly, but overall, nothing too unusual.

“Dragonite~”

Dragonite also complimented Froslass.

It thought that Froslass was quite impressive.

Natsume chuckled, “Of course it is; after all, it’s a Champion-level Pokémon.”

As Natsume spoke, he turned to smile at Natsumi as she flew back. “So, what’s the plan?”

“Do you want to continue the battle?”

Natsumi shook her head.

She looked at Natsume with a hint of something in her gaze.

“I lost this time.”

“I’ll give you my answer before the day ends.”

It was around 11 o'clock, meaning it would take roughly half a day.

Natsume pondered and then said to Natsumi, “If you don’t mind, could you arrange a place for us to rest?”

Natsumi nodded. “Sure.”

“Follow my Wailord.”

“Thank you.”

After speaking, Natsume tossed the now-useless Ikeda onto Wailord's back.

“Sir Ikeda.”

The people on Wailord quickly helped Ikeda to his feet.

They whispered to each other, “What terrifying strength.”

“Not only did he capture Sir Ikeda, but he also defeated Natsumi, the Overall Champion's Froslass.”

“He probably won’t need much longer before he becomes the new Champion of Japan.”

Ikeda slowly opened his eyes at that moment.

He stared blankly at them and stammered, “Abba, abba?”

“What’s going on?”

“What do you mean ‘abba abba’?”

Someone looked at Ikeda in confusion and asked, “What is he talking about?”

Ikeda’s brain had been affected by the Inner Focus, which meant he was a bit slow mentally.

Ikeda said, “Abba, abba~”

“Manaphy~”

Manaphy still really liked Wailord.

Manaphy sat on Wailord’s back, crossing its little arms and adopting a demeanor that truly exuded a regal presence.

“Squirtle~”

“Mudkip~”

Squirtle and Mudkip were having a great time.

Squirtle stood at the hole on Wailord’s back, using Wailord to spray itself and the mist up into the sky.

“Mudkip~”

Mudkip tugged at Squirtle.

“It's my turn now!”

On Lapras No. 1,

Watanabe looked at Natsume in confusion and asked, “Natsume, why are we heading to Kyushu Island?”

Natsume replied casually, “Well, since we’ll be waiting for half a day, we might as well take the opportunity to explore the island.”

“Let’s see if there’s anything interesting there.”

“But is that really alright?”

Watanabe asked nervously, looking at Natsume. “You just defeated their Champion, so is it okay to go with her to Kyushu Island?”

Natsume replied nonchalantly, “Of course it’s fine.”

“After all, no one died; he just became a bit silly.”

“Besides, the most important thing is that Ikeda clearly isn’t from the same faction as Natsumi.”

“So there shouldn’t be any issues.”

Watanabe thought to himself that the most crucial point was that Natsumi probably couldn’t defeat Natsume.

Watanabe then asked, “What about Manaphy?”

“Could someone else come to raid us?”

Natsume thought for a moment and then shook his head. “No, at least not right now.”

“Even if someone wanted to make a move on Manaphy, that would only be after they find the Temple of the Sea.”

Hearing Natsume say this, Watanabe glanced at Dragonite and felt reassured that he really didn’t need to worry so much.

“Understood.”

“By the way, I know of a great fishing spot here. Natsume, do you want to go check it out with me?”

Once Watanabe relaxed, he started thinking about going fishing.

Natsume declined, saying, “No, thanks.”

“I plan to visit the Ninja Village on Kyushu Island.”

“Ninja Village?”

Onami asked Natsume, “Are you talking about the one that only cultivates Froakie?”

“I’ve heard that the villagers there can use ninja techniques.”

Natsume nodded. “That’s the place.”

“If I find a suitable Froakie, I plan to capture one.”

As Natsume and the others chatted, the beach got closer.

Wailord gradually came to a stop.

This was Natsumi's private seaside villa.

On the edge of the beach, many Pokémon were playing in the water.

Marill, Brionne, and even a group of Finizen could be seen.

Most of them were Water-type and Fairy-type Pokémon.

“Manaphy~”

Manaphy jumped off Wailord.

Squirtle and Mudkip quickly followed suit.

“Let’s go too.”

Natsume and the others stepped off the boat.

Natsumi was waiting on the shore.

Beside her was an Indeedee.

Although Natsumi was a strong Trainer, she appeared to be quite young, in her twenties.

Her expression was somewhat cool, but her figure gave off a very vibrant aura.

“I’ve already instructed people to look into the Lapras situation.”

Natsume smiled at Lapras and said, “Lapras, you’ll be able to see your kin very soon.”

“Lapras~”

Lapras let out a joyful cry.

Natsumi looked at the happy Lapras, then turned to Natsume.

“I’m surprised.”

“Surprised about what?”

“That you would specifically stay here for the sake of that Lapras.”

Natsumi stated directly, “Isn’t Manaphy the important thing for you right now?”

Natsume looked at Manaphy playing at the water's edge and replied, “Of course, Manaphy is important.”

“But I also really like this Lapras.”

Natsume smiled at Lapras and said, “So, its situation is also very important.”