Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [516]

They initially received Black's distress call as well, but August got there first, so they didn't rush back immediately.

“It's nothing—he's perfectly fine!” August reassuringly patted Black on the shoulder.

Black's face flushed slightly with embarrassment.

After all, this whole incident was triggered by his own recklessness. If August hadn't arrived in time, he couldn't imagine how disastrous things might have turned out.

Sensing Black's thoughts, August patted him again, signaling him not to dwell on it: “If you hadn’t held off the Shadow Triad, it wouldn't have been so easy for me to find them…”

“Besides, our Kanto branch desperately needs brave trainers like you!”

“Go ahead and charge forward—I’ve got your back!”

August's words deeply moved Black.

“August, did you get the Dark Stone or whatever?” Gary suddenly chimed in, trying to sound casual.

“With me on the job, of course I did!”

Gary's eyes lit up. “Show it to me!”

“You’ll have to ask Black. I gave it to him.”

“Huh?”

Gary froze momentarily before hurriedly protesting: “Didn't you say that's the artifact used to summon Zekrom?”

“Yeah, that's right.”

“And isn't Zekrom the legendary 'Dragon of Ideals' from Unova’s legends?”

“That’s also right.”

“And you just handed it over to Black?”

August nodded seriously. “I think the Dark Stone suits Black pretty well...”

Gary: “......”

Why weren't you ever this generous with me!?

Gary was absolutely convinced that August was deliberately trying to provoke him.

Meeting Gary’s gaze, August silently admitted: Good guess.

On the other side, Clay had already locked up the Shadow Triad and the Team Plasma members caught by Nate and Looker. Just as he was approaching August to discuss something, the gym’s door burst open once more.

A young girl with lavender hair, dressed in a pale pink trench coat, rushed into the gym and threw herself anxiously at Clay’s side. Looking at his injuries, she cried out in distress, “Dad, how did you get hurt this badly…?”

Seeing the girl, Clay—usually so stern—revealed an unexpectedly gentle expression.

“It's nothing. The problem has already been solved.”

Then, turning to August and the others, he introduced her: “This is my daughter, Lacey! She’s currently a first-year student at Blueberry Academy.”

Elesa clearly knew her, waving enthusiastically in greeting.

As for Gary, he stared incredulously at Lacey.

It was nearly impossible to imagine Clay, who looked like a mafia boss, having such an adorable daughter...

And August… Seeing this protagonist straight out of a fairy tale, he smiled politely in greeting.

However, Lacey’s eyes sparkled the moment she noticed August—or rather, Mew on his shoulder.

“Oh my gosh, your Pokémon is so cute!”

Ignoring Mew’s stunned expression, Lacey leaned in eagerly and asked August with anticipation, “Mr. August, may I pet her?”

She clearly recognized August, but compared to him, adorable little Mew was far more attractive.

Before August could answer, Mew recovered and immediately extended a paw.

“Mew!”

“Is she offering me a handshake?” Lacey exclaimed, eyes shining.

August: “…No, she's asking for payment. One little cake per pat.”

He cast Mew an embarrassed glance. She was utterly shameless…

But Mew puffed herself up righteously, clearly indicating she was just working hard to earn her keep.

It’s called being self-sufficient!

Lacey hadn't expected that kind of response, but… it was only a small cake, after all.

She often made tons of them during her baking classes with Alcremie!

Watching Mew's eyes sparkle as Lacey pulled out a large bag of pastries, August sighed inwardly.

Have some dignity, will you…?

---

Team Plasma Headquarters.

Upon receiving news that the Shadow Triad had been captured, Ghetsis slammed his fist down hard on his desk, his expression utterly dark.

The Team Plasma members nearby immediately lowered their heads, pretending they'd seen nothing.

This wasn’t the first time they'd seen Ghetsis fly into a rage like this.

Ever since that man named "August" had appeared in Unova, the number of times they’d seen Ghetsis smile could be counted on one hand. Instead, his face had grown darker and darker.

Many Team Plasma grunts privately grumbled:

Is the Pokémon World Champion someone you can mess with so casually? We’re supposed to be an environmental organization—why are we even bothering with August!?

Unaware of his subordinates’ complaints, Ghetsis finally regained a sliver of composure after venting his anger.

But every time he thought about the losses from this operation, his heart bled anew.

The Shadow Triad were his most capable subordinates, impeccable in loyalty and skill. They’d done so much for him over the years…

But now, everything was gone.

Not just his people, but even the Forces of Nature, whom Team Plasma had just captured, had fallen into August’s hands.

He could have tolerated it if at least the Dark Stone was still his to claim—this loss alone wasn’t unacceptable.

But…

Where was the Dark Stone now? He hadn’t even caught a glimpse of it.

He didn't even need to think; it must also have fallen into August’s grasp.

Just thinking about it, Ghetsis felt the urge to spit blood.

How did things come to this…?

Ghetsis truly believed he'd done his absolute best.

But in the end, he'd run straight into August.

At that moment, Ghetsis was overcome by a wild urge—to go all out against August!

Deploying the entire Team Plasma, fighting August to the bitter end, the victor deciding Unova’s future!

But fortunately, reason ultimately prevailed.

If the Forces of Nature were still in his grasp, maybe he'd have a chance. But now…

He had the bitter realization that deploying all his forces against August wouldn’t lead to victory, but rather self-destruction.

Suppressing his chaotic thoughts, Ghetsis dialed N’s number.

Perhaps it was just his imagination, but he thought he heard a Meowth’s cry?

Ignoring it, Ghetsis spoke urgently: “N, stay away from August. I’m sending you coordinates. You must secure the Light Stone at all costs!”

“This is Team Plasma’s last hope to save Unova’s Pokémon!”

---

Since there were still matters to wrap up, August decided to stay temporarily at Driftveil Gym until everything was settled. Clay warmly accommodated August and the others.

Gary stared longingly at the Dark Stone in Black’s hand, nearly drooling with envy.

Feeling uncomfortable under Gary’s intense gaze, Black hesitated before speaking up: “Maybe… Gary-senpai, it’s better if you take the Dark Stone instead!”

Gary was deeply tempted but ultimately shook his head.

He, Gary Oak, had pride after all!
How could he shamelessly snatch something from a junior?

After sternly rejecting Black’s offer, Gary declared confidently that Unova had more than one legendary Pokémon—there was still Reshiram to consider!

Black immediately admired Gary’s magnanimity.

“But seriously, how exactly are we supposed to awaken Zekrom from this thing?”

Black had learned quite a bit about Zekrom and the Dark Stone from August earlier, but he still had no clue how to actually awaken the Pokémon.

“How about trying to burn it?” Zinnia suggested absentmindedly, polishing Rayquaza’s Poké Ball.

Gary and Black stared at Zinnia, speechless at her absurd idea.

“Why don’t you try burning Rayquaza’s Poké Ball first?” Gary retorted.

“Hehe…” Zinnia chuckled awkwardly.

“In dramas, they always say you can awaken it through love,” White offered. “Why don’t you give that a shot, Black?”

Black stared blankly. “Love…isn’t that way too abstract?”

How do you even use love to awaken it...?

Caitlin was clearly more practical. She cautiously extended her psychic power toward the Dark Stone.

But the moment her power touched it, her face turned deathly pale, and she hurriedly withdrew her psychic energy.

Even that brief instant had left her feeling completely drained.

Everyone immediately gathered around her, concerned. Caitlin shook her head, reassuring them she was fine—but she regarded the Dark Stone warily.

“That stone is incredibly dangerous…”

After hours of futile brainstorming, the group finally turned to the ever-reliable August.

Faced with everyone’s expectant gazes and the Dark Stone…

“If I knew how to awaken Zekrom, I would’ve done it already. Why would I wait until now?”

Everyone’s faces immediately fell with disappointment.

“However, I do have a theory...” August continued, lifting their spirits once more. “Zekrom is known as the ‘Dragon of Ideals,’ embodying Unova’s idealism. Black, you might try approaching it from that perspective. Getting Zekrom to resonate with your ideals might be the key to awakening it.”

Black’s eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Seeing Black’s expression, August smiled.

In fact, that was exactly why he'd handed the Dark Stone to Black instead of keeping it himself.

Because August strongly suspected his personal ideal of ‘slacking off’ wouldn’t exactly resonate with Zekrom.

Though technically, he could summon a bunch of legendary Pokémon to forcefully pry Zekrom from the Dark Stone, but…

“The Dark Stone moved a little! Zekrom sensed my ideals!” Black cheered excitedly.

Listening to Black’s excitement, August shook his head slightly.

No need for all that.

As an upstanding character and an ally of justice, how could he spend his days thinking about such things?

With August dismissing his mischievous thoughts, the Dark Stone quickly settled down again, disappointing Black immensely.

Paying no further attention to Black, August turned to Nate beside him. “Where were we earlier?”

“I received intel that Team Plasma is making unusual movements…” Nate answered.

Looker nodded to confirm Nate’s words.

“Oh? And their target?” August asked curiously.

“Relic Castle, Icirrus City, Opelucid City…” Nate explained, “Team Plasma is gathering their forces in these three locations.”

“Three places, huh…that’s troublesome,” August frowned slightly. “Your suggestion?”

“We split up,” Nate replied decisively. “Since we don’t know Team Plasma’s true goal, splitting up is the safest bet.”

August nodded thoughtfully.

Rather than gambling on Team Plasma’s true intentions, splitting up indeed was a foolproof strategy.

After a brief pause, August turned to Nate. “Nate, stick with Looker, and take Black and Gary to Relic Castle.”

Nate nodded firmly.

August continued: “Caitlin, White, Zinnia, and Elesa will form another team heading to Icirrus City.”

Due to recent events in Driftveil, Elesa had also joined their operation against Team Plasma.

Though, judging from Elesa’s attitude, August strongly suspected her interest was more in slacking off than defeating Team Plasma.

“Someone called me?” Zinnia looked up abruptly from polishing her Poké Ball, glancing around.

August: “…”

Now your hearing suddenly works perfectly.

Ignoring Zinnia, August carried on calmly. “I’ll handle Opelucid City myself…”

“August, alone…?” Looker began, before reconsidering. Given August’s strength, there was nothing to worry about.

August alone was probably stronger than all of them combined; handling a branch of Team Plasma would be effortless for him.

However…

“Actually, I won’t be alone. I’m calling in some reinforcements from the Kanto branch.”

“Oh?” Looker’s interest was piqued. “Are you referring to Blue and Sabrina?”

Last time in Kalos, August had indeed worked alongside Blue and Sabrina.

Unexpectedly, August shook his head. “No, someone else…”

Though curious, Looker didn’t pry.

August alone was more than enough anyway.

After assigning the teams, August paused briefly before pulling out three Poké Balls.

He handed one to a puzzled Gary, another to White, and the last one to Looker.

Seeing their confused expressions, August explained: “I’m lending you these Pokémon temporarily. They may be ugly, but they’re quite powerful.”

Hearing August, Gary pressed the Poké Ball’s switch.

In a flash of white light, Landorus appeared before Gary, crossing his arms, emanating intimidating authority. Yet, upon noticing August, Landorus immediately adopted a docile expression.

White received Tornadus.

Looker got Thundurus.

These were none other than the Forces of Nature August had previously defeated and subdued.

The three legendary Pokémon had shifted from evil accomplices to allies of justice.

“With these three, everything should go smoothly,” August remarked lightly.

Hopefully, Team Plasma appreciates my gift.

With that settled, August summoned Hoopa, preparing to return to Kanto to arrange a special present for Team Plasma.

---

This is a fan translation of 我，宝可梦称号大师！ by 落唯 白良. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!