Chapter 0848: The Clash of the Eight Masters!（Three-in-One）

I’m running into Steven this early?

Natsume stood in the crowd, his gaze lingering on Steven, deep in thought.

He’d known Steven for over two years now.

From the time he introduced Steven to Gold Miners, to tagging along to Touran Region to meet Jirachi, and later exploring the Tree of Beginning together.

After encountering Mew, seeing Squirtle evolve, and saving the collapsing Tree of Beginning, their interactions only grew more frequent.

There were plenty of dangerous missions he’d never tell Cynthia about, but he could tell this comrade-in-arms anything.

Because Steven was strong, reliable—his “home is in the mines,” and he had that unbeatable platinum Metagross—

Steven Stone.

The livestream director cut to Natsume and Steven, staring each other down from across the crowd. The chat instantly flooded with messages.

“They’re staring at each other longer than when Cynthia was on screen!”

“Cabbage: Go home and kneel before Ferrothorn!”

“Wallace: Why do I suddenly feel jealous?”

“Yes! My ship is sailing!”

Lance stood in the noisy arena, arms crossed, shooting a sideways glance at Natsume.

“Finding it hard to say goodbye?”

Natsume: “Huh???”

The red-haired man exuded authority, cape swirling, as he said calmly:

“After all, between you and Steven, only one will advance—and the odds are in your favor.”

Right now, aside from mythical and legendary Pokémon, Natsume-sensei’s team was almost entirely made up of Battle Legends.

The three remaining “little ones”: Togepi, Tyranitar, and Rotom.

Togepi was blessed by Arceus. With one more evolution, it could step up to legend status with zero difficulty.

Tyranitar was at Champion level, powered by Groudon’s essence, moving closer to the “can’t fly but hits like Giovanni” template, mastering ‘Giovanni’s techniques’ and Precipice Blades.

Rotom might be a “tool Pokémon,” but it carried embedded Adamant Orb and Lustrous Orb fragments, giving it Space-Time powers.

With such a thoroughly “illegal” legendary lineup, facing Steven—

Yeah, I’ve got the advantage!

“In the end, we’re bound to face chat group members at some point…”

Natsume looked away, one hand in his pocket, musing,

“It’s only a matter of time.”

After all, more than half the field are group members…

This isn’t a global tournament—it’s practically a group meet-up IRL!

Lance gave a slight, knowing nod.

This man had faced down countless legendary Pokémon. His strength wasn’t in question anymore.

If he truly wanted the world championship, then I, Steven, even Cynthia—would all be his opponents sooner or later.

Of course… the red-haired man’s gaze sharpened.

My dragon legion’s hungry for battle, too!

The arena boiled with excitement, the crowd roaring for their favorite trainers.

Caitlin and Cynthia looked practically like sisters.

Cynthia, hand on her hip, let Caitlin cling to her arm, smiling, “Guess it’s you and me battling after all.”

Caitlin gave a sleepy animal-like nod. “Mhm.”

Drake, not easily fazed by storms, stroked his white beard and gazed at the big screen.

“To battle a Dragon Messenger from the clan...”

My odds aren’t great, but the kids will get to see what storms-forged dragons can do!

Lorelei’s red hair shimmered like fire. In a black dress and heels, arms crossed, eyes calmly sharp behind her glasses.

Facing Hoenn’s water-type champion, Wallace.

In extreme cold, even running water turns to ice.

Lorelei pushed up her glasses, red hair flicking in the wind, icy aura rolling off her.

Time for the world to see the charm of Lorelei, Kanto’s Ice Queen!

Alder versus Pyramid King Brandon.

Both stood with arms crossed, bonded by their love of history. They locked eyes—no words needed—nodding in mutual respect.

Natsume gazed up at the sky.

Top 16, and I’m already up against Steven...

No matter what—

Natsume-sensei’s eyes grew steadily sharper, shining with determination.

Until I meet Cynthia in the finals, there’s no way I’m handing over the win.

Steven and I—

Let’s bring the most passionate, all-in duel to this World Tournament!

……

Indigo Plateau.

Leon and Raihan arrived, fashionably late.

“Your Rotom Phone needs a trip to the shop!” Raihan shouted.

“Haha,” Leon replied, all smiles.

He never checked his phone navigation, anyway.

The two stood at the arena gate, watching the outgoing crowd.

“Has the bracket reveal finished already?” Raihan asked.

Leon’s eyes lit up, waving, “Master!”

From the distance, Mustard strolled over, slightly hunched, white eyebrows flowing, green baseball jacket and hands folded behind his back.

Seeing Leon, Mustard smiled, “Little Leon, you’re late.”

“Well, we had a bit of trouble on the road...”

“Mustard,” Raihan hurried up, “has the draw come out? Who am I up against?”

“You’re battling little Leon~”

Raihan froze for a split second, then broke into a huge grin, bellowing:

“This old man’s gonna take down Leon in front of the entire world!”

Blue Oak, one hand in his pocket, passed by Raihan with a nonchalant “idiot” look.

Honestly, I used to be just as dumb as him back in the day.

Blue Oak paused, taking in the familiar Indigo Plateau main stadium, composed and serious.

Next round is against Diantha—should be an easy win.

The critical question: after making it to the Eight Masters, will I be matched up with Natsume-sensei?

As Blue Oak pondered, Leon called over:

“Blue Oak—Champion!”

He looked up, staring into Leon’s fired-up, golden eyes.

“I’m really looking forward to battling you, full force.”

That cap-wearing stance—Blue Oak was momentarily stunned.

Behind Leon, it was as if flames rose up—those fierce eyes, overlapping with another cap-wearing shadow from the past.

Blue Oak took a deep breath, then flashed a wild, proud grin.

“You’re welcome to try.”

Leon blinked, then smiled back.

Elsewhere, two tall, striking men emerged from another contestant tunnel.

“My next match is with Sevii Islands’ Elite Four, Lorelei,” Wallace said, white-robed with a glassy-tribe vest, hand at his chin. “We don’t have a type advantage over each other, but I’m confident facing Ice-types.”

Steven, dressed in a suit, walked silently, a little lost in thought.

“Steven?” Wallace prompted.

“Yeah, I’m listening.” Steven smiled faintly.

Wallace could understand—Steven’s next opponent, Natsume-sensei, was a huge challenge.

Unless Steven is at the absolute top of his game, it’d be tough to force all six of Natsume’s Pokémon to show.

“Don’t worry.” Wallace assured him. “No one’s doubting your strength.”

“I know.” Steven’s smile was deep and calm. “But honestly, this is the draw I wanted.”

In this tournament, the one he most wanted to face wasn’t Cynthia. Nor was it Lance.

He’d sparred with Wallace plenty in private, and the championships were just a different venue.

To tell the truth, he’d entered the World Tournament just for the chance to face one trainer—

Meeting Natsume-sensei so soon would finally grant Steven his wish.

He still remembered that simulated duel they’d fought in “Pokémon: Battle.” Now, that virtual pinnacle would become reality on the world stage.

Steven steadied himself, lips curving gently.

“Battling Natsume-sensei isn’t a bad thing.”

“Hm?” Wallace turned curiously.

Steven half-joked,

“I’ve still got a pile of ores over in Sinnoh waiting to be mined. If I get eliminated early, I’ll at least get my work back on track.”

Wallace blinked, then nodded almost automatically.

This partner of his—forever obsessed with ores. Some things never changed!

……

With the bracket officially out,

A storm exploded in the group chat.

Gold the Fifth @ Lance, demanding:

“And you call this not rigged?!”

Silver, perfectly calm, replied:

“If the fix is out in the open, it’s not called rigged—it’s called fair.”

Gold blinked, suddenly enlightened.

“Well said, the righteous Messenger!”

“It really was an auto-generated bracket.”

Lance rubbed his aching forehead. “But even I’m not sure anyone believes it.”

Yellow, as understanding as ever, chimed in:

“Like Sister Sabrina always says: Fate will draw trainers with strong bonds together.”

Red nodded slightly.

Sabrina’s “Fate’s Spoon” was said to pair up trainers with the greatest connections.

It’s like invisible threads tying the world’s top trainers together for this tournament.

Lance and everyone else in the group seemed convinced by Yellow’s explanation.

Dragon Master vs. Dragon Champion, ice vs. water, Natsume vs. Steven—the anticipation for each match alone had boosted this year’s headlines through the roof.

“We’re coming to see the matches live at Indigo Plateau!” Sapphire beamed.

Wallace and Steven, being champions, had close ties to Ruby and Sapphire.

“@Silver,” Green asked with concern, “are you going to the Indigo Plateau to watch?”

Silver, usually stone-faced, barely hesitated. “Yeah.”

Sister Green invited me to the tournament… Sister Green invited ME… (he kept muttering)

“Idiot!” Gold clapped Silver’s shoulder, “That schemer just wants you to help run her booth!”

Silver’s expression didn’t change. “You don’t get it. Back when I lived with Pryce, it was always Sister Green looking out for me.”

Gold stared, watching Silver open the spotless chat interface.

The background was a picture of a Persian. Silver gazed at it for a moment, then put his phone away.

Gold’s expression twisted. “Hey, wait… you’re not inviting that—”

“Nothing at all.” Silver said calmly. “We’re taking the bullet train to Indigo Plateau tomorrow.”

“Okay, I’ll tell the class rep.”

Gold pumped a fist, “Time to see Natsume-sensei take Steven down!”

“Togekiss”

Togebo stretched his wings, perfectly in sync.

Going to see my sister!

……

The next day.

With the eyes of the world watching, as the Sacred Flame burned, the Indigo Plateau opened the first match of the elimination round!

Natsume sat in the VIP lounge, gazing out the window at the battle arena; cheers thundered as Lance and Captain Drake strode onto the field, shook hands, and took their places at the command posts.

“Gengar(*⊙⊙)” Gengar munched on a hot dog from the vendors, standing next to Natsume’s sofa.

“Blastoise…ヾ(■_■)” Blastoise peered out the window, adjusting his sunglasses as if analyzing both sides’ battle levels.

“Sylveon~” Sylveon lazed in Natsume’s lap, stretching her ribbons to pluck a Leppa Berry from the fruit tray; she poked Natsume’s cheek with its cool, dewy berry.

Feeling the dewdrops and the chill of the Leppa Berry, Natsume focused on the stadium, snapped back to reality, then smiled and accepted the Leppa Berry: “Thanks, Sylveon.”

Sylveon didn’t so much as glance at Natsume, docilely closing her blue eyes and curling up with a gentle, “Sylveon…”

Across from Natsume, Cynthia took a coffee Roserade handed her and smiled.

“I still remember, two years ago in Tokyo City.”

“Oh?”

“That time…” Cynthia looked at the window, her sharp nose and lips tilted up in a slight smile. “You came to watch me and Lance at the World Championship opener.”

Natsume bit into the Leppa Berry, chewed for a moment, then smiled softly.

“It’s my turn to step on stage now.”

Cynthia’s gray eyes turned gentle as she gazed at him, recalling his words in Wyndon.

He’d said, “I’m not as strong as you think, but this time I want to win.”

She thought of how he’d stood up for her in Alamos Town, using the Red Chain to bind temporal and spatial dragons.

Step by step, side by side with Pokémon, he’d grown: Elite Four, Champion, Battle Legend—

And now, fiancé, standing in front of her.

“Your eyes are different from two years ago.”

Cynthia’s gray eyes softened. She watched Natsume and smiled affectionately:

“And I like it.”

Outside the window, Lance and Captain Drake’s battle had reached its climax.

“Drake brings out his pride and joy—Salamence!!”

The commentator was nearly shouting: “Facing Dragonite amid the raging storm, how will Salamence respond?”

Lance’s trademark “storm-and-lightning strategy” used extreme weather for maximum destruction.

Thunder, lightning, pouring rain—these were Dragonite’s preferred attack conditions!

BOOM!!

The field shuddered under torrential rain, violent wind, and flashing lightning—two dragons streaking through the maelstrom.

Dragonite looped the tornado with Extreme Speed; Salamence retracted its wings and dove headlong into the funnel, roaring as it battered its way through!

Lance’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“This is what countless years at sea, wrestling storms, taught me.”

Under rumbling clouds, Drake pulled his captain’s cap low.

“I’m not great at using weather—just fighting through it!”

Rain drenched his clothes, but the captain didn’t flinch, looking to the sky and shouting:

“Salamence, Dragon Rush!!”

Salamence unfurled bloody wings, radiating deadly energy as purple dragon auras blazed. It roared, then dove in!

“I acknowledge your experience and knowledge.”

Lance exhaled. Eyes narrowing, pupils turning vertical—his red hair rose upward.

“But as Dragon Messenger, my Dragonite won’t be beaten by any Dragon-type!”

“Dragonite—” Lance thrust his hand forward, fingers bent, voice fierce—“Blizzard!!”

Drake looked up in horror at the sky.

Just a moment ago, torrential rain—now, abruptly, an icy gale!

Dragonite’s wings fanned a bone-chilling blizzard; Salamence slowed, face and wings frosting over, layers of ice thickening until it crashed to the ground. The hunk of ice split and shattered apart!

The commentator’s excitement bounced around the stadium.

“Your winner and new Master—Lance!!”

Lance turned his back to the world—and his billowing cape.

In the stands, Gold had binoculars in hand, standing atop the railing. “Was that a little much?”

Crystal apologized to the audience behind for blocking their view.

Silver, who used to work for Lance, knew his style all too well and said flatly:

“No, the cape’s the real star.”

……

“And now, our second contestant to advance to the Eight Masters!”

Excitement ran through the stadium—then gave way to disbelief.

Blue Oak had just beaten Kalos’ Champion, Diantha, with a stunning 6:1 score!

On the field, Scizor stood tall, both arms raised in victory.

Gardevoir’s Mega Form faded away—she collapsed softly onto the field. Diantha pressed a hand to her chest, bowing her head with a sigh:

“I must admit—your skills are second to none, Blue Oak.”

Blue Oak, in his signature brown jacket, snagged the rebounding Poké Ball, hand in his pocket, tossing a smug hand up:

“Bonjour~”

Up in the audience, Bruno sat shirtless, arms folded, squinting with a smile.

“He’s just as proud and strong as ever.”

On a rafter, Poison Elite Four Koga hung upside-down, mask and scarf trailing.

“Battle Legends are way beyond Champions now.”

Johto’s dark-type elite, Karen, tucked her blue hair behind one ear, thinking aloud:

“I mean, I have nothing but respect for Blue Oak, but...”

Karen’s face twitched. “Doesn’t his Kalos accent sound a little… off?”

……

“The next matchup: Pyramid King Brandon versus former Unova Champion, Alder!!”

Alder, flame-red hair and tribal dress, strings of Poké Balls around his neck, stood with a stony gaze.

He didn’t use modern tech, battling by pure instinct alone. Losing comrades had weakened him, but his power was still Champion-level.

Brandon, arms crossed in green archaeologist gear, wore a grave face.

As Pyramid King, his Regi trio could outplay even Champions—a real contender for the Eight Masters!

In the stands, Iris, now in her adorable Champion robe, cheered:

“Go, Grandpa Alder!”

Brandon’s old pal from the Sinnoh Battle Tower, roaring from the VIP seats,

“Brandon, if you win, I’ll watch Snowpoint Temple for a WHOLE year!”

Brandon: !!!

Even if Arceus himself showed up, nothing would stop me!

The score war tightened, locked at 5:4.

The commands consumed massive brain power, Alder panting as his HP dropped low.

Brandon only grew fiercer: “Regirock, Explosion!!”

“Regirock!!”

BOOM!!

Alder watched his Volcarona, wings charred, collapse in defeat. He sighed and returned it to its Poké Ball.

“Congrats, Mr. Brandon,” Alder said with real respect.

Brandon, breathless, almost teared up.

Who cares about being an Eight Master—it means I don’t have to watch Snowpoint Temple!

In the stands, a green-haired young man tilted his cap, turning away.

“There’s still one more match to watch at Indigo Plateau.”

N’s gaze sparkled with anticipation,

“Natsume-sensei versus Steven, the Hoenn Champion.”

……

The Indigo Plateau’s round-of-16 battles would last a week.

With no energy spots here, Eight Masters’ true power couldn’t be unleashed; that’d have to wait for Galar’s Wyndon.

So far, the Eight Masters lineup: Lance, Blue Oak, Brandon.

Mustard fielded the ‘legendary Pokémon’ Urshifu and outplayed Ryo, successfully advancing.

The net mourned for Ryo.

“Hard to win when your opponent’s got a legendary, huh?”

“These days, who doesn’t have a legendary or special ability? Right, Ryo?”

“Mustard was Champion for 18 straight years back in Galar—you know he’s a living legend!”

Leon versus Raihan had the crowd hyped—a roller-coaster, but no real surprise.

Raihan posted a selfie with Duraludon on Instagram and wrote:

“I’ll win for sure next time!”

The internet roasted him.

“Poor guy, lost to Leon again?”

“11 straight losses to Leon. Ouch!”

“Yeah, sure, next time…”

Cynthia versus Caitlin? Ratings off the charts.

Caitlin had psychic prowess, but it was no match for Garchomp; Cynthia advanced easily.

July 8, Friday.

All the group friends gathered at the main arena, ready to watch Ice Queen Lorelei battle Water Champion Wallace.

Outside the arena, Natsume could hear a young man’s cheerful shout even from a distance.

“Natsume-sensei, long time no see!”

Gold, wearing goggles and a pool cue slung over his shoulder, walked alongside a bashful Crystal.

Natsume-sensei could respect it—if you had to walk next to Gold the Fifth and his wacky outfit, keeping your head low was just the smart move.

“Where’s Silver?” Natsume asked.

“He’s helping Green with her sales… business is blowing up…” Gold scratched his head.

“It’s mostly just delivery guys, isn’t it?”

“How’d you know?!” Gold gawked.

Natsume just rolled his eyes, glancing skyward.

Looks like Boss Giovanni is still watching Silver from the shadows…

“He and Sister Green will be here soon,” Crystal said, “Let’s head to the venue first.”

“Yeah.”

They headed down the audience tunnel, spotting Lt. Surge in sunglasses and military green, leading the Vermilion Gym crew in security detail.

“Hey, hey—line up, no cutting or Electrode’ll zap ya!” Lt. Surge bellowed.

Everyone queued up smoothly as Surge puffed up… then felt a tap on the shoulder, ready to explode, only to freeze when he saw who it was.

“Yo—if it isn’t Unova’s major! Looking rough, huh?”

Gold grinned wickedly, “Haven’t seen you in days, miss me?”

Lt. Surge: ?

Where’s my taser… wait a sec.

Lt. Surge’s face turned dark.

No-holds-barred battle? I don’t think I can beat Gold!

Inside, they found their seats.

In the front row, a headband-wearing Sapphire turned and smiled:

“Natsume-sensei, hi! Ruby, say hello!”

Smack! Ruby rubbed his shoulder, grumbling, “Good afternoon, Natsume-sensei!”

“Hey, you two.” Natsume teased, “So when’s the wedding?”

Ruby pushed his glasses up, totally straight-faced: “My dad and Professor Birch are already in talks…”

Sapphire’s face went beet red. Smiling, she whacked Ruby, “C’mon, we’re nowhere near legal age yet!”

Ruby: “Pfft—”

Sapphire used Machamp!

Gold winced, “You okay, man?”

Wiping his mouth, Ruby forced a thumbs up, “Thanks for caring, Senior!”

“Right.” Gold folded his arms, playing the part. “Just remember, being a trainer is rough business…”

Everyone ignored Gold the Fifth’s act. Sapphire tugged Ruby’s hand:

“Lorelei’s on now!”

“And look at Master’s vest!” Ruby’s eyes sparkled. “I helped sew it for him!”

On the field, Lorelei swept in, red-haired, black-dressed, heels clicking, aura on full display as she reached the command seat.

Wallace smiled gently, in a white hat and traditional garb, nodding in greeting.

With water-types versus ice-types, neither side had a type advantage—it’d all come down to tactics and raw power.

In the water arena, Milotic slid effortlessly, leaping from the surface and blasting Cloyster with a boiling geyser.

Cloyster clamped its shell tight, the heat making its shell glow red. Once the steam faded, it opened slightly, grinning slyly and firing off a barrage of icicle spears!

“Dive!” Wallace called, “Then use Surf!”

The viewers watched in awe.

Milotic gave a high-pitched cry, riling up the water into massive waves, crashing down with unstoppable force.

Lorelei stayed steady, recalled Cloyster, and sent out Lapras:

“Sheer Cold—freeze it solid!”

Lapras unleashed a blue beam, the air cold as death. Flowers of frost bloomed on the waves, crystals spreading out to form a colossal frozen wall!

The water arena dried up—Milotic stared up at the ice wall, wide-eyed.

With a CRACK, the ice transformed—spears dropping, the whole sculpture shattering apart!

BOOM!!

“So cool…” Ruby breathed, “Lorelei’s actually pressuring Master!”

Natsume’s eyes glinted.

Lorelei the Ice Queen—it was said even Red got headaches fighting her.

But Wallace once stopped Primal Kyogre—that’s a whole other level!

From the shattered glacier, Milotic blazed with white light, wounds healing rapidly, shimmering gently with Aqua Ring.

Lorelei frowned.

All that damage—gone in a heartbeat!

“I’m not much for head-to-head attacks.”

Wallace bowed slightly, then looked up coolly and smiled:

“That’s why I brought my best stall strategies!”

Thunder roared as the clouds darkened. Milotic performed Rain Dance, and the deluge returned.

The dried-out water arena filled again, surging like an angry sea!

The fight grew tense, Wallace showing off his expertise in endurance tactics.

Lorelei’s all-out assault worked well against Lance, but against Wallace’s ironclad defense, it struggled to break through.

Final score: 6:2. Wallace’s team was battered, but Lorelei lost with regret.

“Incredible!” Gold exclaimed. “Auntie Lorelei pushed a Champion this far!”

Natsume shot him a look. “You sure you want to call her that to her face?”

Gold froze, shaking his head furiously.

I’m blunt, not stupid!

……

After this match, Lorelei’s popularity soared sky-high.

But as a “mature homebody,” Lorelei never noticed, often feeling she “just wasn’t that popular with guys.”

It’s worth noting: both Lorelei and Misty, the perennial “underdog,” are single.

So, the eight seats of the Masters are filled:

Lance, Blue Oak, Brandon, Cynthia, Mustard, Leon, and Wallace.

Steve Stone was surely destined for the last spot—

But the round of 16 would see him face off against strategist Natsume-sensei.

July 10, Sunday.

At Indigo Plateau, the world was about to witness Natsume vs. Steven.

All the group members—including Blue Oak and Lance—came to watch the most anticipated battle of the tournament.

Natsume brought Hoopa in from Kalos,

And asked it to open a portal to the Diamond Kingdom, inviting Princess Diancie to spectate as a guest commentator.

Having Diancie there was a must—as witness to Natsume and Steven’s friendship.

In the contestant lounge, Natsume-sensei and Cynthia discussed strategy.

“The match is starting soon,” Cynthia said. “I’ll head back to the stands.”

“Wait a sec.” Natsume looked over at the corner.

“Gengar~(ノ￣▽￣)” Gengar stood there wearing boxing mitts.

“Hehe~” Hoopa grinned and shadowboxed the mitts.

“Hoopa, can you bring Princess Diancie here for me? I’ll treat you to ice cream!”

“Whew…” Hoopa wiped sweat. “You got it!”

Diamond Kingdom.

Princess Diancie’s eyes sparkled as she discussed state affairs with Master Diamond. Suddenly, a familiar telepathic voice rang out.

‘Princess Diancie, it’s Natsume.’

Princess Diancie hushed Master Diamond, closed her eyes, and smiled,

‘Mr. Natsume, what can I do for you?’

‘Steven and I have a big open tournament today. Would you be our guest commentator, if you’re free…?’

Diancie’s smile lit up: ‘Of course! You two are heroes of the Diamond Kingdom, and my closest friends!’

As sincere and flawless as a true diamond, Diancie’s answer made Natsume-sensei uncharacteristically shy.

“Hoopa opened a portal—just step through and you’ll be here.”

Diancie turned and saw the gleaming portal.

Across it, the black-haired young man waved with a smile, Hoopa giggling at his side.

Diancie smiled shyly, curtseying slightly:

“Please excuse me.”

Cynthia, smiling, gazed at the slightly nervous Diancie and said,

“I’ll show you to the VIP seats, Diancie.”

“If you would, Miss Cynthia~” Diancie beamed.

She took Cynthia’s hand, skipping out of the contestant lounge.

Natsume looked back, teasing, “Planning to compete, too, Hoopa?”

“Bleh!” Hoopa pulled down his eyelid. “Even if you begged, Natsume, I wouldn’t!”

“Oh well… wasn’t planning to use you anyway.”

“Waaah! Rude!” Hoopa pouted, holding his face.

Natsume ignored his antics, looking down at the shrunken Poké Ball in his palm.

A full 6v6 match against Steven.

Back when playing the classic “Emerald” version, that flawless champion had left quite an impression.

But now… on the world’s biggest stage, he was about to battle Steven for real.

Natsume’s eyes gleamed.

He’d waited so long for this.

Cheers thundered in the arena, shaking the lounge walls.

“Let’s go.”

Natsume’s eyes steeled, coat flaring, Gengar floating at his side.

“Time to see what Steven Stone’s champion team can really do!”

“Gengar! ∩(⊙x⊙)∩”

“So you’re cosplaying Metagross this time...”