Chapter 0842: Ash’s Ultimate Form(Two-in-One)

Legendary Pokémon—the so-called “Legendary Pokémon”—hold immense weight in the hearts of people everywhere.

Before Arceus, humans feel only awe.

In the face of apocalyptic Primal Kyogre or Primal Groudon, humans know only fear.

To the average person, the very idea that a human Trainer could beat a Legendary Pokémon is pure fantasy.

Only Champions, who shine like the stars, or so-called “Battle Legends” among Trainers, are said to stand a chance in such battles.

And in this era, there is one Trainer who has fought all the way to the top—bearing a thousand wounds along the way.

You can imagine, when the files between this Trainer and all those legendary Pokémon go public, it’ll cause massive shockwaves throughout the world.

Natsume wanted to keep it low-key, but as President Masaru said, this was a fantastic chance for publicity for the Touran League—so he agreed.

Honestly, even Natsume no longer remembers how many legendary Pokémon he’s actually encountered.

It’s not all written down in his notebook, either.

Half the pages were torn out, and the rest are just doodles and scribbles—mostly by Gold, of course.

But once the files are declassified, he’ll be able to look back on the whole crazy journey.

Nearly two and a half years had passed. Bond grew, attitudes shifted.

One thing that never changed was his love for Pokémon… Natsume touched his cheek.

And—of course—my devastating good looks.

The parent meeting stretched from afternoon into evening.

Back at the Kala’e Bay villa, nearly eight o’clock, Natsume cooked up a magnificent banquet himself.

“I never realized your cooking was this good,” his mother remarked in surprise.

Natsume replied humbly, “I just picked up some tricks from old cartoons.”

One show called Cooking Master Boy, and another called Spirit of the Berry.

Night fell.

As he passed the second-floor balcony, Natsume spotted a lone figure gazing at the moon—Gengar. Its body blended so well into the night, he almost missed it.

“Gengar~(￣▽￣)／” Gengar waved a tiny hand, inviting Natsume to come moon-gazing.

Natsume took a sip of coffee from his mug, scooped up a passing Sylveon with one arm, and headed out onto the balcony:

“Let’s all hang out.”

“Sylveon! (〃＞皿＜)” Sylveon’s ribbon swung, smacking Natsume’s arm.

Luckily it wasn’t at full power—or a “Battle Legends”-tier Iron Tail would flatten Natsume-sensei instantly.

The night was gentle, moonlight bright and clean, spilling onto the terrace.

Natsume set Sylveon down. She stood gracefully, moon reflected in her baby-blue eyes, humming softly: “Sylveon~”

Suddenly, warmth pressed against his back.

He turned to see Arcanine’s huge head nuzzling his shoulder, eyes squinting, teeth bared in a friendly grin: “Arcanine~”

Rubbing Arcanine’s fluffy head, watching its tail wag happily, Natsume smiled.

Nothing cheers me up quite like this big puppy—except maybe when he’s busy wrecking the house.

“Blastoise…” Blastoise cradled a cup of Energy Tea, gazing at the moon, blowing away the steam.

Natsume: “It’s gotta be summer, right?”

“Blastoise.” A gleam flashed in Blastoise’s eyes.

It’s training his move, Scald!

“Gengar~(￣▽￣)”

Gengar reached into his pocket dimension and pulled out an ice-cold can of cola, popping the tab with a hiss.

Yep, nothing says summer like a cold soda!

Natsume leaned on the rail, peering down at the warm orange glow from the first-floor lounge. He couldn’t help but smile, lifting his gaze to the deep purple sky.

Moonlight poured down.

A tangible pressure pressed from behind.

Natsume turned to meet Garchomp’s gaze: “Garchomp! (〝▼皿▼)”

Beside Garchomp stood Cynthia, dressed in a black off-shoulder dress, golden hair cascading down, all regal grace.

“You’re just like…” Natsume murmured, “a Milotic in the mist, or an Altaria drifting over a sea of clouds…”

A faint scent drifted by. Cynthia rested a fair hand on the rail, smiling gently at the moon.

In the hush of the evening, waves washed rhythmically against the rocks.

“That’s the sound of the waves at Kala’e Bay,” she said.

Natsume took in her profile, then looked up at the moon again.

The night felt tender; the moon, immaculate.

Downstairs, the grown-ups laughed over conversation. Beside him: Pokémon, and the one he loved.

……

The next day.

The world watched as the Alola League Finals finally began.

Ash vs. Gladion.

Natsume, both parents, Cynthia, and Carolina sat together in the VIP seats.

Aunt Delia sat nearby.

Next to Delia, looking just a little shy, was Serena.

“Long time no see,” Cynthia greeted with a smile, “How’s your journey been?”

“Oh… Miss Cynthia, I just earned my third contest ribbon!”

Serena half-clenched her fist, speaking quietly: “But, I’m still nowhere close to Ash…”

Delia patted her cheek and smiled, “Don’t say that. There’s no guarantee Ash will win the championship either!”

“And even if he does—there’s nothing stopping you and Ash from staying great friends.”

Delia took Serena’s hand with a look of pure approval, eyes sparkling: “Isn’t that right?”

“Eh… y-yeah…” Serena nodded awkwardly.

Natsume coughed behind his fist.

That’s definitely Ash’s mom, all right.

On the battle arena—

Ash’s starting lineup was Dusk Lycanroc, Melmetal, and Pikachu.

Melmetal is a Mythical Pokémon—like a metallic giant throwing iron fists. It’s the same adorable Meltan Ash raised before evolving it alongside his pals.

But Ash’s not great at handling these heavy, slow Pokémon, and Melmetal was basically cannon fodder this match.

Natsume could only sigh.

Ash, do you even know how to use Melmetal? Maybe just let it go if you can’t!

Gladion’s team was Midnight Lycanroc, Zoroark, and Silvally.

It was back-and-forth, and as Pikachu put on a show, the match came to a 2:2 tie for the final round.

Dusk Lycanroc dashed along jagged stone pillars, ramming Midnight Lycanroc—signature “Accelerock” move!

“Lycanroc, Counter!!” Gladion shouted.

“Lycanroc!!” Gladion’s Midnight Lycanroc’s crimson eyes blazed, arms crossed as its body burst with white light.

“This isn’t looking good for Ash,” Kukui frowned, “That kind of physical damage with Counter… Ash’s Lycanroc probably can’t handle it.”

Natsume: “Don’t worry… I taught Ash a Counter technique myself.”

Kukui blinked as Ash shouted:

“Lycanroc, use Counter!!”

Kukui was floored.

Counter vs. Counter?! Isn’t that, like, quadruple Counter?!

“Lycanroc!!” Dusk Lycanroc weathered the move, and hurled it right back at its opponent.

This Pokémon battle—basically a student squabble—finally came to a close.

“The new Alola Champion is—the contestant from Pallet Town, Ash!!”

Cheers and fireworks rained down as Ash lifted his first ever League Champion trophy.

Sure, folks criticized the quality of the match—Alola’s tournament was said to lack “weight.”

But this was Ash’s real, official League Champion trophy.

From now on, Ash stood “peer-to-peer” with Iris, the Unova Champion on group chat.

Aunt Delia and Serena cheered nonstop.

Cynthia glanced at the thoughtful Natsume and asked, “What is it?”

“This finals… Ash hasn’t shown his true strength.”

Natsume said, “The real showcase will be the 6v6 full battle that comes next. That’s the true Champion’s test.”

Cynthia touched her chin and nodded slightly.

During these finals, Ash showed just Gym Leader-level skills.

But if he brings out his old team, he’s on the verge of Champion-level.

He’s still got a ways to go before catching up to the likes of me or Natsume—old-school Champions.

But as far as being a “Pokémon Master,” he’s only one step away.

Natsume reflected quietly.

At the end of Sun & Moon, Ash’s 6v6 exhibition match with Professor Kukui truly showed Champion spirit.

Especially his exclusive Z-move with Pikachu—“10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt”—that’s movie-tier stuff.

And if he brings along Infernape, Bond Greninja, Charizard, and his OG crew…

Sun and Moon Ash would be easily his strongest form to date—capable of breaking into the World Tournament Top 16.

Which got Natsume thinking… In the original, when Ash finally arrived in Galar, watching Lance and Leon’s finals—

Wasn’t that the same as this year’s World Tournament Finals?

“So the timeline’s been corrected…” Natsume muttered.

Then he glanced back at Kukui and asked:

“Professor, is the upcoming exhibition match between Ash and the ‘Masked Royal’?”

Kukui was already stressing—if he went up against Ash, his secret identity as ‘Masked Royal’ might get blown.

Of course, the whole world already knows—it’s just him who thinks the disguise actually works…

But when Natsume-sensei mentioned it, Kukui’s eyes lit up:

“Speaking of which—would you be interested in a full 6v6 match against newly crowned Alola Champion Ash?”

“I’ll invite the Battle Tree’s two legends to come and watch—maybe even invite Professor Oak as a guest commentator!”

With the Alola League just founded, the industry’s top brass would definitely show some respect.

Natsume’s breath caught.

A 6v6 battle with Ultimate Form Ash?

Bond Greninja, the original Charizard, Infernape, cap Pikachu—bring it on?

Natsume’s eyes gleamed with rekindled excitement. He slapped the table and declared:

“I’m in!”