Chapter 0826: Flint: Fine, Take the Win—I'm Giving You the Points(Two-in-One)

In the video, the Pokémon hid within dark thunderclouds—its silhouette resembled a massive dragon skeleton, its frame made of purplish-red bones and joints.

Barbed spines ran all along its body, pulsing with a crimson aura. Its eyes, stark white and round, glanced disdainfully at the camera before vanishing into the clouds once again.

A legendary Pokémon from space, the source of all Dynamax energy—Eternatus!

Natsume could hardly believe it. Eternatus just... appeared openly over Galar Region?

Then again, Reshiram often soars through Unova’s skies, leaving trails of snow-white light.

Ash once saw Ho-Oh with his own eyes.

So spotting Eternatus in Galar wasn’t that outrageous after all.

“Looks like Eternatus is already awake—never even got locked up by Chairman Rose…”

Natsume muttered, “And the Dynamax anomalies all over Galar are being caused by Eternatus itself.”

Leon was also in the group chat—he must have known about Eternatus being active in Galar even before Iris. But for various reasons, he hadn’t told the group or the public about Eternatus’s appearance yet.

After all, knowing Leon’s character, his first instinct isn’t to ask for help, but to handle everything himself.

Even if the opponent is a legendary like Eternatus, Leon doesn’t want to burden the others—he wants Galar’s Champion to deal with it personally.

“Even if I offered to help, the guy would never agree…”

Natsume sighed.

After all, this king of Galar carried the pride and self-confidence of the strongest Champion. He’d rather shoulder everything alone than ask the other Champions for help, or announce the Eternatus situation in the group chat.

Every Champion believes in something different.

For Leon, carrying all of Galar’s burdens himself—that’s his creed.

“Whatever.” Natsume scratched his head. “I’ll just focus on getting ready for my match with Flint.”

“I’ll let Leon worry about Eternatus… He’s got Zacian and Zamazenta on his side anyway. Once things settle, I’ll ask him to trade me a few Eternatus ‘Wishing Stars’.”

“Wishing Stars” are packed with cosmic energy—maybe enough to help Jirachi stay awake. That’s one of the main reasons Natsume-sensei came to Galar this time.

Afternoon.

The Turffield mural investigation wrapped up.

Cynthia, having just learned the “Sword and Shield Kings and the Darkest Day” legends, walked along hugging her arms, mused with a smile, “So, do you think the Sword and Shield King is one person, or two?”

“Two.” Natsume answered solemnly. “Two Pokémon—one is the Sword King, one is the Shield King.”

“What makes you so sure?” Cynthia asked, surprised.

Natsume didn’t answer, just walked along silently, lost in thought.

Because Zacian and Zamazenta can only carry a sword or a shield at once… There’s no way for one to carry both at the same time and be called the King of Sword and Shield, right?

Might as well let Sirfetch’d grab the Rusted Sword and the shield. “Rise, Sirfetch’d—the King of Sword and Shield!”

He looked up, idly picturing a “Sirfetch’d: Sword & Shield King” form.

But then he shook his head. With Sirfetch’d’s lazy temperament, he’d never fit as a Galar legend.

Besides, saving Galar as the “Sword and Shield King”… That’s about as plausible as Ash’s “Hero Greninja” saving a ninja village. Totally unofficial!

Natsume patted his Premier Ball and joked:

“Hey, Sirfetch’d, wanna pick up the sword and shield—become the savior, the true King of Sword and Shield in Galar?”

The Premier Ball rocked gently. Sirfetch’d looked a little dazed.

“Sirfetch’d… ( -'`-)”

Maybe… it wouldn’t be so bad, huh?

……

Their next stop was Hammerlocke in Galar Region.

Hammerlocke boasted a high-end arena, built atop medieval city walls and ancient ruins—a city thick with history.

Its leader was Dragon-type master Raihan.

Although he’s a “Dragon-type master,” Raihan’s team is full of Goodras, Flygons, and other weather-based Pokémon—hence his nickname “The Weather King.”

Both Dragon-type masters—one specializes in flying types, the other in weather… Both became running jokes in the Trainer community.

“Natsume-sensei is coming to Hammerlocke Arena?”

The orange-banded man slouched with one hand in his pocket, looking at the Rotom phone’s video call in surprise.

On the other end, a purple-haired man with a neatly trimmed beard and calm golden eyes smiled warmly:

“He’s facing Flint, Sinnoh’s Fire-type Elite Four, in a ranked match. The Tournament Committee has scheduled the match for tomorrow morning, right at Hammerlocke Arena.”

Raihan pulled a complicated face.

Natsume-sensei coming to Hammerlocke Arena—that was NOT good news.

Galar League runs on thin margins: the Champion needs to line up endorsements, and Gym Leaders have to pay part of the arena’s repair costs.

A “Battle Legends” match… The repair bill for the arena alone could be sky-high!

Damn, Chairman Rose is way too stingy.

Natsume’s battles should be held at Wyndon Arena—that way I’m not stuck footing the repair bill!

Raihan asked with a grimace:

“Hey, I heard that besides Natsume-sensei, that Blue Oak is also competing in the World Tournament?”

“Yep,” Leon replied, “He’s already on a ten-match win streak—ranked 13th now. It won’t be long till he’s chasing an Eight Masters slot.”

Between returning to Johto for a “no-holds-barred” match with Gold, then fighting through ten ranked matches, Blue Oak’s been on fire.

They call him the “Breeding Prodigy,” but really he’s just a Level Grinding King.

And that wild fight with Gold—Blue Oak won, but not by much.

When Red heard about it, he just shook his head, marveling at Gold’s talent for wild battles—one of the best among the Pokédex Holders.

Currently, Raihan is world-ranked 7th and feeling the heat. He sighed:

“Honestly, Blue Oak wasn’t even in World Tournament last year—and now he’s right up here.”

“I get the feeling he wants to see Natsume-sensei in a full 6v6 at Worlds,” Leon admitted. “I want to face both of them myself… so I need to clear up a few things and go all-in on my prep.”

Red decided not to compete this year, which left Leon a little disappointed.

But… Leon’s eyes burned like gold. No matter what, after this year’s Worlds, I’m challenging Red at Mt. Silver!

“By the way—” Raihan frowned, “You’ve been real secretive lately, Leon. What’s going on?”

“I’ll handle it. Don’t worry.” Leon smiled, eyes blazing with battle fire.

According to the energy research institute’s latest report, Eternatus had been sighted in Galar—but its actual habitat was unknown.

Some researchers claimed Eternatus lives on a comet outside the atmosphere—a comet drawing ever closer to Galar, about to pass over Hammerlocke.

Shards of that comet cause the wild Dynamax phenomena around Galar.

To prevent panic, Leon and Chairman Rose kept it a secret.

They decided Galar’s tournaments would go on as normal—Leon himself would handle the “Darkest Day” business.

After all, the economy of Galar is built on Dynamax battles.

If fear around Dynamax gets out, the whole region could collapse.

Without an Elite Four and with daily Gym Leader challenges, all the heavy lifting falls to Leon.

Still, he never complained—even while quelling wild Dynamax outbreaks, he made time for a few commercials...

On the World Tournament official forums:

The Natsume vs Flint Elite Four match schedule was blowing up.

Fans from other regions—like Norman—were even making the trip to Hammerlocke to watch live.

Sinnoh’s Fire-type Elite Flint is regarded as one of the best in the Elite Four: young but world-wise, with a strong following.

And with Natsume newly recognized as a Battle Legend, this was his big debut, drawing everyone’s attention.

In the chat group, Korrina, ranked 400-something in Great Ball, excitedly posted that she’d be there in person.

Meanwhile, Bea—ranked 300+ but with Ultra Ball-level strength—also said she’d be coming to watch the masters.

Those two fighting-girl prodigies… another battle between them was inevitable.

Of course, Natsume figured, odds are it’d be Korrina losing again—seemed she’d never managed to beat Bea.

And outside of Alola’s league tournament, a bunch of Natsume’s students had also joined Worlds.

Hoenn’s frail but kind Wally made it into Great Ball tier—he’d called, full of excitement, sounding much healthier these days.

Even more surprising, Paul was ranked 200-something in Great Ball, aiming straight for top 100 Ultra Ball. With Worlds’ format limiting item and move slots, it was perfect for his style.

Among the Pokédex Holders:

Ruby and Sapphire both had great records and were already Ultra Ball tier. Silver, too, was in the worldwide Ultra Ball top 100. Gold… was stuck in Great Ball tier at 923. Still a long way to go. “That Rotom referee doesn’t know squat about Pokémon.” Gold grumbled. “I used my pool cue for the opening shot and he called me out—that’s a Professor Oak-approved strat!”

Blue Oak: “?”

Gold: “Ahem, Professor Oak.”

Silver, calmly: “Idiot. Just toss the ball normally.”

Jasmine, gently: “Kanto and Johto Gym Leader matches allow items like that… But World Championship doesn’t.”

Brock squinted: “With your strength, you should be higher than 900-something.”

Falkner, his black bangs calm: “I think the issue isn’t Gold’s team—it’s all the rule violations that keep handing points to the other side.”

Exbo, Togebo, and Aibo gathered around Gold, nodding as they watched his phone.

So true!

Gold crossed his arms and pondered.

Hm… Maybe it really is my fault?

What’s so wrong about giving Togebo an extra item, or telling the other side my Exbo’s item is just a trinket when it’s actually Choice Specs? This is strategy! Unique strategy, developed by yours truly!

Natsume advised, “Just stick with your Baton Pass team.”

Gold definitely had Elite Four-level strength—maybe even near-Champion in wild battles—but he always found some way to get into trouble in official matches.

His Ambipom, Togekiss, Sunflora, etc., were perfect for Baton Pass strats—even against Arceus he ran “Baton Pass.”

Gold: “No way! Senior Red said Trainers need to develop full skillsets—let me work on some new strats…”

Green, curious: “Like what?”

Gold smirked: “Like Aibo with Agility, then Baton Pass to Togebo for insane Speed—spam Air Slash for perpetual flinch-hax! I’ll call it ‘Gold Control Lock.’ Cool, right?”

Lance’s red hair popped a stress mark: “That’s just Baton Pass!”

Gold argued: “But ‘Gold Control Lock’ sounds cooler than Baton Pass, right?”

Sabrina nodded nonchalantly: “True.”

Despite her “Ice Beauty” rep, Sabrina actually loved silly jokes—and was easy to amuse.

Lt. Surge: “Doesn’t matter if you call Volt Tackle ‘Gigavolt Havoc,’ it’s still Volt Tackle.”

Green hung on: “Like how Natsume-sensei always calls Hydro Pump ‘Water Gun.’”

Natsume: “Because it is Water Gun.”

Sabrina silently put down her phone, smothering a laugh.

Green: “How can that possibly be Water Gun!”

Natsume-sensei: “You say it isn’t, I say it isn’t, but it’s still Water Gun.”

Natsume-sensei: [Blastoise Thumbs-Up .jpg]

Flint chimed in.

[Flint patted Natsume-sensei on the shoulder and said: That’s our guy.]

Flint: “Natsume-sensei, for the afternoon 3v3, what’s your team composition?”

“Legendary Pokémon,” Natsume replied.

Flint laughed, relieved, “Legendary Pokémon, huh—that’s a load off—”

Flint: !??

Flint stared in horror. “Wait, you’re finally bringing your Dragon team team?!”

Steven, remembering the City of Wastes trip: “!”

Was it Black Rayquaza? Dialga? Or maybe Palkia?

Lance caught on too: “!”

If Natsume brought his Dragon team, Hammerlocke might not survive the day!

Natsume paused, considering.

Yeah, it was a Dragon-type Legendary Pokémon—

But it was Latias.

Latias usually worked as transportation—rarely fought, but he’d promised Miss Joy that he’d fulfill her wish to see Latias on the big stage.

Currently, Latias is Elite Four peak. With mega evolution, Champion tier.

A perfect match for Flint—not too lopsided, and also good training for Latias.

Natsume, still teasing: “@Flint, you’ll see this afternoon.”

Volkner replied dryly. “My condolences.”

Flint: “tears*3”

Afternoon arrived in a flash.

Outside Hammerlocke Arena, crowds gathered, excitement at a fever pitch.

Such was the draw of a Legendary Trainer.

Inside the contestant lounge, Natsume held up two necklaces, asking Latias:

“Which one do you want?”

One was “Soul Dew” from Southern Island, boosting move power.

The other was a Mega Stone, a gift from Steven.

Latias looked from left to right, then chirped gently and closed her eyes.

“You decide!”

“Then let’s go with the Mega Stone,” Natsume smiled. “Time to try Mega Evolution.”

Everyone knows—Mega Evolution takes a real bond, the so-called “Friendship Value.”

Having traveled with Natsume-sensei through so many adventures, Latias knew firsthand his courage and charisma in a pinch.

<I might screw up the evolution~> Latias blinked, slipping on the Mega Stone.

“If you mess up, you’re staying home next time.” Natsume laughed. “I’ll just take a Corviknight Taxi.”

Galar’s signature service, Corviknight Taxi, lets you fly between cities—accident rates are supposedly even lower than regular planes.

“La-ti~” Latias sulked, glaring at Natsume.

No way. He had to take her along! Otherwise, she’d be stuck home all alone… Not happening!

Today, Mega Evolution was set as the battle format.

Natsume stood in the shadow of the contestant tunnel, squinting into the sunlit stadium.

And with Galar’s new mechanic—both Gengar and Blastoise could Gigantamax.

He’d have to try that out for his next couple of Baby Cup matches.

“And now—Ultra Ball tier showdown! Contestants, please enter the field!”

Excitement filled the whole Arena.

Yellow ponytail bouncing, Korrina pointed. “Look, look, Master’s on the field!”

“Mhm…” Bea, with her bronze skin, kept her serious face, but glanced sidelong at how close Korrina was standing.

Down on the field.

In bright yellow, with a red afro, hands in his pockets, Flint composed himself.

He was Sinnoh’s Fire-type Elite Four—no way was he going to turn tail.

He pulled a Poké Ball from his pocket, flashing a grin. “I’m giving this everything I’ve got, Natsume-sensei!”

Natsume nodded slightly, his eyes sharpening.

“Gengar, go get the washing machine.”

Flint: ?

With a grin, Gengar materialized at Natsume’s side—then reached into its “pocket dimension” and pulled out a washing machine Wash Rotom.

“Gengar!” Gengar grinned, looking up at the Rotom Pokédex, patting the Wash Rotom lid.

Natsume: “Rotom, activate Super Transformation Form!”

“Beep… Roger, Rotom~”

Rotom slipped out of the Pokédex and dove into the Wash Rotom.

A flash of white light—now, a dazzling Water/Electric Wash Rotom appeared in front of Flint.

Against a Fire-type team, aside from Arcanine and Solar Beam, Wash Rotom is a nightmare.

Flint’s jaw dropped.

You’re smurfing Baby Cup and you’re STILL worrying about type coverage and synergy? C’mon, just take my points already!

Despite his inward complaints, Flint still tossed out his Poké Ball. “Let’s go, Infernape!”

Infernape landed lightly, golden armor shining, flames blazing, eyes sharp and focused. He shifted from foot to foot, burning with energy.

The ref’s whistle blew.

Both sides called out at once—

“Infernape, Calm Mind!”

“Rotom, Thunder Wave!”