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Chapter 0849: Natsume-sensei VS Steven (Part 1)(Two-in-One)
🕑 Added 2025-09-25 00:00:06 +0000 UTC“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the scene of the World Tournament!!”
With the grand commentary hyping things up, the curtain lifted on this pinnacle duel—and Indigo Plateau erupted with cheers from spectators all across the world.
“For this match, our two contestants are: Natsume, and Steven—”
“Now, please welcome both trainers to the field!”
Inside the shadowy contestant tunnel, the blue-haired man meditated quietly for a moment, reaching up to straighten the red tie of his suit and lightly brushing the beautiful, clear Key Stone brooch at his lapel.
The cool touch of gemstone met his fingertips, and Steven opened his deep, sky-blue eyes. Behind him, his starting lineup radiated an intimidating aura, making his blue hair ripple.
A pure-white Metagross, a steel-winged Skarmory, the towering might of Aggron, the floating, mysterious Claydol, the ancient fossil Cradily, and the armored titan of prehistoric times.
Steven’s team—crafted by Kurt himself—transformed into beams of red light, returning to the slots in Steven’s Poké Ball belt.
Sunlight chased away the tunnel’s darkness, and Steven strode onto the verdant arena, smiling as he saluted the audience on all sides.
“Steven!!” The crowd exploded.
“How can anyone be this perfect and handsome?!”
“We’re getting to see President Steven’s iconic white Metagross in action!”
Up in the stands behind Steven, Sapphire, with her red headband, nudged Ruby in the arm.
“Check it out, Steven’s here!”
“He feels… different than normal,” Ruby replied. “It’s kinda like when he faced Primal Groudon—he’s radiating that same kind of presence!”
“Maybe Natsume-sensei is even scarier than Primal Groudon,” Sapphire said with a grin.
“Haha, you might be right.” Ruby looked up at the figure approaching from ahead—the black-haired young man.
He wore a black-and-gold trench coat, the tailored fit showing off his tall, lean build.
At Natsume’s side, Gengar flitted and bowed to the audience in all directions:
“Gengarヾ(≧▽≦*)ヾ” (Thanks for the love, everyone)
Ruby adjusted his glasses and glanced beyond Natsume, immediately spotting Champion Cynthia in the spectator stands.
She sat in the closest seat to the battlefield shield, long legs crossed elegantly in black wide-leg pants, chatting happily with those at her side.
Ruby paused. “That Pokémon sitting next to Champion Cynthia…”
Sapphire leaned over, surprised: “Steven mentioned it—that’s Princess Diancie!”
Princess Diancie sat with graceful poise, covering her smile with one delicate hand.
Sapphire shook Ruby’s arm. “With Diancie watching, Steven’s gotta bring his absolute best!”
Ruby whispered, “You really think this isn’t part of Natsume’s outside-the-battle strat?”
Wallace Master always said: never underestimate a ‘Strategist’s’ smallest actions!
Steven lifted his gaze and quickly found Princess Diancie in the stands.
Their eyes met—he froze for a heartbeat, then smiled warmly.
“Wishing both you and Mr. Natsume the chance to grow in this battle.” Diancie’s gentle telepathy rang in his mind.
Absolutely.
Steven took a slow, calming breath, blue hair swaying as the corners of his mouth curled up.
I’ve looked forward to this battle for so long!
“I will serve as this match’s head referee—”
Referee Dempé, highly respected, rode his Aegislash (used as a flying platform) to the center of the field and looked around.
“The match will be a full 6v6 battle. Per the bracket results, the first half will take place on ‘Grassland Field.’ Once either side has three Pokémon unable to battle, we’ll switch to the second half, which will be on the ‘Rock Field.’ Neither side’s Pokémon is allowed to leave the arena boundaries, or it will count as a forfeit.”
Rumble—!
To the audience’s amazement, mechanical platforms split apart, rising to reveal a fresh grassland field. The wind sent gentle ripples across the green turf.
“Contestants, please take your positions.” Dempé raised his flag high.
Steven lifted his arm, gripped his Poké Ball behind his back, and looked across the field to see Natsume holding his own, fingerless gloves inlaid with a glowing Key Stone.
In that fleeting instant, memories flashed through both minds: saving the collapse of the Tree of Beginning, fighting side by side to save Hoenn, meeting Princess Diancie, even sharing the same tent on those journeys.
Bonds between men need no words—they’d let this red-hot battle speak their hearts!
Dempé swept down his flag: “Battle begin!!”
On the giant screen, Natsume and Steven’s avatars lit up—all six Poké Balls shining. The “VS” tag flickered brightly.
“Go!” Steven’s gaze sharpened as he threw out a Poké Ball. “Skarmory!”
A fierce wind tore across the field. A silver figure burst from the Poké Ball, its blade-like wings slashing the air as it soared overhead.
“Skree!”
Skarmory—armor tough as steel, the undersides of its wings a flash of red—sliced through the breeze, surveying the rippling fields from above.
At the same moment, Natsume’s Poké Ball landed with a “thunk,” unleashing a ferocious roar!
“Let’s go, Arcanine!” Natsume called.
“Arcanine!”
Arcanine’s black-and-orange striped body and flowing flaxen mane whipped in the wind as he stood tall on the field, locking eyes with Skarmory. Like a kingly lion on the wild savanna—his ferocious roar sent shockwaves through the air, making Skarmory’s steel feathers shiver!
Steven’s black suit fluttered in the gusts as he commanded,
“Skarmory, Spikes!”
Skarmory dived low like a fighter jet, dropping razor-sharp feathers as it zipped over Arcanine’s head—each “klang” embedding rows of glinting spikes deep into the earth!
If Arcanine tried to run wild, he risked cutting his paws to ribbons!
But with his tanky build, Arcanine just needed to set up a barrage!
“Arcanine, Flamethrower!”
Arcanine’s jaws blazed orange. He unleashed a massive pillar of fire, blasting straight up toward Skarmory!
Skarmory dove low, but the Flamethrower relentlessly tracked its tail. As his speed dropped—a direct hit exploded on impact!
Boom!!
The crowd looked skyward—an eruption of black smoke, Skarmory plunging through as it landed hard on a rock.
“Use Roost!” Steven commanded.
“Skarmory!”
Skarmory perched atop the boulder, spreading his red wings wide for intimidation, shrieking a metallic warning!
Scorch marks from the flames rapidly began to heal.
“Keep up the Flamethrower!” Natsume ordered.
“Skarmory, dodge and then Whirlwind!” Steven countered.
“Skarmory!”
A new blast of fire struck the boulder—heat and pressure warping the air, their intensity nearly melting the stone!
Skarmory winged deftly through the flames, then flung out a surge of wind with a wide sweep—
Fire swirled through the gust, igniting the ground all around the stone in a blackened blaze. With a shriek, Skarmory’s wind drove Arcanine’s massive body, forcing him ever closer to the dangerous “Spikes Zone”!
“Arcanine!”
Through the gale, Arcanine dug his paws deep into the turf, leaving furrowed tracks. Spikes stabbed at his paws—tiny, yes, but dealing real pain. For each step he took, he edged closer to a ring-out, meaning defeat per this tournament's rules!
“Return!”
Natsume withdrew Arcanine and tossed a Premier Ball:
“Sirfetch’d, Defog!”
'Defog' might not do damage, but it clears Light Screen, Spikes, Stealth Rock, and even impacts weather conditions.
A flash of light, and Sirfetch’d landed, instantly unfurling his leek and shield—but yelped in pain.
“Sirfetch’d! (′︿‵)”
Ow... those spikes really sting, duck!
It still hurt, but a strategist’s job must be done. Steeling his gaze, Sirfetch’d swirled his leek in an enormous arc, whipping up a windstorm rivaling Whirlwind.
The tornado swept across the grassland, tearing up turf, roots, and spikes—like a mini cyclone surging toward Steven’s side.
Steven’s eyes narrowed.
Defog didn’t deal direct damage, but the oncoming storm was still something to watch.
“Move out of the storm—Brave Bird!”
“Skarmory”
Skarmory tore free of the vortex, body shimmering with golden aura as he spread his wings, diving like a comet.
Natsume squinted at Skarmory, mentally asking: “You got this, Sirfetch’d?”
“Sirfetch’d! ( -'`-)” Sirfetch’d raised his leek and shield.
Don’t worry, I’m good with moving targets!
Alright, I’ll trust you—Natsume shouted:
“Meteor Assault!!”
“Sirfetch’d!!”
Sirfetch’d lowered his body like a cavalier and charged—the tip of his leek gleaming golden, white feathers glowing, ready to strike!
Go, duck!
Across the field, two drill-like golden streaks clashed—Sirfetch’d sprinting in a lancing charge, Skarmory swooping from above like a sword through clouds. The shining tips struck, lance and beak clashing in a shower of sparks!
With a metallic screech, both Pokémon hurtled past, trading blows.
Sirfetch’d held his thrusting stance, white feathers stained with a fresh streak of red.
But behind him, a streak of golden light exploded skyward—the blast engulfing Skarmory in flames!
Wind tossed Steven’s coat, his blue hair unmoving, expression cool.
With Skarmory’s legendary defense, he could just barely endure such an onslaught.
But as the smoke cleared, Steven saw his Skarmory collapsed in a crater and paused:
“A critical hit, huh…”
In the silent arena, Sirfetch’d calmly lowered his lance, stood tall, then raised his leek skyward:
“Sirfetch’d!” (Victory, duck accomplished!)
Instantly, cheers surged like a wave around the arena!
“No way, the duck!!”
“Skarmory’s physical defense is that strong, and it still got one-shotted?!”
“Sirfetch’d’s lance never misses!”
On the livestream, fans were breaking it all down.
“Steven’s gone old school—Spikes, Whirlwind, all he’s missing is Toxic.”
“He’s Natsume-sensei’s buddy, after all!”
The rough start didn’t faze Steven.
Sirfetch’d caught his breath, briefly frozen after burning his ultimate move. Steven took this in stride, tossing out a new Poké Ball:
“Claydol, Trick Room!”
With a “pop,” Claydol appeared—all black with red rings of eyes rotating separately on its head and body.
Seizing on Sirfetch’d’s moment of vulnerability, Claydol’s red eyes glowed blue, casting beams that created a bowl-shaped purple barrier—encompassing the entire arena!
Up in the stands, Wallace, legs crossed, explained:
“It’s Steven’s space strategy.”
Ruby and Sapphire both turned his way, and Wallace clarified:
“Steven’s Steel-type teams are usually slow, but with Trick Room, he’ll get priority moves.”
Natsume scowled just slightly.
He’d expected Steven to open with Trick Room, but with Sirfetch’d stunned, there was nothing he could do to stop it in time.
In the stands, Gold turned to Lance:
“Doesn’t Trick Room seriously counter Natsume-sensei’s whole high-speed team?”
“Yeah.” Lance folded his arms. “Natsume’s entire lineup are fast attackers. Steven’s definitely got a game plan.”
Cynthia gave a soft smile: “But there’s one more Pokémon with a speed lower than anyone else.”
Natsume quietly clicked the button on a Poké Ball, eyes burning.
I’ve got tricks of my own.
The purple barrier covered the arena; Claydol floated gracefully in the Trick Room’s space.
“Claydol, Psychic!” Steven called out.
Wummm—
Claydol’s eyes turned blue; Sirfetch’d was caught in pink psychic energy, lifted off the ground, and forced to struggle, unable to break free.
“Sirfetch’d! (〃＞皿＜)”
“Slice through with Leaf Blade!” Natsume ordered.
Sirfetch’d, understanding instantly, enveloped his leek in cutting green energy and sliced clean through the psychic energy, dropping hard to earth.
Claydol floated menacingly, dozens of eyes cold and blank.
Sirfetch’d staggered upright, bracing on his leek; taking a super-effective Psychic was no joke, especially for a fighting-type.
Good thing Natsume recalled him into a Premier Ball, and tossed his counter to Steven’s space strat:
“Your turn, Togepi!!”
“Togepi doo-ee! ヽ(￣▽￣)ノ”
Adorably, Togepi landed—and immediately darted off. With Speed stat of 20, under Trick Room, not even Aggron could outspeed Togepi!
Steven started. “Togepi…”
No wonder—a platform like this, seeing a Togepi instead of a Togekiss throws off any seasoned trainer.
The crowd burst out in two opposing reactions:
“Adorable!”
“But what can Togepi even do?”
You’ll find out soon enough just what Togepi can do!
Natsume’s gaze sharpened. “Togepi, Metronome!”
“Doo-ee! (o(^▽^ )o”
Togepi faced Claydol, spun his finger in the air, and—suddenly, the crowd all looked up.
Nothing seemed to happen… but things were definitely changing.
Steven got tense. “Claydol, Earth Power!”
Claydol’s head and body spun in different directions as the ground quaked, sending out massive brown shockwaves—flattening grass as the energy surged toward Togepi!
“Togepi doo-ee! (≧w≦)/”
Togepi’s fingertip flashed. A brilliant shield of light enveloped him, absorbing the shockwaves and creating a white orb around him.
As Earth Power faded, the light shattered, firing and exploding around Claydol—blasting it with pure energy!
The stands erupted.
“What move was THAT?”
“Dazzling Gleam? No, that doesn’t defend you like that!”
Cynthia’s eyes narrowed. She recognized the effect but couldn’t quite place it.
Natsume gazed upward, thinking, Maybe Arceus is nearby…
Togepi, blessed, could roll the most broken moves with ease.
That was Shaymin’s “Seed Flare”—converts and purifies energy with explosive force!
As the light faded, Claydol’s body showed scorched wounds. Its high Special Defense barely saved it, but its red eyes were full of disbelief.
I’ve lived a hundred years, but I’ve never seen a Togepi like THIS!
Steven frowned. “Claydol, Light Screen!”
His team lacked special bulk; Togepi was making him nervous.
Claydol generated a transparent barrier.
“Togepi, Nasty Plot!”
Natsume was clearly setting up a Baton Pass strategy—buff up Togepi, then pass on the boosts!
“Togepi~ （｀へ´）” Togepi’s eyes darkened as it focused.
Even behind a Light Screen, Togepi’s special attack buff would be deadly. He rushed Claydol, endured an Earth Power, and detonated a close-up Dazzling Gleam—swallowing both in a blinding light!
BOOM!!
When the light faded, the baby Pokémon stood battered but proud, gripping its Eviolite.
Beside Togepi, the much larger Claydol had fallen, KO’d.
“Doo-ee! (╬ ò﹏ó)”
Togepi held the Eviolite high, defiant!
I won!
The whole stadium erupted, countless people stunned and cheering.
Against evolutionary odds and stat differences, Togepi had pulled off the win!
“Togekiss!” (つД`) Togebo covered his face with his wings.
Sis, your big brother will always cheer for you, boohoo…
Gold gawked: “Togepi just solo’d a member of Steven’s main team!”
“Togepi’s been on the roster longer than Tyranitar, you know.”
Cynthia’s grey gaze flickered.
She could sense a new hunger in Togepi—her will, her drive to win.
That little eggshell’s spirit was changing.
Can’t always leave the battling to the younger siblings—this time, it’s up to her.
Cynthia smiled softly.
Maybe the day Togepi evolves… is just around the corner.
The score’s 2:0—but Sirfetch’d and Togepi don’t have much HP left.
Steven, ever calm and composed, murmured,
“Trick Room will last just a bit longer…”
“In that case, I’m counting on you—”
Steven’s eyes flashed as he sent out—
“Aggron!!”
