The entire city of Sunyshore was swept up in a frenzy of competitive excitement. The fact that Leader Volkner had reopened his Gym for chall
The entire city of Sunyshore was swept up in a frenzy of competitive excitement.
The fact that Leader Volkner had reopened his Gym for challenges was already a major event.
But now, the Gym Challenge was open to the public—turning it into nothing short of a full-blown battle spectacle!
"Volkner is our city's Leader, and the strongest eighth Gym Leader in Sinnoh!"
"Isn't he practically Elite Four-level at this point? I heard he's evenly matched with Flint of the Elite Four!"
"Did you see? Natsume-sensei is here too! He was battling in the Baby Cup just yesterday."
"He probably came specifically for the Baby Cup… though I wouldn't rule out a Gym Challenge on the side."
The Sunyshore Gym, constructed with intricate electrical machinery, had its walls fully retracted, transforming into an open-air colosseum.
Even on a weekday, it was packed with twenty thousand spectators—proof of the audience's fervor.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Sunyshore City Gym Open Tournament!"
A female announcer, standing in a hovering helicopter, energetically narrated:
"Leader Volkner is making his first public battle appearance in months, and many see this as his declaration of intent to rise to the Elite Four!"
"Who will claim the Beacon Badge and the coveted Technical Record? Let's find out!"
Natsume sat in the spectator seats, deep in thought.
I already have the Beacon Badge… As for the Technical Record, renting the arena would be far more useful.
Larvitar needs a proper training ground for Dragon Dance… Maybe I can negotiate with Volkner after the match.
"Natsume-sensei, look!"
Ash, sitting beside him, pointed excitedly. "Leader Volkner's here!"
Amidst wild cheers, a handsome blond man strode onto the battlefield with deliberate calm.
Volkner wore a sleek blue jacket, his expression cool—bearing an uncanny resemblance to the Fourth Hokage.
(Though it was slightly embarrassing, the official title given to him by the developers was "The Dazzling Superstar Who Leaves You Shocked.")
In the lore, this confident and striking Trainer was just as popular as supermodel Elesa.
"Both are Electric-type Leaders," Natsume muttered. "So why is Lt. Surge so unpopular?"
Flint, sitting beside Natsume, crossed his arms and smirked.
"Tch. This guy? I still have him beat."
Natsume gave Flint a strange look.
"Not like that!" Flint quickly clarified, waving his hands. "I mean in strength! Strength!"
(Auntie Lorelei would probably know more… since she's always lurking in those fanfiction forums.)
Natsume coughed awkwardly and focused on Volkner's battle style.
Since this was a gauntlet challenge, Volkner had to end fights quickly—no drawn-out battles, just swift, decisive strikes.
And he delivered. His dominance was absolute, effortlessly crushing the first challenger.
"Jolteon, Thunderbolt!" Volkner commanded.
The spiky, lightning-fast Jolteon crackled with electricity, its fur standing on end as blinding thunder erupted.
In an instant, the Thunderbolt engulfed a Rampardos—a hulking, carnivorous dinosaur—and obliterated it in one hit.
The crowd gasped.
This is Leader Volkner at full power…
No wonder he refused battles before. He couldn't find opponents strong enough to challenge him!
Volkner frowned slightly. This battle wasn't satisfying him at all.
He'd prepared six Poké Balls for this 3v3 Gym match…
But so far, none of the challengers had even landed a scratch.
Volkner's gaze unconsciously drifted toward the few challengers he actually cared about.
Ash in his blue vest, the aloof Tobias in gray robes, and... Natsume-sensei signing an autograph for Tobias?!
"Huh?" Volkner's eyes widened in disbelief.
Natsume-sensei was signing autographs for Tobias?!
The commentator announced: "Ah! Contestant Yuusei's Tangrowth lands a solid hit!"
Tangrowth's Power Whip smashed violently into Jolteon, kicking up dust and drawing cheers from the spectators.
Yuusei adjusted his glasses smugly. "See? I'm not just some background character!"
Volkner snapped his fingers. "Thunder."
Without mercy, a massive lightning bolt struck Tangrowth, the super-effective attack instantly knocking it out.
The crowd gasped in shock. Yuusei stood frozen in place.
"This... this is Leader Volkner at full power?"
"That's terrifying! He's one-shotting everyone!"
"Holy crap, these challengers are just glorified punching bags..."
Tobias, his long hair flowing gracefully, moved closer to Natsume.
After briefly glancing at Volkner, he calmly looked back down at his cards.
"That's right, Natsume-sensei. Please sign here."
"Natsume-sensei..." Ash whispered, leaning in. "How do you know him?"
"I can hear you."
Tobias tucked the signed card into his robe and swept his hair back with practiced ease.
"I am the first regional champion of PTCG. It's an honor to meet its creator, Natsume-sensei, which is why I came specifically to seek his advice."
Natsume looked equally surprised.
"So it really was you who won with the Darkrai deck. I thought it might be someone else with the same name."
"Indeed, it was me."
Tobias let his hair fall back as he spoke calmly. "Truthfully, becoming a Trainer was just a coincidence."
"My true purpose became clear the moment I saw the PTCG system you developed..."
Natsume looked up at the sky.
(Tobias' character was based on the PTCG World Champion. Combined with that edgy hairstyle, of course he'd be a card game fanatic...)
Natsume asked, "Are you still entering the Lily of the Valley Conference?"
Tobias nodded. "Yes. I need the prize money to buy more card packs."
Natsume shook his hand warmly.
"Then prepare to get crushed by me."
Tobias blinked in confusion: ???
Flint looked between Tobias and Natsume-sensei, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Tobias was quite famous throughout the Sinnoh region.
He'd earned all his badges through complete sweeps of Gym battles.
Yet who would have thought... he was also one of Natsume-sensei's fans?
Flint's expression turned peculiar.
"So the Lily of the Valley Conference... is just turning into Natsume-sensei's fan meetup?!"
On the battlefield, Volkner swiftly defeated two more challengers before turning his gaze toward Natsume-sensei.
The flames of battle burned brightly in his eyes.
To challenge stronger Trainers... and climb to greater heights.
This was the fighting spirit awakened by that boy from Pallet Town. And now, Volkner eagerly anticipated his duel with Natsume-sensei!
"Next challenger—from Tokyo City, Contestant Natsume!!"
The arena erupted at the commentator's announcement.
"Natsume-sensei is actually competing?!"
"Holy crap, this is a clash of titans!"
"Even Elite Four Bruno lost to Natsume-sensei... Is this even fair?"
The screen displayed the strikingly handsome Trainer as he calmly walked onto the battlefield.
Despite being Volkner's home turf, the entire city of Sunyshore cheered for the "outsider."
"NATSUME-SENSEI—!!"
Stepping onto the field, Natsume paused thoughtfully before making a request:
"If I win... could I borrow your arena afterward?"
"Of course."
Volkner grinned, his eyes sharpening. "But first... you'll have to defeat me."
"As the strongest Gym Leader in Sinnoh, I look forward to our battle!"
Natsume nodded slightly.
(Perfect. Your name's already in my notebook... Time for Larvitar to feast!)
Simultaneously, both Trainers threw their Poké Balls.
"Go, Electivire!"
"I choose you, Arcanine!"
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