With both Paralysis and Burn, Tyranitar's Attack was halved, Speed was halved… it had been severely crippled.
Mark's Absolute Status Strategy clearly wasn't exclusive to Spiritomb. On Togekiss, it became even more terrifying.
And this wasn't even Togekiss's signature winning tactic yet...
"Togekiss, Air Slash!"
'Here it comes…' Sato called out inwardly, then quickly issued a command to Tyranitar.
Facade!
"TYRAAAAAAN!"
Tyranitar let out a loud roar. Its entire body glowed white; not attacking, but staring unblinkingly at the incoming Air Slash and taking it head-on.
Facade: its power doubles when the user is under a status condition!
While preparing for this match, Sato had carefully studied this move and discovered that its effect came from channeling the pressure of status conditions, forcefully drawing out internal energy to double its attack.
It also provided brief immunity from negative status effects by "fighting fire with fire."
What Sato wanted was this short moment of immunity.
To avoid falling into Air Slash's Flinch Status, and at the same time...
Smack Down!
Dual-move activation!
Suddenly, two massive boulders appeared above Togekiss's head, seemingly locked on as they crashed down on its cloud-patterned wings.
"K-KISSSSSSS!"
A painful cry rang out, Togekiss's wings were badly injured!
Smack Down's effect activated, slamming it to the ground.
For bird Pokémon, the wings were always the most vital. Once injured, their combat ability dropped sharply.
Togekiss's Air Slash win condition was forcibly shut down by Tyranitar's premeditated counter.
The only remaining threat now was Aura Sphere, with its natural tracking.
But seeing Tyranitar apply [Ground Defense] to itself and then slowly walk toward Togekiss, the sheer pressure was enough to make both Mark and Togekiss break into cold sweat.
Even if Paralysis kicked in along the way, Tyranitar's pseudo-legendary physique could easily endure two or three Aura Sphere strikes.
Until... Tyranitar stood directly in front of Togekiss, head lowered, staring down at the now powerless white bird…
Before absolute strength…
Luck meant nothing!
Spin, tail whip, Iron Tail strike!
BOOOOOOOM!
Togekiss was sent flying, just like many Pokémon before it; slammed into the arena wall with no consciousness left.
SWISH~
The referee raised the green flag representing Sato and, with a voice trembling with excitement, announced loudly:
["Togekiss has lost the ability to battle. Tyranitar wins…
S-Since… since all six of Elite Four Mark's Pokémon have lost the ability to battle, the final winner of this match is...
Elite Four… DARKNIGHT…! YUGAAAA… SA~TOOOOOO!"]
And this would be the last time anyone heard someone refer to Sato as Elite Four in public.
Because from this point forward, he would be...
Champion
Yuga
Sato!
From the high platform, Goodshow gently clapped his hands. His small size looked especially proper in his tailored suit.
From the moment Sato submitted his Champion Challenge request, Goodshow never once doubted he would win.
Knock… Knock… Knock!
From the open doorway, the secretary whispered, "President… it's time."
"Hmm."
---◓---
In the arena, Mark dejectedly recalled Togekiss. He knew he'd lose… but not this badly.
All these years, he had worked so hard, yet the gap with the Boss only seemed to widen.
But soon… Mark smiled again.
No matter what, the Boss had become Champion, and he might now be the top-ranked Elite Four!
'KYAAAAA~!'
From that angle, it wasn't a total loss. A small win, even. 'Meh~'
"B-Boss… CONGRATS ON BECOMING CHAMPION!"
Mark shouted excitedly, bouncing over to Sato and giving him a big Ursaring hug.
Sato didn't push him away. He was happy, and willing to share this joy with Mark.
Of course, the person he most wanted to share it with... was probably already waiting backstage.
Just like when she became Champion, and Sato had waited backstage for her.
But there was still one last part of the ceremony before Sato could leave!
---◓---
Under the staff's cleanup and rearrangement, the arena was quickly transformed into a podium.
Sato walked up slowly to the stage accompanied by his six freshly recovered Pokémon, as grand and solemn music played.
Goodshow, dressed in a formal suit, also stepped up to the front.
Before the eyes of the entire audience, Goodshow personally presented Sato with the certificate of regional Champion appointment and the Champion trophy.
At the same time, the ceremonial hostess handed over the Champion-exclusive cape to Sato.
Since Sato specialized in Dark types, the cape was designed entirely in black with gold trim. Upon closer inspection, subtle yet intricate Dark-type patterns could be seen woven into it.
Sato didn't hesitate. He unfolded the cape, gave a chuunibyou flick, and with a smooth, aslo chuunibyou, motion draped it over his back.
In that instant, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause. The cheers and screams seemed ready to blow the roof off the venue!
They had all witnessed the birth of a new Champion… becoming part of this historic moment!
An honor to behold!
But even before the cheers had died down, Sato, wearing his dashing cape and holding the certificate and trophy, had already made his way backstage.
There, Cynthia was chatting with Mark, who had exited earlier.
Seeing Sato approach, Mark gave a silly grin and very "tactfully" suggested leaving, madly winking at Sato on his way out!
"Even as an Elite Four, you're still such a clown…" Sato muttered awkwardly.
Cynthia smiled without exposing him. Instead, she gently took Sato's hand and said, "I heard the Lapras-brand ice cream in Mahogany Town is really good~ Want to try it?"
Sato tightened his grip around the soft hand in his palm, feeling full in his heart.
"Mhmm… sure!"
---◓---
Epilogue.
At the Shadownight Gym, Sato, having just completed a major Underground Organizations sweep, was enjoying a rare vacation.
Since Cynthia had also been quite busy lately, Sato had been idling at home.
He declined all visitors, but occasionally, when the mood struck, he'd give a bit of "guidance" to the gym trainees.
After he finished guiding even the trainees, the idle Sato roamed around the grounds like a leisurely old man, hands clasped behind his back.
As he strolled into the front yard, he suddenly heard a familiar voice…
"WHAT! The Shadownight Gym Leader is actually the Johto Champion!!!? …Then if I beat him, wouldn't that make me even stronger than a Champion!?"
"Ash, you're too naive. Mr. Sato is the strongest Trainer in the Johto Region. Even ten more years… no, twenty! You still won't be able to beat him.
And... and Mr. Sato is sooo handsome (〃'▽'〃)~"
"Awwww! Hey, Misty, how can you say that? We've traveled together for so long… can't you just support me a little? Brock, back me up, won't you!?"
Brock, eyes always half-closed, stroked his chin and nodded, "Well… judging by your current level, even after twenty years, you really wouldn't beat him."
Thud…
Ash collapsed…
The next second, Ash bounced right back up, fully restored!
"I'VE DECIDED! I'M GOING TO CHALLENGE THE SHADOWNIGHT LEADER! I'M GOING TO DEFEAT CHAMPION SATO!"
"Sigh… that's not going to happen. Mr. Sato is still the active Champion. The Shadownight Gym is currently managed by an interim Leader."
"W-WHAT! No way..."
At that moment, Sato finally remembered who Ash was.
That kid from Pallet Town.
"Leader, why are you here?" Ponyo, who was about to accept the challenge, spotted Sato and quickly ran over to ask.
Sato smiled and said, "Oh… my hands are itching a little. If that kid comes to challenge, let me take the match."
"Ah? Uh..."
Ponyo had no idea what kind of mood the Leader was in today, but nodded anyway, then glanced far off at Ash's group.
'Good luck. Just hope you don't walk away with a psychological scar…'
Ten minutes later, Brock and Misty stared in shock as Sato slowly walked up to them.
Ash, still clueless, said, "You must be the interim Leader.I CHALLENGE YOU!"
Sato smiled and replied, "Hahaha… alright. I accept your challenge. The Pokémon I'll be using… is this one!"
Just as he finished speaking, a cute Pikachu leapt from behind Sato's back, staring adorably at the one on Ash's shoulder.
"P-Pika-pi!"
"Pika?"
•
•
•
•
Last words by the author…
"It's over. Let's stop right here～
Ending with Ash's appearance was something I had planned all along. And as many of you could probably tell from the recent chapters, this book was more or less reaching its conclusion.
As for whether Sato truly stood at "above the top," well… that's up to each reader's interpretation. Maybe if inspiration strikes later, I'll write a few extras… but no promises, hahahaha.
That's all!
-From a struggling writer who deeply loves Pokémon (except for the new Journeys series)"
•.
•.
Well… from RomeloFF, this was my very first project. Honestly, I never imagined it would reach over a thousand chapters, hahaha.
What can I say? Simply, thank you to everyone who supported this journey all the way through. I can't really say I'm fully happy with the ending, so much was left to the reader's imagination.
In a way, I'm glad that while the story revolves around Sato, the world itself does not. There are many threads without conclusion, but if you think about it, as someone who was always just part of the world, it makes sense he wouldn't aim to 'end all evil,' for example.
If this had been a transmigrated MC, I think the emptiness would feel stronger… because logically, you could "chart" the course all the way to the 'finale,' knowing the world and its story. The perspective would be completely different!
To keep this short, I still have about 15 draft chapters of 'extras.' Maybe I'll release them in a couple of months once I have time to polish them. But for now, I'll take my leave here…
Don't forget to check out the other projects.
Thank you so much~!