Early the next morning.
Cynthia remained fast asleep in her bedroom.
Natsume finished preparing a lavish breakfast before turning to his students. "Let's go. Time for the match."
"Shouldn't we wake Mrs. Sensei?" Wally asked.
"Let her rest. She's exhausted." Natsume sighed.
Between her duties as Champion and her research as a Mythology Scholar, Cynthia—who always seemed to be slacking off—was actually under immense pressure.
No wonder she'd dozed off so suddenly last night.
"O-Oh… okay." Giselle's face burned red as she nodded meekly.
Natsume-sensei… is that incredible?
Even the Sinnoh Champion can't keep up with him?!
...
The finals of the School Exchange Tournament were about to begin.
Gladion cracked his knuckles, eyes sharp. "Today, we win decisively."
Wally didn't speak, but his gaze said everything.
Natsume's mood was complicated. "Just win. No need to humiliate them."
"Don't worry!"
Giselle, channeling her heartbreak into fighting spirit, had flames in her eyes.
"We'll make you proud!"
Is that… really what I meant?
Natsume blinked before sighing. "Just do your best. Don't get hurt."
After their dominating performance in the preliminaries, Striaton Academy had undoubtedly prepared countermeasures.
Both the Student and Teacher matches would be tougher than before.
Fortunately, Erika—finally back from her Gym Challenge—arrived just in time.
"You should take the lead position," she said with a smile. "I'll support you."
Natsume: ?
You're just here to slack off, aren't you?!
Still, winning the championship would repay Principal Dervish for his kindness.
And with that, Natsume's teaching duties for the year would be complete.
Jubilife City's central arena buzzed with excitement.
Tens of thousands of spectators packed the stands.
Thanks to Celadon School's stunning performance, this year's tournament had skyrocketed in ratings.
The finals alone had broken attendance records.
Drones circled overhead as the host announced, "This will be the most-watched duel in tournament history!"
"Both teams have arrived. Who will emerge victorious? Let's find out!"
In the stands, Roxanne of Rustboro School watched intently.
Since joining that group chat, the casual conversations between Champions and Elite Four members had left her utterly intimidated.
And if Natsume-sensei could banter with them so easily…
He's definitely not as simple as he seems!
"Crushing a rookie tournament…" she muttered. "That's just Natsume-sensei's style, huh?"
The finals began.
Giselle stepped onto the field first.
"Here they come."
From Striaton Academy's side, the sharp-eyed Cheren frowned. "The team led by that Natsume-sensei."
Beside him, Kubota grinned. "You predicted that girl would go first, right?"
"Braviary has nothing to fear against a Ground-type's Bonemerang!"
"Logically, yes."
Cheren crossed his arms, tapping his nose bridge. "But something feels… off."
On the field, Braviary's wings gleamed as it lunged with Wing Attack.
"Detect!" Giselle commanded.
Marowak blocked the strike with its Bone Club, skidding back but remaining unharmed.
Then—it spun the club, summoning jagged rocks from above!
Rock Tomb!
"Super effective!" The commentator roared. "A classic counterattack!"
Natsume stroked his chin.
Like Protect, Detect could block attacks—but it was riskier, trading reliability for aggression.
Yet Giselle had pulled it off flawlessly.
"My student indeed." He nodded approvingly.
Braviary, crushed under the rocks, was swiftly finished off by another Bone Club.
Striaton Academy's students paled.
Meanwhile, Rustboro School's team couldn't help but smirk.
"We've been there. Welcome to the club."
Still, Cheren's predictions had been crucial.
Though Giselle won, two of her Pokémon fainted in the 3v3 battle.
She returned, dejected.
"Natsume-sensei… I messed up."
"How?" He blinked.
"I didn't sweep them 3-0…"
"Relax."
Gladion stood, dramatically sweeping back his hair.
"I'll shut them out!"
His Lycanroc lived up to its monstrous durability, instantly crushing a Toxicroak with Counter.
Cheren's hand trembled as he reached to adjust his glasses—and missed.
"How…?"
"Counter shouldn't reflect Counter!"
That move is illegal!
The crowd erupted at Gladion's brutal tactics.
"Where did these monsters come from?!"
"This team is terrifying!"
Finally, Wally stepped forward, shyly smiling at the camera before hardening his resolve.
Natsume-sensei gave me this chance. I won't let him down.
"Magnezone! Flash Cannon!"
A searing beam erupted from Magnezone's magnets, blasting Zebstrika into oblivion.
Striaton Academy's team looked ready to faint.
The commentator gulped. "This is the most one-sided finals match in tournament history!"
The livestream exploded.
"Coach, I want to join this team!"
"Natsume-sensei just carried Celadon School to god-tier!"
Striaton Academy's bench.
Kubota wiped his sweat, glancing at Cheren.
"… what now?"
As a data-driven trainer, Cheren prided himself on strategy, precision, and flawless prediction.
But against Natsume-sensei… his usual tactics had failed completely.
"There's only one option."
Cheren sighed, massaging his temples.
"In the Teacher matches… let's just not lose too badly."
"Then… who goes first?" Kubota swallowed.
"Me."
Cheren's eyes sharpened as he undid his top button.
Even a logic-bound trainer could feel fire in his veins.
And strategy? That was his domain.
Besides… from yesterday's performance…
"I still have a chance."
"I'll salvage Striaton Academy's pride!"
Celadon School's side.
Erika smiled gently. "Should I go first, Natsume-sensei?"
"…You're the senior here, Erika."
"But," she blinked, "you all did so well without me!"
You're totally holding a grudge!
"I'll handle it."
Natsume coughed.
His students' performance had moved him.
And besides… since he was here…
Might as well let the little ones shine.
He glanced down at Squirtle, who adjusted its sunglasses with a determined glare.
"Squirtle!" (That guy looks strong!)
Time to go all out!
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