Squirtle's Torrent condition lasted until the end of the match.
The remaining Raichu and Ludicolo from Yokohama National University also fell victim to Squirtle's rampage.
Ludicolo was the main damage dealer of the Rain Team, and its Fake Out was an excellent support move.
But Squirtle slid under the shimmering Energy Ball, lunged forward, and bit Ludicolo's crown, landing a critical hit.
"Natsume-sensei can land critical hits now too???"
"Who are you, really?!"
The same strategy worked against Raichu.
Squirtle used Dig to dodge Thunderbolt, then slammed Raichu into the arena's billboard with a Headbutt…
Natsume chuckled awkwardly:
"I feel like… Squirtle's not far from learning Skull Bash now."
As Raichu fell, the audience erupted in shock.
"A one-versus-three sweep, and Squirtle still looks like it hasn't taken a scratch?"
"It's probably just appearances. After all, it activated Torrent earlier."
"That makes sense…"
Thanks to Squirtle's outstanding performance.
The Tokyo Metropolitan University team also delivered a strong showing in the team event.
Amidst the roaring cheers, the commentator shouted, "The final ticket to the finals has been decided!"
"Let's congratulate Tokyo Metropolitan University!"
Flags waved on both sides of the stands, and the cheers nearly blew the roof off.
With such a wide audience, even the Youth Tournament attracted countless eyes.
As the center of heated discussions.
Natsume took Squirtle to the Pokémon Center after the match.
...
Although Squirtle was perfectly fine, at its insistence.
The doctor wrapped its shell in thick layers of bandages.
"Squirtle! (??????)"
Squirtle, now wrapped up like a mummy, nodded in satisfaction.
Natsume's eye twitched.
It's just a scratch on your shell! Do you really need to be this careful?!
At that moment, Squirtle's gaze was drawn to the nearby Poké Mart.
"Squirtle!"
Squirtle pointed at the shelves, its deep purple eyes filled with intense anticipation.
Following its gaze, Natsume saw the beautifully packaged Mega Potions.
Natsume's expression turned odd.
Last time it was Hyper Potions, and now it's upgraded to Mega Potions?
But thinking about it, it made sense.
After all, the injuries this time were much more severe than last time…
Natsume sighed and waved to the sales clerk.
"Pack them all up for me!"
The clerk blinked in surprise. "A-all of them?"
Natsume shot her a look. "Is there a problem?"
The clerk, now excited, quickly gathered all the Mega Potions from the shelves.
She packed them into a bag and handed it to Natsume, bowing deeply. "Thank you for your patronage!"
Natsume-sensei glanced at his balance, which had just decreased by 50,000 Pokémon Coins.
But seeing Squirtle's smile, Natsume shook his head helplessly.
"Stocking up on Potions is fine…"
"As long as it's not Revival Herbs or Max Revives, it's still acceptable!"
...
That evening, at the Budew Hotel.
The school team gathered in Natsume-sensei's room to play cards, excitedly discussing the morning's match.
"Just too strong!"
Torkoal, who was sitting nearby getting bonked on the head by Sylveon, looked up in confusion.
"Sorry…" Sota scratched his head. "I was talking about Squirtle."
Torkoal immediately looked dejected.
"Do your best tomorrow," Natsume said with a smile. "You're the ace of the Sun team!"
Torkoal looked up, its eyes shining with renewed determination.
Sakurako added, "Natsume-sensei, you should aim for MVP in tomorrow's match."
Natsume stroked his chin, deep in thought.
Originally, he had planned to take it easy in this tournament.
But now that they've reached the finals, slacking off wouldn't be Natsume-sensei's style.
The Best Individual Award came with 2 million Pokémon Coins and a Mystic Water.
But the prize money was too mundane.
The main goal was to bring glory to Tokyo Metropolitan University…
"I'll do my best," Natsume said with a light cough.
Just then, Coach Takashi knocked on the door and entered.
"Natsume, remember the move manuals I mentioned last time?" Coach Takashi said with a smile. "I discussed it with the former principal, and we think Iron Defense would be perfect for your Squirtle!"
Iron Defense boosts defense by two stages, and combined with Withdraw, it would make Squirtle an impenetrable fortress.
Natsume's expression turned odd.
If Squirtle learns Iron Defense, it's going to max out its defense stat!
"Uh…" Natsume hesitated. "How much does it cost to train Iron Defense?"
"Iron Defense isn't too expensive. It just requires training the Pokémon's endurance."
Coach Takashi thought for a moment. "Tomoya's Torkoal learned it thanks to your Eevee, didn't it?"
Tomoya grinned sheepishly, scratching his head in gratitude.
Natsume blinked.
Endurance training?
So it's just about getting Squirtle to take hits?
Glancing at the heavily bandaged Squirtle and the displeased Sylveon.
Natsume thought, since it's a battle, it's time for Eevee to get some action too.
"Leave it to me," Natsume nodded.
"I'll just sweep the entire team!"
...
September 17th, Thursday.
The Intercollegiate League finals officially began at Ho-Oh's Nest.
Helicopters hovered above the arena, and media outlets were out in full force.
A reporter from Tokyo Evening News glanced at his pre-match questions and muttered, "Natsume-sensei coming to the Youth Tournament to level up… that's just like him."
Tens of thousands of spectators flooded the arena, most of them supporters of Kyoto and Tokyo Metropolitan University.
Dressed in red and blue team colors, they formed blocks on either side, their cheers like a tidal wave.
"Go Tokyo Metropolitan University!!"
"Kyoto University for the four-peat!!"
Compared to the century-old legacy of Pokémon Academy, Natsume-sensei's fanbase was still small.
But all Tokyo Metropolitan University supporters knew that this year, their school had nurtured a powerful trainer.
Gaming section content creator, independent game developer, strategy master, pride of Tokyo Metropolitan University…
Second-year student from Tokyo Metropolitan University, Natsume!
The two teams emerged from the contestant tunnels.
Camera flashes flickered, and the cheers reached a new peak.
The commentator announced enthusiastically, "Welcome everyone to the finals of the Touran Conference Intercollegiate League!"
"Two century-old institutions, Tokyo Metropolitan University and Kyoto University, will face off in the ultimate showdown."
"Who will emerge victorious? Let's wait and see!"
On the guest panel, the former principals of Tokyo Metropolitan University and Kyoto were invited to attend.
Also serving as guest commentators were Kyoto City's Dragon-type Gym Leader, Shiori.
And Touran's master trainer, Akira.
Shiori was quite young, with long black hair cascading down her back and a pale, slender face.
Hiroshi, with his flowing white hair, teased Kenji beside him, "So, who do you think will win this match?"
Kenji glanced at his old rival and said coldly, "Winning doesn't matter. I just want to see you make a fool of yourself."
Hiroshi laughed heartily. "You said the same thing at the Touran Conference that year, and you still ended up as the runner-up!"
Kenji snorted and fell silent.
Shiori and Akira weren't much for conversation either, their eyes fixed on the bustling arena below.
The battle feast of the finals had officially begun.
🌟 Join My Patreon and Unlock Exclusive Pokémon Content! 🌟
👉patreon.com/PokemonStoryWeaver
Are you a fan of the Pokémon series? Become a member today and enjoy amazing benefits!
🌟 Membership: Pokémon Series - Gold Champion
Unlock access to 65 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 2 new chapters every day!
🌟 Membership: Pokémon Series - Platinum Legend
Unlock access to 195 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 5 new chapters every day!
Join now and immerse yourself in the exciting world of Pokémon like never before! Your support means the world to me!