Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [372]

“Really?” Ash’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“Of course!” August replied. “I’ll bring you along on the next expedition.”

Thanks to Zinnia and the others working hard and stockpiling Friend Passes, August had more than enough to spare. He was genuinely looking forward to seeing what kind of chaos Ash and Pikachu would stir up in Hisui.

Gary, watching August’s cheerful smile and Ash’s giddy excitement, let out a resigned sigh.

Only someone like Ash would be dumb enough to throw himself into unpaid labor for August...

But still...

“You sighing—got a problem with me?” August turned to him.

Gary’s eyes widened. “What? Of course not! You know I totally—”

Yeah, I know you too well...

August said nothing, but his expression made it clear what he was thinking.

Just as he was about to respond, Professor Oak’s voice called out from across the room.

“This Hisuian Voltorb is Electric and Grass-type? Fascinating...”

August turned and saw Professor Oak inspecting a round, wooden Voltorb, studying it from every angle.

The Voltorb chirped happily, seemingly quite fond of the professor.

Unlike regular Voltorb—who tended to explode at the slightest provocation—Hisuian Voltorb were much more docile and friendly toward humans. Professor Oak was particularly curious about what caused such a stark difference in temperament between the two species.

Eventually, his gaze landed on a small circular opening on the top of the Hisuian Voltorb’s head.

“What’s this?”

Noting this second key difference, aside from the Pokémon’s wooden body, the professor reached out—curiosity taking over.

“Wait—!” August blurted out, alarmed.

But it was too late. Professor Oak’s finger was already pressing into the circular notch on the Voltorb’s head.

The next moment—

The Voltorb squinted its eyes in delight, like someone tickled in just the right spot. And then...

Zzzap!

A jolt of electricity burst from the opening on its head.

Professor Oak’s hair stood on end, his mouth puffed out a trail of black smoke.

August: ...

But to be fair, the man was a top-tier Pokémon professor. He recovered almost immediately, pulling out a notepad and dutifully recording the observation:

“Confirmed: Hisuian Voltorb is very friendly toward humans. However, the opening on its head is highly sensitive and will release electricity if touched...”

Even August had to admit—Professor Oak’s dedication to research put him to shame.

After finishing with Voltorb, the professor turned his attention to a Hisuian Growlithe.

Unlike its modern-day orange counterpart, this variant had deep reddish-orange fur, and its striking eyes were hidden beneath tufts of snowy white hair.

The fur on its head, neck, and tail was far more refined than a typical Growlithe—groomed, sleek, almost ceremonial.

“Good boy!” Professor Oak called, waving a hand in greeting.

Since the Growlithe had already been captured, it wasn’t particularly wary of humans.

It padded forward amiably, letting the professor reach out and stroke its head.

Then, his hand crept toward the fluff covering its eyes.

“Let me see your eyes, little guy…”

And then—

“Rrragh!”

August watched the Hisuian Growlithe chomp down on the professor’s arm and could only cover his face with a sigh.

Honestly, Professor... the fact you’re still alive with that level of curiosity is a miracle.

Just as August was about to intervene and rescue him, Blue hurried over and whispered something into his ear.

August’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

Blue nodded, solemn.

“Hmm…” August rubbed his chin for a second, then gave instructions: “Keep a close watch. Prep the gear—we’re heading out as soon as the championship match is over.”

Blue nodded and went off to start preparations.

Sabrina leaned in, intrigued. “What were you two whispering about? Why so secretive?”

“It’s nothing major,” August replied lightly.

“Really?” Sabrina gave him a skeptical look.

“Of course!” August said with a straight face. “Just that we’ve tracked down Giovanni’s location, is all.”

Sabrina: “…”

That’s your idea of ‘nothing major’?

One wonders what expression Giovanni would make if he heard August say that—

...Oh wait, he already blocked August.

So never mind.

...

At last—the finals of the Masters Tournament began, amidst a storm of global anticipation.

Cynthia vs. August.

One had defeated the reigning World Champion, Leon.

The other commanded ancient Pokémon long thought to be myths.

The hype was off the charts.

Some tabloids even speculated that Cynthia and August were an item, and the alleged “Lovers’ Showdown” was one of the most talked-about aspects of the match.

“Reporters love making things up,” August said with a groan.

Cynthia calmly brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “So… August. Do you want me to care about the rumors, or not?”

August: “!”

Cynthia smiled. “Don’t hold back. I want to see the full extent of your power.”

“I…”

“That’s my request,” she said, locking eyes with him.

August saw the determination in her gaze—and finally nodded.

Referee: “Both Trainers, to your positions!”

This is the championship match, and you two are making it feel like a love confession...

“Apologies...”

After both returned to their sides, the referee continued:

Referee: “This is a full 6v6 battle. Victory will be awarded when one side’s team is completely unable to battle.”

August and Cynthia nodded in confirmation.

Referee: “Then—let the match begin!”

With that, the battle was on.

August and Cynthia released their first Pokémon at the same time.

Commentator: “Cynthia’s lead is once again Spiritomb! It’s played a key role in her past matches—proving to be a formidable asset!”

Spiritomb materialized with its signature eerie aura, drawing cheers from Cynthia’s fans.

But those cheers quickly fell silent when they saw August’s choice.

“Wait a second… That Pokémon—”

“It’s a Mythical!”

“Yeah! The one said to be the origin of all Pokémon…”

“Mew!”

“Mew?!”

Floating midair, holding a bag of chips, Mew stared blankly at the battlefield.

She’d just opened a fresh snack and had been happily watching from the sidelines—

How did I suddenly end up in the middle of a match?!

---

This is a fan translation of 我，宝可梦称号大师！ by 落唯 白良. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!