Pokémon: My Titles Know No Limits! [371]

Rayquaza’s triple [Hurricane] assault had been so overwhelming that the crowd didn’t even come back to their senses until the referee announced the result of the match.

Commentator: “Incredible… absolutely overwhelming! Rayquaza displayed crushing power to defeat Mega Aerodactyl!”

Before August used Rayquaza to take down Lance’s Aerodactyl, most people only had a vague idea of what a Legendary Pokémon truly represented. But seeing Rayquaza firsthand—only then did they grasp the terrifying power that defined a legend.

And so the age-old question resurfaced...

How in the world did August manage to capture such a powerful Rayquaza?

By now, August had already returned Rayquaza to its Poké Ball. Looking at Lance’s begrudging expression, he offered comfort with a calm smile: “No need to be jealous, Lance. Sooner or later, you’ll have a Legendary Pokémon of your own!”

Lance: “…”

Does this look like jealousy to you!?

...Okay fine, I admit—maybe just a tiny bit.

But shouldn't you reflect on your own behavior at least a little?!

August blinked, clearly bewildered by the way Lance was staring at him.

Reflect? Reflect on what?

Lance sighed and said, “Congratulations on making it to the finals.”

That, at least, August understood.

“Thank you!”

---

Commentator: “Let’s congratulate August on advancing to the finals! The championship match of this year’s Masters Tournament will be held the afternoon after tomorrow!”

Commentator: “The Trainer who defeated former World Champion Cynthia, and now commands the ancient Pokémon Rayquaza—what kind of fireworks will ignite when August faces her again?”

Commentator: “Stay tuned to this channel!”

“Heh…”

Giovanni switched off the television.

He had watched the entire match. While the audience had been stunned by the power of August’s Rayquaza, Giovanni remained unimpressed.

Especially when he turned to either side of his desk—where two different forms of Deoxys stood silently.

That alone reaffirmed his belief:

“August is no big deal.”

But his current focus wasn’t August.

Knock knock knock.

The door opened and Athena stepped inside, clad in a tight-fitting combat suit. She dropped to one knee respectfully and reported, “Boss, the Aether Foundation’s forces have mostly been consolidated into Aether Paradise.”

Giovanni nodded.

Half a month ago, he had sent a small squad to “test the waters” with a raid on the Aether Foundation. The goal had been to provoke Lusamine into concentrating all her key personnel and defense assets within Aether Paradise itself—so that when he made his real move, he could eliminate them all in one decisive strike and take control of the Foundation.

Everything was unfolding exactly as he’d planned.

Giovanni stood up. His imposing frame cast a shadow over the kneeling Athena.

“Tonight we act. Inform Faba—he’ll coordinate with us.”

Athena’s voice carried a trace of excitement as she replied,

“Yes, sir!”

---

While Team Rocket was making final preparations for their assault on the Aether Foundation…

August was busy being swarmed by media reporters.

Reporter: “Mr. August, how do you feel after defeating Lance? What’s your opinion of him as a Trainer?”

“Thank you. Lance is a truly exceptional Trainer—you could tell just by how his Dragonite took out my Mega Salamence in a single strike. Making it to the semifinals already speaks volumes about his strength.”

Reporter: “Online, people are calling you ‘the true Dragon Master’ and labeling Lance as a ‘false Dragon Master.’ What are your thoughts on that?”

What do I think...?

Although he felt the netizens had a point, August glanced over at Lance and chose to say something more diplomatic:

“Lance still has plenty of Dragon-type Pokémon!”

But before Lance could even look over to thank him, the same reporter pressed on:

Reporter: “You mean like Charizard, Gyarados, and Aerodactyl?”

Lance: “…”

August stifled a laugh.

Dude—could you maybe not say the quiet part out loud?!

Another reporter chimed in:

Reporter: “Mr. August, your Rayquaza is incredibly powerful. Could you tell us how you managed to catch it?”

“I’ve always had a natural affinity with Pokémon of all kinds—maybe that’s part of it.”

Reporter: “And what are your thoughts on your upcoming match with Cynthia? Some fans are calling it the ‘Lovers’ Showdown.’ Care to comment?”

August: “?”

Fans? What fans?!

Dare you show me their user ID?!

...Wait a sec, you look familiar.

You were the one who stirred up gossip last time, weren’t you?!

Don’t think I won’t recognize you just because you changed outfits!

Security! Where’s security?!

Before the man could be escorted out, August made sure to take a good look at his press badge.

Miare Publishing?

Isn’t that under Lysandre’s control?

Team Flare, huh. Noted.

The intruder was eventually removed by security, but the damage had been done—the focus of the interview had shifted away from Lance and August, and onto Cynthia instead.

August was left racking his brain, trying to deflect one loaded question after another from the press.

Amid the chaotic whirlwind of flashbulbs and speculation, the interview finally came to an end.

Back in the locker room, August let out a long sigh of relief.

Thank Arceus this tournament only has one more match. If I had to do this a few more times, I think I’d lose my mind.

---

Villa

As the first wave of the expedition team, Zinnia and the others had completed the first phase of their mission in the Hisui region and successfully returned.

Professor Oak and Professor Birch were busy organizing the haul with help from Sapphire, Gold, and Silver: photos, video logs, specialty Hisuian Poké Balls, and Pokémon with regional forms unique to Hisui—all being carefully cataloged for future research.

Meanwhile, Zinnia sat on the couch in a daze, murmuring things like “I regret everything” and “I can’t believe I missed the Dragon God’s battle…”

Courtney and Blue glanced over at her, eyebrows raised.

August simply shrugged as if to say, Don’t look at me. She started it this time.

Gary, on the other hand, was bragging to Ash with great enthusiasm about his journey through time to ancient Sinnoh—singing the praises of Hisui until Ash was practically green with envy.

But just as Gary was boasting about how wildly popular he’d been in Hisui, a familiar voice spoke up from behind him.

“Well, if you love Hisui that much, how about I station you there permanently?”

Gary’s animated expression froze in place.

“Ha… hahaha… no need for that,” he said with an awkward laugh, quickly changing the subject. “By the way, congratulations on making it to the finals, August!”

August let him off the hook and turned to Ash. “If you ever want to visit the Hisui region, I can send you.”

---

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!