The sterile white hospital room smelled sharply of antiseptic.
Outside, dusk had already fallen. John in the hospital bed suddenly jolted awake.
"Tonight...it's Mr. Leon's Champion match!"
Clad in thin clothing, John hurried out the door in a panic.
"John!" The nurse's shout went unanswered.
Outside, an uncle bundled in thick winter clothes sipped tea from a thermos, a majestic Corviknight perched beside him.
This was Galar's signature service - Corviknight Taxi.
"P-please..." John panted, pleading, "Take me to Leon's Champion match!"
The uncle blinked, then donned his goggles with a grin.
"Hold on tight! My Corviknight is the fastest in all of Galar!"
Icy winds howled as light snow drifted through the air.
The Corviknight gripped the car beneath its talons, steel wings flapping as it soared through the sky.
John pressed against the window, gazing outside, then suddenly froze.
"Mr. Driver, please stop!"
In the view below, a man in a Champion's cape with purple hair climbed a mountain peak, scanning his surroundings.
The Corviknight beat its wings to hover as the driver gasped, "Champion! What are you doing here?"
"Ahaha, just got a little lost."
"Lost!?"
Leon chuckled awkwardly, then brightened upon seeing the mighty Corviknight.
"You seem quite skilled at flying."
Leon stroked the Corviknight's steel wings, smiling at the driver.
"I've got a tough battle ahead and don't want to tire out Charizard. Mind giving me a lift?"
"Hmm, but I still need to take this kid to the arena," the driver rubbed his chin. "With these strong winds, timing might be tight..."
"Ah! We could just detach this and ride Corviknight directly!" The driver knocked on the car roof.
"But what about you—"
"Haha, don't worry! I'll catch up later!"
Leon glanced at John beside the driver, paused, then smiled warmly.
"Then let's go together."
...
Leon shielded John from the wind with his arm as they rode on Corviknight's back.
The sunset dyed the sea of clouds orange.
"Did you oversleep?" Leon asked with a laugh.
"Yeah..."
"Hahaha, I oversleep all the time too. And get lost, obviously."
John adjusted his goggles and whispered:
"Watching...Mr. Leon's match in person is my dream."
Leon smiled gently.
"Then let's go to the arena together!"
Corviknight's wings beat powerfully as it raced toward Wyndon Arena.
"Scared?" Leon laughed, holding the child securely.
Wind rushed past them, but John shook his head firmly.
Leon's smile softened as he gazed at the beautiful sunset.
"Me too!"
Night fell, snowflakes swirling as the arena glowed with amber lights.
"Champion Leon still hasn't arrived!" an assistant reported breathlessly.
"Probably lost again," Rose sighed, tugging his curly hair. "Happens all the time."
"But the entire city's audience is waiting, and John—"
Rose raised a hand, spotting the approaching Corviknight in the night sky.
Snap—
Spotlights converged on Leon and the belated John in midair.
Instantly, the stadium erupted in deafening cheers.
"Look, it's Champion Leon!"
"Is that the kid?"
"You can do it!"
"So he finally made it."
Cynthia watched from the lounge screen, sighing.
"Made someone stand in the snow for half an hour for nothing."
"Mr. Leon must've gotten lost again."
Bea smiled at the black-haired young man on screen.
"But that's part of Master's charm."
Cynthia arched an eyebrow.
"Gengar~(｀Д｀)" Gengar floated tearfully beside Cynthia, chewing on a handkerchief to cheer its trainer.
"Gengar isn't battling?" Bea asked in surprise.
"Then what's Natsume-sensei's team—"
The roaring Wyndon Arena echoed with screams and cheers as the commentator announced:
"Ladies and gentlemen! The battle is about to begin!!"
Leon in his cape smiled apologetically at the black-haired young man. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Natsume-sensei."
"Let's just start," Natsume resisted the urge to cross his arms. "I'm freezing!"
"N-Natsume-sensei!"
John stared at the Natsume-sensei, eyes shining brightly.
The Champion match would be between Mr. Leon...and Natsume-sensei!
Lights illuminated the grassy battlefield as the packed Wyndon Stadium buzzed with excitement.
Though surprised by Natsume's identity,
learning he was John's idol made the audience quickly embrace him.
He'd traveled far for a child's wish.
Winning mattered less than everyone coming together to fulfill a dream.
Snow fell heavily, blending with the orange spotlights in a hazy glow.
Leon turned, revealing his Galar-emblazoned cape.
John stared blankly, the noise around him fading away.
"Just watching...won't make your dream come true."
Leon murmured.
"You want to be a Pokémon Trainer too, don't you?"
The cheers became distant.
John stepped toward Leon, reaching for his cape as if grasping for that dream.
Leon suddenly turned, seizing John's hand as he crouched down.
"Then challenge me! Become the strongest Champion!" Leon grinned.
Natsume watched with a smile.
Light fell on his shoulders.
Natsume looked up, as if seeing that brilliant gold through the cameras.
"Lucario..."
A ripple of aura carried Lucario's calm voice from its Ultra Ball.
Just this once. Don't push it.
Natsume and Leon strode toward the battlefield center.
Leon flourished his cape dramatically, raising one hand skyward.
The crowd roared as lights flared brilliantly.
"Now witness Galar's Champion moment!!"
The iconic line and pose made Natsume-sensei envious.
Red's cap tilt, Lance's cape flourish...
Should I prepare a signature move too?
But first—
Natsume gave John a kind smile before meeting Leon's gaze.
Suddenly, aura ripples stirred a fierce gust, billowing his hair and clothes.
Natsume smirked, eyes sharp.
Their voices rang out simultaneously.
"Let's battle, Leon (Natsume-sensei)!"
Cheers surged like tidal waves as two beams shot from Ultra Balls.
Aegislash soared through the night, blade gleaming coldly.
Spiritomb extended eerie green branches, fan-like leaves rustling.
"This is..." Leon blinked, then laughed.
"Even with a borrowed team, I won't hold back!"
Natsume chuckled.
I've cleared the Battle Tower solo with rental teams before.
Besides...this is my wife's max-level account!
Aegislash darted through the air as Spiritomb unleashed a crushing Dark Pulse, sinister energy threatening to consume it.
"King's Shield!"
Aegislash raised its shield defensively, blocking the dark shockwave.
Then with a metallic shing, its blade extended, shifting forms as a dazzling Sacred Sword nearly split the sky!
Spiritomb's leaves shuddered as it resisted desperately.
Fighting alongside Natsume again, Spiritomb pushed itself to the limit.
"Foul Play!"
Aegislash's blade flashed like a meteor, slashing down again.
Spiritomb lashed out, shadowy tendrils forming claws to grip the sword tightly!
Crack!
Leon swiftly drew another Poké Ball.
Dragapult glided through the air, tail streaking like a jet's exhaust.
Its cold eyes locked onto Spiritomb as two Dragon Darts fired with a bang, exploding into brilliant flares.
Natsume recalled Spiritomb, sending out Lucario next.
"Extreme Speed in, then Dragon Pulse!"
"Lucario!" Though displeased at the command, Lucario blurred forward, dodging Dragapult's Shadow Ball.
BOOM!!
The ground split as the audience cheered wildly.
Who is this man?
He's fighting evenly with Mr. Leon!
The question hung in everyone's minds.
But now, enjoying the battle was all that mattered.
Lucario used its aura to track the elusive Dragapult, Extreme Speed carrying it onto the dragon's back.
"Dragapult!" The Dragapult startled.
"LUCA—RIO!!"
Hands clasped together, it fired a violet Dragon Pulse point-blank, blasting Dragapult from the sky!
Gotta love max-level accounts...so smooth to pilot!
But nothing beats using my own team.
Natsume kept commanding as Leon's eyes burned with excitement.
Move aftermove lit up the entire arena.
Sonia hugged her Yamper in the stands, murmuring:
"Leon...looks so happy."
Amid the cheers, two incredibly powerful trainers clashed before them.
John watched, hand over his pounding heart, exhaling softly.
Unnoticed, clear tears rolled down his cheeks.
Could I...become a trainer too?
It seemed impossible.
But if I keep believing...
Someday.
I'll stand here—in Wyndon Stadium.
In the lounge, Bea stared blankly.
"Champion Cynthia...is that your team?"
"Yes."
Cynthia nodded with a smile.
"But..." Bea's eyes widened.
Were they so close they shared teams?
Even Lucario showed no resistance to Natsume-sensei's commands.
That required peak trainer skill—preventing disobedience.
And the Pokémon's complete trust.
Had they...lived together so long even their Pokémon accepted each other?!
On the field, the battle raged on.
Under Natsume's orders, Gastrodon whirled muddy water into a Counter Shield against Haxorus's Dragon Claw.
The dazzling tactic drew gasps from the crowd.
Leon grinned excitedly.
"Breaking Swipe!"
"ROAR!" Haxorus slammed its tail, sending rubble flying as Gastrodon faltered.
Seizing the opening, Haxorus charged, crimson blades swinging!
At point-blank range, Gastrodon stomped, unleashing a devastating Earth Power.
Both Pokémon went flying.
The scoreboard showed 5:5 as the audience cheered.
"Here it comes—Leon's Charizard!"
"That rehearsed sequence, right?"
"Yes—Galar's new champion."
Leon took a deep breath, exchanging a look with Natsume before both laughed.
"Then—I choose you!"
Leon threw an Ultra Ball: "Go, Charizard!"
Blazing flames erupted as the mighty Charizard roared.
Natsume turned to John instead, calling:
"John!"
John wiped his tears, startled.
"Now's your Champion moment." Leon gently pushed him forward.
Under the crowd's watchful eyes,
John stumbled toward Natsume in a daze.
Natsume grabbed his hand, smiling softly.
"Take this Poké Ball. It'll bring you luck."
He pressed the ball into John's palm.
"This is..." John stammered.
"Right here."
Natsume pointed at the battlefield, surveying Wyndon Arena.
"You want to be a Trainer too, don't you?"
His voice was warm.
"To become...the strongest Champion, like Mr. Leon."
John stared before nodding fiercely. "Yeah!"
"Then go." Natsume stood behind him. "With this lucky Pokémon!"
Charizard flapped its wings, blowing small flames toward John.
Steadying his trembling legs, John recalled Leon's question.
Are you afraid?
No.
John copied Leon's gesture—patting his cheeks before striking that practiced pose.
Cape flourish, hand raised high.
This...is my Champion moment!
The silent stadium erupted once more.
Rose watched, discreetly wiping his eyes.
"You seem moved, Chairman Rose," an aide said.
"No, just...the night breeze is strong."
In the lounge, Cynthia gazed at the black-haired young man on screen.
"Meetings between people and Pokémon...between people themselves."
She touched her warm cheek, smiling. "Are truly wondrous things..."
"Come, John!"
Leon laughed heartily.
"Challenge me right here!"
John nodded, hurling his Poké Ball.
Given John's level, Natsume had chosen his Pokémon carefully—
"Togepi doo-ee~ヽ(￣▽￣)ノ"
"Charizard, Dragon Dance!" Leon smiled, following the script.
Natsume leaned close to John's ear and whispered: "Metronome."
"Togepi, let's do this!" John exhaled sharply and called out: "Metronome!"
"Togepi doo-ee~! (′▽｀)"
Togepi wiggled its tiny fingers—and suddenly, the ground began to violently shake.
The audience, who had been smiling moments ago, froze in shock.
"What move did it just call...?"
Razor-sharp stone pillars erupted from the earth, gleaming dangerously.
Even Leon's Charizard paled.
This wasn't in the rehearsal script!
Leon blinked in surprise.
A super-effective Stone Edge...
CRACK!
In the stunned silence of the arena, Charizard wobbled dramatically before collapsing—an Oscar-worthy performance.
(Though the pain was very real.)
Tears streamed down Charizard's face.
I'm definitely making Leon treat me to extra snacks after this...!
...
Before tens of thousands of spectators,
John accepted the Champion's cape from Leon—then suddenly hugged him around the waist, bursting into tears.
"There there. Focus on your treatment first," Leon said gently, patting John's head.
"Charizard and I will be cheering for you!"
"What about me? I helped too!" Natsume grumbled.
[Ding! Quest "Friendly Match with Leon" complete.
Reward: Flame Orb ×1, Starf Berry ×1]
Nice...another new Berry unlocked!
John wiped his tears and approached Natsume—only to start crying harder.
"Th-thank you, Natsume-sensei!"
"Hey, I was joking—no more tears!"
"Togepi doo-ee~!" Togepi giggled as Natsume cradled it.
Noticing the Everstone clutched in Togepi's tiny hands, Natsume smiled wryly.
Friendship's already maxed...
But evolution can wait—Togepi's barely three months old.
They say Togepi bring happiness and luck.
They're often found playing with children.
That's why this Togepi gave John the courage to face Leon.
As for Galar's "Unbeatable Champion" Leon...
His title came not just from strength, but from bearing Galar's hopes on his shoulders.
Noticing Natsume's gaze, Leon smiled. "Stay in Wyndon a few days, Natsume-sensei."
"Sonia and I would like to properly thank you...and Miss Cynthia."
"Gladly," Natsume laughed.
Leon ruffled John's fluffy hair.
"You've got your 'One-Day Champion' title now. Don't disgrace this cape."
John nodded fiercely, tears and snot smearing the ad-covered cape.
"Eww, John! Not on the cape—it's my only one!"
"Wait, Mr. Leon, are you seriously that broke?"
"Wha—no! Custom orders just take forever, hahaha!"
...
January 14th, Thursday.
Galar's media widely covered John and Leon's story.
John became Galar's honorary "One-Day Champion."
Natsume-sensei, Leon, and all of Wyndon had collaborated to make it happen.
Seeing John in the Champion's cape moved countless viewers.
Had they forgotten their own childhood dreams of becoming Trainers?
That pure love for Pokémon, buried under life's burdens.
Who didn't dream of being a Trainer—of becoming Champion?
Fulfilling John's wish didn't just save him—it saved something in all of them.
"Believe, and you too can be Galar's Champion!"
"Even if I never became a Trainer, I can still believe in miracles."
"For dreams...sometimes you have to be a little reckless."
John's story kept spreading.
Meanwhile, Rose gritted his teeth over wasted marketing potential:
"Need Leon to take more endorsements!"
Where other regions relied on Elite Fours and Champions together,
Galar's entire burden rested on Leon alone.
Always battling. Always getting lost.
Yet that was Galar's "Unbeatable Champion" Leon.
As for the trainer who'd dueled him to a standstill?
He seemed to vanish from public view.
"Anyone know who that trainer was?"
"His team resembled Cynthia's, but from Toran."
"Missing a Garchomp though...his command skills were terrifying!"
"Wait—was that Natsume-sensei???"
--------------------------------------
Enjoying the story? Get early access to 440+ Advanced Chapters!
👉 Support now: patreon.com/PokemonStoryWeaver
--------------------------------------