Chapter 0298: Korrina

Sunday, December 20th.

The highly anticipated P1 Fighting Prix officially began.

As Kanto's most prestigious fighting tournament, it drew trainers from across all leagues—

Veteran competitors, fighting-type specialists, even gym leaders.

Among past champions were Elite Four members like Kanto's Bruno and Unova's Marshal.

No wonder martial artists worldwide flocked to this event.

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows.

"Opening ceremony's today," Natsume muttered, pulling on his tracksuit.

He tapped the video Green had sent—a sea of people packing the venue.

"Quite the crowd."

"Multi-league participation does that," Green chuckled via voice message.

"Heading out too," Brock chimed in. "Tournament rules banned Steelix, so Geodude gets some experience."

Inspired by Natsume-sensei's Baby Cup runs, Brock saw this as prime training for his newest Pokémon.

Prize money? Whatever. Fun's the real reward.

Natsume blinked.

Wait... You're doing type disadvantage too?!

"No need to rush," Lorelei interjected. "I already handled your registrations. Skip the queues."

"You're on the committee?!" Green gasped.

"Yup~"

"Ugh!" Green facepalmed. Should've asked for VIP seats!

"Bruno's judging this year," Blue noted. "Chuck will attend as well."

"Master Blue, won't you compete?" Yellow asked.

"No point." Blue shrugged. "Outcome's obvious."

Natsume raised an eyebrow.

Who could Blue possibly be wary of?

Some secret martial arts prodigy?

"Sirfetch'd handles the early rounds," Natsume decided. "Top 16 onwards, Squirtle takes over."

His goal? Top eight—the cutoff for prizes.

[Quest: "I'm Totally Not a Fighting Master"]

[Objective: Reach Top 8 in any P1 Grand Prix division]

[Reward: Varies (Possible new Berry variant?)]

Might spice up my diet...

Packing light, Natsume prepared to leave for Celadon City's outdoor arena.

"Squirtle."

He sighed. "It's three days. We don't need the fish tank."

Three days?!

Squirtle's eyes bulged.

Three days exposed in the wilderness? Unacceptable!

Ultimately, Natsume shipped the tank ahead—though stuffing it into Gengar's pocket dimension was tempting.

...Would feel bad for Gengar though.

"Gengar?" The Gengar eyed him suspiciously.

That look means trouble.*

Celadon Outskirts

Azure skies stretched over rolling green hills.

"Grandpa, hurry!"

A girl on rollerblades zipped down a slope, golden ponytail whipping behind her.

Her grandfather—long eyebrows framing a kind face—followed at a steady pace, Lucario at his side.

"Korrina, these old bones can't keep up!" Gurkinn laughed.

As Kalos' Mega Evolution successor, he'd brought his granddaughter to test her skills—and perhaps gift her a Key Stone.

Skidding to a stop, Korrina grinned.

"Will the opponents be super strong this time?"

"Stronger than anyone you've faced," Gurkinn confirmed.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

This is my chance!

Prove I'm ready for Mega Evolution!

"Pardon me."

A barefoot girl with toned muscles bowed politely. "Is this the way to the arena?"

"Yep!" Korrina nodded, then stared at her calloused feet. "Doesn't... that hurt?"

"Discipline strengthens body and mind."

Bea's voice was firm. "It's how I chase my seniors."

"Seniors...?"

Bea didn't answer, but her gaze sharpened.

This tournament...

I'll show Natsume-sensei I'm worthy of apprenticeship!

With another bow, Bea strode past the stunned Korrina.

"...Wow."

Gurkinn caught up, smiling. "Something wrong, Korrina?"

"...No."

She shook her head, determination reigniting.

"Just means Lucario and I need to train harder!"

Meanwhile, Isle of Armor

Mustard—long eyebrows mirroring Gurkinn's—declined the judging invitation.

"This old man prefers teaching youngsters," he chuckled, adjusting his baseball cap.

Bruno respected the legendary fighter's choice.

But then—

"Natsume-boy competing, eh?" Mustard's eyes twinkled.

"Natsume...?" Bruno frowned.

"Martial arts event without Natsume-boy? Unthinkable!"

Mustard rubbed his hands. "With him gone... I can finally rank up!"

"Wahaha!"

Bruno scratched his head.

Blue spoke highly of this "Natsume"...

Now even Mustard-sama praises him?

A grin spread across Bruno's face.

This year's tournament...

Just got interesting!

Enjoying the story? Get early access to 420+ Advanced Chapters!

✨ Weekly Updates: 7 chapters

⚡ Bonus System: Every 100 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter

🌟 Double Rewards: Rate the novel (⭐5 stars) to unlock 2x chapters!

Voting with [Power Stones] helps you earn twice as many chapters.

👉 Support now: patreon.com/PokemonStoryWeaver