[What is meant by your ideal?]
That tone again.
Listening to the voice emerging in his mind, Natsuhiko felt a bit speechless.
However.
The sudden appearance of Zekrom still took Natsuhiko by surprise.
He had already given up hope on Zekrom.
After all, what he did to the "Dark Stone" back then was genuine.
Even though Reshiram repeatedly emphasized that he possessed the qualifications to become the "Hero of Ideal."
Gazing at the shadow of Zekrom, looming and concealed in the darkness, its presence as poised as slender winding, but moves like a torrent rushing thunder, Natsuhiko slowly calmed his mind.
Though previously he thought he might be able to bamboozle Zekrom into confusion.
But facing Zekrom directly, he realized that was nothing but a joke.
The currents flowing in the Spirit World are not mere decorations.
He had no doubt that if he tried to fool Zekrom, it wouldn't hesitate to turn him into ashes.
Pressing his lips together, he bowed his head in deep thought.
Zekrom did not urge him, simply waiting silently in the darkness.
Its fiery red eyes fell upon Natsuhiko.
After a while.
Natsuhiko slowly lifted his head, meeting Zekrom's gaze, noticing the flashes of electricity in its eyes, without any hint of backing down.
"An ideal might be my direction, I guess."
While speaking, a smile unexpectedly appeared on Natsuhiko's face.
[Hmm?]
Natsuhiko's words left Zekrom momentarily stunned.
It had heard countless people speak of their ideals.
Some aiming to become superior, some aspiring to become great Pokémon Masters, others desiring endless wealth—but an ideal merely as direction, it had indeed never heard before.
Natsuhiko raised the corners of his mouth, gently explaining:
"To me, an ideal is a lighthouse. Because of its light dispelling the fog on the path ahead, I can move forward boldly, step by step.
To me, an ideal is also a signpost, guiding me in the right direction, without losing my original intentions or thoughts.
To me, an ideal is faith, a faith that births strength, the power to constantly advance, solidifying my will, strengthening my inner self.
...
If you truly want to pinpoint what 'ideal' refers to, there are many.
Currently, it's to rescue Meloetta. A bit further, it's to become an outstanding Trainer who can ascend to higher levels alongside my Pokémon.
Further along... ideal is a continuously evolving journey. I can only know my direction, yet not its endpoint.
To genuinely speak, perhaps..."
After saying quite a lot, Natsuhiko paused his speech, took a breath, and grinned broadly.
Revealing an inner confidence rarely shown in front of outsiders.
"Perhaps, nothing stops me from reaching the pinnacle of the world, leaving countless stories and legends belonging to me and my Pokémon."
This was the first time Natsuhiko verbalized the true thoughts buried within his heart.
Zekrom gazed at Natsuhiko dumbfoundedly.
In the Spirit World, it knew Natsuhiko wasn't lying, nor merely indulging in empty boasts.
In the eyes of Zekrom.
Behind Natsuhiko seemed to lie a winding, treacherous road with no apparent end, merely leading upward to a height unknown even to itself.
This was a scenario Zekrom had never seen before.
Looking at it from a worse perspective, Natsuhiko lacked a clear goal, preferring to take things as they come.
But each step forward was accompanied by one or more smaller goals.
From a better perspective, Natsuhiko's goals would continue expanding with his growing strength and rising status, for he also didn't know his limit.
Zekrom's gaze turned rather complicated.
Indeed, as Reshiram had said, it had long acknowledged Natsuhiko's qualifications to become the "Hero of Ideal."
The intent to destroy the "Dark Stone" was a part-reason for Zekrom's reluctance to accept Natsuhiko, but not the main reason.
Indeed, absolutely not!
It's just that it couldn't clearly discern Natsuhiko's ideal.
Having listened now.
Zekrom's mechanical head nodded slightly.
It felt as though it should nod here.
Honestly, what "direction," "lighthouse," "signpost," "faith"—such torrents of words.
It sounded somewhat profound.
Many words mean reasonable arguments.
After pondering briefly, Zekrom remarkably couldn't grasp the detail in Natsuhiko's speech.
Until Natsuhiko slightly furrowed his brow, Zekrom spoke again.
[Your legend also manifests ideals!]
Upon hearing this.
Natsuhiko couldn't help but smack his lips.
"You two brothers really like the word 'legend', don't you?"
However, as the surrounding dark glow gradually dispersed, Natsuhiko also let out a slight sigh of relief.
Fortunately, the little essays from past life weren't read in vain.
They managed to stump Zekrom.
The "Dragon's Trial" ended.
Beneath the dissipating dark glow, Natsuhiko still stood on the platform of the Divine Hall.
Different was the imposing Black Dragon standing proudly at his side.
With delicate thunder markings covering the whole body, Tornadus's fierce attack, dissolved into nothingness within the lightning.
To Natsuhiko, the "Dragon's Trial" lasted relatively long, but to others, it was merely a few brief moments.
"Z-Zekrom?!"
Sato Kenta and the two beside him stared at the emerging Black Dragon, finding it hard to accept such a situation.
Since when could villains also gain recognition from a Divine Beast?
Buzz——
A beam of azure light erupted from Zekrom's body, shooting straight into the sky.
In an instant.