N: Difference between revisions

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In Black and White, N is first seen in the game's prologue movie, in which N, clothed in special garb, is crowned by Ghetsis in the throne room of a castle. During the ceremony, as the other Sages watch, N remembers his childhood spent with his Pokémon friends.
In Black and White, N is first seen in the game's prologue movie, in which N, clothed in special garb, is crowned by Ghetsis in the throne room of a castle. During the ceremony, as the other Sages watch, N remembers his childhood spent with his Pokémon friends.


[[File:N B2W2 Trailer.png|250px|thumb|N at [[Dragonspiral Tower]] in a flashback during [[Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Special Introduction Movie|Black 2 and White 2's trailer]]]]
The player first meets N in [[Accumula Town]] after Team Plasma's public rally and Ghetsis's speech, where he challenges the player to a [[Pokémon battle]]. He again appears outside of the [[Nacrene Gym]], for another battle, and later at [[Nimbasa City]], where he asks the player to talk to him while riding the city's Ferris Wheel. During this excursion, N reveals that he is the leader of Team Plasma; Ghetsis had asked him to assist him in Team Plasma's liberation of Pokémon. It is confirmed after the ride, when a group of Plasma Grunts address him as their leader, and he battles the player to allow them time to get away. He is again encountered at the [[Chargestone Cave]], where he battles the player, and lastly, the [[Dragonspiral Tower]], where he found {{p|Zekrom}}{{sup|Bl}}/{{p|Reshiram}}{{sup|W}} for his plans.
The player first meets N in [[Accumula Town]] after Team Plasma's public rally and Ghetsis's speech, where he challenges the player to a [[Pokémon battle]]. He again appears outside of the [[Nacrene Gym]], for another battle, and later at [[Nimbasa City]], where he asks the player to talk to him while riding the city's Ferris Wheel. During this excursion, N reveals that he is the leader of Team Plasma; Ghetsis had asked him to assist him in Team Plasma's liberation of Pokémon. It is confirmed after the ride, when a group of Plasma Grunts address him as their leader, and he battles the player to allow them time to get away. He is again encountered at the [[Chargestone Cave]], where he battles the player, and lastly, the [[Dragonspiral Tower]], where he found {{p|Zekrom}}{{sup|Bl}}/{{p|Reshiram}}{{sup|W}} for his plans.



Revision as of 02:43, 20 May 2012

Template:Spoiler

Natural Harmonia Gropius
ナチュラル・ハルモニア・グロピウス Natural Harmonia Gropius
Black 2 White 2 N.png
Art from Black 2 and White 2
Gender Male
Eye color Gray, Blue
Hair color Tea green
Hometown N's Castle
Region Unova
Relatives Ghetsis (Stepfather/Guardian)
Trainer class Pokémon Trainer,
Team Plasma
Generation V
Games Black and White
Member of Team Plasma
Rank King
Game animation debut Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Special Introduction Movie
English voice actor N/A
Japanese voice actor Hiroshi Kamiya

N (Japanese: N (エヌ) N) is a character in Pokémon Black and White. He is the leader of Team Plasma and aspires to create separate worlds for humans and Pokémon. His full name was revealed to be Natural Harmonia Gropius (Japanese: ナチュラル・ハルモニア・グロピウス Natural Harmonia Gropius).[1]

In the games

N as a child
A close-up of N in his castle after the final battle

N was raised by Ghetsis, the internal leader of the Seven Sages. As he grew up, he was appointed as the king and leader of Team Plasma. He is an anti-villain, being the primary antagonist, yet a good natured person who sees Pokémon as his friends and is generally rather amicable toward the player as well. According to Concordia, "N's heart is pure and innocent." At several points during the game he appears before the player to battle.

As a child, he was raised together with Pokémon and was isolated from humans. Ghetsis would only let N see Pokémon that had been hurt by humans. Based on the contents of his room in N's Castle, as a child he appeared to be interested in skateboarding, transportation (such as planes and trains), basketball, and darts. He also had many brand new toys. Pokémon have played with his toys, as his skateboard is covered in claw marks and scratches.

In Black and White, N is first seen in the game's prologue movie, in which N, clothed in special garb, is crowned by Ghetsis in the throne room of a castle. During the ceremony, as the other Sages watch, N remembers his childhood spent with his Pokémon friends.

The player first meets N in Accumula Town after Team Plasma's public rally and Ghetsis's speech, where he challenges the player to a Pokémon battle. He again appears outside of the Nacrene Gym, for another battle, and later at Nimbasa City, where he asks the player to talk to him while riding the city's Ferris Wheel. During this excursion, N reveals that he is the leader of Team Plasma; Ghetsis had asked him to assist him in Team Plasma's liberation of Pokémon. It is confirmed after the ride, when a group of Plasma Grunts address him as their leader, and he battles the player to allow them time to get away. He is again encountered at the Chargestone Cave, where he battles the player, and lastly, the Dragonspiral Tower, where he found ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. for his plans.

When the player challenges the Pokémon League, after beating the Elite Four, the player finds N with Alder, the Champion, arguing over the use of Pokémon as tools. When the player arrives, N summons his Castle from the earth, which attaches itself to the Pokémon League, and as he enters the Castle, he challenges the player to face him. Cheren arrives, and he and Alder ask the player to stop him.

Within the castle's throne room, N tells the player that his goal is to create separate worlds for both humans and Pokémon, saying that he is willing to battle even if his Pokémon are hurt. To combat the player, he summons ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.. As N's dragon appears, the player's LightWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./DarkWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. Stone is revived into the opposing dragon, and N encourages the player to battle it.

Once the dragon is caught, N will challenge the player. After N is defeated, Ghetsis appears and reveals he revived ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. for N to use, calling him a disappointment. Team Plasma's motive for stealing Pokémon—separate worlds—is shown to be a lie. Ghetsis manipulated N and Team Plasma to ensure that he was the only person in Unova with Pokémon so that he could dominate the region. Alder and Cheren both hear this. Ghetsis battles the player in a rage, despite N's protest. After the battle, Alder and Cheren arrest Ghetsis and take him away.

After the battle, N apologizes, walks to a hole to outside on edge of the throne room, releases his legendary Pokémon, and bids a final farewell to the player. Then, after the credit-roll, an epilogue movie plays in which ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc., with N on top, hovers above the clouds and, activating its tail's engine, accelerates away.

After the player finds the other six Sages for Looker, Looker says that he has heard that N was seen in a distant land with a Dragon-type Pokémon.

Pokémon

Pokémon Black and White

First battle



Second battle



Third battle



Fourth battle



Fifth battle
Black



White



Quotes

Pokémon Black and White

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.

At Accumula Town

  • Before battle
"Your Pokémon... Just now, it was saying..."
"Yes, they're talking. Oh. Then, you two can't hear it, either... How sad. My name is N."
"The Pokédex, eh? So... You're going to confine many, many Pokémon in Poké Balls for that, then. I'm a Trainer, too, but I can't help wondering... Are Pokémon really happy that way?"
"Well, <player>, is it? Let me hear your Pokémon's voice again!"
  • After taking a hit
"More! Let me hear the voice of your Pokémon!"
  • After being defeated
"I never expected to hear Pokémon say such things..."
  • After the battle
"As long as Pokémon are confined in Poké Balls... Pokémon will never become perfect beings. I have to change the world for Pokémon, because they're my friends."

At Nacrene City

"I... want to see things no one can see. The truths of Pokémon inside Poké Balls. The ideals of how Trainers should be. And a future where Pokémon have become perfect... Do you feel the same?"
Yes: "That so? I think my friends and I should test you to see if you can see this future, too."
No: "Huh. I expected more from you. Now pay attention. My friends and I will test you to see if you can see this future, too."
  • After being defeated
"I cannot see the future yet... The world is still to be determined..."
  • After battle
"Right now, my friends aren't strong enough to save all Pokémon. Maybe I can't solve the equation that will change the world. So, I need power... Power enough to make anyone agree with me."
"Now I know what power I need. ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.! The legendary Pokémon that, along with the hero, created the Unova region. It's my turn to become that hero--and you and I will be friends!"

At Nimbasa City

"You're looking for Team Plasma, right? They ran into the amusement park. Come with me."
"They're not here. Let's ride the Ferris wheel and see if we can spot them. I love Ferris wheels… The circular motion… The mechanics… They're like collections of elegant formulas."
"First, I must tell you... I am the king of Team Plasma. Ghetsis asked me to work with him to save Pokémon. I wonder how many Pokémon exist in this world."
"There's no problem. You're part of the people we brought in to help us save the Pokémon. So, you're under my protection, as well. Go, quickly, and let my battle cover your retreat. ...Now then, <player>, do you follow my logic?"
Yes: "If true, your words please me."
No: "So that's how it is... That's unfortunate."
"Ah. Then... The future I envision... Perhaps I can't beat you here and now, but I'll battle you to buy time for these members of Team Plasma to get away!"
  • After the first move
"Your Pokémon look happy."
  • After sending out last Pokémon
"Even if I lose, is it different than the future I envision?"
  • Upon defeat
"The result was the same… But you…who are you?"
  • After battle
"You're quite strong. But I have a future that I must change. And, for that future... I'll defeat the Champion and become unbeatable, unlike any other! I'll make all Trainers free their Pokémon! Just try and stop me! If you want to be together with Pokémon, your only hope is to collect the Badges from each area and head for the Pokémon League! Try and stop me there, if you dare! If your conviction is not strong enough, you will never be able to defeat me."

At Chargestone Cave

"Ah, yes. That was the Shadow Triad, just now. Ghetsis enlisted them in Team Plasma. Apparently, they were the ones who prepared the Galvantula nest at the cave entrance."
"Chargestone Cave... I like this place. Formulas express electricity and its connection to Pokémon... If people did not exist, this would be an ideal place. You have been chosen, you know. Does it surprise you I said that?"
Yes: "Of course. Such news should be a surprise."
No: "Hmph. If you don't understand what that means, it's not likely to surprise you."
"I told Ghetsis about you and your friends. After I did, he apparently used the Shadow Triad to find out about you. Cheren is pursuing the ideal of strength. Poor Bianca has faced the sad truth that not everyone can become stronger. And you are not swayed either way--more of a neutral presence. Which is apparently a good thing. Team Plasma will be waiting for you ahead. Ghetsis wants to see what kind of Pokémon Trainer you really are."
  • Before battle
"Many different values mix together, and the world becomes gray... That is unforgivable! I will separate Pokémon and people, and black and white will be clearly distinct! Only then will Pokémon become perfect beings! Yes, that is my dream! That is the dream I must fulfill! <player>, do you have a dream of your own?"
Yes: "You have a dream... That's wonderful. I'll learn just what kind of dream you have--in battle!"
No: "As if a person without a dream could ever understand me! Eh... I guess... I have to crush your will here!"
  • After takes a hit
"Do you believe that Pokémon battles help us understand one another?"
  • After sending out last Pokémon
"I will show you that my love for my friends permeates every cell of my body. Behold!"
  • Upon defeat
"My friends getting hurt... That's what a Pokémon battle is."
  • After battle
"Tsk! Why? Is it impossible for me to win while feeling bad about being a Trainer? As if I could pursue my idealsWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./the truthWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. with something as meaningless as a battle! As if that could make me worthy to become friends with the legendary Pokémon!"
"Professor Juniper, what are you thinking? You appear to have no qualms about the relationship between Pokémon and people. You put Pokémon into categories using arbitrary rules and think you can understand them like that... The very idea of a Pokédex revolts me. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"You're saying I should just allow people to think whatever they want and treat Pokémon however they want, no matter whether the Pokémon suffer? I refuse to tolerate the existence of a world like that!"

At Mistralton City

"They may say it is for understanding one another better, but what Trainers really use battles for is to compete... And they hurt each others' Pokémon! Am I the only one who finds this terribly painful? Whatever... I'm going to talk to your Pokémon. I've been living with Pokémon since I was born, so it's easier for me to talk with them than with people. ...Because Pokémon never tell lies."
"Hey, <lead Pokémon>. Would you tell me what kind of Trainer <player> is?"
"OK, OK, got it. So <player> was born in Nuvema Town, lives with Mom, and was given the Pokédex to start off a journey to see the world. Still, this <lead Pokémon> trusts you for some reason. That's good! If every person and Pokémon cared about one another like you two do, I could watch over the future of people and Pokémon without having to liberate Pokémon from people who just use them."
"Ghetsis is using Team Plasma to search for some special stones--the Light Stone and the Dark Stone... These stones hold the essence of two legendary Pokémon. It is said that when they lost their physical form, they fell into a slumber and were transformed. Now, they wait for the hero's arrival... I shall resurrect a legendary Dragon-type Pokémon from one of these stones, and become its friend. That will show the world that I am the new hero. Everyone will follow what I say!"
"My vision is to change the world without using force. Trying to change the world by force will just make others resist. If people resist, the ones that will be hurt are the innocent Pokémon used by foolish Trainers. You understand. Pokémon are not just tools for people to use!"
"As a result... Pokémon and Trainers who care about one another, like you and your Pokémon, will be separated. And that does break my heart a little."

At Dragonspiral Tower

"What do you think, <player>? How do you like the powerfulWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./beautifulWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. form of the Pokémon who appears before and fights beside the hero that will lead the way to a new world?"
"Now, ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. and I will head to the Pokémon League and defeat the Champion! This will be the last of the Pokémon battles that hurt Pokémon so. A world for Pokémon alone... It's finally going to be a reality."
"If you want to stop me, you must become a hero as well! That's right! When ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.'s counterpart, ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc., recognizes you, we will finally be even, and then you can try to stop us!"
"Well, what will you do? My prediction... If the future that I see is true, you will meet ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.. The Pokémon with you believe in you so strongly... Will you be the one who interferes with my formula for changing the world? If you want to protect the bonds between Pokémon and people, you must search for ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.! I'm sure it is waiting for you in the form of the Light StoneWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./Dark StoneWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.."

At Pokémon League

"It's over! Never again will Pokémon be made to suffer or be held captive by humans. It's all thanks to my friend, ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.! You may have the title of Champion… But you can't stop me with just a title. Your soft heart has left you weak. Years ago, you lost your Pokémon, your partner, to sickness. In order to forget the pain in your heart, you wandered Unova… Who knows how long it's been since you've had to fight with your full strength? I actually kind of like that about you, though. As a Trainer who far outmatches the Champion, I shall issue an order across Unova: Trainers of the world, free your Pokémon!"
"You and I both put our beliefs on the line and fought with all our strength. And I won. Do not say another word."
"...I've been waiting. In the future I envisioned, you obtained a stone. And, indeed, you have. That Light StoneWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./Dark StoneWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.... ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. is responding to it. Stop. This is not a suitable for the legendary dragons! From the ground, rise up! The castle of Team Plasma! Surround the Pokémon League!"
"What has just appeared is Team Plasma's castle. The king's words will resound from the heights to all below. You must come to the castle, as well. Everything will be decided there. Whether Pokémon will be liberated from people, or whether Pokémon and people will live together… We will see whose belief is stronger... And our result will change the world."

At N's Castle

"What I desire is a world for Pokémon, and Pokémon alone. I will separate Pokémon from people, so Pokémon can regain their original power."
"It's time to settle this once and for all! My determination is absolute! I will prove the value of my beliefs even if it means my Pokémon friends get hurt! Since you've come this far, I believe you are equally determined. If that's so, prove it to me! Show me the depth of your determination!"
"You came all this way to battle me… But ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. is not responding. You haven't yet been recognized as the hero, have you? How disappointing. I actually kind of liked you a little. Through our many battles, I got the feeling that you might be a Trainer who truly cares for Pokémon!"
"But I was kidding myself. The idea of Trainers getting to know each other through battles is ridculous! You have two options. Challenge me to a fight you can't win, or leave this place and watch the birth of a new world where Pokémon are free of people! ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.! Come to me!"
"Your Light StoneWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./Dark StoneWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. is… I mean, ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. is…"
"Zekrom and Reshiram… They were once one life. One Pokémon. Complete opposites, yet the same. Zekrom and Reshiram are Pokémon that appear before the hero they recognize. Ah… I see. You really are a hero, too. I'll tell you what that Pokémon is saying to you. "I want to battle with you. Try to make me your friend and ally." It plans to test you to see if you are really pursuing truthWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./idealsWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.. I, also, am curious to see how powerful you are. Now, catch ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. and make it your ally!"
"Ah… I see. ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc., who is said to lend its power to the hero who searches for truthWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./idealsWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc., has recognized your power and now agrees to stand by your side…"
"Hold on. Your Pokémon are hurt. There is no triumph to be gained in battling a weakened opponent."
"Now, I will create the future I desire! I shall sweep you before me!"
  • First hit
"Do you really think you can stop us with that?"
  • After sending out last Pokémon
"My last friend… Please share your courage with me!"
  • Upon defeat
"Everything's ruined. The idealsWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./truthWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. I held… The dreams Pokémon shared…"
  • After battle
"… … ZekromWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./ReshiramWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc. and I were beaten. Your truthWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc./idealsWrong template. See Template:Sup/doc.… Your feelings… They were stronger than mine, it seems… Reshiram and Zekrom… Each of them choosing a different hero… Is that even possible? Two heroes living at the same time— one that pursues truth and one that pursues ideals. Could… Could they both be right? I don't know. It's not by rejecting different ideas, but by accepting different ideas that the world creates a chemical reaction. This is truly the formula for changing the world."
"But…I have no right to be the hero!"
"Acting like you understand… Up till now, we've been fighting each other over our beliefs! Yet, despite that… Why?!"
"I want to talk to you about something."
"It's about when I first met you in Accumula Town. I was shocked when I heard what your Pokémon was saying. I was shocked because that Pokémon said it liked you. It said it wanted to be with you."
"I couldn't understand it. I couldn't believe there were Pokémon that liked people. Because, up until that moment, I'd never known a Pokémon like that. The longer my journey continued, the more unsure I became. All I kept meeting were Pokémon and people who communicated with one another and helped one another. That was why I needed to confirm my beliefs by battling with you. I wanted to confront you hero-to-hero. I needed that more than anything."
"There's no way a person like me, someone who understands only Pokémon— No, actually… I didn't understand them, either. No way could I measure up to you, when you had met so many Pokémon and were surrounded by friends…"
"The Champion has forgiven me, and… What I should do now is something I'll have to decide for myself."
  • In Black:
Replied yes at Chargestone Cave: "<Player>! You said you have a dream… That dream… Make it come true! Make your wonderful dream a reality, and it will become your truth! <Player>! If anyone can, it's you! Well, then… Farewell!"
Replied no at Chargestone Cave: "Dream your dream! Follow the path of truth to make that dream a reality, and someday you will achieve all that you dreamed of! Well, then... Farewell!"
  • In White:
Replied yes at Chargestone Cave: "<Player>! You said you have a dream… That dream… Make it come true! Wonderful dreams and ideals give you the power to change the world! If anyone can, it's you! <Player>! Well, then… Farewell!"
Replied no at Chargestone Cave: "Dream your dream! Then, pursue the ideals to make that dream a reality, and someday you will achieve all that you dreamed of! Well then… Farewell!"

Artwork

N Concept Art.jpg N Cube.jpg N Zekrom.jpg N Reshiram.jpg Black White N.png
Conceptual artwork "The Puzzle that N Carries" Artwork with Zekrom Artwork with Reshiram Black and White artwork

Sprites

Spr BW N.png VSN.png
Sprite from
Black and White
VS Sprite from
Black and White

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

N as he appears in Pokémon Adventures

N makes his first appearance standing near an Xtransceiver commercial shooting after Black manages to save it from being attacked by a wild Galvantula. He sheds tears over the fact that Pokémon are being used for purposes such as acting.

He later appears in Accumula Town where he confronts and battles Black. He expresses his disgust with the Pokédex to Black and claims that Trainers lock up his "friends" in Poké Balls just so that it can fill the Pokédex, making them nothing more than a source of information to fill the Pokédex with information. Eventually, Black's Tep manages to defeat his Tympole, and N decides to take his leave after learning that there are Pokémon that enjoy the company of Trainers. After leaving, Black reveals that N isn't really a bad person after his Musha ate his dream and revealed it to him.

Later, at Nimbasa City, N knocks White into one of the Ferris wheel cars and climbs into it. After a brief talk, N forces White's Gigi to fight his Servine. After Gigi wins, N concludes that White had been neglecting Gigi's battle skills. When White tries to escape, she is shocked to see Gigi side with N instead of her and falls hard to ground below. As the two watch from the Rondez-View Ferris wheel, N sends his Servine to White's aid.

Later, N and Gigi arrive at the Dragonspiral Tower. As he stares at the building, N muses over the location where Truth and Ideals meet while Gigi watches him.

Pokémon

Purrloin
N's Purrloin
Debut Letting Go

Purrloin is the first Pokémon seen in N's possession. It was used to battle Black in Accumula Town.

Purrloin's known moves are Night Slash and Sucker Punch.

Gurdurr
N's Gurdurr
Debut Letting Go

Gurdurr is N's second known Pokémon. It was used to battle Black in Accumula Town.

Gurdurr's only known move is Pound.

Tympole
N's Tympole
Debut Letting Go

Tympole is N's third known Pokémon. It was used to battle Black in Accumula Town.

Tympole's known moves are Hydro Pump and Echoed Voice.

Pidove
N's Pidove
Debut Letting Go

Pidove is N's fourth known Pokémon. It was used to battle Black in Accumula Town.

None of Pidove's moves are known.

Gigi
Gigi
Main article: Gigi

Gigi (Japanese: ぶぶちゃん Bubu-chan) was one of the Pokémon actresses seen in White's BW Agency. After discovering her true battle potential, Gigi decides to side with N and leaves White to join him.

Given away
Servine
N's Servine
Main article: White's Servine

Servine was one of N's Pokémon. It appeared with him at Nimbasa City when N confronted White at the Rondez-View Ferris Wheel. It was used to tease White's Gigi in order to force her to fight and free herself from its grip. After being defeated and Gigi joined N, Servine was sent to White's aid where it joined her.

In the Pocket Monsters BW manga

N in Pocket Monsters BW

N first appears in the fourth chapter of the Pocket Monsters BW manga where he shows his ability to communicate with Pokémon which Isamu Akai's Clefairy tries to record and sell for money.

Pokémon

Purrloin
Debut PMBW04

Purrloin was only shown interacting with N while Clefairy was recording N's voice to sell CD's.


In the Pokémon BW: The Heroes of Fire and Thunder manga

N appears in every chapter of Pokémon BW: The Heroes of Fire and Thunder as the king of Team Plasma, known for harshly punishing any failure by grunts and wishing to turn Unova into a country inhabited only by Pokémon. He is first seen wearing a cape in atown in Unova, where he is approached by Shin who asks him for a battle, impressed by his Purrloin. He responds that he is not a Pokémon Trainer, but merely a Traveler. Several Team Plasma grunts then appear and snatch up his Purrloin, not realising that he is their boss. Shin is angry about them stealing Pokémon, but N states that he should not get involved because it'd be dangerous for him, but Shin replies that he doesn't mind.

As they follow the grunts, N questions Shin's reasons for desperately trying to rescue his Purrloin if he is just a Pokémon Trainer who uses Pokémon as tools, to which he replies that travelling together with a Pokémon is just more fun. N overhears a pair of Pidoves talking, to which Shin begs N to teach him how to understand Pokémon language, leading N to call him an odd Pokémon Trainer.

Catching up with Togari in a rocky plateau, he wonders why humans give orders to Pokémon to make them hurt each other, and tells Shin he is just saving Pokémon to make himself feel good, which he rejects, stating that being with a Pokémon is more fun for both the Trainer and the Pokémon as N hears Shin and his Tepig's voices in unison. N feels that Shin is stirring some emotion within him, saying that Shin really is an odd Pokémon Trainer for getting Purrloin back for him, and Shin decides to travel together with N as his journey will be more fun if they're together.

The second chapter starts as Shin and N are trying to return a Blitzle to its Zebstrika herd, but though having being asked to by the Blitzle, the Zebstrika are too scared to think because they are humans. N, realising this when Shin attacks with his Pignite, jumps in the way and takes the attack instad, getting severely burned upon his arms. He says that despite being in pain, it's fine if to stop a Pokémon from being hurt, explaining his dream to create a world where Pokémon can live happily by using the power of legendary Pokémon.

Shin replies that it's a dream he'll support too, but N advises him to find his own dream. As they arrive at Dragonspiral Tower, N and Shin are separated by a falling pillar. N suggests that they should each make their separate way to the top floor where the legendary Pokémon resides, but as Shin tries to ascend the tower, he is met by Togari who blocks him upon the orders of his "King"—to give him time to befriend Zekrom.

Finally, Shin arrives, and is surprised that no-one is there but N. N introduces Shin to his new friend who will fulfill his dream, Zekrom, this time stating in full that his dream is to free Pokémon from foolish humans and create a place they can live happily by making a country just for Pokémon. Shin realises his dream is the same as the dream of the "King" of Team Plasma, to which N replies is him himself, and argues that there is no other choice as the world as it exists just gets Pokémon hurt. As he flies off upon Zekrom's back, he tells Shin that though he despises humans, Shin alone he'll allow to live in the world he creates.

In chapters three and four N is shown standing on the rubble of the Pokémon League having defeated the Elite Four and states Alder is next; and is explained by Alder that N told him that nobody but a Pokémon Trainer by the name of Shin could stand up to him, and sent Alder to help him become the Hero of Fire by controlling Reshiram.

In the final chapter Shin arrives at the secret headquarters of Team Plasma, N's Castle to fight N. N decides that Shin is after all just another human who cannot hear the weeping voices of Pokémon, summoning Zekrom to do battle and easily defeating Shin, saying that the strength of the legendary Pokémon depend on how strong their hero's ideal or truth is, with his being the strongest having heard the weeping voices of Pokémon for so long, and the pain of separation will be only an instant of pain among a future free of it, as while humans live together with Pokémon, there will always be Pokémon hurt and crying somewhere.

Shin replies that if he was a real hero he'd save everyone, not just Pokémon, to which N replies that if that is true, show him his resolution through Reshiram. However, Shin gets defeated again, with him and Reshiram getting trapped under rubble, and Emboar unable to produce a flame. Yet he proclaims that he'll never give in until the very end, and Reshiram sets Emboar's fist on fire with its flame, to give it the power to attack through Zekrom's shield of thunder. However, as Emboar attempts to punch through it, instead it combines with the flame on his fist to become a piece of the Original Pokémon's power, a ball of flaming thunder, and Shin states that while N may be strong alone, Emboar's power now is a power they have only created by everyone working together, and Emboar punches out Zekrom.

Some time later, N lies together with Shin on the roof of his castle, realising that perhaps the world is not as black and white as he calculated, and that he will disband Team Plasma and rework his ideals over again from the start. Admitting that he too enjoyed their battle, he bids farewell to Shin as he flies off on Zekrom, wishing that perhaps one day they may meet and battle again.

Pokémon

N refuses to call the Pokémon he befriends "his Pokémon," instead naming them "his friends."

Purrloin

Purrloin is the first Pokémon seen in N's possession. It is stolen by Team Plasma grunts attempting to win N's favor, yet not knowing they are stealing it from N. Shin helps N defeat Togari and get it back. Later, he uses it to deliver a letter to Togari.

None of Purrloin's moves are known.

Zekrom
N's Zekrom

Zekrom is N's second known Pokémon. Atop Dragonspiral Tower it responds to N's commitment to his ideals and allows him to befriend it. He later uses it to destroy the Pokémon League and battle against Shin.

Zekrom's known moves are Fusion Bolt and Dragon Claw; however, it uses many attacks that are unidentified.

In the TCG

This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring N in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Name Type Rarity Set Set no.
N Su Uncommon Noble Victories 92/101
SuperRare Holo 101/101
Uncommon Dark Explorers 96/108

Trivia

Bulbanews
Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:
  • The cube hanging from N's belt is a sliding puzzle similar to a Void Cube, and has been in his possession since childhood. It's one of many design elements reflecting the character's mathematical motif, and also resembles the first iteration of a Menger sponge, a geometric figure that simultaneously has infinite surface area and zero volume.
    • N's concept artwork and the accompanying notes indicate that the puzzle cube might eventually become relevant to the game's plot and show that a central cube with a keyhole will appear when the puzzle is solved, locking away something mysterious in its core, which is implied to be a Pokémon.
  • N, Bianca, and Cheren are the only Trainers in Black and White with animated battle sprites.
  • Unlike most recurring characters, N battles with a completely different team in every appearance (except for his Klinklang, which may have evolved from the Klink from the fourth battle). This may stem from his belief that Pokémon should not be used as tools, as every Pokémon he uses (except for the last battle against him) can be found in the surrounding area.
    • It is interesting to note that N is seen with a Zorua as a child in the game's opening. It may be the Zoroark that is used in the last battle against him.
  • N is the only Trainer from a main series game not fought in a Battle Tower or Battle Frontier to use a legendary Pokémon on his team, and the only Trainer to use an event Pokémon.
  • N uses 15 of the 17 types of Pokémon, only not using Pokémon of the Poison and Ghost types. Ironically, Poison-type Pokémon are often used by members of villainous teams.
  • N is fought more times than any other villainous team leader. However, he uses the Pokémon Trainer class during his first two battles.
  • N is the only villainous team leader who keeps his Japanese name.
  • N speaks very quickly, as indicated by the fact that his dialogue is printed faster than that of other characters and by Cheren's comment upon first meeting him: "Slow down. You talk too fast." Regardless of what speed the player has the dialogue set at, N's dialogue prints at the fastest speed, except when the player already has the dialogue set at the fastest speed; in that case, N's prints even faster.
  • N is 1.80 m tall (5'11").
  • N is the only Trainer in the series to use a legendary Pokémon during the main story (excluding side series games).

Names

N

Language Name Origin
Japanese N The Latin letter N; from natural number. Also possibly short for Natural.
English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean N The Latin letter N; from natural number. Also possibly short for Natural.


Natural Harmonia Gropius

Language Name Origin
Japanese ナチュラル・ハルモニア・グロピウス Natural Harmonia Gropius Natural comes from natural number; it may also reference to his understanding of nature. N and Harmonia may compound to make Enharmonic. Gropius may be a reference to the Bauhaus architect Walter Gropius.
English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean Natural Harmonia Gropius Natural comes from natural number; it may also reference to his understanding of nature. N and Harmonia may compound to make Enharmonic. Gropius may be a reference to the Bauhaus architect Walter Gropius.


References

Villainous team leaders
Core series GiovanniMaxieArchieCyrusNGhetsisColressLysandreGuzmaPiersCassiopeia
Side series GonzapEviceGreevil
Ranger series GordorBlake HallKincaidSocietea
Masters EX GiovanniGuzmaCyrusNLysandrePiersGhetsisMaxieArchieColressPauloPenny
Other
games
BiruritchiBaron PhobosMunnaDark RustDon RogerGiovanni
Animated series GiovanniMadame BossMaxieArchieCyrusGhetsisLysandreGuzmaPiersGibeon
Adventures GiovanniMasked ManMaxieArchieCyrusNGhetsisColressLysandreGuzmaPiers
Other manga FraudMeja


Project CharacterDex logo.png This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.