Early in the morning, Natsume's fan group was already buzzing with activity.
Misty, fresh from her training at the Seafoam Islands, had rushed back to Cerulean City and posted in the chat:
"Natsume-sensei, you already got the Cascade Badge?"
"Yeah… somehow," Natsume replied, exhausted.
"Good thing I contacted my sisters in advance," Misty sighed in relief. "Otherwise, they might've been too busy with their performances to give it to you."
A giant question mark materialized above Natsume's head.
So THAT'S why they disguised the Cerulean Badge as a prize!
You're the traitor here, Misty!
"I watched the fishing competition highlights," Green chimed in. "Seems like it got pretty wild?"
"Just… unexpected circumstances," Natsume coughed awkwardly.
Thanks to the Trio's unparalleled talent for causing chaos, Natsume had somehow walked away as the fishing champion.
Meanwhile, Squirtle had mastered Hydro Pump, inching ever closer to becoming a one-turtle apocalypse.
At this rate, the cost of sending Squirtle into battle would escalate from Max Potions straight to Mystic Waters.
"Wait… did I just shoot myself in the foot?" Natsume muttered.
As for the badge being handed out like a party favor—well, that was just tradition at the Cerulean Gym.
Shaking off his frustration, Natsume carefully pinned the Cascade Badge inside his jacket.
Three badges now gleamed back at him.
"No big deal. Still five more to go."
Five badges!
There's no way I'll complete this mission!
...
November 29th, Sunday.
Since it was the weekend, everyone was lounging at home, gathered around the TV.
On screen, Diantha starred in a movie alongside her Gardevoir.
"Y'know, Gengar could totally be an actor too," Natsume mused, idly ruffling Arcanine's warm fur.
Sure, it wasn't leading-man material, but horror movies? Absolutely.
Maybe even a Magical Girl Gengar spin-off?
"Gengar!" Gengar nodded through a mouthful of popcorn.
"Sylveon~" Sylveon, however, yawned and stretched before hopping off Natsume's lap.
Clearly unimpressed with the film, it padded toward the cat flap.
"Be back soon!" Natsume called.
"Sylveon~" (Got it~)
Squirtle, for once, was relaxing with the group.
Ever cautious, it chewed on specially-made Pokéblocks instead of popcorn, eyes narrowed at the screen.
Even movie star Gardevoir is this strong?!
Can't let my guard down. Gotta prepare for every battle!
"Togepi~"
Meanwhile, Togepi—dressed in a Pikachu onesie—rolled gleefully across the couch, clutching Natsume's phone.
On screen, a Grumpig was sent flying in Angry Pidove.
Victory secured, Togepi kicked its tiny feet in delight.
"Togepi doo-ee~ o(≧▽≦)ツ"*
Natsume smirked.
Machamp's cool and all, but Togepi's the real champ.
...
Natsume was sorting through paperwork when his phone rang—Oleana was calling.
"The PTCG mobile game is currently in development," she reported.
Oleana continued, "Additionally, several single-player DLCs have been completed, and Pokémon Auto Chess has officially entered production."
"Good work," Natsume nodded. "How much funding can I personally allocate right now?"
"Given the need to balance other projects," Oleana paused thoughtfully, "your available funds amount to roughly 10 million Pokémon Coins."
Natsume blinked in surprise.
Wait… after just a few months, I've already saved up 10 million Pokémon Coins?!
Who would've thought—Natsume, rolling in dough like some high-roller!
But in reality, it wasn't that much.
Several hit single-player games had only been out for a short while, and the physical branches of the Training Club were still burning through funds.
10 million Pokémon Coins wouldn't even cover a decent house in Tokyo.
Sure, Natsume had already spent millions on his little ones.
But compared to the billions that Champions and Elite Four members poured into Pokémon Coins breeding, this amount couldn't even buy a single Mega Stone.
Natsume sighed softly.
This is exactly why I'm worried about getting that Key Stone…
Well, at least I don't have to worry about borrowing money for now!
In high spirits, Natsume placed Togepi into a grocery basket and headed out to shop with Gengar.
I'll have to prepare a proper dinner before Sylveon gets back~
...
Meanwhile, a snow-white Sylveon stood before the doors of the Fighting Gym.
Its azure eyes gleamed with determination.
While the rest of the team grew stronger, Sylveon refused to fall behind.
Just as Gengar trained itself, Sylveon had taken to grinding its own EXP.
With its Pixilate Ability, combined with Anticipation from its Eevee days, Sylveon could efficiently locate the best "dungeons" for leveling up.
"Sylveon!" it declared firmly.
For my Trainer, I'll become even stronger!
Using its ribbon, Sylveon pushed open the gym doors.
Every apprentice inside turned to stare.
...
As one of only two gyms in Saffron City, the Fighting Gym had lost its official status after being defeated by Sabrina.
But that didn't make it any less formidable.
The gym's balding master, nicknamed Karate Master, was preparing to face challenger Bea when the doors suddenly swung open.
"Another challenger?" The Karate Master narrowed his eyes sternly—until he saw who it was.
"SO CUTE!!" he squealed, instantly switching to a girlish tone as he rushed forward. "What's wrong, little one? Did you get separated from your Trainer? Want me to help you find him?"
The apprentices exchanged awkward glances.
Master… please keep it together.
Meanwhile, Bea, standing in the training grounds, crossed her arms thoughtfully.
This Sylveon… why does it look so familiar?
"Sylveon! (〝▼皿▼)"
Sylveon bared its teeth and pointed a ribbon at the Karate Master's Poké Ball.
The master blinked. "You… want to battle?"
Sylveon nodded proudly.
Murmurs broke out among the apprentices.
"A wild Pokémon?"
"Wait—didn't the Saffron Gym get challenged by a Pokémon too?"
"That's just unfair!"
Bea's expression darkened as realization struck.
If this really is Natsume-sensei's Pokémon…
Then challenging a gym solo wouldn't be strange at all!
One apprentice finally stood up. "Master, I'll handle this!"
"Don't hurt it!" the Karate Master fretted.
"Relax," the apprentice smirked. "Go, Machoke!"
The muscular Machoke lunged, fists swinging—only for Sylveon to tilt its head back and let out a piercing cry.
The Growl, amplified by Pixilate, sent shockwaves through the gym, forcing everyone to cover their ears.
Machoke was blasted backward, slamming into the wall before collapsing, KO'd.
"Sylveon~" Sylveon shook its head cutely.
Such low EXP… not enough!
The Karate Master gulped.
This Pokémon might be even stronger than Sabrina's Mr. Mime!
"Very well," he said, tightening his headband. "I'll accept your challenge!"
...
[Ding! Gym Challenge complete!]
[Note: Unofficial gyms do not award Badges. Host, please be advised!]
Natsume, mid-dinner prep, twitched.
"Do I look like I'm challenging a gym right now?!"
The System stayed silent.
This… doesn't make sense…
Just then, Sylveon slipped in through the cat flap and hopped onto the couch.
Natsume eyed it suspiciously.
"Did you go grind at a gym again?"
"Sylveon~" It nodded cheerfully.
"But Saffron Gym has Gengar coaching there—they'd recognize you." Natsume paused. "Wait… you went to the other gym? The Fighting Gym?"
"Sylveon!" It grinned.
Natsume clutched his chest.
Saffron City has two gyms—Psychic and Fighting. And you two decided to solo one each?!
Sure, it was exactly the kind of thing his Pokémon would do.
But this wasn't Tokyo, and the Leader wasn't Takuya…
Sending Pokémon to bulldoze gyms… probably isn't a good look?
With a strained smile, Natsume muttered, "Guess I'd better check on the Fighting Gym first…"
Natsume, mid-dinner prep, twitched.
"Do I look like I'm challenging a gym right now?!"
The System stayed silent.
This… doesn't make sense…
Just then, Sylveon slipped in through the cat flap and hopped onto the couch.
Natsume eyed it suspiciously.
"Did you go challenge a gym again?"
"But Saffron Gym has Gengar coaching there—they'd recognize you." Natsume paused. "Wait… you went to the other gym? The Fighting Gym?"
"Sylveon!" It grinned.
Natsume clutched his chest.
Saffron City has two gyms—Psychic and Fighting. And you two decided to solo one each?!
Sure, it was exactly the kind of thing his Pokémon would do.
But this wasn't Tokyo, and the Leader wasn't Takuya…
Sending Pokémon to bulldoze gyms… probably isn't a good look?
With a strained smile, Natsume muttered, "Guess I'd better check on the Fighting Gym first…"
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