Due to the collaboration between Professor Samuel Oak's research institute and the Tokyo Metropolitan University Pokémon Day Care, academic challenges often led the latter to seek the professor's expertise.
This time, however, the problem lay with a particular Pokémon sent from Tokyo Metropolitan University to Professor Oak's ranch.
After discussions with Principal Hiroshi of Tokyo Metropolitan University, Professor Oak concluded:
It wasn't just the Pokémon's overwhelming strength—its sheer presence intimidated others, making even seasoned Trainers falter in their attempts to catch it.
Professor Oak stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Natsume, a Tokyo Metropolitan University alumnus, had both the skill and status to handle this Pokémon. It'd be a perfect fit.
Just as he reached for the phone, Professor Oak paused. "Wait... isn't he preparing for a tournament right now?"
As a Celadon University graduate, Professor Oak was well aware of the upcoming Trainer academy exchange matches.
With Natsume coaching, his priority would undoubtedly be training his students.
"I'll invite him after the tournament," Professor Oak mused with a smile.
"After all, I owe him a proper thank-you... and I'd better prepare something special!"
...
December 5th, Saturday.
Among the three participants representing Celadon Academy, Wally stood out as the strongest.
Beyond his trusted Gallade, he also commanded a Steel/Electric-type Magnezone—a solid defensive and offensive asset.
Despite his frail health, Wally never skipped training, earning even Gladion's begrudging respect.
In a way, every student in Natsume's class had their own driving force.
Gladion sought strength to find his missing father.
Wally wanted to prove that even someone like him could become a great Pokémon Trainer.
Giselle had initially been drawn to Natsume's looks, only to later admire his skill.
And the student obsessed with card hairstyles? Probably just chasing rare pulls.
With the tournament approaching, even Gengar was putting the younger Pokémon through rigorous drills.
Natsume had originally planned to slack off during the faculty matches, leaving Erika to carry the team.
But fate had other plans—Erika would be busy with League inspections during the event.
Thus, the school decided: Natsume would lead the delegation instead.
The man slumped in defeat.
So this is how you dodge work?!
"Three days until the tournament," Erika reminded him over the phone, hesitating. "Please... try not to humiliate the opponents too much."
If Natsume went all out, nobody would stand a chance.
Natsume: "Relax. The students will handle scoring. I'll handle slacking."
Erika sighed.
Every time he claimed he'd slack off, things ended in devastation.
Was he planning to drain the pond this time?!
"Just... use your discretion," she muttered before hanging up.
Natsume glanced at Gengar.
"We're there to build friendships. Got it?"
"Gengar!" The Gengar nodded eagerly.
Friendship-building?
Piece of cake.
I've built plenty of friendships with Gym Leader Takuya!
...
The weather turned colder, but today offered a rare break before the tournament.
Natsume lounged by the fireplace, a Sylveon curled on his lap.
At his feet, the lion-like Arcanine yawned lazily.
"Togepi doo-ee~"
The tiny egg Pokémon tumbled off Arcanine's back, phone in hand, only to be gently scooped up and placed back.
Natsume set his book aside, watching with mild concern.
Every time, I worry it'll get crunched...
But with Togepi's luck, danger was never truly a threat.
Ruffling Arcanine's mane, Natsume checked the reports from Oleana.
The Pokémon Company's online TCG platform was still in development.
Once launched, he could finally let Togepi handle his card pack openings.
Additionally, to promote the digital release, the Sinnoh Expansion would debut by year's end.
Despite the cold, hype for the new set burned hot among players.
Sure, it had been delayed multiple times—
But nobody remembers mediocre games that release on schedule.
With Mina overseeing the artwork and each card meticulously detailing its Pokémon, quality was guaranteed.
This expansion would also introduce the first Trainer card:
[Trainer Card · Cynthia]
Unlike standard Trainer cards, this one was a collector's masterpiece.
Only two copies existed worldwide—one for Natsume, the other for Cynthia herself.
If I can print cards, why not start with my wife?
When Natsume shared the news, Cynthia responded with a soft "Hmm."
"I'll deliver it in person," he said. "I'll be in Jubilife City soon."
The tournament's location was conveniently close to her home.
"Where are you staying?" Cynthia asked.
"With the students at a hotel."
"You could bring them here."
Natsume blinked. "You have a villa in Jubilife too?"
"Of course," came her smug reply.
"Then let me repay you with a meal," Natsume offered. "Any requests?"
A long silence followed.
Cynthia's voice turned uncharacteristically hesitant. "...Anything's fine?"
Amused, Natsume teased, "I've got two cards here. Which one do you want?"
Cynthia: "..."
"Kidding." He chuckled. "You get both."
That's more like it.
"...Any female students?" she asked after a pause.
"One."
"Then I'll host after I meet them," she declared firmly.
Natsume laughed. "Deal!"
...
Three Days Later
After final training sessions, Natsume and his students departed for Sinnoh's Jubilife City.
A long-standing tradition, the Inter-School Exchange Tournament drew significant attention, with matches broadcast live over three days.
On the train, the frail green-haired boy fidgeted nervously.
"Just do your best, like always," Natsume encouraged. "Your parents will be watching."
Wally nodded.
Many times, he'd resented not receiving a Special Pokédex.
Yet Professor Oak, Natsume, even Ruby—
None had ever given up on him.
I won't let them down.
Across the aisle, Gladion stared at the passing scenery, fists clenched.
Will my family see this?
Thoughts of his mother and sister in Alola steeled his resolve.
I can't afford to lose.
Sandwiched between them, Giselle squirmed under the pressure.
"Mr. Natsume... if I lose, you won't punish me, right?"
"100 copies of the type chart," he deadpanned.
They'd trained, strategized, even used Pokéblocks.
Losing now would tarnish his reputation!
Giselle sighed. "And... if I win?"
"What do you want?"
"100 autographs?" She backtracked at his glare. "...10?"
"Ten's manageable," Natsume grumbled. "But no reselling! I haven't even tested their market value yet."
"Deal!" Giselle beamed.
For now, I'll hoard them. Their worth will skyrocket eventually!
...
After checking into the tournament hotel, Natsume briefed the team.
"Four schools, two days of matches. Each round features three students and three faculty members per team."
He crossed his arms. "My expectations aren't high—just three straight wins each. Easy, right?"
The trio nodded with terrifying determination.
Nearby, Teacher Kanon blinked.
If they sweep everything... what's left for us?
Then again—
Is this Natsume's teaching style in action?!
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