Matori assumed Natsume-sensei was too moved to speak.
She sipped her coffee leisurely. "Lord Giovanni truly knows how to value talent!"
The oilpaper wrapping had been removed, revealing a plain book with painfully conspicuous lettering on the cover.
Natsume ran his fingers over the words "Giovanni's Techniques" and sighed silently.
This was indeed Boss Giovanni's style.
In the original timeline, Blue Oak had discovered this book in Viridian Gym. There was no way Giovanni would have overlooked such precious manuals.
The only explanation was that Giovanni wanted his knowledge to be passed down—a point of pride as a Trainer.
The remarkably generous Giovanni had even personally given Red the "Old Amber" containing Aerodactyl...
"Please... th-thank Giovanni for me!"
"Don't worry," Matori smiled. "I'll convey your gratitude in full!"
Natsume picked up the leaf-shaped badge.
Just from celebrating Christmas, he'd not only unlocked Gigantamax...
But somehow ended up with the Earth Badge and Giovanni's Techniques too.
Mixed emotions swirled in Natsume's chest—until he realized none of his Pokémon specialized in Ground-types.
Otherwise, with these techniques, one Earthquake would have renovation crews calling him a pro.
"Blastoise can learn it, right? Whatever." He exhaled. "At least that's one silver lining..."
"Gengar!" Gengar emerged from a cake it had face-planted into, licking frosting off its lips.
Gengar's eyes locked onto Giovanni's Techniques in Natsume's hands, immediately sparkling with excitement.
"Gengar! (≧◇≦)"
New textbook! Score!
As Natsume wiped cake off Gengar's face, he asked casually, "By the way, how's Meowth's group been? Haven't heard much lately."
"They went to Hoenn's Rustboro City for 'market research' at Devon Corp.," Matori said dryly. "If they put half this effort into legitimate business, they'd be thriving..."
Natsume recalled James' "Trainer Card production" mission and shook his head in awe.
Those three... might just be the company's top employees!
...
After parting with Matori, Natsume headed home to cook.
The streets still carried holiday cheer, with even Poké Marts sporting Christmas trees.
Back home, rustling sounds came from Cynthia's room.
Natsume checked his watch—11:03 AM.
Yep. Peak Sinnoh Champion slacker hours.
When the door opened, Cynthia stood there in a black sweater with cut-out shoulders, revealing delicate collarbones and a swan-like neck.
Not a trace of dark circles marred her flawless complexion as she yawned behind her hand, golden hair tousled.
"Morning~"
"It's almost noon."
"Back in Tokyo, you slept in too, didn't you?" She tilted her head.
"I've been going to bed early lately," Natsume said. "To make you breakfast."
Cynthia gathered her hair, exposing her nape. "Early nights and late mornings aren't mutually exclusive!"
Natsume opened his mouth—then closed it.
"I'll wake up earlier then," Cynthia added.
"You don't have Early Bird as your ability. Why bother?"
"Skill Swap," she grinned. "I can borrow it."
By midday (technically brunch), Togepi gulped from a giant soda bottle in its high chair.
"Togepi~!"
Squirtle tore off a bread crust, scrutinized Gengar, then nodded solemnly before offering it.
"Sirfetch'd~!" Sirfetch'd sniffed the onion-scented bread—then paused.
Galarian Farfetch'd did eat leeks, after all.
"Sirfetch'd!" Its eyes lit up. Tasty!
Cynthia watched Squirtle thoughtfully.
"This reminds me of a joke Shauntal told me."
"What joke?"
"Charmander asks Squirtle to borrow money," she began, then burst out laughing. "S-Squirtle says—"
"Squirtle-le?" (Lend it?)
"Yes! (≧▽≦)"*
Natsume stared as Cynthia doubled over giggling, her usual composure melting into flushed cheeks.
Dangerous. My wife's cuteness is lethal!
"Ahem." Cynthia straightened, puzzled. "Not funny?"
"Hahaha."
"You're laughing at me," she sighed, propping her chin on her hands.
Natsume's heart stuttered.
Even pouting is adorable!
"Squirtle, lend me 100 Pokédollars," he said to test a theory.
Squirtle pondered, then waddled off and returned with a string of Mystic Waters.
"Squirtle!" It offered them gravely.
Natsume paled. How much have I spent on microtransactions?!
Cynthia cradled Glaceon, watching them with an amused smile.
...
As morning faded, Cynthia prepared to return to Sinnoh.
Though planned, parting still tugged at Natsume's chest.
In her signature black trench coat and hair accessories, she looked every inch the regal Champion.
"Next visit might be after New Year's," she said, mounting Garchomp.
"Sinnoh's close. I might move there next year," Natsume offered.
"To take my title?"
"Dunno about that, but I'll definitely 'take' you."
When Cynthia blinked, he continued:
"I have dreams, you know."
"Traveling with the little ones, meeting rare Pokémon, cuddling them nightly."
"Retiring early to read with Sylveon in the sun."
He met her gaze.
"And opening a café. Preferably with you."
Afternoon light gilded her hair as she smiled.
"Then I'll wait for you."
...
By the time Natsume snapped back to reality...
Garchomp was already a speck in the blue sky, its contrail slicing through clouds.
He lingered until the black coat vanished—then turned indoors...
And froze.
"Gengar!"
There sat Gengar, Wise Glasses perched on its nose, Giovanni's Techniques spread across its lap.
Its red tongue traced the text thoughtfully.
"Gengar~ (⊙~⊙)"
This training method... actually works?
Mine now!
Arms crossed, Natsume sighed—just as his phone buzzed.
A message from Lance:
"@Steven - Poachers near Rustboro City handled."
Steven replied: "My thanks. I'm in Kalos currently, and Wallace is short-staffed."
"Routine work," Lance said modestly.
Yellow chimed in: "Mr. Lance, back to work already?"
Lance's response was a single, weary sigh.
Natsume's eye twitched.
Since when does Lance operate in Hoenn?!
How much do you love busting criminals?!
Then—a jolt of alarm.
Rustboro City... Where the Trio went.
Poachers...
This might be the plot where Team Rocket released Weezing and Arbok!
In the anime, facing poachers capturing Poison-types, the Trio had stalled them—then tearfully freed their partners.
Natsume had overlooked this, assuming Weezing and Arbok were safe.
Only Lance's mention of poachers jogged his memory.
He quickly DM'd Lance:
"Any poachers targeting Poison-types?"
"Checking..."
Minutes later: "One suspect named Rico remains at large. Why?"
Natsume inhaled sharply.
Turning to Gengar, he murmured:
"We need to go to Hoenn."
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