Pallet Town, Oak Research Institute.
Upon hearing the news of his upcoming departure,
Ash clenched his fists, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I get to travel with Natsume-sensei?!"
"This is… amazing!"
Professor Oak, dressed in his white lab coat, coughed dryly. "Ash, calm down. This is a mission, not a vacation…"
Before he could finish, Ash had already bolted out of the research institute in a whirlwind.
"That kid…"
Professor Oak sighed with a wry smile, only to see Ash suddenly double back.
"Uh… Professor Oak?"
Ash scratched his head sheepishly. "What's Natsume-sensei's contact info again?"
The sky was clear, and a herd of Tauros galloped across the courtyard, kicking up clouds of dust.
Blue Oak set down the documents in his hand, slipping one into his pocket.
Helping out at the research institute occasionally… wasn't so bad.
Suddenly, a swift figure dashed past him. Blue called out, "Ash!"
Ash skidded to a halt, turning to look before breaking into a grin. "Senior Blue Oak! I've already finished my training regimen. Right now, I'm just getting ready for Professor Oak's Pokédex evaluation mission."
Blue nodded slightly.
To think… this kid could even handle double the usual training load.
Though still rough around the edges, his talent was undeniable.
Blue stepped forward, straightening Ash's collar with a calm demeanor. "Mind your tone when speaking to Natsume-sensei. Don't be reckless, and don't challenge him carelessly."
His gaze sharpened abruptly. "Otherwise… you'll regret it."
Ash's smile froze for a second before he nodded frantically, like a rattata caught in headlights.
Brash as he was, Ash wasn't stupid. If even his senior was this serious, he'd better listen.
Given how tense Blue was acting… Natsume-sensei might be on the same level as Senior Red.
"Guess last time we battled, Natsume-sensei was just giving me pointers," Ash muttered, scratching his head. "Maybe… I should bring more pocket money this time? As tuition?"
Watching Ash's retreating figure,
Blue found himself lost in thought.
It reminded him of when he and Red had left Pallet Town all those years ago… that same fiery determination.
The usually proud and aloof Blue Oak allowed himself a rare smile.
"Who knows… maybe you really will become a Pokémon Master one day."
His phone buzzed. Blue glanced down at the chat group.
Gold: "So tired… stayed up way too late listening to Miss Mary's midnight radio show."
Natsume-sensei: "Why not listen to mine instead?"
Gold's eye twitched as he recalled the last time he tuned into Natsume's broadcast.
Just when the lecture was lulling him to sleep, Natsume had suddenly unleashed a Snarl.
Who could handle that?!
Erika: "Hm? Natsume-sensei, did you not come to Celadon School today?"
Natsume: "Nope. Professor Oak asked me to accompany Ash on an evaluation mission, so I took leave from Principal Earl Dervish."
Erika: "Even if you hadn't… we hardly see you around anyway."
Natsume coughed awkwardly.
That's unfair… I did win the league championship for Celadon School!
The academic year's goals were already met. Sure, a few training facilities might've been blown up in the process…
But Principal Earl Dervish should probably be thanking me!
Yellow: [Pikachu dancing.jpg]
Yellow: "Where exactly is the evaluation happening?"
Natsume-sensei: "Somewhere near Kalos, I think? Practically the Nordic ."
The group chat didn't seem to have any Kalos locals.
After some light teasing, the conversation shifted to League Tournament gossip.
Hours later.
Steven wiped limestone dust from his forehead.
Like a child who'd found a treasured toy, he smiled as he tucked a rare mineral into his satchel.
Skimming the chat logs, he typed: "I'm actually in the Nordic right now. If you need assistance, feel free to reach out."
Natsume blinked in surprise.
Sure, it was just a document retrieval mission.
But with Ash's protagonist aura, there was always a risk of stumbling into some world-ending crisis.
Having Steven around would crank the safety factor up several notches.
"We'll see how it goes,"
Natsume replied cheerfully. "Thanks, Steven."
"No problem." Steven's voice came through the voice message, warm and composed, followed by the rhythmic clinking of a pickaxe. "Back to work, then."
For a wealthy heir, his passion for rocks was… unusual.
Maybe it was the thrill of discovery—that mined gems felt more rewarding than bought ones?
Come to think of it… Steven probably had a private collection of Mega Stones by now.
Natsume stared blankly at the sky, thinking of his own team.
With the company's current liquidity, dropping millions on a single Mega Stone would still hurt…
A glance at the system's "Key Stone Mission" made his heart skip.
Two more Badges to go… gotta play this carefully!
...
This trip with Ash would last about a week.
Though supplies could always be bought at the Poké Mart,
camping gear was a must when traveling with the little ones.
Bringing a Super Rod might even help spice up their meals.
As for the rest of the luggage, there was Squirtle's fish tank—
"Leave it to Gengar," Natsume coughed lightly.
As Gengar's strength grew, so did its mastery over shadows.
In other words—Doraemon-ghost's pocket dimension had expanded!
"Gengar~ (￣～￣)"
Gengar floated mid-air in a seated position, pulling out cola and chips from its 'pocket.'
"Togepi~ (✿◠‿◠)" Togepi tiptoed, waving its tiny hands at Gengar.
With a pop, Gengar plopped back onto the floor and handed the chips over.
While those two shared snacks,
Sirfetch'd and Squirtle stood nearby, exuding an air of serene wisdom—like true 'big brains.'
"Sylveon~" Sylveon sat atop a suitcase, playfully swaying its ribbons.
Natsume, now herding his entire team, gave Arcanine's head an affectionate ruffle.
Time to head to Viridian City—the meeting spot with Ash.
December 30th, Wednesday.
Natsume waited at the train station, idly stroking Sylveon in his lap.
The platform wasn't crowded. A group of girls chatting nearby kept sneaking glances his way.
Sabrina's message pinged: "What's your itinerary?"
Natsume paused. Right—Gengar was still Saffron Gym's coach. "Three days minimum, a week max. I'll bring Gengar back ASAP," he replied, clearing his throat.
Sabrina's lips curved slightly. "By the way, Lt. Surge is at Vermilion Port. If you need a Badge…"
"Gotta go!"
Natsume hung up abruptly. Sabrina tapped her desk, bemused.
Was he avoiding owing me a favor?
But as Team Rocket's mentor, Lt. Surge would likely make a move regardless.
Recalling her last meeting with the Thunder Lieutenant, Sabrina's fingers drummed the wood.
With his personality, Surge might even challenge Natsume outright.
And if so… letting him taste defeat wouldn't be the worst outcome.
A faint, amused smile touched her lips.
"Lt. Surge… try not to disappoint our mentor."
Chapter 0324: Ash Joins the Chat Group
Outside Viridian City's train station, Natsume spotted the ever-energetic Ash.
"Natsume-sensei!"
A young man in a blue hoodie and red cap, with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, sprinted toward him.
Ash braced his hands on his knees, catching his breath before grinning up. "Sorry to keep you waiting!"
Natsume's eye twitched. "Did you… run here all the way from Pallet Town?"
"Yeah, why?"
According to Delia, Ash's father had once taken three days to travel from Pallet Town to Viridian City.
Yet Ash, fleeing a swarm of Spearow, had made the same trip downstream in half a day…
"Never mind." Natsume shook his head, gaining a fresh appreciation for Ash's inhuman stamina.
"Pikachu~!" Pikachu's nose twitched, its eyes lighting up.
This Trainer smelled amazing!
Natsume was no stranger to Pikachu either.
At the last party, I nearly got fried by this Pikachu.
Natsume scratched Pikachu's soft chin and casually offered a Pokéblock.
"Pikachu..."
The electric mouse nibbled like a happy hamster, completely forgetting to use Thunderbolt.
Ash's jaw dropped.
Pikachu had not been this friendly when they first met!
But Ash figured Natsume-sensei must have the same kind of aura as Yellow—something that drew Pokémon in.
"Natsume-sensei," Ash said, rubbing his head with a grin, "looking forward to traveling with you!"
"Pikachu~!" Pikachu nodded enthusiastically from Ash's shoulder.
"Likewise."
Natsume smiled, subtly eyeing Ash's cap.
Red and black, with half a green Poké Ball emblem—this was Ash's AG-era design.
Worth noting: Ash's caps, outfits, and battle prowess varied wildly across regions.
AG and DP-era Ash? A tactical genius.
He'd pioneered moves like "Swellow's Thunder Armor" and the "Counter Shield."
His feats included conquering the Battle Frontier and toppling a Legendary Pokémon user.
BW and XY were… debatable.
But in the most lighthearted series, Sun & Moon, Ash hit his peak strength.
As for Pokémon Journeys… Wait, Ash was the protagonist of that?
Natsume coughed into his fist, studying Ash's bright-eyed expression.
This was a solo-traveling Ash, likely future "Rainbow Hero."
With seniors like Red and Green around, his growth would be even sharper.
Watching the kid's journey firsthand was weirdly heartwarming.
"Let's go," Natsume said. "Airport first."
Ash adjusted his backpack, trotting after him. "Natsume-sensei, what tier of Trainer are you, exactly?"
Trainer skill wasn't just about Pokémon strength—it covered command, strategy, and experience.
Otherwise, any kid with a max-level team could become Champion.
Case in point: Red's title, "The Battler," meant he couldn't lose.
And since Natsume-sensei's title was "Strategist"…
Did that mean he fought dirty?
"On par with Lance," Natsume admitted.
Purely as a Trainer, he matched the Dragon Master.
But his team's power kept creeping up, which left Natsume conflicted.
Wasn't I just here to coast by?
How did things spiral this far?
Ash's eyes sparkled. "Train me, Natsume-sensei!"
"Hard pass."
"Huh?!" Ash blinked.
Natsume coughed.
I barely know what I'm doing myself.
On the train to Vermilion Port, Ash chattered nonstop.
Natsume massaged his temples, forcing a smile. "Ash, why not ask Lance for advice directly?"
Ash gasped. "Really? I can?!"
Natsume nodded, pulling up a QR code from his phone.
Better him than me.
Lance, enjoy the text spam.
[Ding! Group Owner added new member 'No-Name-Change-Till-I-Win-a-League'!]
Natsume did a double take.
"The hell kind of name is that?!"
"Motivation!" Ash beamed.
Scanning the member list, Ash's head spun.
"I can… challenge—I mean, learn from all of them?!"
"Maybe skip Lorelei," Natsume said. "Unless you want Cloyster to turn you into a colander."
Then he paused.
Wait. Would Cloyster skewer Ash, or would Ash grill it into seafood?
Gold: Welcome~
Gold: Oh? Pallet Town's little bro?
Crystal: "Little"? You're barely older than him.
Wattson: Hey Ash! Let's game sometime!
Ash: You got it!
Roxanne, ever the teacher, sighed.
Ash was the only Pallet Town Trainer who couldn't recite type matchups.
Roxanne: This kid's a lost cause…
Under Natsume's glare, Ash reluctantly changed his username.
Ash: But I liked that one…
Natsume: Less jinxing, more surviving.
For the next half hour, Ash rapid-fired messages to every senior in the group.
Natsume enjoyed the peace, fiddling with Sylveon's ribbon.
Across the table, Pikachu and Togepi stared each other down.
"Pikachu?" Pikachu stuck out its tongue.
"Togepi doo-ee…(í_ì)"
Togepi's eyes welled up before it burst into tears.
"Pikachu! Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"
Pikachu flailed, desperately trying to calm the sobbing egg.
Gengar sipped juice, floating smugly overhead.
Finally, not my problem!
"This is the airport?"
Stepping off the train, Natsume scanned the area—then froze.
Azure waves, a ship's distant horn, a gleaming white cruise liner…
"Ash. Why are we at Vermilion Port?"
Ash blinked. "Because the Electric-type Gym's here?"
Natsume: ???
Ash flipped his cap backward, grinning—
"Pikachu!"
Pikachu leapt ahead, darting toward the docks.
"Wait up!"
Ash took off after it, as if this were standard procedure.
Natsume side-eyed Gengar, who scratched its head in confusion.
"Gengar?"
Why's this twerp more eager than me?
"Let's follow."
Shouldering his bag, Natsume's mood darkened.
Knowing Ash's habits…
The first stop in any city was always—
His gaze landed on a sleek, glass-paneled building.
[Vermilion Gym].
Natsume's face paled.
Listen here, you little—
Just because you're a junior doesn't mean I won't hold a grudge.
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