Natsume-sensei had yet to realize it.
The little ones' enthusiasm for training (read: house-wrecking) was about to reach new heights.
Guided by Rotom,
Natsume-sensei and his group stepped into an elegant French restaurant, adorned with tasteful greenery.
"Kalos' Water-type Elite Four member, Siebold, moonlights as a chef."
Lucian, ever the know-it-all, adjusted his glasses. "They say he specializes in seafood... Wonder how his battle skills hold up."
"Guess being an Elite Four doesn't pay as well as running a restaurant," Natsume remarked.
"S-Seems that way..."
"And that's why being a Trainer isn't my main gig," Natsume nodded sagely.
"Makes sense." Lucian pushed up his glasses, surprisingly agreeing. "After all, even Kalos' Champion, Diantha, is primarily a movie star. Precedent exists."
Natsume blinked, then stared blankly at the ceiling.
Most other Champions trade blows with legendaries—or at least hold their own in battle.
But Diantha's ace Gardevoir got captured by Team Rocket on live TV...
Sure, you could argue Gardevoir sensed they weren't truly evil...
But compared to other Champions? Yeah, not great.
"On the other hand,"
Natsume's expression turned odd. "She's an award-winning actress AND a Champion? That's just terrifying talent!"
"Your order, gentlemen." A waiter arrived with a silver tray, lifting the lid with a flourish. "Enjoy."
Aromatic steam wafted up, making mouths water.
Lucian raised his utensils gracefully—then froze at Ash's table manners. "Have some decorum, Ash!"
"Mmph—try this, Senior Lucian! So good! (⊙~⊙)"
"Hard pass." Lucian massaged his temples.
Natsume had ordered dessert first—a petite ice cream cup topped with a cherry.
Not even enough for Gengar to lick once.
But the taste? Exceptional.
"No wonder it's a local specialty." He savored the flavor.
I've got this recipe down... Time to make some for Moe-Moe!
Outside, snowflakes drifted past fogged-up windows.
"Togepi doo-ee~"
Togepi stood on the sofa, drawing a giant smiley face on the glass with its tiny finger.
After scrutinizing its artwork, Togepi nodded in satisfaction, beaming.
Natsume smiled, recalling the Salamence battle earlier.
The whole "family hierarchy" thing was just a joke.
To me, all the little ones are equal.
Though raising sons and daughters is different... Just like cookware vs. emergency rations.
"Sirfetch'd!" Sensing his thoughts, the Premier Ball at his waist shook eagerly.
Natsume raised an eyebrow.
This guy... might actually be the most perceptive of them all.
Is this... solidarity between slackers?
Earlier, against Pokémon Hunter J, Sirfetch'd's Brave Bird had descended like divine justice.
Even the timid Sirfetch'd could cast aside fear and become the "valiant bird."
That's the spirit of a Galarian knight for you.
Natsume chuckled fondly.
"This guy... does want to get stronger, huh!"
(Sirfetch'd: Nuh-uh! Not me! Don't drag me into this! )
Soft violin music filled the restaurant.
"Om nom..." Ash continued devouring his meal.
Lucian crossed his legs, absorbed in his book.
Gotta admit, Lucian's kinda handsome when quiet... if you ignore the receding hairline.
Natsume lifted Togepi higher so it could reach untouched window fog.
(The lower half was already scribbled beyond recognition.)
"Togepi doo-ee(○^v^○)"
Buzz—
Natsume set Togepi down, earning a pout.
"Sylveon, you're on babysitting duty today." He tapped a Poké Ball.
"Sylveon!" The ribboned Pokémon perched daintily on the sofa, giving Togepi a sidelong glance with its baby-doll eyes.
Then, with an air of resignation, Sylveon scooped Togepi up in its ribbons, rocking it gently like a cradle.
"Togepi doo-ee~"
After some playful wriggling, Togepi drifted off to sleep.
"Not bad at this, are you?" Natsume grinned.
"Sylveon~! o(′^｀)o" Sylveon plopped its head onto Natsume's lap, soon dozing off too.
Under Lucian and Ash's envious stares,
Natsume stroked Sylveon's silky fur while checking his phone.
[Cabbage Ice Cream]: What kind of reward do you want?
His mind blanked.
One second. Two. Reboot. Deep breath.
[Natsume-sensei]: Bunny girl outfit. Non-negotiable.
"?"
"Anything more risqué, and I'll be the one collapsing first."
"I meant the reward for taking down Pokémon Hunter J."
Cynthia sighed. "Since you stabilized the Sinnoh region... the League's prepared something substantial."
Natsume paused, considering.
If that's the case, asking to be made Sinnoh Champion seems fair, no?
But since this was serious, he answered seriously:
"Cash is fine."
"Too stingy for the Sinnoh League's image," Cynthia laughed.
Natsume's eye twitched.
Please, be as stingy as possible! No need for fancy gestures!
"Let me handle it!"
Cynthia declared firmly. "You will be satisfied!"
Natsume could practically feel her resolve through the screen.
For someone with decision paralysis to take charge...
He smirked—then noticed Lucian and Ash staring unabashedly.
Natsume: "What?"
Lucian: "M-My eyes hurt."
"Ash, yours too?"
Ash faltered. "I-I got dust in mine! Pikachu, help!"
"Pikachu—CHUU!!!"
Ash flopped onto the table, charred and smoking.
"Not... Thunderbolt..." he wheezed.
Patrons gasped. Someone dialed the police.
Natsume deadpanned: "Quit playing dead, Ash. Officer Jenny's coming."
"Does he look okay?!" Lucian hissed.
"Kidding!" Ash shook off the soot, bowing apologetically.
The crowd gaped.
Did this kid just use Thunderbolt as a spa treatment?!
Ultimately, Lucian footed the bill—and the repair costs.
Ash: "Sorry! I'll pay you back with my Gym winnings tomorrow!"
Lucian sighed silently.
As they stepped outside, the snowfall intensified.
Natsume: "Snowpoint City gets snow in March?"
Ash: "Probably blowing in from Mt. Coronet."
Lucian shivered, glasses fogging as the north wind howled.
So... much... snow...
...
Group Chat
Gardenia unusually active:
"@TodayJustOneBerry, Senior Maylene, isn't Snowpoint City doing disaster drills?"
Maylene: "Ah, right. Candice mentioned a 3-day evacuation drill for all citizens."
Brock: "That extreme? Full-city evacuations are rare."
Auntie Lorelei: "Mt. Coronet's an active volcano. They might've detected activity."
Gardenia: "Wait... so the 'drill' is a cover?!"
(Crickets.)
Ash: "But I'm challenging the Gym tomorrow?"
Maylene: "Gym's open, but Candice might be busy."
Gardenia: "...Did I just get ghosted? Haha..."
Sapphire: "Hoenn's Mt. Chimney gives warnings before erupting. Why the secrecy?"
Lucian: "I'll ask Candice tomorrow. As Gym Leader, she'd know more."
...
Natsume closed the chat, turning to Lucian. "Snowpoint City does evacuation drills?"
Lucian shrugged. "I'm tagging along for Ash's Gym challenge tomorrow. Might learn more then."
Eyeing the ominous sky, Natsume nodded.
"Then let's find a place to stay first."
A sudden foreboding gripped Lucian—
As Natsume and Ash strode toward the Pokémon Center.
Ash: "Think the Center has free meals here?"
Natsume: "With me? Every Center's free."
Ash: "Alright! Rest up for tomorrow's battle!"
Lucian stood frozen.
"Hey—wait for me!!"
The snow fell thicker. Somewhere, a deep rumble echoed—
Like a machine slowly powering on...
Too slowly.
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