March 23rd, Tuesday.
While the heat of the new MV was still spreading, and countless Nico Dou fans were still discussing Natsume-sensei's latest lyrics and composition—
A red notification dot suddenly appeared on their follow list. It was none other than Natsume-sensei, who had been on hiatus for weeks!
"Grandpa, the content creator you follow just uploaded!"
"Good guy, this one's legit binge-worthy content!"
"It's the 'Night Kitchen' series—Natsume-sensei's cafeteria is open again!"
Fortunately, this episode of Night Kitchen wasn't dropped in the dead of night.
But thanks to the skyrocketing likes, favorites, and views, the video quickly climbed to the top of the Food section, with the editor's tagline:
[Hell-Level Cooking! The Terrifying Chili and Astonishing Skills You Never Knew!]
In the Galar region, [Curry] is the ultimate standard for judging a chef's culinary skills.
Based on [Curry] tiers, from highest to lowest, they're ranked as: Charizard-class, Copperajah-class, Milcery-class, Wobbuffet-class, Koffing-class.
And rumor has it that beyond these tiers—
Kalos' Chef Elite Four Siebold once crafted an even higher-quality Curry during a cooking competition.
Judges at the time recalled seeing a blazing Moltres—so vivid it felt real.
Thus, this "Legendary-tier Curry" became known as Moltres Curry.
This episode, titled [Black Moltres Curry], inevitably made people think of Galar's Dark-type Moltres.
"Is this a parody? Like, a dark cuisine skit?"
"I'd believe Natsume-sensei could beat Siebold in battle… but cooking? Nah."
"Only Siebold can make Moltres Curry—who even are you?!"
The chat was flooded with these kinds of teasing messages.
But when viewers clicked on the video and watched closely—they were stunned.
Natsume-sensei's episode… actually looked legit?
From his professional techniques to his ingredient selection, no one could find a flaw.
Industry professionals stared blankly at Natsume-sensei's skills, dazed for a long moment before typing a single comment:
"I'm a head chef at a seven-star hotel. In our field, we'd call Natsume-sensei's level—'Master Chef.'"
For outsiders, this food video was packed with surprises—it even featured Professor Oak!
"Wait, is this filmed in Professor Oak's backyard?"
"Professor Oak's the real MVP—writing senryu, hosting radio shows, AND now mukbang?!"
By the second half of the video, fans were losing their minds.
"Did that Typhlosion just use its ultimate move, 'Blast Burn'?!"
"Natsume-sensei's like: 'I know this one—my Growlithe wrecked the house the same way!'"
"HOLY—CHIMCHAR JUST EVOLVED?!"
Bathed in dazzling evolution light, the unruly Monferno roared at the sky.
The sheer entertainment value sent the like count skyrocketing in seconds!
Galar's breeders watched Natsume-sensei's video in stunned silence.
(In Sword & Shield's lore, Curry grants Pokémon EXP.)
Using cooking to aid Pokémon breeding wasn't unheard of.
But for someone like Natsume-sensei to trigger an evolution mid-meal? Unprecedented!
A top comment in the section shattered their morale even further.
"What's the big deal? Natsume-sensei's Gastly evolved from cooking too."
"I was there—Gastly licked the plate so hard it grew claws and became Haunter!"
As everyone knew, music and gaming were just Natsume-sensei's hobbies.
His real talent? Being a chef. (Crossed out: Making content to binge-eat to.)
This long-awaited return of the Night Kitchen series raised the bar yet again!
...
Kalos, Lumiose City.
The romantic air of Lumiose City was filled with the fragrance of spring flowers, and street accordionists could be seen everywhere.
Inside a top-tier restaurant on Spring Avenue.
Siebold, the Water-type Elite Four member, dressed in a white chef's coat, bowed gracefully with a hand over his chest:
"I hope the dishes meet your expectations. It would be my honor."
One of the guests chuckled. "Mr. Siebold, have you heard the rumors about that 'Black Moltres Cooking'?"
Siebold smiled wryly. "You're the third esteemed guest to ask me that today."
"Oh? Then what's your take on Natsume-sensei?" the guest pressed curiously.
Siebold closed his eyes, recalling the cooking video a regular had shared with him the day before.
From that video, even someone as specialized as Siebold had learned invaluable techniques.
Addressing him as 'Natsume-sensei' was something Siebold could accept wholeheartedly.
As for the so-called [Black Moltres Curry], it was likely a spicy curry crafted using rare berries and high-grade kitchenware.
While Siebold could make Moltres-tier curry himself, he had no clue how to achieve that 'Galarian Form' twist…
"Perhaps he is a truly respectable…" Siebold paused, then smiled. "...chef."
This wasn't meant as an insult.
In fact, compared to his title as a Water-type Elite Four, Siebold preferred introducing himself as a 'head chef.'
Just like how Champion Diantha was better known as an 'Oscar-winning actress.'
The entire Kalos region carried a tranquil, leisurely romanticism.
So much so that the strength of its Trainers sometimes lagged behind other Leagues…
The guest laughed. "Mr. Siebold, you're already Kalos's Water-type Elite Four!"
"If your cooking rivals Natsume-sensei's, surely battling him would be an easy win, no?"
As one of Kalos's Elite Four, Siebold's ace was a Mega Blastoise.
Siebold didn't answer. Instead, he gazed at the clouds outside the window.
After a long silence, he smiled faintly.
"If possible, I'd like to challenge Natsume-sensei's Blastoise as well."
But finding the time to visit Natsume-sensei…
That would have to wait for the distant future.
...
On the day the video was released.
Siebold, Kalos's Water-type Elite Four and star chef, reposted Night Kitchen without commentary—effectively endorsing Natsume's skills.
His stamp of approval solidified the curry's status as Moltres-tier… or possibly even beyond!
"Holy—! Natsume-sensei's actually a star-rated chef?!"
"No wonder his streams feel like state banquets—he's a pro contestant!"
"Next time, let your followers eat first! No reason, just wanna see my Charmander evolve already."
Natsume was en route back to Sinnoh.
Even he hadn't anticipated Night Kitchen's explosive reception.
Skimming the comments, he raised an eyebrow.
"Siebold? That's Kalos's Elite Four, right? Also a chef, if I recall…"
Turns out he also trains Pokémon through cooking…
Add to that Blue Oak, the so-called Breeding Prodigy, who lets his Pokémon train themselves and guard Gyms.
Natsume grinned.
I'm not alone in this!
With the points from the video, he exchanged for plump, juicy Pecha Berries from the System.
Munching on one, he mumbled:
"Gengar, let's head home first, then we'll visit Moe-Moe!~"
"Gengar~!"
...
The flight landed at Jubilife City in Sinnoh Region.
Ash stretched sleepily and yawned: "We're here already?"
"Back in Sinnoh," Natsume replied. "What are your plans now?"
"I'm going to keep collecting Badges!" Ash declared with burning determination.
He didn't tell Natsume-sensei about his desire to battle Paul.
To him, that was an opponent he had to defeat personally!
Natsume nodded slightly.
This trip back to Kanto had gained plenty of attention for "Pokémon" and introduced him to the pink demon Jigglypuff and the fierce-yet-cute Roxie.
For now, he planned to rest at home for a while.
Then, at Ruby's invitation, he would go to Lake Valor to serve as a judge for the Wallace Cup!
Suddenly remembering his promise with Cynthia, Natsume looked up at the sky.
That sky-blue swimsuit from the anime might be nice...
But opportunities like this were rare - he wanted to get closer to Moe-Moe!
"Would black be too revealing?"
Natsume rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Maybe I should just rent out Sandgem Beach for my private viewing?"
Though poor, his modest savings could cover this!
Decision made, Natsume strode confidently toward Sandgem Town.
"See you next time, Natsume-sensei!"
Ash waved from behind, with Pikachu on his shoulder cheering:
"Pikachu~!"
It was supposed to be a "revenge banquet," yet Monferno ended up evolving instead.
Natsume-sensei's feelings were quite complicated.
Still, he was fond of the Monferno - seeing it evolve into Infernape sooner wasn't a bad thing.
After parting with Ash, Natsume walked to the outskirts and threw a Luxury Ball.
"Let's go home!" Natsume vigorously ruffled Arcanine's head.
Arcanine! 凸(｀0′)凸"
Arcanine only got more energetic from the rough treatment, hopping excitedly before happily carrying Natsume.
"Navigating to Sandgem Town... Rotom!" The Rotom Pokédex floated ahead.
Trainers at Jubilife City's outskirts only saw a flash of fiery red streak past.
Before they could even make eye contact to issue a challenge, it was gone!
"Holy crap, you can avoid battles like that?"
"Noted! Where do I get an Arcanine?"
Only then did Natsume-sensei, riding on Arcanine's back, realize with regret:
"Beating random Trainers might've earned me some bonus points..."
"Totally miscalculated!"
...
Lily of the Valley Island, Sinnoh League.
Cynthia covered a yawn with her hand, resting her arms on the desk as she gazed at the calendar.
She picked up a pen and marked another check on the circled date.
A faint smile appeared on her flawless profile.
Knock knock—
Rubbing her temples, Cynthia calmly said: "Come in."
A man in wine-red suit with light purple hair entered.
Lucian carried a thick stack of files with one arm while opening the office door with the other, looking exhausted:
"These documents about the poachers... all processed."
"Thank you for your hard work."
Cynthia nodded solemnly.
"Ha, no trouble," Lucian forced a smile. "Used to it."
After handling the Regigigas incident, Lucian had been working overtime constantly - he'd long grown accustomed to it.
At least the usually elusive Sinnoh Champion was now dutifully handling official business.
This gave Lucian some small consolation.
"The workload will be heavy recently, but it'll ease up soon."
Cynthia smiled slightly as she opened a file, asking: "What was done with the Pokémon eggs confiscated from poaching syndicates?"
"Sent to Pokémon Day Care. Most will be hatched and released into the wild."
Lucian adjusted his glasses and said seriously: "Those with strong battle spirits were assigned to Jennys and Officers."
Cynthia nodded slightly.
Among the seized eggs were rare Pokémon, even pseudo-legendary ones.
While valuable strategic resources, Sinnoh League prioritized humane treatment by releasing them when possible.
"For some dangerous pseudo-legendary eggs, neither release nor Day Care are good options."
Lucian said thoughtfully, "I suggest finding trustworthy Trainers to entrust these eggs with great potential..."
"A trustworthy Trainer..."
Cynthia's eyes flickered. "Do you have candidates?"
"We've found several suitable Trainers."
Lucian frowned slightly. "But there's still one light gray egg, likely Ground-type, without a match..."
"Or rather," Lucian said regretfully, "it hasn't accepted any of them."
It wasn't just Trainers choosing eggs.
Often, the unborn Pokémon would resonate with its chosen partner.
Like Natsume-sensei's Togepi, which had mastered backstabbing techniques before even hatching.
Moreover,
Without knowing the parents, machine scanning would harm the embryo.
Lucian could only estimate the type based on experience.
And pseudo-legendary eggs took at least three to six months to hatch.
They needed a brave, upright, and kind Trainer for safe keeping.
"I understand."
Cynthia tucked a golden lock behind her ear, glancing at the calendar as a slow smile formed.
"Then I'll find this egg's Trainer myself."
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