Brawly?
Natsume's mind flashed to a sun-tanned surfing expert.
As the Fighting-type Gym Leader of Dewford Town in Hoenn, Brawly was also Bruno's junior from the same dojo.
But.
A mere Gym Leader, trying to stop me from returning to Cynthia?
A faint smirk curled on Natsume's lips, his gaze sharpening.
"I'll crush him next round."
Brock and Erika froze. They'd never seen Natsume-sensei look so serious before.
Was this… a sign he was about to get serious?
Brock couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for Brawly.
If he'd faced Natsume-sensei while he was just testing new team members…
He might've stood a chance, relying on sheer level advantage.
But now, the air itself seemed charged with intensity.
That look in his eyes…
For a moment, it reminded Brock of that man—the one who always tilted his cap.
Erika blinked, surprised by Natsume-sensei's sudden determination to make it to the Christmas Eve gathering.
Then, a soft smile graced her lips.
"Well then."
With a graceful bow, she said warmly, "This one wishes you glorious victory!"
...
December 23rd, Monday, afternoon.
The sky was overcast.
Outside, the cold grew sharper.
But inside the Fighting Tournament arena, the atmosphere burned hotter than ever.
Brawly tugged his shirt up to wipe his sweat, then glanced at the scoreboard.
"I won!"
His next opponent…
A shiver of excitement ran down his spine.
That rush—the surge of adrenaline when facing a powerful Trainer.
A battle against the Natsume-sensei!
Meanwhile, Lorelei and Bruno of the Tournament Committee reviewed the upcoming matchups.
"Seems like Natsume plans to withdraw after this next match," Lorelei remarked, adjusting her thin-framed glasses as she sorted through papers.
"Oh?"
Bruno, his wild hair unkempt, rested his hands on his knees. "Guess he's already bored with this kind of event."
Honestly?
If he were the one competing, he'd probably quit after two rounds too.
Because—
Even if you were training new Pokémon, there was no real challenge here.
Better to end it early and seek out a worthier opponent.
That was exactly why Trainers like Blue Oak and Bruno himself skipped the P1 Grand Prix.
"Maybe."
Lorelei glanced at her phone, spotting an invitation. Her eyebrows rose.
A Christmas party?
Wait—was that why he was dropping out?
How ridiculously self-indulgent!
"…Actually, makes sense."
After a pause, she smirked, murmuring under her breath,
"Dinner with me is more fun than this lame tournament anyway!"
Meanwhile, Bruno felt a newfound respect for Natsume.
This was the understanding between the strong—the relentless pursuit of greater heights.
"Maybe," Bruno mused, rubbing his stubbled chin.
"Brawly can reignite his interest in the competition."
"Hm? Why's that?"
"Brawly's my junior." Bruno's eyes narrowed. "Knowing him, he'll give Natsume-sensei a decent challenge."
"Let's hope so."
Lorelei chuckled, standing elegantly before stepping outside.
Leaning against the railing, her red hair swaying in the wind, she pressed her phone to her ear.
"Misty," she said cheerfully.
"Wanna spend Christmas together?"
...
December 23rd, Monday, afternoon.
The sky was overcast.
Outside, the cold grew sharper.
But inside the Fighting Tournament arena, the atmosphere burned hotter than ever.
Brawly tugged his shirt up to wipe his sweat, then glanced at the scoreboard.
"I won!"
His next opponent…
A shiver of excitement ran down his spine.
That rush—the surge of adrenaline when facing a powerful Trainer.
A battle against the Natsume-sensei!
Meanwhile, Lorelei and Bruno of the Tournament Committee reviewed the upcoming matchups.
"Seems like Natsume plans to withdraw after this next match," Lorelei remarked, adjusting her thin-framed glasses as she sorted through papers.
"Oh?"
Bruno, his wild hair unkempt, rested his hands on his knees. "Guess he's already bored with this kind of event."
Honestly?
If he were the one competing, he'd probably quit after two rounds too.
Because—
Even if you were training new Pokémon, there was no real challenge here.
Better to end it early and seek out a worthier opponent.
That was exactly why Trainers like Blue Oak and Bruno himself skipped the P1 Fighting Prix.
"Maybe."
Lorelei glanced at her phone, spotting an invitation. Her eyebrows rose.
A Christmas party?
Wait—was that why he was dropping out?
How ridiculously self-indulgent!
"…Actually, makes sense."
After a pause, she smirked, murmuring under her breath,
"Dinner with me is more fun than this lame tournament anyway!"
Meanwhile, Bruno felt a newfound respect for Natsume.
This was the understanding between the strong—the relentless pursuit of greater heights.
"Maybe," Bruno mused, rubbing his stubbled chin.
"Brawly can reignite his interest in the competition."
"Hm? Why's that?"
"Brawly's my junior." Bruno's eyes narrowed. "Knowing him, he'll give Natsume-sensei a decent challenge."
"Let's hope so."
Lorelei chuckled, standing elegantly before stepping outside.
Leaning against the railing, her red hair swaying in the wind, she pressed her phone to her ear.
"Misty," she said cheerfully.
"Wanna spend Christmas together?"
...
Nightfall.
Outside the window, the world blurred into darkness.
Natsume sat cross-legged on his hotel bed, forehead resting against Sylveon, sighing.
"1610… 1611… 1612…"
"Sylveon~" Sylveon yawned cutely from his lap.
"Squirtle!"
Squirtle's breathing remained steady, his one-armed push-ups flawlessly executed.
"Sirfetch'd… ⊙_⊙"
The revived Sirfetch'd stared blankly.
Does this Squirtle even have a limit?!
Knock, knock.
"Arcanine~" Arcanine scratched his head with a hind leg, then trotted over to paw the door open.
"Master—"
Bea's greeting died in her throat as she faced the burly Arcanine.
"Arcanine!" The Arcanine grinned toothily.
Bea's expression faltered.
(Arcanine's Intimidate activated!)
(Bea's Attack fell!)
Natsume peeked out from behind Arcanine's mane. "What's up?"
Bea exhaled, composing herself. "I came to bid you goodnight, Master."
Wait, do martial artists really enforce master-disciple formalities this strictly?
Natsume blinked, then laughed. "Don't worry about it. You don't need to do this every morning and night."
"But—!" Bea tensed.
Just then, footsteps echoed down the hall.
"I can train on my own!" Korrina grumbled, pouting.
"Trust your grandfather's judgment."
Gurkinn, his bushy eyebrows serene, replied patiently, "A proper mentor can make your path as a Trainer far smoother."
"But you're here! I'm not becoming anyone's student!"
Korrina huffed—then brightened, spotting Bea. "Bea!"
Bea barely had time to react before Korrina's Machamp lifted her into a crushing hug.
"Missed you!" Korrina nuzzled her cheek.
"We… saw each other this morning…"
"Doesn't matter! Battle me now! I'm ready!"
"Heh."
Natsume and Gengar watched, amused.
Gurkinn hushed his granddaughter, then bowed respectfully to Natsume. "Natsume-sensei, an honor."
"And you are…?"
"Gurkinn, from Kalos."
The elder smiled. "I've come to ask a favor of you…"
Natsume's memory clicked.
Guru of Mega Evolution from Kalos?!
This is bad!
Keeping his expression neutral, Natsume replied, "Go ahead. I'm listening."
Gurkinn paused, impressed by the composed demeanor of a true master.
"I wish for you," he began, "to take my granddaughter, Korrina, as your student—"
"No!" Bea blurted.
Gurkinn turned. "Miss Bea, why the objection?"
Bea's face reddened. She couldn't find the words.
I… I was the one who became his student first.
And it wasn't easy!
So why—
Korrina, petite and golden-haired, studied Natsume shyly.
This is the martial artist who defeated Maylene today…
Honestly, being his student doesn't sound so bad…
Natsume coughed.
Why is everyone trying to become my disciple?!
My party slots are full!
"I'm not taking students right now. Please excuse us."
Bea exhaled in relief.
Gurkinn, however, smirked—as if he'd expected this.
"I won't impose."
He chuckled. "But if you could offer Korrina some guidance… Consider it an old man's selfish request."
Natsume relaxed. "Sure, just send superchats during my streams!"
"Speaking of gifts…"
Gurkinn reached into his robe, withdrawing a small, transparent pouch. Inside gleamed a Dragon Scale.
Instantly, Squirtle halted his push-ups.
Padding forward, he studied the scale, eyes glinting.
That aura…
"What is this?" Natsume asked.
"A scale from a Hydreigon," Gurkinn explained. "One renowned for its mastery of Dragon Pulse."
"For an aura-sensitive Pokémon, this can serve as a reference to learn the move."
"The training won't be easy, but it's a viable path to mastery!"
Natsume's pulse spiked.
[Dragon Pulse]?!
And an aura-based move, perfect for Squirtle?
Old man, this might as well be a Mega Stone!
"Squirtle!" Squirtle tugged Natsume's pant leg, eyes blazing.
Perfect, Natsume!
Tomorrow's battle is crucial.
With this, our chances of victory just doubled!
...
As they left, Gurkinn wore a satisfied smile.
Korrina trotted beside him, puzzled. "Grandpa, why are you so happy after giving away the Dragon Scale?"
"Because," Gurkinn patted her head, "this is the start of a valuable connection."
Recalling Squirtle's restrained aura—
And Gengar's mischievous grin—
Gurkinn fell into thought.
Originally, he'd planned to teach Natsume Mega Evolution techniques.
But the bond he sensed between Trainer and Pokémon…
It had stunned him.
No instruction was needed.
Natsume-sensei had already mastered Mega Evolution—his harmony with his team was flawless.
With a wry chuckle, Gurkinn shook his head.
"Perhaps I was the one being taught tonight."
...
Back in the room, Natsume stared at Squirtle, hands cold.
In the end, he'd caved to those determined eyes.
Attacking a twenty-year-old at night…
Old man, that's just dirty.
"Squirtle~"
Squirtle inspected the Dragon Scale for the fourth time.
"It's not a bomb," Natsume groaned. "Relax."
"Squirtle…" Squirtle scratched his head sheepishly.
He wasn't worried about explosions.
Just thinking—
If only we had eighty or ninety more of these…
That'd be perfect!
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