As everyone knows, a well-executed sliding tackle can also mitigate damage.
Sirfetch'd's sliding tackle could absolutely cleave through Rhyperior's underbelly.
Of course...the more likely outcome was Rhyperior countering with Earthquake and Sirfetch'd instantly fainting.
Watching the triumphant Sirfetch'd, Natsume couldn't bring himself to shatter its delusions, his expression complicated.
Even slackers are self-studying moves now?
And learning from one of Leon's main team members no less?
Natsume sighed softly.
Sirfetch'd, you've changed. Weren't we fellow slackers?!
"Rillaboom!" The shaggy drummer Pokémon measured Sirfetch'd's leek enviously.
With that reach...its move power must outclass mine...
The academic atmosphere in the yard grew suffocating. Natsume dared not linger.
Who knew if Leon might produce some fire-type training manual and force it on him?
The costs would take months to recoup!
With their evening flight approaching, Natsume and Cynthia prepared to return to Saffron City.
Leon stood. "Natsume-sensei, let me see you off."
"No need...I worry you'll get lost in your own driveway."
"Ahaha, as if—"
"Big Bro," Hop whispered, "Last time at Wedgehurst Pokémon Center, I had to guide you home."
Leon scratched his head sheepishly. "Then, Natsume-sensei, until next time!"
Natsume nodded.
Leon then turned to Cynthia with a respectful nod.
Having battled her in the Masters Tournament before, he'd narrowly won a few matches.
But both kept growing stronger—
Like him and Sonia,
Cynthia never fought alone.
Leon said solemnly: "Champion Cynthia, I look forward to our rematch."
Cynthia nodded. "The opportunity will come."
As dusk fell, their figures gradually receded.
Leon and Sonia watched from the doorway.
"Feels like we've made new friends," Sonia mused, hands behind her back.
Leon gazed at the horizon, golden eyes gleaming.
They'd come all this way for John's sake.
Now wasn't the time for battles.
But next we meet...
That'll be our Champion moment!
...
The Wedgehurst train took them to the airport.
After their nighttime flight to Saffron City,
Cynthia would return to Sinnoh League to resume her duties.
Their Galar detour had left
Lucian overworked to the point of hair loss.
But this was Sinnoh League's normal state.
On the plane, the blonde Champion pondered:
"Should I...learn from Leon?"
"Learn what?"
"A Champion's responsibilities."
Since her debut, Cynthia had rapidly ascended to Sinnoh's throne—yet she disdained bureaucratic tasks.
For her, traveling to meet new life and uncover myths held greater appeal.
But willingly or not, she was Sinnoh's Champion.
This trip had clearly moved her.
"With great power comes great responsibility?" Natsume teased.
Cynthia's long lashes lifted as she gave a small nod.
"For me," Natsume reclined his seat, "Everyone has their own path and doubts."
"I prefer quiet moments with Pokémon over crowds."
"It's what suits me—even if not 'the best,' I don't need to be."
Cynthia studied him before smiling. "You sound like Leon when philosophizing."
"At least I don't get lost in straight hallways."
A faint smile crossed her lips.
Perhaps they shared similarities after all.
Pausing sometimes on their chosen roads...
This coward fought Leon for a child's wish—
Pinches pennies yet charged nothing for that exhibition match...
"I'm tired." Cynthia hid a yawn (and blush) behind her hand, stretching. "I'll game after napping, then head to Sinnoh!"
Natsume blinked.
Right...this is the real Sinnoh Champion.
Expecting Steven to mine rocks instead of paperwork would be equally absurd.
"Though 'not needing the best' has one exception," Natsume added.
"Hm?"
"Except for the best Cynthia."
No reaction?
He turned to find her already asleep.
Golden hair cascaded over her waist, her porcelain cheeks faintly flushed from temperature changes.
Sleeping Cynthia resembled delicate art—utterly unlike her usual formidable aura.
Natsume dimmed the lights, confirming she was truly out before gazing outside.
Dark clouds swirled with crimson energy—probably Eternatus passing by.
Donning an eye mask, he murmured: "Sylveon, Yawn."
"Sylveon~~" The Sylveon curled on his lap.
With Sylveon here, blankets were unnecessary.
Drowsiness crept in as warmth enveloped him—then a gentle weight settled against his shoulder.
Golden strands brushed his arm as Cynthia leaned against him, her serene breathing oddly comforting.
"Goodnight," Natsume whispered to no one.
The plane's red taillights pierced the darkness.
The year's coldest days approached—yet spring wasn't far.
...
Returning to our residence in Saffron City...
"Gengar!" Gengar began pulling luggage from its pocket dimension, handing each piece to Natsume.
"Finally home."
Taking the bags, Natsume sighed in relief before declaring cheerfully:
"Tonight we feast!"
Hearing their chef's promise, the little ones erupted in excited cries—a cacophony of "Sylveon!" ringing through the house.
"Sirfetch'd, come help me out!"
"Sirfetch'd???"
Lucario stood arms crossed, though his gaze kept drifting toward Natsume.
But his cooking is just too good...
"Garchomp." The land shark hovered near Cynthia's side.
Not that I care about feasts...just need to taste-test for Trainer's safety!
Cynthia watched the scene with amusement.
At least I can enjoy a few more good meals before returning to Sinnoh!
Entering the kitchen, Natsume found Sirfetch'd already wielding its leek like a chef's knife.
Legend said Kalosian chefs employed Farfetch'd to impart oniony aromas while chopping ingredients.
But with Sirfetch'd's massive leek, its role became tenderizing meat to perfection.
Thwack! The rhythmic pounding filled the air.
Natsume raised an eyebrow.
Who knew Sirfetch'd had culinary talent?
Even Gengar's cooking skills peaked at instant noodles.
Maybe next time we'll try "Iron Pot Sirfetch'd Stew"?
Wiping drool, Natsume washed ingredients while reviewing their Galar trip:
Exchanged contacts with Sonia and Leon.
The Dynamax Band now adorned his left wrist—disguised as a sports brace.
Outside Galar, accidental Dynamaxing wasn't a concern.
Though future visits require more caution...
"Doing good deeds anonymously still backfires on me?"
Rubbing his temples, Natsume examined two system rewards:
[Starf Berry (Legendary): A mystically potent berry that drastically boosts one stat. Effects vary by Pokémon. (Basically just starfruit.)]
"This counts as legendary quality...?"
Staring at the pentagonal yellow-green fruit, realization dawned.
Processed into Pokéblocks, the little ones are in for a treat!
Indeed, while rare berries like Salac only raised Speed one stage,
Starf Berry's two-stage boost justified its "gold legendary" status.
Though effects differed—Blastoise gaining defense, Sylveon possibly weight, Sirfetch'd critical hits...
And Togepi? Luck stat?
With the system shop now stocking them, shortages weren't a concern.
As expected of a berry-based system. Well played!
[?]
The second reward—[Flame Orb: A scorching gem that radiates heat while amplifying Fire-type energy. (Let flames purify all!)]
Its blistering temperature required heatproof gloves to handle.
The crimson orb instantly warmed the room—only Arcanine could endure such heat.
Natsume's expression twisted.
"You sure this won't burn the house down?"
Combined with Arcanine's newfound energy for "home renovation projects"...
This isn't a reward—it's sabotage!
Unable to return it, storing the orb risked disaster.
Memories of Gengar's accidental arson made him shudder.
After deliberation, Natsume chose to trust his fiery companion.
"Arcanine(O_o)??" The canine tilted its head at the glowing orb.
"This should benefit you like Charcoal," Natsume explained. "Wear it around your neck—no throwing!"
Ever fair, Natsume ensured each teammate had specialty items—
Gengar with its Toxic Orb (nearly licked into oblivion), Sylveon's Life Orb, and now Arcanine's upgrade.
"Arcanine..." The Arcanine nuzzled Natsume gratefully before its eyes blazed with determination.
This is Trainer's trust!
Starting tomorrow—new training regimen!
Ten laps around the yard daily!
The Flame Orb complemented Arcanine's majestic mane perfectly.
Satisfied, Natsume patted its head. "Dinner soon—go play!"
"Arcanine~!!"
As aromatic dishes graced the table—crisp stir-fried greens glistening invitingly—
Cynthia murmured, "I've been indulging too much lately..."
"Travel drains HP," Natsume countered. "Good meals are mandatory."
An irrefutable argument.
Silverware clinked softly in the tranquil dining room.
"I return to Sinnoh tomorrow," Cynthia said. "League duties may keep me busy until February."
Natsume considered.
By then, Celadon School matters would be settled.
"I'll visit Sinnoh in February."
Cynthia smiled.
If he wins the League Tournament and challenges the Elite Four, my workload might lighten...
"Looking forward to it."
...
January 16th, Saturday
Natsume was experimenting with the new 'Starf Berry' Pokéblocks.
"Gengar! (￣～￣)"
Once again, Gengar took on the role of 'taste tester.'
"How does it feel?"
"Gengar!" Grinning widely, Gengar pulled a dumbbell from its pocket and struck a bodybuilding pose.
Natsume blinked in surprise.
Damn, Gengar's Attack stat skyrocketed!
"Seems like it works well," Natsume muttered. "Though I wonder if it'd have any effect on me..."
After finishing the new batch of Pokéblocks, Natsume gazed up at the sky.
Cynthia had already returned to Sinnoh.
Despite her tendency to slack off, she always handled her official duties with care.
She just hated bureaucratic red tape.
This time, preparing for the upcoming Lily of the Valley Conference later in the year would surely keep her busy.
"The Lily of the Valley Conference is happening in the second half of the year..."
Natsume's expression turned thoughtful—then slightly odd.
"Wait, does that mean Ash will finish the Hoenn League and then head straight to Sinnoh League in just a few months?"
Unlike the anime's stretched-out timeline where championships took decades,
realistically, challengers could complete a regional league in four to six months.
At this rate, Ash would likely become champion within three years of starting his journey.
Not quite on par with monsters like Red or Blue Oak,
but still impressive for a hardworking trainer like him.
Though...this was just speculation.
"I'll message Ash privately later," Natsume nodded to himself. "Ask him which league he's tackling next."
"Arcanine! (｀0｀)"
With the Flame Orb hanging from its neck, Arcanine's fur seemed to glow with fiery intensity as it sprinted across the yard.
Natsume lounged on the second-floor balcony, sipping tea while watching with amusement—
until his expression suddenly shifted.
"Morning training is fine, Arcanine, but NO FLARE BLITZ!"
"Arcanine!"
Empowered by both the Flame Orb and Flare Blitz, Arcanine's Fire-type energy surged to its peak.
Transforming into a blazing golden comet, it tore across the garden at breakneck speed!
Natsume's face twitched as he checked Arcanine's move list.
Overheat—one of the strongest Fire-type moves...
I get that you're excited about getting stronger,
BUT YOU'RE ABOUT TO DEMOLISH THE HOUSE!
"Blastoise, minimal-power Water Gun!"
"Blastoise." Adjusting its sunglasses, Blastoise aimed its cannons—
only to unleash twin torrents of water that were clearly Hydro Pumps.
"THAT'S HYDRO PUMP! ARCANINE, PROTECT!"
As the dust settled, Natsume surveyed the devastated yard.
"Just need to re-lay the grass..."
He coughed awkwardly. "Wait, no—turf costs more than renovations!"
"Arcanine~~"
Arcanine grinned dopily, its eyes sparkling with simple pride.
Got stronger. Didn't embarrass Gengar or Sirfetch'd.
Good job, me!
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