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The weekend ended, and the dreaded Monday arrived once more.
Natsume returned to Celadon School to oversee the students' final evaluations.
The moment he stepped into the classroom, the students swarmed around him, buzzing with excitement.
"Natsume-sensei, that was really you battling Leon, wasn't it?!"
"When did you catch a Lucario? That was so cool!"
Natsume waved them off. "That wasn't my team. Just a rental."
After all, with Natsume-sensei's connections…
He could probably rent Steven's team too—if Moe-Moe! hadn't tagged along that day.
The students exchanged glances before realizing Natsume-sensei was joking.
Nearly going toe-to-toe with Leon in front of thousands…
If it hadn't been an exhibition match, Leon might've actually been crushed!
"Natsume-sensei, stop being humble! The media saw everything!"
"Even if you're that strong, we won't judge you for stomping the Baby Cup."
"Yeah! We're used to it by now, haha!"
Natsume crossed his arms. "I don't pub-stomp."
The class erupted in laughter.
Natsume was truly one of a kind—a Champion-level trainer who somehow still enjoyed wrecking low-tier brackets.
The conversation quickly devolved into incomprehensible jargon like "Ally Switch is a self-report move", filling the room with lively chatter.
After leading Celadon University to sweep the exchange tournament, Natsume-sensei's reputation now rivaled Professor Erika's.
But when the students learned he'd be leaving next semester, disappointment hung thick in the air.
Giselle hesitated before finally speaking up, voice firm.
"Natsume-sensei, I'm entering this year's League."
"Facing you on the same stage… would be my greatest honor."
The class cheered for her.
Natsume raised an eyebrow.
Kid, why you gotta slander me like this?
Another student, his hair artfully windswept, added solemnly, "Natsume-sensei, when's the next duel cup? My victory formula is already—"
Natsume-sensei: "Don't always think about play cards, be careful I will give you zero points in the Final Exams!"
The afternoon was reserved for Celadon School's battle exams, proctored by Natsume and Erika.
Once finals wrapped up, his duties here would be done.
Students like Gladion and Wally had already returned to Alola and Hoenn.
His direct apprentice, Bea, was training relentlessly to qualify as a Galar Gym Leader.
He'd see them again someday.
Back in the faculty office, Natsume cradled a thermos to warm his hands against the winter chill.
Across the desk, separated by fragrant potted plants and elegant flower arrangements, Erika glanced over.
"Natsume-sensei, there's a letter for you."
"Hm? Let me see."
Swiveling his chair, he took the envelope from her, curious.
"No Gym battles today?"
"The League Tournament preparations have begun. All Gyms are on break."
Tucking a strand of short hair behind her ear, Erika smiled. "Perfect timing to handle school matters."
Natsume nodded, examining the letter.
"From Galar?" Erika asked.
"Yeah." A faint smile touched his lips.
Inside was a photo of John, wearing a chemotherapy cap but grinning brightly, flanked by his Charizard and a bearded man.
At least his trip to Galar hadn't been in vain.
As he tucked the letter away, a distant explosion rattled the windows.
"…The sunlight chamber again?!"
"Relax," Erika assured. "It's been reinforced. Harder to break now."
Natsume sighed. Probably Arcanine practicing its newly mastered Overheat.
At least the renovations meant fewer structural casualties.
He cleared his throat.
Not having to pay for property damage was the real employee benefit here…
"Oh, Natsume-sensei."
Erika added, "For year-end rewards, the staff can pick something from the collection room."
Natsume blinked.
"Wait, seriously?"
"I mentioned this when visiting you in Touran," she said, covering a laugh.
"You only came to Celadon School for the salary anyway."
"Salary's irrelevant," Natsume said solemnly. "I'm here to educate the youth."
Still, he wondered—what were the year-end rewards?
If he could choose, cold hard cash would be ideal. Mystic Water was acceptable too.
...
By afternoon, a triumphant Arcanine strutted out of the (still-standing) sunlight chamber.
"Arcanine~!" It bared its teeth in a grin.
Mastering moves wasn't so hard after all!
Meanwhile, Natsume oversaw the final battles between his class and Erika's.
Though his curriculum focused on strategic theory, his students performed just as well as Erika's battle-focused group.
Granted, with most being middle-schoolers…
The vibe was less "elite trainer showdown" and more "Sunflower Class vs. Rose Class".
Once grading wrapped up, Natsume addressed his students with a smile.
"It's been an honor teaching you this semester. If fate allows—"
Before he could finish, the kids mobbed him.
"Goodbye, Natsume-sensei!!"
"I'll practice Protect! (Maybe.)"
"Ya☆Daze! Natsume-sensei's dropping UR cards!"
Erika watched fondly, sleeves folded, until the farewells ended.
"Natsume-sensei, we can visit the collection room now."
He nodded.
Honestly, he'd miss this place.
But between his roles as police consultant, professor, and executive… he probably had more students than he realized.
A name known to all.
"Let's go."
Then, cautiously: "Any chance they'll just wire the cash directly?"
"Principal Earl Dervish isn't that heartless," Erika laughed.
"???"
The collection room housed mostly familiar treasures—Flame Orbs, Toxic Orbs, and the like.
His gaze landed on a translucent Dawn Stone, its glow soft and inviting.
It could evolve Togetic…
But he wasn't ready for that.
(Or rather, he wasn't ready to say goodbye to Togepi.)
Stumped, he turned to Erika.
"Any recommendations, Professor?"
She tilted her head in thought.
"Who were you thinking of giving it to?"
Many items here were priceless.
Natsume coughed, touched by the principal's generosity, then pondered.
Who in his team trained hard but hadn't gotten rewards lately…?
"Sirfetch'd," he decided.
"Sirfetch'd? " His Poké Ball shook violently.
I'm exhausted, and you're still scheming against me?!
When will I finally get to laze around?!
Feeling the vibrations, Natsume smiled.
See? He's thrilled.
"Makes sense," Erika agreed.
Though Sirfetch'd was a Fighting-type, Leaf Blade was its signature move.
Even if it wasn't a same-type attack, focusing on Leaf Blade could amplify its critical-hit potential.
"In that case, I'd recommend a Miracle Seed to enhance Grass-type moves."
Erika lifted her gaze, spotting an ornate wooden box, and reached for it.
"This Miracle Seed is brimming with Grass-type energy," said Erika, the Grass-type Gym Leader. "It'll double your progress when training Leaf Blade."
"Is there… a way without training?" Natsume coughed lightly.
I'm worried Sirfetch'd might slash straight through the wall with one Leaf Blade!
"Huh? No training?" Erika blinked.
Natsume opened his mouth—then a red light shot from the Poké Ball at his waist.
Sirfetch'd brandished its leek, snatched the Miracle Seed, and gulped it down.
Silence.
"Why… why did you eat it?!" Natsume demanded.
"Sirfetch'd?" Sirfetch'd froze.
Wasn't this supposed to be a snack?
"It's for equipping, not consuming…"
Natsume's delicate mood shattered as he watched his year-end bonus vanish down Sirfetch'd's throat.
Does eating a Miracle Seed make ingredients taste better or something?!
"No… this might actually be ideal," Erika mused.
"Grass-type energy symbolizes life and gentleness. Ingesting it shouldn't cause harm."
"If you still need one to equip, you can always purchase another."
Natsume's face twitched.
Another?!
So not only is my bonus gone, now I'm paying extra for it?!
Suddenly, Erika understood.
The Miracle Seed's Grass-type energy could empower Sirfetch'd's Leaf Blade—even if ingested.
Perhaps this was Natsume-sensei's way of… preparing for the unexpected?
"Sirfetch'd~!" Sirfetch'd burped.
Training? Who cares!
This Miracle Seed was delish~! (＾▽＾)