Night fell over Snowpoint City as snowflakes drifted slowly.
Having heard news of the completed drill, citizens chatted cheerfully while hurrying home to prepare dinner.
Just as countless lights began twinkling across the city...
"Gengar~"
Gengar levitated through the night, keeping pace with Natsume while balancing a drowsy Togepi on its head.
"Leader Candice prepared a celebration banquet for us," Lucian said, glancing at his chat group before looking up. "Natsume-sensei, it's at that restaurant we visited before."
Natsume nodded.
"You all go ahead. I need to stop by the Pokémon Center first."
Cynthia: "I'll come with you."
"I'll go too—mmph!"
Ash barely got the words out before Lucian clamped a hand over his mouth.
Lucian chuckled awkwardly. "You two go on ahead. We'll head to the restaurant first."
Riley adjusted his gentleman's hat, speaking with slight hesitation:
"Might I... also join the banquet?"
"Of course! Everyone who helped save Snowpoint City is welcome!" Brandon declared, arms crossed and eyes stern.
Riley nodded thoughtfully, watching Natsume and Cynthia disappear into the distance before murmuring:
"Those two... really do suit each other."
Brandon kept his arms crossed, expression serious as he agreed:
"A mythology scholar and an ancient language expert... I can't think of a more fitting partnership."
Lucian smirked. "I don't think Mr. Riley meant it that way."
"What? They're both top-tier archaeology professionals!" Brandon insisted.
Riley neither confirmed nor denied, simply smiling.
"What matters more... is how harmoniously their auras blend."
His gaze lingered on their fading silhouettes.
"Only those who've lived together for years—or are inherently compatible—can share such perfectly attuned auras."
Ash scratched his head, utterly lost.
"Senior Lucian, why'd you stop me from going to the Pokémon Center?"
Lucian coughed and turned away.
"Let's go. We're picking a different place."
"But you never explained—hey, wait up, Senior Lucian!"
...
Pokémon Center, Snowpoint City.
With most citizens still returning to the city, only one Nurse Joy remained on duty.
Blissey, clad in its nurse outfit, wheeled over a cart and gestured for Natsume to place his Poké Balls on it.
Before long, Nurse Joy returned, carefully handing the Poké Balls back to Natsume.
"The external injuries are fully healed," she said gently. "However, restoring them to peak condition will require further recovery time."
"Also, the scars on the Blastoise shell can only be gradually restored with time and conditioning."
Natsume had already braced himself for this. "Thank you for your hard work."
I'll have to treat the little ones to something special when we get back.
And Blastoise's Revival Herb needs to be prioritized.
That's the only way to repay their efforts!
"Not at all," Nurse Joy replied, bowing deeply with a warm smile.
"Snowpoint City owes its safety to you. Thank you so much, Natsume-sensei!"
Cynthia smiled faintly as they stepped outside.
"Your reputation among the Joy family might reach new heights after this."
"Since when do I care about things like that?" Natsume declared nobly.
"Oh?" Cynthia arched a brow.
"I only care about you," Natsume said. "And Gengar, Sylveon, Blastoise..."
He listed each of his little ones in turn while Cynthia listened quietly.
As the snowfall thickened, Cynthia spoke up on their way to the restaurant:
"I plan to request an award for you from the league... but I'm still deliberating..."
She wore an expression of genuine indecision.
Natsume waved it off. "Don't bother with me. Just prepare something for Gengar and the others."
Cynthia blinked, tilting her head slightly.
"But you always say you want prize money."
"Turns out, any money I get just ends up spent on them anyway," Natsume admitted with a wry smile.
"Honestly, money doesn't interest me much."
"Better to focus on what they need from the start."
"Perhaps that's precisely..." Cynthia mused, smiling.
"...the bond between you and Pokémon?"
Natsume didn't deny it, exhaling as he watched the snow fall.
Gotta keep hustling...
If my income can't keep up with training expenses, I'll go broke at this rate!
Natsume: "Decision made—I'm finishing Pokémon ASAP!"
"I want to test the early version," Cynthia said, eyes brightening.
"Almost there. Just need to make the MV first."
Natsume grinned shamelessly. "Then rope in some big names for promotions, and we're golden!"
...
At the celebration banquet...
Ash once again challenged Leader Candice to a gym battle, scheduled for the next day.
"This time, I will earn the Icicle Badge!" Ash declared, clenching his fists.
"Looking forward to it," Candice replied cheerfully.
Lucian sipped elegantly at his tea, legs crossed as he flipped through a book.
After consecutive overtime shifts—apprehending Pokémon Hunter J and quelling the Regigigas incident—even an Elite Four member like Lucian felt exhausted.
But the overtime was finally over!
Let us raise our teacups and revel in this moment of slacking off!
Lucian smiled serenely, lifting his teacup for a sip—
Cynthia: "Oh, Lucian. Last season's Sinnoh Conference winner has registered for the Champion League."
"Per the challenge schedule," she added apologetically, "you'll need to return for their match."
Cough—! Lucian choked violently on his tea.
"Are you okay?!" Ash asked.
"Fine... just too hot..."
Lucian forced a strained smile, teeth gritted.
"I'll be sure... to give that challenger... a proper welcome."
The restaurant had cleared space for their group, allowing their Pokémon to mingle freely.
Sirfetch'd and Blastoise sat together like Po and Mr. Ping from Kung Fu Panda—one a dignified warrior, the other a hulking gentle giant.
"Sirfetch'd! "
Sirfetch'd was lecturing Blastoise on armor maintenance, drawing from its own extensive experience with shield cracks.
Had Meowth been present, it might've translated:
"Scars are a warrior's medals! Just keep getting stronger and live up to your trainer's expectations, meow!"
"Blastoise. ヾ(■_■)"
Blastoise listened intently, nodding along.
Truly, this was the legendary Sirfetch'd Guidance—resolving my doubts with ease!
"Sirfetch'd...(☍﹏⁰)"
Internally, Sirfetch'd wept.
What do I know about getting stronger?!
I'm just trying not to end up as dinner!
Noticing Natsume's gaze, Cynthia reassured him:
"Those cracks will fade naturally soon."
"But avoid Mega Evolution for a while—it strains both trainer and Pokémon."
Natsume nodded.
Not like I use Mega Evolution much anyway.
Once we're back in Sandgem Town, a few days of rest at home should do the trick.
As the night deepened, the banquet wound down.
Lucian remained seated, massaging his temples in quiet despair.
Brandon and Candice discussed plans for rebuilding Snowpoint Temple.
Seizing the moment, Natsume opened two [Random Orange Items], obtaining a Dawn Stone...
...and unlocking a steel-resistant [Babiri Berry].
[Babiri Berry: Renowned for its intense, fiery spice. Historically used medicinally. Weakens steel-type moves when held. (Moltres-melting heat level. For suicidal chefs and daredevils only.) ]
Natsume's eyes gleamed.
This thing... could be perfect for treating Gold or Ash to dinner!
From his "basic" berry knowledge, Cheri Berries—famous for their spiciness—only scored a 10 on the heat scale.
After using them repeatedly to cure paralysis, Natsume had built some tolerance.
But Babiri Berries clocked in at 25—the ultimate challenge food!
As a chef, it's only natural I'd make some fire noodles, right?
Natsume grinned devilishly.
Not the mild version either. Ghost-pepper level... now that's a proper test!
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