Natsume had helped Garasu clarify his ideas and also had his Rotom run several tests according to Garasu's experimental plans.
By the time the whole process was completed, dusk had fallen.
"I'll head off first. Keep in touch."
"Take care, Senior Natsume!"
At the entrance of the Pewter City Science Museum, Garasu bowed deeply to Natsume's retreating figure.
Behind him, several fellow researchers watched with envy. This young man had the shortest work experience but, from what they could see, might be the first to graduate and obtain a League research certificate!
Though envious, they were confident in themselves.
When Natsume mentioned holding future symposiums, he had said all of them would be invited.
He had collected almost every researcher's contact information—clearly not just polite words.
A future Pokémon Professor holding a symposium? They would not miss that for anything!
And a new Pokémon Professor would certainly be selecting assistants, right?
After bidding farewell to the Science Museum staff, Natsume returned straight to the Pokémon Center and immediately called Professor Oak.
Soon, a figure appeared on the screen: panda-like eyes, messy hair, looking like he hadn't slept in two days—a disheveled old man.
"Natsume? It's you!"
*Click!*
Professor Oak hung up, out of sight, out of mind.
Natsume scratched his head, thinking perhaps Oak missed him too much and couldn't sleep, so he called again.
"Speak. What is it this time? And just so you know, I will absolutely, absolutely, absolutely not help revise any more of your papers."
Professor Oak's usual gentle eyes were replaced by a red-eyed glare, almost demonic in its intensity.
Clearing his throat, Natsume said,
"Um, I've shipped a Wishing Star to you."
"A Wishing Star? Where did you get it?"
Oak's exhaustion vanished, replaced by shock.
"Someone gave it to me—it was apparently found on Mt. Moon."
"From Kanto?" Oak's expression immediately became serious. "Natsume, do you know why Wishing Stars are only found in the Galar region?"
"Yes, because they are attracted to Galar Particles, and their falling trajectory tends toward Galar."
"Hmm… if you say someone found it on Mt. Moon…"
Oak paused, staring intently at Natsume.
"Does this mean there might be something like Galar Particles on Mt. Moon?"
Natsume's expression shifted slightly.
He had considered this possibility when he learned from Brock that the Wishing Star had been found on Mt. Moon. But since Mt. Moon seemed normal and other regions had seen gigantic Pokémon, he leaned toward the idea that the Wishing Star had fallen somewhere in Kanto and, by coincidence, ended up on Mt. Moon, where Brock found it.
"Natsume, well done! I'll request the League send a team to investigate Mt. Moon."
Oak's voice followed quickly, fully aware of the implications of Natsume's Wishing Star.
If true, Kanto could potentially become the second region to implement Dynamaxing, after Galar.
Natsume nodded.
Having the League send investigators was a good thing. If they found any clues, he could easily get updates from Professor Oak—very helpful for upcoming system-assigned tasks involving gigantic Pokémon.
"By the way, Professor Oak," Natsume added, "my Wishing Star is roughly fist-sized."
"Fist-sized!" Oak exclaimed. "Lucky you! To make a Dynamax Band, even a fingernail-sized piece of Wishing Star is enough."
"Exactly," Natsume nodded. "Keep half as evidence, and the rest, please have Professor Magnolia in Galar make as many Dynamax Bands as possible."
"Got it, no problem!"
Oak's voice grew stronger with excitement.
"Natsume! I got the Boulder Badge!"
Just after the call ended, Ash's voice rang from outside.
Natsume turned and saw three figures.
"Hmph, of course—that was thanks to Brock."
Misty walked alongside, unable to resist teasing.
"Brock?"
Natsume looked up and directly at the squinty-eyed boy trailing behind Ash.
"Senior Natsume, let me tell you! Uncle Flint is actually Brock's father! Now that he's running the Gym, Brock is joining us on our journey!"
Ash excitedly explained from the side.
"Hmm, that's pretty good."
Natsume nodded, pretending not to know, though he quietly regretted missing what must have been a dramatic family reunion.
"Hello, my name is Brock, and my dream is to become the world's top Pokémon Breeder!"
Brock extended his hand, introducing himself seriously to Natsume.
"Hello, I'm Natsume. I plan to open an academy in the future. If you ever get the chance to teach there, don't refuse."
Natsume smiled and shook Brock's hand.
"Huh? Natsume is opening an academy? Can we come?"
Misty and Ash looked at Natsume with curiosity.
"You're Gatekeeper One, and you're Gatekeeper Two."
Natsume gave each of them a playful tap on the head.
"Don't underestimate me! I'm going to be a Pokémon Master!"
"Yeah, I'm going to be the future Water-type Pokémon Master!"
Both of them looked slightly defiant, about to protest further, but Natsume slung his backpack over his shoulder.
"Let's go. Time to depart."
"Huh? It's so late—aren't we going to rest for the night first?"
Even energetic Ash was surprised by Natsume's decision.
"I think Natsume wants to go to Mt. Moon," Brock said thoughtfully.
"What does going to Mt. Moon have to do with anything?"
Ash and Misty both turned to him.
"Mt. Moon is at its most mysterious at night. Walking from Pewter City takes about two days. Considering rest along the way, if we leave now, we'll arrive on the night three days from now," Brock explained.
"That's right. Exactly. Let's set off."
Natsume's voice called back. Looking up, he was already at the gate.
The Wishing Star matter was urgent, and the League's action would likely be quick—three days from now would be perfect timing.
"Good, no time to waste. Let's set out and witness Mt. Moon's wonders!"
Ash enthusiastically slung on his backpack and followed Natsume.
"Wait! I need to grab something!"
Misty hoisted her backpack and chased after them.
"Looks good," Brock said, smiling faintly as he followed.
As they stepped out of the Pokémon Center, Natsume suddenly stopped.
Hiss—he had the feeling he'd forgotten something.
Had he?
*Pika—ka!*
In the backyard, on the *enhancement chair*, the Midchu let out a despairing roar.
Right! It was his Pikachu!
Natsume smacked his forehead.
You can read more (around 50+ free chapters) of Natsume's adventure ad-free at [https ://ravenarchives .com/book/pokemon-who-let-him-leave-pallet-town]. Bulk uploads is a mess here, so updates here might be irregular.