In reality, the Healing Ball of Pokéball Rotom could heal multiple Pokémon at once.
Although the healing effect weakened slightly with each additional Pokémon, it was more than enough for these lightly injured Clefairy that had been hiding.
"Natsume, you're amazing!"
Ash cheered from the side. What they had expected to take three days, Natsume had accomplished in a short while.
"Congratulations, Natsume. Your research looks like a success."
"Yeah, these past few days weren't for nothing!"
Brock and Misty also offered their praise.
From what they had seen of Rotom so far, it was clear that Natsume's research had already achieved remarkable results.
"This is incredible. If this new Rotom form were implemented in Pokémon Centers, it could save a huge amount on medical costs," Lance remarked as he approached, extending a hand toward Natsume, who was now surrounded by Clefairy like celestial attendants.
"I'm Lance, Dragon-type Ace Trainer of the Kanto region." he introduced himself with a smile, acknowledging the researcher who had proposed the Rotom–Natsume Law.
Clearly, Lance could no longer treat Natsume as an ordinary researcher.
Hearing the praise, Natsume rubbed his nose and shook Lance's hand.
Yes—if this form of Rotom became widespread, Pokémon Centers might become notorious for how much it could simplify healing. However, Rotom was naturally rare, so widespread adoption would be difficult.
"Natsume, Natsume!"
As Natsume and Lance shook hands seriously, Ash's voice called out softly.
A glance revealed Ash making frantic, excited gestures toward Natsume.
Natsume immediately understood.
"Lance, do you have any battle-ready Pokémon with you?"
He pointed toward Lance's Dragonite.
Seeing this, Lance raised an eyebrow. "My Dragonite is very strong."
"I know, but the stronger, the better, right, Ash?"
Ash's eyes lit up, nodding furiously.
Exactly—Natsume knew Ash perfectly. This way, Lance would agree.
"So I want you to battle me, to test this new form of Rotom," Natsume said.
"Ah!"
Ash groaned, looking at Natsume with a mix of frustration and anticipation.
"Don't worry, Ash. If I win, you'll have a top-level practice partner, one who can even surpass Lance, at your side anytime."
Natsume patted Ash's head, and the boy instantly lit up with excitement.
"All right! Natsume, you have to do your best!"
Lance hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"All right, I've been curious about this new Rotom form myself. This is bound to be an exciting battle."
Exciting, Natsume thought, nervously glancing at the sky. Perhaps, maybe, Lance's expression would be quite spectacular.
At the summit of Mt. Moon, an open area.
The group watched tensely as the two prepared to battle, with Brock acting as the referee.
"All right, let the battle begin!"
At the signal, neither trainer immediately sent out their Pokémon.
"Natsume, are you sure you're only using that one Pokémon?"
Lance looked at Natsume curiously. Only now did he realize that Natsume had just two Pokémon: a freshly raised Pikachu and the Pokéball Rotom. Facing a full team, victory seemed impossible.
"Yes, just these two," Natsume replied calmly.
Natsume nodded solemnly.
In reality, there was a system to teleport Pokémon via Pokéballs.
At the Oak Lab, he had raised many Pokémon over the years, mostly those captured for experiments. He had assumed that a single call would rally countless Pokémon forward as vanguards.
Instead, when he called out, the entire yard of Pokémon scattered—and two Primape even turned their backs on him in protest.
"Alright, fine. Let's change from a double battle to a one-on-one," Lance muttered, massaging his brow and deciding to ease up.
This way, he could cooperate with Natsume's experiment without overwhelming him.
Lance didn't send out Dragonite. Instead, he pulled a Pokéball from his pocket and tossed it.
*Roar—*
Red light flashed, and an imposing Charizard appeared, its body orange-red, massive wings and long tail blazing, letting out a low, authoritative roar that resonated like a dragon's.
"This is my Charizard. It should be more than enough to test your Rotom," Lance said casually, arms crossed, radiating the aura of a top trainer.
"All right, go, Pokéball Rotom!"
At Natsume's command, the Pokéball Rotom rushed forward, accompanied by a swarm of Clefairy.
"Hey, hey, you can't go in!"
Misty and the others scrambled to stop the Clefairy.
*Rotom!*
The Pokéball Rotom called back, and the Clefairy immediately obeyed, halting in place.
They spread out in an organized circle around the battlefield, forming a protective barrier.
*Clefairy, Clef, Clefairy!**Clefairy, Clef, Clefairy!**Clefairy, Clef, Clefairy!*
The Clefairy began their mysterious dance again.
"Aww, so cute! They're cheering for Rotom!"
Misty's eyes glimmered with delight at the sight.
"Go, Natsume!"
Ash's voice rang out from behind, and Natsume gave him a thumbs-up.
With Pokéball Rotom in place, the battle officially began.
"You go first. This is mainly to test the new Rotom's moves," Natsume said.
Lance closed his eyes. By observation, Rotom's level seemed far below Charizard's. ITS speed also appeared lacking; under normal circumstances, Charizard would act first, leaving Rotom no chance.
**Charizard, Lv.66**
Natsume glanced at the evaluation software and put his phone away.
"All right, Lance, don't get mad later."
"Why would I get mad?" Lance asked, confused.
"Okay, I've recorded it," Natsume said, retracting his phone.
This battle didn't use a game-rule battlefield. There was no need; in reality, Rotom's moves functioned as they actually did. This was also why Lance allowed Rotom to act first, despite its slower speed.
"All right, Pokéball Rotom, use Curse Sphere!"
"Rotom!"
A strange purple light shot from Rotom's core, enveloping Charizard instantly.
Lance didn't command Charizard to dodge; he watched with interest.
Before the battle, Natsume had explained that this new Rotom had developed unprecedented moves. Lance was eager to see just how powerful they were.
Charizard struggled instinctively under the purple light, sensing the strange, enchanting aura—but it was futile.
As if being captured, Charizard was absorbed effortlessly into the Pokéball Rotom.
"If I'm not mistaken, this move seems capable of sealing Pokémon?"
Exactly. Lance still stood with his arms crossed, though his expression showed a hint of surprise.
After Pokéball Rotom absorbed Charizard, it remained still, and time ticked by slowly.
"This is so weird… Natsume, this doesn't feel like a Pokémon battle at all,"
Ash said, patting the two Pikachu on his shoulders, feeling that this was nothing like the intense, action-packed battles he had imagined.
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.