April 10th, Saturday.
Natsume's original plan was to stay in Canalave City a few more days.
With no urgent commitments, he figured he'd treat it as a vacation in the scenic port town.
He also intended to borrow Gym Leader Byron's training facilities.
Given Byron's straightforward personality, he'd surely agree.
Meanwhile, across the Pokémon world…
The conference's revelations had caused an earthquake of shockwaves.
Updated Pokédex entries shattered Trainers' understanding once again.
People stared blankly at the three shadowy silhouettes marked "???" in the Sinnoh Pokédex.
"Wait… these Legendary Pokémon actually exist?"
"Even with the data, there's no way I could catch one!"
"Are you dumb? Natsume-sensei must've seen—maybe even caught—them to confirm this!"
In the ancient language academic circle, researchers were ecstatic.
The decryption of Sinnoh's Plates marked a historic breakthrough, likely influencing studies of other regions' Plate inscriptions.
And the name Natsume was now permanently etched into their minds.
"Isn't this the same Natsume-sensei who just competed in the Wallace Cup?" one researcher gasped.
"I swear he's flexing—he even transcribed the pronunciations!" another groaned.
"Of course a Champion needs to explore ruins and train Legendary teams. Ancient linguistics is just a side hobby," most fans reasoned.
Back in Torren, former Tokyo Metropolitan University president Hiroshi clutched his chest in disbelief.
First, rumors claimed Natsume was Master-level. Then they escalated to Champion.
He knew Natsume was strong, but… a finance major pulling this off?
Now, conference reports from attending professors confirmed it.
So the kid was living some "retired god of war incognito" plotline?!
Hiroshi wheezed. "My blood pressure…"
In Kanto, Celadon Academy's Principal Dervish was filled with regret.
"Natsume-sensei… was the Ancient Language professor?"
To think I let such talent teach middle school classes—and let him run away!
"I must find a way," Principal Earl Dervish smacked his thigh in frustration. "Perhaps we could erect a statue at Celadon University and invite Natsume-sensei back."
In reality…
Natsume, who had just received the script for Sinnoh's Live-in Son-in-Law, was seeing Moe-Moe! off at the port.
The sea was calm, and near the suspension bridge of the harbor, the massive blue backs of a few Wailord could be seen breaching the surface.
If only they weren't so expensive to raise, Natsume mused. Catching a whale would've been pretty cool.
Sapphire from the group chat owned a Wailord named "Elulu." But then again, her father was Professor Birch—keeping a Wailord was no trouble for him.
"Well, I'll be heading back to Celestic Town with Grandmother now," Cynthia said, standing before the departing ferry with a soft smile.
Natsume glanced behind Cynthia, where Professor Carolina pretended to gaze at the sea—clearly giving the two some space.
He turned his attention back to Cynthia's fair, delicate face, partially hidden by golden hair, and said:
"How about a kiss before you go?"
"..."
Surrounded by boarding passengers, Cynthia maintained her smile, but her eyes turned sharp with warning, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.
Unfazed, Natsume added: "I'm not picky. Cheek or lips—either works."
"Hand," Cynthia said coldly, still smiling.
Natsume extended his hand, and a slender, soft palm slipped into his. Before he could savor the sensation, a sharp pain shot from the base of his thumb up his arm.
Seeming to realize she'd squeezed too hard, Cynthia hesitated, then instinctively brushed her thumb over the spot she'd just hurt.
Then, in a flash, her hand was caught in return—enveloped by a strong, warm, clean grip.
They held on for a few seconds before Cynthia's snow-white cheeks flushed bright red. Reluctantly, their hands parted as the ferry's horn blared behind them.
"See you," Cynthia said softly.
"See you," Natsume replied. "I'll miss you."
Ahem!
An exaggerated cough came from behind. Professor Carolina shuffled over with her cane. "The ferry's leaving, Cynthia."
Cynthia gave a slight nod, her fingers flicking through the air playfully before she turned with graceful elegance.
Natsume called out: "Say hi to Lucian for me! Tell him to rest after work—maybe even clock in some overtime!"
Cynthia's reply was lost in the distance.
As the ferry sailed away from the peninsula of Canalave City, Natsume's screen lit up with a message from Cynthia:
"This afternoon, you can pick up the 'Most Valuable Award' prize from the Research Conference. Just choose whatever suits you best."
An unexpected prize?
Natsume blinked. "What about you and Grandmother?"
"We don't need it. Grandmother's already happy. So am I." Cynthia smiled.
So I'm the only one leaving this city with regrets.
Nodding, Natsume—ever the dutiful live-in son-in-law—replied:
"Got it. I'll take whatever catches my eye!"
Cynthia responded with three thumbs-up emojis.
With the chat concluded, Natsume skimmed through his daily memo and muttered:
"Right… today's also the day Byron and the Canalave Gym learn true suffering…"
The Research Conference prize could wait. He'd contact Professor Oak after the crowd dispersed.
Today's main mission?
Secure the Gengarite.
Then, while ensuring his own safety, test its effects at the Canalave Gym.
Last time, after Mega Evolving Blastoise, Natsume needed two weeks to recover.
This time, to settle the score (scratch that)—to verify the Mega Stone's quality—
Natsume had decided, just this once, to prioritize his Trainer career.
And to bring smiles to the Canalave Gym and Mr. Byron!
Natsume shuddered involuntarily.
"I scare even myself when I get serious!"
"Gengar~ (≧▽≦)"
"Quit grinning. We're going home—I've got something awesome to show you!"
...
Inside a Canalave City guesthouse…
Natsume sat cross-legged on the bed, expression grave.
Sylveon and Togepi flanked him, while Gengar hovered directly opposite. The rest of his team gathered around the bed.
"Arcanine? (O_o)"
Arcanine tilted its head, puzzled by the dark-red orb on the bed.
"Blastoise… (■_■)"
Blastoise broke into a cold sweat, sensing an overwhelming pressure from the gem.
"Sirfetch'd! o(>ω<)っ"
Ignorance was bliss. Sirfetch'd poked the orb with its leek, drawing everyone's attention.
With an air of "That's it?", Sirfetch'd stood unfazed—earning stunned admiration from Blastoise and Gengar.
Truly, the wise and courageous Sirfetch'd guidance!
Natsume: "..."
Did you really have to poke it?
His gaze fixed on the beautiful yet dangerous dark-red Orb, Natsume recalled its description.
[Gengarite: An Orb imbued with peculiar energy. Through the power of Bond, it enables Gengar to undergo Mega Evolution. ("Shatter reality, break the mind, banish this world!")]
Natsume: "…"
What kind of edgy, nonsensical line is that?
Then again, Mega Evolution just wouldn't feel right without some dramatic chant.
"Gengar?" Gengar licked Natsume's cheek, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Hmm… I was debating whether 'Return to your true form' sounds better than 'Rejoice!'"
With practiced ease, Natsume pulled out an energy bar—Old Gateau—from his coat pocket, took a bite, and mumbled through his chewing.
"Gengar! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ" Gengar's eyes sparkled as it stretched its tongue like an elastic band, boing-boing.
Natsume: "You… are you cosplaying Tahm Kench right now?"
Mega Evolution, also known as Super Evolution.
According to Professor Augustine Sycamore's theory, it's a temporary breakthrough in evolution achieved through the emotional bond between Trainer and Pokémon, unlocking a new Evolution Form.
This form can't be sustained for long and places significant strain on the Trainer's stamina and mental focus.
After all, one of the key items required—the Key Stone—must be activated by the Trainer themselves.
"I wonder if there are Trainers who've passed out from Mega Evolution."
Natsume's expression turned complicated.
"If Ash could collapse from sync damage with his Bond Greninja, then Mega Evolution might just wreck me too…"
Under the watchful eyes of the little ones, Natsume pulled out a business card and dialed Professor Augustine Sycamore.
After introductions, Sycamore exclaimed in an exaggerated tenor:
"You've decided to Mega Evolve Gengar? The bond between Trainer and Pokémon—how marvelous!"
Natsume: "…"
You Kalos folks and your theatrics.
"Actually, I wanted your advice." Natsume coughed lightly. "How can I reduce the physical toll Mega Evolution takes on the Trainer?"
"Ah, an excellent question!"
Professor Sycamore's tone shifted to seriousness. "Mega Evolution channels that energy."
"Aura?" Natsume ventured.
"Precisely!" Sycamore chuckled. "Some theorize that Mega Evolution occurs when Aura surpasses its usual frequency limits."
"My suggestion? Train your body and mind, but also consider techniques like Heal Bell or Heal Pulse to regulate your condition afterward."
Natsume brightened.
"Oh! So Blastoise could just blast me with a Revival Herb Hydro Pump and call it a day!"
Natsume: "…Actually, that sounds worse."
Still, if Aura could help, he could just use [Aura of Ripple] on himself.
And maybe borrow a few Revival Herbs from Blastoise's stash while he was at it.
"Blastoise…" Sensing Natsume's gaze, Blastoise broke out in a cold sweat.
Natsume smiled warmly.
"Blastoise, my friend… let's talk."
...
After promising higher-grade supplements in the future, Natsume successfully liberated the Revival Herbs from Blastoise's inventory and headed to Canalave Gym.
Hearing that Natsume wanted to train there, Leader Byron agreed without hesitation.
"Hah! Of course!"
It's just training. It's not like he'll wreck the place, right?
Natsume bowed politely. "My apologies for the trouble…"
"Bah, no trouble at all! Train as much as you like—I'll take responsibility!" Byron boomed.
Perfect.
Natsume smirked and led his little ones toward the gym in a grand procession.
Along the way, Gengar dangled the Gengarite on its tongue, licking it obsessively:
"Gengar~ (⊙~⊙)"
Natsume glanced over.
The Mega Stone was being swallowed and regurgitated repeatedly, like some bizarre regurgitation ritual. Thankfully, Gengar's stomach was a fourth-dimensional space, immune to acid corrosion.
"Whatever." Natsume sighed. "It did the same with the Dusk Stone and Toxic Orb."
At the gym entrance, a muscular apprentice in a tank top greeted them:
"Mr. Natsume, Leader Byron's waiting inside. Follow me."
The gym resembled a massive mine, its battlefield a rugged Rock Field.
"This'll be fun to blow up."
Natsume mused idly.
Inside the arena, he spotted a familiar face.
"Oh, Natsume-sensei!" Byron—unkempt and burly—stood up with a grin. "Meet my good-for-nothing son, Roark."
The bespectacled, hard-hat-wearing Roark side-eyed him. "Good-for-nothing, maybe, but still better than the Canalave Gym Leader."
"Oi, you little brat, talking back to your old man?!" Byron roared.
"Fossil collecting is my passion." Roark adjusted his glasses. "Please don't mock it or dismiss my choices."
"Your passion wouldn't even make me crack a smile!" Byron guffawed.
Natsume: "…"
These two are father and son, both obsessed with fossils, constantly battling with Fossil Pokémon in literal family matches.
What a heartwarming relationship.
"My apologies for this." Roark turned and bowed to Natsume. "I've heard your purpose here. Feel free to train as needed."
"Hey, brat, this is my gym!" Byron barked behind him.
Natsume chuckled and nodded at Roark. "Understood."
With a flick of his wrist, six Poké Balls released his team, who lined up obediently to spectate.
Gengar, the Big Brother of the group, strutted onto the Rock Field, Mega Stone still on its tongue, hands on hips.
"Gengar!"
"Look how cool I am.jpg"
Byron and Roark paused their bickering, intrigued by Natsume's Pokémon.
At the sight of the adorable white Sylveon, Roark felt a familiar dread creep in.
"Incredible…"
Byron's sharp eyes gleamed. "Strong enough to rival a new Elite Four's main team…"
Roark gulped. "Natsume-sensei… what exactly are you training today?"
Natsume smiled kindly.
"Mega Evolution."
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