Recently, Trainers visiting Canalave City received strange news.
[Canalave Gym temporarily closed for renovations. We apologize for any inconvenience.]
"Why is the Leader always absent? Now they're renovating?"
"I told you, challenging Gyms depends on luck... Let's just go to Sunyshore City instead."
"Sunyshore City has the eighth Gym. Their Leader should be stronger!"
"Stronger, sure... But they literally leave the Beacon Badge at the entrance for any Challenger to take..."
"You didn't say that earlier?!"
Seeing the damaged state of Canalave Gym, visiting Challengers understood.
There must have been an intense battle! They assumed.
Neither Roark nor Byron, the father-son duo, could believe that something as small as Mega Evolution could unleash such destructive power.
Perhaps... This was precisely Natsume's extraordinary ability.
Natsume originally planned to refer more business to the renovation team and credit the points to his own account.
Unexpectedly, Byron had his own crew of workers, and Roark could source the materials.
Thus, the father and son happily worked together on the renovations...
"Fine then."
Natsume's expression was subtle. "At least we tested Gengar's Mega Evolution."
According to Natsume's own assessment, the cooldown for Mega Evolution was about one week. As his Aura strengthened and proficiency increased, the cooldown would gradually shorten.
Pulling off Mega Evolution every other battle like at the Lumiose Conference was still beyond his current capabilities.
But at least he wouldn't faint from it. With "Aura of Ripple" as his foundation, not to mention the physical endurance needed to sustain "Close Combat Lv5," he had nothing to worry about.
At Natsume's current battle strength...
While he couldn't beat a Tauros, crushing a Metapod was no problem.
"After all, I'm the man who knocked out Regigigas..."
Natsume stared at his palm, slowly clenching it as he sighed:
"If my Mega Evolution couldn't even last three minutes, that'd be downright embarrassing!"
Having decided to test Mega Evolution at another Gym next time,
Natsume sat on the sofa in his room, Togepi curled on his lap, while he scrolled through his phone.
[New Mail Received]
[Crystal: Natsume-sensei, you can now come pick up your 'Most Influential' award prize from the Research Conference.]
Lately, words like "prize" or "surprise" always gave him a headache.
Rubbing his temples, Natsume replied: "Can I choose it myself?"
Moments later, Professor Oak's assistant Crystal responded:
"Of course~! (♡)"
"Wait there then, I'm coming now!"
...
Canalave City Library, Lounge
The gray-templed Professor Oak shook hands with Professor Rowan.
"Continue leading the Pokémon world to new heights, Samuel," Professor Rowan said solemnly, offering encouragement.
"Haha, indeed," Professor Oak replied, his eyes glinting faintly. "To keep researching Pokémon... That has always been my life's dream."
Knock, knock—
The door opened, and Natsume paused slightly upon seeing the two familiar professors before smiling.
"Professor Rowan, Professor Oak, I'm here to pick up the team's trophies."
"The trophies are secondary—the bonus and prize are the real focus, right?" Professor Oak chuckled.
Natsume: "Do I really seem like that kind of person?"
Before leaving, Professor Rowan lifted his briefcase and patted Natsume's shoulder with a serious expression.
"Choose carefully. This might determine your next research topic, and it could also benefit your Pokémon."
Realizing the importance, Natsume nodded.
Professor Rowan smiled faintly.
"I'll head back to the research institute first. Feel free to visit if you have any questions."
Professor Oak: "I just finished my work. Natsume, let me take you to the exhibition hall."
"Much appreciated."
The prizes were all extremely rare items of high scientific research value—meteorite fragments from Mt. Chimney, ancient fossils, resin amber, and more.
Natsume immediately recognized the dormant Pokémon within some of the fossils, like Cradily and Aerodactyl, waiting to be revived.
"Steven would love these collections," Natsume remarked casually.
"Haha, they do have high collectible value, though we certainly wouldn't sell them to individuals," Professor Oak laughed.
"But could he have Devon Corporation buy them under the pretense of researching fossil revival technology?" Natsume asked curiously.
"..." Professor Oak fell silent.
Sorry, but with enough money, you really can do anything!
Under the exhibition lights, the displays seemed to radiate the brilliance of ancient times. Natsume walked quietly down the aisle, scanning the surroundings.
Descriptions of each item continuously appeared in his vision.
Armor Fossil, relic crown, rare bones… Until he stopped in front of a strangely familiar display case.
"Ah, this is a meteorite discovered at Mt. Moon. It's said to be connected to Jirachi."
"At the time, wild Clefairy and Clefable were found near the meteorite," Professor Oak explained with a smile. "Some believe Clefairy are Pokémon from another planet, and the meteorite was their spaceship."
Connected to Jirachi… No wonder it feels so familiar. Natsume nodded, checking the system's description.
[Mt. Moon Meteorite: A mysterious meteorite discovered at Mt. Moon, said to contain cosmic power. Those who believe in shooting stars see it as a symbol of blessings and good fortune. (Give up—luck buffs don't work on certain individuals.)]
Natsume: "..."
He briefly considered cursing, but then reconsidered.
If even Togepi can't save my abysmal luck, what hope does a meteorite have…
"I'll take this one," Natsume said to Professor Oak.
Though it didn't suit him, it strangely resonated with Togepi.
He planned to gift this small meteorite fragment to Togepi.
"Are you sure? Not interested in the stone tablets excavated from other regions?" Professor Oak blinked.
"...I suspect you just want free translation work out of me."
"Hahaha, of course not! It's entirely up to you!" Professor Oak laughed awkwardly, scratching his head—though the cold sweat on his forehead wasn't convincing.
In the end, Natsume successfully claimed the meteorite fragment.
Compared to the other bizarre fossils, this so-called "symbol of luck" was far more appealing.
Back at home.
He handed the small, crystalline fragment to Togepi.
"Togepi~" Togepi's tiny eyes widened slowly, sparkling as it carefully cradled the fragment.
"A memento from our trip to Canalave City," Natsume said with a smile.
"Togepi doo-ee (′▽｀*)♡"
Togepi happily raised the meteorite like a bag of delicious chips, running circles around the coffee table.
Finally, it clutched the fragment and stared intently.
Stare—
"Togepi doo-ee! ヽ(￣▽￣)ノ"
Togepi seemed overjoyed, the patterns on its shell glowing faintly.
A line from the Pokédex suddenly flashed through Natsume's mind:
[Its shell is said to be filled with happiness. If treated kindly, it shares its luck with others.]
"Then why hasn't my luck improved at all?"
Natsume paused. "Unless…"
No amount of mysticism can save an unlucky guy?!
His mood instantly plummeted!
"Sirfetch'd~ (′︿‵｡)"
Watching from the side, Sirfetch'd shed a tear like a proud parent.
Even though Togepi might already be stronger than me…
(Natsume-sensei: Wait, hasn't Togepi always been stronger than you?)
As long as it keeps growing, my plan to coast to victory gets even smoother!
Perfect~ This time, I'm definitely getting carried!
Natsume: "Oh right, Sirfetch'd, Mr. Byron sent you a gift too. I forgot to give it to you earlier."
" Sirfetch'd? (°ロ°)" Sirfetch'd froze, Leek and shield in hand.
Then it watched as Natsume hauled out an enormous slab of metal and thunked it onto the floor.
"I've already set aside another piece for custom armor later."
Natsume knocked on the [Metal Coat], grinning.
"Use this for leek-swinging practice. Once you can split it, you'll be unstoppable!"
"Sirfetch'd!Σ( ° △ °|||)︴"
Sirfetch'd's expression remained calm, eyes sharp—but inside, it was screaming.
Natsume sighed emotionally.
Of all his little ones, he understood Sirfetch'd's feelings the most.
Though it claimed to want to slack off, it had a heart that refused to fall behind—a humble yet brave knight's spirit.
As its trainer, of course he had to help shoulder its burdens—
No one understands Sirfetch'd better than me!
Natsume: "Sirfetch'd, you got this! Sirfetch'd is awesome! Sirfetch'd, go go go!"
Sirfetch'd: "Sirfetch'd!! (╥﹏╥)"
Just cook me already, I can't take this anymore~!
"Togepi doo-ee~ (✧ω✧)"
Togepi stood behind Sirfetch'd, beaming at it with sparkly eyes.
That adorable, admiring gaze was something no adult could resist.
Natsume broke into a cold sweat.
Isn't this the same look Crayon Shin-chan uses to manipulate adults…?
Sirfetch'd also sweatdropped, tightening its grip on its leek and shield.
To give up or rise to the challenge… That is the question.
But when Sirfetch'd glanced back at Togepi, its expression steeled.
As a role model, I have to set an example for the little one!
"Sirfetch'd! (ಥ﹏ಥ)"
But this is so hard~!!
Watching Sirfetch'd, Natsume nodded in satisfaction.
It must have been moved by my encouragement…
I'm sure it'll appreciate my good intentions!
"Gengar (☌☌)" Gengar floated by, licking its dark red Mega Stone.
"Sylveon~" Sylveon walked gracefully, ribbons scattering crescent-shaped sparkles.
Rotom browsed new photos; Blastoise did one-armed push-ups; the Arcanine happily chewed on its Old Gateau.
Togepi stared seriously at its meteorite fragment before giggling.
Only Sirfetch'd—
Sirfetch'd stood frozen, speechless.
Another sad duck has joined the city…
Natsume looked around at his happy little ones and smiled.
"Alright, let's pack up. It's time to go home."
"Gengar~ (ノ^o^)ノ"
"Sirfetch'd! o(TヘTo)"