April 13th, Tuesday.
Considering the All-Around Competition offered a hefty bonus… though that wasn't the main point.
The main thing was, the weather was splendid. On this warm, dry, and sunny day, working up a good sweat in a sports event sounded like a great idea.
Natsume filled out the registration form on the official website, which featured Snorlax on its promotional posters.
The poster showed Snorlax wearing a headband, vigorously leaping over a hurdle, as if saying, "Win and you can eat all you want!"
Natsume: "...That's actually pretty hype."
Surprisingly, the website also had a sports forum, where most of the discussions revolved around:
"This year, Team Electabuzz is definitely taking the league championship!"
"Can Team Electabuzz win? No way, they just don't have what it takes, you know?"
"Losing to Team Magikarp, then Team Starmie… how do you even explain that? They've got no shame left!"
There were plenty of posts, mostly related to Pokémon sports. Similar threads included:
"Predictions for this year's All-Around Competition medals."
"Gold, the Grand Slam Contestant, might compete again!"
"A dark horse in the triathlon—an in-depth analysis of Contestant Ash!"
Natsume blinked in surprise and curiously clicked on the last thread.
[The triathlon consists of three events: swimming, riding (either on a Pokémon or a bike), and long-distance running.Generally, a Pokémon's physical abilities determine rankings in the first two events. But in the running segment, the Trainer must participate directly.Based on my observations of Contestant Ash, he's highly likely to pull ahead in the final stretch and sprint to victory!]
"Yeah right, no human can outrun a Pokémon!"
"An untrained Contestant would be lucky not to fall behind early on."
"Turning the tables with a sprint? Impossible, because humans have limits!"
The immersion was so strong that Natsume could already picture it.
Other teams might let their Pokémon run ahead first to ensure their overall score doesn't lag.
But Ash? He'd probably be carrying Pikachu on his back, sprinting full speed, leaving everyone stunned.
"Absolutely terrifying."
Natsume muttered, "Professor Oak should really dissect Ash for research…"
I strongly suspect Ash's rapid recovery after electric shocks means he secretly learned Recover!
At 2 PM, shortly after submitting his registration, Natsume received a call from the organizers.
A cheerful woman, sounding excited, informed Natsume that he could participate as a "Star Trainer."
"Does that mean a bigger bonus?" Natsume asked.
"No," the representative replied. "But we'll pay an additional appearance fee."
"Then I'm fine with it," Natsume agreed readily.
Gotta make a living—nothing embarrassing about that.
Leon's whole outfit is probably covered in sponsorships.
It's not like a Grand Slam Contestant would struggle to get endorsements, right?
"The organizers didn't even invite me!" Gold slammed the table. "I'm a Star Trainer too! Where's my appearance fee?!"
"From a marketing perspective, an ambassador's reputation matters too, you know?" Green giggled behind her hand.
"If it were a snooker tournament," Crystal consoled, "someone would probably hire you as a sponsor."
Silver sent a "1s" voice message: "Pfft."
[Group member 'Silver' has recalled a message.]
Lance: "LOLOLOL."
Whitney: "o(≧▽≦)ツ┏━┓ HAHAHAHA!"*
Gold: "You're laughing way too loud, dammit!"
"The S.S. Aqua is about to arrive at Olivine City Lighthouse," Lt. Surge said, cigar in mouth. "Hurry up if you're boarding."
"O-on my way!" Jasmine gasped.
"@Natsume-sensei, wanna head to the venue together?" Ash asked. "I'm passing through Jubilife City on my trip."
Natsume was about to agree—
Then he remembered that traveling with Ash lately tended to lead to… incidents.
"I've already left," Natsume lied casually. "Taking the train. Faster than flying."
"Oh, really?" Ash scratched his head and grinned. "Well, when it comes to sports, Pikachu and I never lose!"
"That's the spirit!" Whitney said. "But this year's competition is stacked. Rumor has it there'll even be a mystery guest commentator!"
"A mystery guest commentator?" an unfamiliar ID asked.
"A mystery guest commentator?" Maylene, the perpetually broke girl, echoed.
Natsume thought for a moment. "Johto Festival… the guest commentator couldn't be Lance, could it?"
"Haha, not me. You'll see when you get there," Lance said cheerfully.
"I'm already on my way," Crystal said with a smile. "Helping out with the Johto Festival staff."
"@Crystal, come assist me later~" Green said, covering her mouth with a laugh. "I've stocked up on goods—gonna make a killing this time!"
"No problem~" Crystal replied.
The All-Around Competition was held in a small town outside Hearthome City, featuring a massive arena that could seat 70,000 spectators.
With nothing else to do, Natsume lounged on the sofa, petting Sylveon, and did some research.
The events were divided into five categories: jumping, endurance, speed, strength, and skill, with five gold medals up for grabs.
All-Star Contestants would also participate—like Jasmine's Steelix in sumo wrestling, Whitney's Miltank in cross-country racing…
"This is insane."
Natsume's expression was complicated. "Steelix in sumo? You'd need a Snorlax to counter that!"
"Arcanine" Arcanine nudged Natsume with his big, damp nose.
Natsume paused, then brightened.
My Arcanine could compete in endurance, speed, AND strength!
As an All-Star Contestant, there's no way I'm leaving without at least one gold medal.
But with Grand Slam Contestant Gold and monsters like Ash around…
"The difficulty level of this All-Around Competition…"
Natsume wiped sweat from his brow. "…is way higher than the Baby Cup!"
...
4:00 PM. Lunch was an egg-and-ham sandwich with fresh Berry juice.
Natsume slung his shoulder bag, Poké Balls at his waist, and boarded the train bound for Daybreak Town.
The train was powered by Ampharos-supplied electricity.
Inside the spacious carriage, two shorts-wearing young men were already battling with their Zigzagoon and Starly.
Apparently, even in Unova, people couldn't resist a Pokémon battle—even on the subway.
Natsume watched for a while, resisting the urge to jump in himself, and silently chewed his sandwich.
Natsume & Gengar: (￣～￣)
As the train neared the station, an elderly man's mobile phone rang—the激昂鼓点 of "I Choose You!" playing as his ringtone.
In a brighter mood, Natsume stepped onto the platform just as the train pulled away.
The digital display on the station sign read 7:00 PM sharp.
To accommodate the upcoming All-Around Competition, the small town had set up dedicated shuttle buses to the arena.
But the distance wasn't too far—some triathlon contestants were already training, riding Dodrio at breakneck speeds around the roundabout.
"Little Rotom, navigate to the All-Around Competition Arena."
Natsume adjusted his goggles and patted Arcanine's majestic mane.
"Full speed ahead!"
The man riding Dodrio was one of this year's seeded triathlon contestants.
"This year, I'm taking the championship," the man gritted his teeth, leaning low. "Quick Attack!"
"Dodrio—!" Dodrio's body glowed with the move's energy as wind roared past their ears. The man smirked.
At this speed, the championship was as good as his—
Whoosh!
The man froze. "Did… did a giant black rat just zip past us?"
Dodrio's three heads huddled together, trembling. "Dodrio!"
That was no Linoone—it was a full-on charging beast!
...
Fireworks bloomed in the night sky as an Exploud held a live concert on the small town's outdoor stage. Locals danced enthusiastically.
"Gengar! (〃ω〃)" Gengar vibrated with excitement.
"Denied," Natsume said flatly. "I don't need a repeat of the 'Concert Disappearances Incident.'"
"The truth is clear—the culprit is—!" Rotom waved its mechanical arms dramatically, pointing at Gengar.
Gengar: "Gengar?"
Rotom then pivoted, pointing at a small plant passing by.
"You! Oddish! Rotom!"
Oddish: "Oddish~! Σ(°△°|||)︴"
Natsume facepalmed. You're just an extra—why play along so earnestly?!
Besides, a Kanto Oddish appearing in Sinnoh was suspicious enough!
The small town was decked out in lanterns and banners for the "Johto Culture Festival," with regional touches everywhere—
Ecruteak's geisha culture, Goldenrod's Moomoo Milk specialty, Mahogany Town's Rage Candy…
Natsume and the little ones snacked their way through the festival—red bean taiyaki, cotton candy, tri-colored dango—stuffing whatever they bought into Poké Balls.
Eventually, even Arcanine let out a full-bellied groan, forcing Natsume to call it quits.
"Gengar… (⊙~⊙)" Gengar hovered beside Natsume, licking its Mega Stone like dessert.
At the festival's heart, Natsume spotted an unexpected familiar face.
Valerie, her enormous wings and waterfall of black hair unmistakable, blinked in surprise before bowing gracefully.
"Natsume-sensei."
"You came here right after the fashion show for promotion?"
"Yes," Valerie replied with a light laugh. "Once the festival ends, we'll return to Kalos."
Behind her, kimono-clad dancers peeked shyly at Natsume, quickly looking away when he glanced over.
"By the way," Natsume asked, "any lodging left nearby? The hotels are all booked."
"If you'd accept humble accommodations, my residence has spare rooms," Valerie offered. "The hot water supply is reliable, at least."
"I'll check with the organizers first," Natsume mused. "There must be a Contestant Village… What time does the festival end?"
Valerie glanced at the sky. "Eleven. The opening ceremony is at seven tomorrow, so most contestants have retired already."
In the distance, rock music boomed from a grassy field where a Battle Festival raged around a campfire.
A beam of light shot from Natsume's waist as Sylveon took off to grind levels on its own: "Sylveon! (#｀皿｀)"
Natsume: "..."
Whatever. No stopping it—and nothing here can beat it anyway.
Valerie's eyes flickered with surprise, but she only grew more deferential.
"Then, I shall take my leave, Natsume-sensei."
A guest inquired about kimono styles, and Valerie excused herself with another bow.
As Natsume turned to go, a plume of purple smoke erupted in the distance—like embers from a forest fire.
Dust swirled as flames surged closer.
Gold, goggles on, yawned lazily atop his sprinting Typhlosion:
"So hungry… Are we there yet?"
Beside him, a plump Miltank trotted cheerfully, its pink-haired rider fuming:
"Gold! Typhlosion almost set my hair on fire!"
"Should've kept up."
"You—! Just you wait!"
"Later~"
Gold gave a two-fingered salute and leaned forward, Typhlosion accelerating again.
Whitney growled. "Miltank, Stomp!"
"You're using moves now?!" Gold yelped.
"You started it with Sand Attack!"
"Look, Natsume-sensei's here!" Gold shouted.
"Nice try! Eat this Rollout!"
"I'm serious! It's really Natsume-sensei!!"
Natsume: "..."
Under the bewildered stares of nearby tourists, Natsume slowly turned away and facepalmed.
Stop yelling. We're not that close...
...
Typhlosion and Miltank skidded to a halt before Natsume.
"Long time no see, Natsume-sensei!" Gold grinned.
Whitney huffed. "Gold got us lost. We could've arrived this afternoon."
"Says the one who made us detour because Miltank was thirsty!"
"Oh, like you didn't drag us miles off-course for a snack stop!"
Their glares sparked like a battle zone.
Natsume sighed. "Didn't Jasmine come with you?"
They paused. Whitney checked her pink phone. "Miss Jasmine went to Hearthome City. There's a Pokémon Contest today."
Natsume exhaled.
These kids will be the death of me...
Suddenly, Whitney's phone rang. "Hello? Miss Jasmine?"
Gold stretched, releasing a Poké Ball.
"Togekiss?"
"Togekiss!" Togebo scowled—then beamed at Natsume.
Natsume: "..."
The power of brotherly love is terrifying.
"Come out, Togepi," Natsume warned, "Don't stray too far and don't play too hard."
"Togepi doo-ee~ ヾ"
With a poof, Togepi bounced out. Togebo's eyes lit up as it swooped to carry its sister into the night sky.
Meanwhile, Whitney hung up. "Miss Jasmine's on her way. She'll catch up soon."
"Fine," Natsume said. "Let's head to the Contestant Village. The staff'll know where it is."
"Gotta help Senior Green tomorrow," Gold yawned. "Early bedtime it is."
Seems Green's pulling out all the stops this time—even recruiting helpers...
Natsume made a mental note: Tomorrow, I'd better warn Meowth's crew to brace for impact.
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