Natsume sat in the flickering spotlight of the exhibition hall.
The surrounding congratulations, applause, and honors seemed distant.
Leaning stiffly against his chair, he stared blankly into space, lost in silence.
Human sorrows and joys don't connect—I just find them noisy.
Natsume steadied his breathing and examined the long-dormant System Panel. The relentless dings made his scalp tingle.
Slow down. Don't panic. Let's rationally analyze this…
"Gengarite is the conference bonus," Natsume muttered. "I was prepared for that."
The dark-red orb now sat quietly in his Backpack.
But the problem was…
Since when was this a chain quest?!
[Objective: Collect all eight Sinnoh Gym Badges.]
[Progress: (5/8)]
[Reward: Gracidea]
Natsume pressed his lips together.
The [Reward] made his emotions twist.
"Knew it. This damn system's up to no good!"
Gracidea.
A key item from the movie Giratina and the Sky Warrior.
It attracts the legendary Pokémon Shaymin, revered as the "embodiment of gratitude," enabling it to change forms and unleash its signature move, Seed Flare, which purifies darkness.
One could say Gracidea and Shaymin were the catalysts that dragged Ash into that major plotline.
Fresh from the spacetime upheaval in Alamos Town...
And now you're shoving Gracidea into my hands?
Are you expecting Shaymin to seek me out on its own, then drag me into a solo showdown with Giratina?!
You might as well just wish for my death!
"No warning at all... and now I've somehow collected five Badges..."
Natsume stared at the panel displaying [58%] progress, his expression complicated as he rubbed his temples.
"Well, too late now. Time to set an ambush."
"This mission is absolutely impossible... probably."
The applause in the exhibition hall faded, replaced by hushed murmurs among the researchers.
"That was brilliant."
"Indeed, as expected of Natsume-sensei!"
The room was silent, yet knowledge and glory converged upon this unassuming researcher.
Natsume felt his heart ache to the point of suffocation.
Click—
Camera flashes flickered as Professor Oak stood on the podium, smiling.
"With that, today's judging has officially concluded. Thank you all for your dedication to Pokémon and the pursuit of scientific research!"
With a deep bow, Professor Oak left the audience in a mix of shock, nostalgia, and admiration...
Amid the suddenly solemn atmosphere, Professor Oak grinned.
"Now, allow me to conclude with an original senryū—"
"Next time, Samuel," interrupted Professor Rowan sternly from the audience, though his bushy mustache twitched with amusement.
"I'll tune into your radio program," Professor Kukui added with a laugh.
"Magnifique! To witness Professor Oak's live composition!" exclaimed Professor Augustine Sycamore of Kalos.
"Hahaha— hic," chuckled Professor Birch.
And so, the Canalave City Research Conference came to an end.
Tomorrow would feature collaborations between research teams and corporate sponsors—companies like the Aether Foundation, Devon Corporation, and Macro Cosmos.
"Over half of these are basically villainous organizations," Natsume thought, sweating.
"No wonder they say villains are the ones who value science, while the 'heroes' are just hot-blooded idiots who rely on speeches..."
This trip had been a windfall for Moe-Moe! and Professor Carolina.
Meanwhile, Natsume-sensei, who'd expected to be a mere spectator, had lost everything.
Canalave City Library, its grand marble staircase descending behind them.
Natsume glanced at Cynthia's smiling profile, finding some solace.
Moe-Moe!'s smile… I'll protect it!
As he gazed, Gengar suddenly emerged from his shadow, cackling.
(Gengar laughing maniacally.jpg)
"Gengar! ヽ(≧▽≦)?"
"...Fine, I'll protect your smile too, I guess."
Natsume forced a strained smile.
...
By afternoon, scholars began departing Canalave City as ship horns echoed over the canals.
From the city's great bridge, Wingulls soared while Drifblims drifted lazily.
Standing there with Moe-Moe!, the wind tousled her smooth golden hair as she broke Old Gateau into her palm. Wingulls flocked eagerly, yet under Garchomp's intimidating glare, they instinctively formed an orderly queue midair.
"Remarkable," Natsume mused. "Even seagulls can queue properly."
"Valuable footage captured, Rotom!" Rotom chirped.
Cynthia tucked her hair behind her ear. "Will you return to Sandgem Town next?"
"Yeah. I'll wait for you at home. Maybe we can travel later," Natsume nodded.
Cynthia gave a soft nod. The two leaned against the railing, watching the river stretch toward the distant ocean. The port's cargo ships gleamed white, the water refracting light into two distinct hues.
Silence lingered, broken only by Rotom's shutter clicks and Wingull cries.
"..." Natsume finally snapped. "Little Rotom, mute mode."
Cynthia chuckled, her smile outshining the entire canal—even the snowy port beyond.
"I've been meaning to ask," Natsume said.
"Hm?"
He eyed the red bean treat in her palm. "That's red bean cake, right? Not Old Gateau from yesterday's restaurant."
Cynthia: "..."
Natsume: "..."
This is beyond extravagant!
For a moment, Natsume swore he heard Arcanine's mournful howl.
I'll compensate the good boy later, he resolved. Rotom's making extra Pokéblocks!
(Rotom: System Overload, Rotom! o(TヘTo))
...
Their time together was fleeting.
Cynthia had to escort Professor Carolina back to Celestic Town before returning to the Sinnoh League at Lily of the Valley Island.
Natsume sighed quietly, mentally adding Lucian to his grudge list.
"Let's head back to the guesthouse and pack," he told the shadow at his feet.
No response. Passersby shot him odd looks.
Deadpan, Natsume pretended to adjust an earpiece. "Yeah, keep talking. I can hear you..."
...
Back at the guesthouse.
In the hotel-like lobby, Natsume unexpectedly ran into an uninvited guest.
A burly man with scruffy stubble, dressed in an outdated, tattered cape and overalls.
Seeing the muscular figure blocking his path, Natsume felt a vague sense of familiarity and asked thoughtfully:
"You are…?"
"I'm Byron, the Gym Leader of Canalave City." Byron grinned. "Natsume-sensei, I came to thank you for resolving Canalave City's crisis."
Natsume blinked, recalling the nightmare incident from a few days ago, and smiled politely. "Just a small effort."
Byron's eye twitched violently.
S-Small effort?!
Cresselia and Darkrai—how could you make them sound so insignificant?!
Once again, Byron felt how wise his decision had been.
A broad grin spread across his face as he thought:
Roark, you brat, just watch how your old man treats a guest!
He grabbed the green hiking bag at his feet, brushed off the ore dust, and handed it to Natsume-sensei.
"Professor Natsume, this is a small token of appreciation from me, the Gym Leader of Canalave City. Please, you must accept it!"
Seeing the veins bulging on Byron's arm, Natsume's eye twitched.
"What's in here? It's so heavy."
"Metal Coat." Byron laughed heartily. "It's raw material—enough to make at least five or six Metal Coats. You can forge them into armor or use them to train moves!"
Natsume's eyes widened slightly.
Buddy, this stuff is expensive!
In Kalos, Steel-type Elite Four member Wikstrom was known for using Steel-type-boosting Metal Coat to train his Pokémon. In the TV series, Ash's Farfetch'd wore metal armor to hone its moves, achieving astonishing strength in a short time.
Knowing his own Sirfetch'd, Natsume was sure the proud warrior would love this gift!
The white Premier Ball at his waist suddenly shook.
[Sirfetch'd: Sirfetch'd!! (′꒳`σ) (Stay away from me!!)]
Sensing Sirfetch'd's feelings, Natsume smiled faintly and reached out to take the bag.
"You really didn't have to bring a gift just to visit…"
Suddenly, both men froze.
"Why is it so light?" Natsume hefted the green hiking bag, puzzled, and glanced at Byron.
The brawny miner stood there, mouth agape, looking as if he'd seen a ghost.
This guy looks so slender, with barely any muscle… How is his strength so insane?!
Natsume: "Was this heavy?"
Byron: "…"
Natsume: "Why were you struggling so much earlier?"
Byron: "Uh… uh… uh…"
Shaking his head in confusion, Natsume suddenly paled, his pupils shrinking in horror.
Byron quickly asked, "What's wrong, Natsume-sensei?"
"You… what else did you stuff in this bag?"
"A Badge." Byron scratched his head, confused. "The Mine Badge of Canalave City."
"Ah!" Byron laughed reassuringly, patting Natsume's shoulder. "Don't worry, with your strength, you don't need to challenge Gyms anymore."
"This Badge is just a personal gesture—and completely by the books. Feel free to keep it!"
Professor Natsume fell silent.
[Ding! Quest Updated!]
[Collect Badges: (6/8)]
[Mission Description: The last stretch is always the hardest. May the Trainer stay true to their roots and return as the same young man…]
"…"
"Will you be staying in Canalave City for the next few days?" Natsume suddenly asked.
"Yeah, why?" Byron scratched his head.
"I think I'll extend my stay here too."
Natsume smiled warmly. "There might be a few little troublemakers showing up later… I hope you'll go easy on them."
"Hahaha, is that all?"
Byron planted his hands on his hips and boomed with laughter. "No problem! You can count on me to give them a proper welcome!"
Natsume nodded with a smile.
Trying to sneak the Badge in with the Metal Coat, bribing an appraisal expert like me…
Buddy, this grudge is now logged in Natsume's records!