Chapter 0790: A Chef Who Consults The Art of War, Not Recipes!（Three-in-One）

March 5th, Tuesday, clear skies.

In the morning, the sun shone warmly, lighting the garden in front of the treehouse. Cutiefly flitted amongst the flowers, with healing rings of fragrance in the air.

Natsume pointed at a patch of bushes and explained:

“Those are Pokémon—clusters of Fomantis. By day they root themselves in the soil, using leaves on their heads for synthesis; at night, they head out to forage.”

Mallow rested her hands on her knees, leaning in for a closer look, while Lana squatted, cupping her chin to observe. Lillie took careful notes.

Natsume continued, “They’re cute, but dangerous—their evolved form Lurantis is a carnivore. As Grass types, their habits are more like Bug-type Scyther.”

Rotom Pokédex showed pictures of Lurantis to the students.

“So pretty…” Mallow blurted without thinking.

“Lurantis is always female, right? Like Petilil?” Lillie asked.

“Good question.”

Natsume nodded gently. “Lurantis has a 5:5 gender ratio, perfectly normal.”

“By the way, Machamp and Conkeldurr have a roughly 3:7 ratio, and Gardevoir is 5:5, so female Machamp are rarer than male Gardevoir...”

The students looked up at Natsume in blank surprise.

“I have a friend who’s a master of egg hatching. He told me all this,” Natsume explained.

Goldenrod City Pokémon Day Care.

A cap-wearing young man sneezed and muttered,

“I keep sneezing these days…”

He pondered for a while, then gave up thinking.

Too many people out for payback—no way to keep track.

After the morning “Alola Pokémon General Studies” class, the students filed back into the treehouse.

Samson Oak came into the classroom with a smile. “The red Pokémon egg from last time has hatched—it’s a Kanto Vulpix. I’ve brought her to show you.”

Red light from a Poké Ball revealed a little fox, curled up sleepily with a tiny whimper.

“So cute!” Mallow gasped.

“Will Lillie’s egg also hatch into a Vulpix?” Lana asked.

“Yes, and Lillie, remember, hatch your Pokémon egg with love—just like a Luvdisc!”

Samson Oak puckered up like a goldfish, making a Pokémon joke.

Lillie nodded earnestly. “I will. I’ll do my best to hatch it.”

“This afternoon, your mother is visiting the school, Lillie,” Professor Kukui said.

Lillie flinched and lowered her head. “I know…”

Professor Kukui scratched his head, and as laughter filled the break, he and Natsume-sensei moved to the corner.

“Lillie and her mother have always had a rocky relationship. Her brother Gladion ran away from home because of her too.”

“That’s tricky…” Natsume said. “Should we let her meet Lusamine?”

Kukui stroked his chin. “If she doesn’t want to, there’s no need to force her.”

Natsume’s phone vibrated; he motioned to Kukui and stepped into the corridor.

The encrypted number was from the International Police channel.

Even Natsume barely knew his actual rank in the International Police—he only really had one capable subordinate, “Handsome.”

Like Gin only having Vodka.

Over the Bluetooth headset came Detective Handsome’s world-weary voice.

“Chief, could you come to Hau'oli City’s revolving restaurant? The organization has assigned you an assistant who needs to be briefed.”

Natsume raised an eyebrow.

A new subordinate!

……

Hau'oli City, Revolving Restaurant.

On the sofa sat a man and a woman: a disheveled man with an oily brown trench coat, and a sharp-looking woman in a black suit with purple curls.

They stood up and saluted respectfully.

“Chief.” The woman spoke. “I am Anabel, currently Chief Strategist for the UB (Ultra Beast) Countermeasures Headquarters. I’ll be working with Officer Handsome to assist in your work.”

Anabel, in black with black gloves, composedly introduced the Ultra Beast Countermeasures Division.

Natsume sipped his coffee. “So, our earth defense squad—I mean, UB Countermeasures. What exactly do we do?”

Anabel replied, “Our operations involve investigating and resolving Ultra Beast-related incidents: stopping smuggling, repatriating Ultra Beasts, investigating illegal scientific research, etc.”

Handsome clarified,

“Most of the time, you won’t need to act personally. Your job is to oversee the big picture.”

Natsume took this with a grain of salt.

After all, with Ultra Beasts like Necrozma, two subordinates wouldn’t be enough.

As division head of the UB Countermeasures Headquarters, crisis management for Ultra Beasts was now his job.

This plot felt awfully familiar—almost like an Ultraman episode.

He just wasn’t sure if he played Dyna or Ace…

Since he’d promised Tapu Koko to deal with Ultra Beasts, Natsume-sensei naturally accepted the new title.

With it, he could leverage International Police resources and strength.

Some Trainers appear to be dedicated teachers by day, but are secretly division chiefs of Earth Defense Squads, defending the world from Ultra Beasts—true Battle Legends!

“So, how do you track Ultra Beasts?” Natsume asked.

Handsome said, “Allow me to introduce Anabel’s full background.”

“Ten years ago, Anabel crossed through an Ultra Wormhole, arriving from Mega Blastoise’s world, losing all memory. Humans who’ve traveled Ultra Wormholes and been bathed in Ultimate Power are called ‘Fallers’ by the organization.”

Anabel lowered her eyes, as if lost in memory.

Handsome added, “Because ‘Fallers’ attract Ultra Beasts, they make ideal lures… That’s ‘Project Bait.’”

Natsume frowned thoughtfully.

Wasn’t the “Battle Tower Ace” in Emerald also called Anabel?

Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon had the same story—‘Battle Tower Ace’ Anabel lost her memory crossing over and became ‘International Police’ Anabel.

“At present, Project Bait’s primary goal is to find invading Ultra Beasts in Alola and send them back to Ultra Wormholes,” said Handsome. “That’s why Anabel and I have spent the past month investigating in Alola.”

“We waited until today to report in for a reason.”

Anabel continued, “Based on our investigation, we’ve identified the first main objective.”

“What is it?” Natsume asked.

Anabel’s gaze turned penetrating.

“We suspect…Aether Foundation President Lusamine, together with Researcher Faba, is involved in Ultra Beast smuggling and illegal capture of Codename UB01: Nihilego!”

“Aether Foundation’s security is tight; Lusamine is reclusive. But today, Lusamine, Faba, and their security team will be on Melemele Island for two days… A rare opportunity.”

Handsome said seriously, “Chief Natsume, please approve this mission—I’ll infiltrate Aether Foundation and investigate UB01: Nihilego!”

Natsume began to ponder, recalling Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon’s story.

Lusamine’s obsession with researching Ultra Beasts grew after her husband Mohn vanished through Ultra Wormhole research. She tried to recover him her way, keeping live Nihilego specimens in her estate, terrifying young Lillie and leaving her with a lasting darkness, afraid to touch Pokémon.

In the end, smuggling Ultra Beasts was an undeniable crime.

“I approve this infiltration mission.”

Natsume nodded. “Also, investigate whether Aether Paradise is conducting illegal experiments on Pokémon they claim to rescue… And help me find a missing Pokémon.”

Rotom Pokédex hovered before Handsome to show a photo.

“Bewear’s cub, Stufful.”

Natsume handed Handsome a clear green Z-Crystal.

“This Grass Z has Bewear’s scent. With it, Stufful will come to you.”

……

Afternoon.

Alola’s Trainer School celebrated its first Open Day.

Cynthia wore a sky-blue blouse, hands on her hips, walking campus with Natsume-sensei, eyes roaming the scene.

“Natsume-sensei!” Mallow waved enthusiastically from afar; behind her stood a green-haired couple.

“Good afternoon.” Natsume smiled at Mallow’s parents.

Mallow’s father, head chef and owner of Aina’s Restaurant, was thrilled,

“Natsume-sensei… Meeting you in person at last!”

“Huh? Dad, why so excited?” Mallow said, curious.

“Your teacher is a Touran Master Chef, Kalos head chef… He’s beaten Siebold of the Elite Four in a cooking duel! These titles and achievements are every chef’s dream!”

Mallow looked stunned. “N-Natsume-sensei isn’t just a Trainer?”

“No… I’m just a chef.” Natsume said smoothly.

Mallow looked uncertainly to the dazzling golden-haired woman beside him.

“And this is… the Sinnoh League Champion, Miss Cynthia?”

Cynthia chuckled. “Just call me Mrs. Sensei.”

Both Natsume and Mallow froze; Gengar cackled from the shadows.

“Why are you blushing?” Cynthia murmured.

Natsume: “Xerneas hitting a tree—the old deer’s heart is pounding.”

Cynthia rolled her eyes. They said goodbye to Mallow’s parents and strolled on.

By the artificial lake, Lana and her parents waved.

“Natsume-sensei… and Mrs. Sensei! Good afternoon!” Lana said shrewdly, after a slight pause.

Natsume nodded with satisfaction, thinking:

“Lana, +5 points!”

Lana’s father, Mizushima, immediately recognized Natsume-sensei as the fishing rival from years ago.

“Natsume-sensei,” Mizushima said, both excited and a bit nervous. “Do you still fish?”

“Of course! Never home until the fish baskets are bursting!” Natsume replied.

Mizushima sighed in relief, smiling. “Then next time, I’ll invite you ocean fishing… Who knows, we might hook a Sharpedo!”

Truth be told, Natsume-sensei only ever caught Magikarp—freshwater, saltwater, any waterway…

“Star, don’t run off!”

Kiawe was chasing his red-haired little sister, Star.

Star ducked behind a Drampa on the playground, made a face at Kiawe, then bolted away.

After a while, Cynthia, now holding Togepi and with Meloetta perched on her shoulder, planned to head into Hau'oli City.

“I’m going to buy ice cream… what flavor do you want?”

“Whatever you’re having.”

“Hm…” Cynthia looked at him, bemused.

“Let Togepi pick for you,” Natsume laughed. “I won’t have any—just bring Gengar a giant malasada.”

“Gengar~” Gengar mimed a circle, drawing out a “huge” malasada size.

Cynthia laughed softly, wiggled her finger, and boarded Garchomp with Togepi. A white streak trailed through the sky by the palm trees.

Natsume paused, gazing after her—when suddenly, a familiar shout came from behind.

“Alola! Natsume-sensei!!”

“Pikachu!!”

Natsume turned to see a young man and Pikachu running up from the far horizon, coat billowing.

Trailing behind was a young woman.

Aunt Delia wore a jacket; Mr. Mime, a floral shirt.

Natsume had his hands in his pockets, his smile freezing, body going stiff, pupils shrinking, cold sweat down his back.

Ash tried to leap into Natsume-sensei’s arms, without slowing at all!

The momentum was like a charging Regigigas, rumbling across the ground!

Natsume shouted, “Rotom, Ally Switch!!”

“Beep… System Overload, Rotom~ o(TヘTo)”

Ash skidded to a stop, sand streaming, first looking at the Rotom Pokédex, then at Natsume-sensei in the distance, and scratched his head, puzzled.

Weird—how’d Natsume-sensei get over there?

Delia stepped forward and smiled. “Natsume-sensei… Please take care of Ash for this semester.”

“Ah, no problem… By the way, Ash, you look chunkier.”

Natsume breathed a sigh, studying “Alola-style Ash.”

Face rounder, thick eyebrows—compared to last year’s Kalos League, he looked more “dopey.”

“Eh? Do I?” Ash scratched his head and grinned. “Maybe Mom’s cooking is just too good.”

After winning the Lumiose Conference, Ash and Greninja returned to Pallet Town to rest.

On Professor Oak’s advice, Ash had come to Trainer School to build his fundamentals.

Natsume stroked his chin.

Low emotional intelligence: the Sun/Moon style is childish. High emotional intelligence: Ash is ten years old again!

“Let’s go say hi to the Professor… and to Alola-form Professor Oak.”

“Wait, what?” Ash said, confused.

“You’ll understand soon,” Natsume said calmly.

Natsume led Ash and Delia to the administration building, up to the office.

“Well, Champion of the conference!”

Professor Kukui greeted Ash with a laugh. “Starting out high, but the basics are important.”

“Yes, Professor! Please guide me!” Ash grinned.

Kukui put hands on hips, shot Natsume a look, and whispered in his ear,

“Aether Foundation’s team is here… right next door in the meeting room.”

“And Lillie?”

“I sent her to play with Mallow and Lana,” Kukui frowned. “I think it’s best if her mother speaks first.”

He glanced at Natsume, then whispered,

“In the end, Lusamine—the Aether Foundation isn’t here for Lillie. They’re here for you.”

“Well, that’s surprising.” Natsume arched an eyebrow.

“No,” Kukui said seriously, “you’re the single most valuable person in all of Alola. No exceptions.”

The Aether Foundation practically monopolized Alola’s entire industry.

Their founder and president, Lusamine, was a business genius—ruthless, like Chairman Rose, and a true villain in the original story.

“I’ll go meet her,” Natsume said.

“Thank you.” Kukui nodded.

Administration building, meeting room.

The corridor was lined with Aether Foundation employees in white uniforms, standing with hands behind their backs against the walls.

By the door stood a researcher with green glasses, a gloomy gaze, and a hooked nose, looking Natsume up and down with a cold expression:

“Go in.”

Natsume’s mind flashed with the backstory of this researcher.

Faba, a villainous scientist, mainly invented the Beast Ball and Type: Null. Compared to Colress, who controlled Kyurem, his ability was rather unimpressive.

As they passed each other, Faba’s ankle was suddenly gripped by a hand from the darkness. His body trembled, face stiffening, apparently paralyzed.

“A little mistake.”

Natsume pushed open the door, saying calmly, “Once I come out, you’ll be released.”

Faba’s face was ugly as he remained outside.

Click—

Natsume entered.

A gentle breeze stirred the thin curtains.

White pants hugged long legs; Lusamine sat cross-legged, pointed high heels up, chin rested on her hand like an armrest atop the sofa, lush golden hair framing green eyes as she gazed quietly ahead.

After a moment, Lusamine’s lips curved slightly into a smile:

“Your reputation precedes you… Natsume-sensei.”

“Lillie’s parent.”

Natsume nodded lightly and said, “As far as grades go, Lillie has full marks in all her other courses. It’s only in battle class that she’s not performing ideally.”

“What’s the reason?” Lusamine asked, still smiling.

“She’s very afraid of Pokémon. I imagine you know how that began.”

Natsume fixed his gaze on Lusamine’s green eyes; reflected within was the calmly seated, black-haired young man on the sofa, fingers interlaced.

A moment of silence lingered between them.

Lusamine let her smile fade and spoke evenly:

“You really are as rumored—young, handsome, and responsible… Natsume-sensei.”

“Thank you. Supporting students' psychological health is part of a teacher’s duties,” Natsume said, then pressed on, “If possible, as Lillie’s parent, could you tell me how this issue started?”

Lusamine’s expression turned weary, fingers pressing her temple.

“Let’s talk about something else.”

“Such as?”

“Such as…” Lusamine met Natsume’s eyes directly, stating calmly, “How a Battle Legend could reach a higher domain.”

Natsume raised a brow slightly. Lusamine’s lips quirked up again.

“Seeking powerful Pokémon is a Trainer’s instinct… I know this well. Ultra Beasts in this universe possess unique abilities—Ultra Beast Boost.”

“Pokémon with this ability become stronger and stronger during battle…” Lusamine leaned close, softly, “As a Battle Legend, you surely know the significance of this ability.”

Natsume kept his distance. “Go on.”

Lusamine reclined against the sofa, crossed her legs again, chin rested on her hand, and tossed a minimized Poké Ball onto the coffee table with a smile:

“If you work with the Aether Foundation, we’ll provide you with this unique Ball… the Beast Ball.”

Natsume’s gaze settled on the coffee table between them. A Beast Ball was rolling there.

The Beast Ball has an increased catch rate for Ultra Beasts… The Aether Foundation held the patent.

In other words, any Trainer seeking to catch Ultra Beasts would consider cooperating with the Aether Foundation.

This was Lusamine’s bargaining chip.

“With a Beast Ball from the Aether Foundation, someone of your strength could naturally catch the universe’s strongest Ultra Beasts…”

Lusamine smiled confidently. “Even catching Necrozma would not be a mere dream… You know of Necrozma, yes? Among legends, it’s a deity even more powerful than a demon lord.”

“So… what do you need from me?” Natsume “hesitated.”

“Simple: help the Aether Foundation open Ultra Wormholes. For that, we’re hiring you to find a certain legendary Pokémon—Cosmog.”

Under her lush golden hair, Lusamine’s green eyes flickered, briefly wild before turning calm and elegant.

“The Aether Foundation will spare no expense: wealth, materials, manpower, all to support you.”

“When Ultra Beasts come to Alola, the Aether Foundation will assist you in capturing them—including, possibly, legendary Pokémon as well,” Lusamine added in a gentle tone.

This sort of rhetoric worked on most villains; after all, Ghetsis, Maxie, Archie—these villains all dreamed of catching legendary Pokémon and seizing control of the world.

Natsume mused, couldn't I just summon a legendary Pokémon myself?

Rather than catching Necrozma, maybe it’s more effective just to have it show me some respect.

“Lillie’s parent…” Natsume began.

“Call me Lusamine,” she interrupted, frowning.

Natsume looked at Lusamine and said, “Ma’am, may I ask bluntly—why does the Aether Foundation want to open the Ultra Wormholes?”

“To research more Ultra Beasts, and prepare for Alola’s defense,” Lusamine said matter-of-factly.

That was a lie.

The real reason was to control Necrozma and find her missing husband, Mohn.

Natsume interlaced his fingers, watching Lusamine.

Lusamine glanced away, leaning back on the sofa, hugging her arms, legs uncrossed.

After a while, Natsume spoke:

“I’ll consider your proposal.”

A flash of delight passed through Lusamine’s eyes, but Natsume continued:

“However, there’s one condition: when the Ultra Wormholes are opened, I have to be present.”

“Why?” Lusamine’s gaze flickered minutely.

“So that I can be the first to catch powerful Ultra Beasts… After all, I’m quite interested in Buzzwole and Kartana,” Natsume replied evenly.

Lusamine’s lips curved as she smiled, “Of course.”

Natsume had no intention of catching new Pokémon—after all, his café was already full of little cuties.

Accepting Lusamine’s proposal was likewise straightforward.

Hiring a new Trainer to Alola, only to find out he'd come from the International Police…

Natsume’s eyes sharpened.

Once Lusamine opens the Ultra Wormhole—

With evidence in hand, he’ll arrest her himself.

A counter-plot.

A chef who doesn’t study recipes, but reads The Art of War!

From the meeting room came waves of Lusamine’s laughter; the two conversed merrily.

Outside the door, Faba ground his teeth in fury.

Finding Cosmog would be no easy feat; relying on low-level types like Guzma wasn’t reliable.

Bringing this new teacher on board was clearly desperation.

“When Ultra Wormholes are opened… that’s when he’ll become expendable,” Faba thought, his gaze sinister.

So what if you defeat a demon king?

Colress could control Kyurem—my skills aren’t inferior!

Once I control Necrozma, absorb all Alola’s aura, and evolve it into the ‘Radiant Lord’ of mythology… Even Arceus would have to stay out of my way!

From behind the door came another of Lusamine’s light chuckles.

“I have a professional massage therapy Trainer license. Trained right here in Alola.”

“Natsume-sensei, you’re such a joker~”

Faba gritted his teeth, and for some reason felt the urge to look back.

Damn… but I’m still paralyzed, my neck won’t even turn!

……

At sunset.

The Trainer academies’ Open Day had ended.

Lusamine wanted to meet with Lillie, but Lillie avoided her, leaving Lusamine to let it go.

Still, having enjoyed her conversation with Natsume-sensei and passed on a personal request, Lusamine’s lips curled slightly upward. It had been a long time since she’d felt so light and cheerful…

Natsume-sensei let his composure return, standing at the window stained with the glow of dusk, gazing down at the Aether Foundation entourage as he pressed his Bluetooth headset.

“How goes the investigation, Mr. Handsome?”

“I checked out Aether Paradise first… They do house injured Pokémon, and the staff are all very kind,”

Handsome muttered. “Lusamine really does look like a philanthropist… There’s nothing suspicious at Aether Paradise.”

Lusamine genuinely loved Pokémon; it was only after her husband was lost that she grew obsessive.

Natsume nodded slightly. “And otherwise?”

“Oh, I found Stufful.”

Handsome, with Stufful perched on his head, grinned. “It was probably rescued while hurt by Aether Paradise staff, and is fully healed now. Its nose is sharp—it found me instantly.”

“I see.” Natsume smiled faintly, feeling he’d fulfilled his promise to Bewear and put one worry down.

“But…” Handsome looked up at the sky, “I’m still not sure how to get Stufful to leave?”

“That… Just wait about ten minutes.”

He ended the call, and ten minutes later—

Aether Paradise.

Handsome, Stufful still on his head, looked up in shock.

A Bewear, arms whirling like a helicopter’s rotor blades, appeared as a blurred silhouette, descending from the far edge of the cloud sea!

Handsome stared, jaw agape, and murmured, “What the—…”

This Bewear… actually knows how to fly!

Bewear landed, a terrifying look on her face, swathed in a purple aura.

Handsome timidly stepped forward and returned Stufful.

At that instant, Bewear’s pink cheeks bubbled with joy, and with a gentle smile, she enveloped Stufful and Detective Handsome in a bear hug.

CRACK!

Handsome could swear he heard the sound of ribs splintering.

The middle-aged man in a brown trench coat teared up.

“What kind of feeling is this~!”

“Wobbuffet!”