Chapter 0753: The Current League Champion(Two-in-One)

“Gourmet street?”

In a refined, top-tier restaurant on Winter Avenue in Lumiose City, Siebold, wearing a head chef’s white coat, frowned slightly and said,

“Don’t bother me with such trivial matters when I’m researching new recipes.”

“But this time, the event is co-organized by the Lumiose Business Association, and even the Hotel Richissime is participating. It’s a rare promotional opportunity... Siebold, head chef, won’t you reconsider?” the agent pleaded.

“There’s no need to get involved.”

The broth sizzled, butter melted, and Siebold, gripping a skillet, said coolly, “Publicity means nothing. There is a higher domain out there, waiting for me to explore... and that is the art of cooking.”

Beside Siebold, an Octillery used its tentacles to handle a kitchen knife, slicing carrots on a chopping board, while a Clawitzer, with its massive claw, shot precision jets of water to wash Leppa Berries.

The agent looked at Siebold’s white-robed back. The head chef and his Pokémon worked in perfect harmony; it was more than just cooking—it was a picture of art itself.

Siebold was famed as the ‘Legendary Head Chef’ and was also Elite Four level in the Domain of Pokémon battle.

If there was anyone who could stand as Siebold’s equal...

The agent pondered, then continued,

“Siebold, head chef, this year’s gourmet street has a particularly special guest commentator that might interest you.”

“Who? A Pokémon Connoisseur from Unova, or a specialty chef from Alola?” Siebold calmly stirred his stockpot as he asked.

Unova’s chefs are known for their fine spirits, Alola’s for their unique island flavors.

Siebold had once dueled chefs from various regions and knew their styles intimately.

“No... He is from Touran... um... a former Champion, now the current Master Chef, Mr. Natsume.”

Clang!

Octillery froze mid-chop, Clawitzer clamped its claw shut, the agent jumped in surprise—all three gazing at Siebold.

This ‘Legendary Chef’ actually let his ladle slip, banging against the kettle with a clear metallic note!

Siebold remained composed, picked up a napkin, dried his hands, and turned around; a rare spark of passion glinted in his eyes.

The agent gaped, “Siebold, head chef…”

“Announce that Siebold Restaurant will participate, Siebold.”

Siebold’s gaze grew sharp, lips curving into a smile—an expression of respect for the “Champion Head Chef” and the thrill of seeking an even higher domain in cooking.

Natsume-sensei, let us stir up a Cooking Duel that rivals the greatest works of art!

......

Southern Street, Rainbow Café.

“Here you go, thank you for waiting—Pikachu Pudding and Torchic Omurice~”

The handsome young shopkeeper balanced a tray, delighting the little girl whose eyes sparkled as he set down the bouncy pudding and ketchup-drizzled omelet rice.

“Let’s eat!” the little girl cheered.

“Thank you so much…” The girl’s father seemed nervous. “That you would personally serve us... It’s really too much…”

Seeing is believing—this mysterious, reservation-only café really was run by the league Champion.

Even dining at Siebold Restaurant couldn’t compare to the impact of this moment.

“Not at all.” Natsume smiled. “Seeing a customer’s smile at the table—there’s nothing that makes a chef happier.”

“Is that so? Ha-ha…” The father awkwardly exhaled but smiled.

“Well, please excuse me.”

Natsume gave a slight bow and returned to the kitchen, where Alcremie was making desserts. Seeing Natsume enter silently, it jumped in alarm.

“Alcremie!(。﹏。)”

“Relax, it’s just me. Just fifteen more minutes, then you can rest.” Natsume grinned.

“Alcremie...”

Alcremie pressed one hand to its chest; its strawberry-pink body seemed to flow with cream, giving off a sweet scent that tempted a taste.

Natsume pursed his lips and said, “Alcremie, can I ask you something?”

“Ee-may?”

“Next time you make a dessert using your own cream, let me taste it —I’ll do a real critique,” Natsume said sincerely.

Alcremie blushed, hiding its strawberry garnish, ruby-like eyes twinkling as it shyly nodded.

“Ee, ee-may…”

If it’s for making even better sweets... I guess I have no choice...

By noon, the little girl and her father were leaving, the girl turning to wave back with energy, “Bye, Gengar!”

“Gengar~” Gengar grinned broadly, its plump purple form standing on the floor, waving with gusto.

See you! Come play again soon!

Turning away, Gengar’s crimson eyes narrowed as it laughed again: “Gengar~”

Ding-a-ling—

The windchime sounded crisply.

Delibird carried its bag, shook its head, feathers still damp, making its black eyes shine bright. “Delibird!”

Boss, I’m off shift. I’ve come back for the crew meal!

“Lunch is nearly ready, just take a break for now.”

Natsume slipped his hands in his apron pockets, wandered to Delibird, and poured it an ice-cold lemonade.

Delibird put down its bag, bowed, and took the lemonade in both hands, downing it with upturned beak.

“Delibird—”

A quiet, peaceful noon settled over the café. Only the soft whispers of Pokémon filled the sunny air, beams of sunlight painting the green planters, bars, and wine racks.

Natsume leaned on the bar, chin in hand, gazing thoughtfully at the Pokémon before him.

A snowy Sylveon curled up on the brown sofa, a sunbeam touching its gentle sleeping face.

Togepi sat on the back of a sprawled Arcanine, holding a handheld console.

Natsume had bought a whole set of game consoles for Victini, who levitated next to Togepi, fully focused.

Blastoise occupied the fish tank in back, Tyranitar chewed diamonds in the courtyard, Sirfetch’d was napping...

Natsume unconsciously rubbed his eyes, grown sleepy, yawned, drifted over to the sofa, cradled up Sylveon, and tucked it under a blanket.

“Rotom, put up the closed sign for me.”

Natsume drawled, “Meloetta, a lullaby, please.”

Ripples flowed through the air, Meloetta’s long hair waving like water, her eyes shining emerald as she smiled softly.

“Meloetta~”

Scanning the room full of Pokémon, Meloetta pressed a hand over her heart, pulled a tiny mic to her lips, and began to sing gently.

Warm sunlight, soft singing—the café slipped into afternoon tranquility.

Natsume snuggled Sylveon; by dusk, he was slouched on the sofa, sound asleep...

And woke up with a stiff neck.

……

In the chat group.

The topic was the upcoming gourmet street festival.

“Gourmet street in Lumiose City?” Clemont mused. “I think it’s to celebrate the harvest and to thank Zygarde, god of the earth, for maintaining balance.”

“I remember—a whole plaza gets filled with great food!” Bonnie chirped.

“Chefs from all the regions come to Lumiose City to seek new heights in cooking,” Serena recalled. “At least, that’s what my Lumiose City handbook said.”

Ash scratched his head. “@Serena, aren’t you entering the Pokémon Showcase? You could return to Lumiose to prep, it’s only a day’s ride to Coumarine City.”

The next Pokémon Showcase would be held in Coumarine City, also Serena’s first time participating.

Wallace propped his chin in thought.

Pokémon Showcase... a display unique to the Kalos region.

Sadly, the “Wallace Cup” wasn’t famous in Kalos—people there preferred Performers over Coordinators. Wallace could only shake his head.

“Yeah,” Serena nodded. “Bonnie and I are both really looking forward to the gourmet street.”

Bonnie: [Happy Dedenne · jpg]

“I might be traveling to Kalos soon,” Brock commented with a squint.

“Oh?” Natsume, nursing his stiff neck, asked in surprise, “Will Forrest take care of the gym?”

Brock nodded. “This time, Mr. Grant invited me to a rock-type leaders’ exhibition match.”

It really is different among rock-type leaders.

Natsume considered. Brock’s Mega Steelix ranked top among rock leaders; only Island Captain Olivia, who’d mastered Rockium Z, might best him.

A Trainer’s strength and character go hand in hand. Brock, who raised so many younger siblings by himself, truly deserves respect.

Natsume gazed out the window.

“If there’s an Eating Champ contest... I bet Jasmine will be there too...”

After all, she’s the “Black Hole Girl” who’s won several contests in a row...

Besides the eating contest, two more events caught Natsume-sensei’s interested at this year’s gourmet street.

First, the juice competition.

Different Berries and mixing ratios would produce distinct flavors.

The contest would choose the most popular juice, and Steenee the employee was determined to win the championship.

Second, the cooking duel.

The most popular shop and best head chef would be chosen.

In other words...

This would be a romantic entanglement between chefs from across the leagues.

Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma!

Natsume clenched his fist, his eyes burning with passion.

It’s time to defend the honor of foodie content creators.

This Food Wars—Shokugeki no Soma—I have to win!

Crick—

Natsume: “Ugh, ow, my neck... Latias, a Heal Pulse, please!”

“I’m on it!” Latias dived down.

Natsume: “Don’t use Dragon Rush!!”

“Hehe, just kidding~” Latias’ eyes arched as she scratched her claws sheepishly.

Natsume: “……”

Almost called the renovation team… That was a close one!

……

November 4th, Thursday, clear skies.

The Sinnoh League was peaceful as ever. Flint had gone to train at Stark Mountain, Aaron was hunting bugs in Eterna Forest, and Granny Bertha was on duty at the administration building.

Lucian, with a rare free day, holed up in the Canalave City Library, reading favorite books.

Cynthia was inspecting Mount Coronet. After her daily duties, she thought for a moment, then commanded Garchomp to fly in the direction of Kalos.

In under two hours, the elegant Cynthia, dressed all in black, appeared on a brick-paved street corner in Lumiose City.

The sun was shining, and Natsume was at the open-air kitchen by the bar, researching new recipes. He glanced up at the tinkling of the wind chime.

He froze for half a second, then raised an exasperated smile. “Not even a warning before you show up?”

“Work was done. I suddenly wanted to see you.”

Cynthia placed a hand on her slim waist, golden hair falling loosely around her face, a posture graceful and lively. “Is that not allowed?”

“Garchomp!” Garchomp spread its scythe-like arms, gaze sharp, standing just behind Cynthia.

“If you’d called ahead, I could have prepared a new ice cream flavor.” Natsume shrugged.

“Mmm…” A hint of regret showed on Cynthia’s beautiful face. “You don’t have to go to the trouble.”

“It’s not too late to make it now,” said Natsume.

Cynthia’s calm gaze rested on Natsume for a long moment. Then she smiled softly, eyes curving, and nodded gently.

……

The strawberry cream came courtesy of Alcremie, the ice cubes were made from water infused with Never-Melt Ice, and the Berries were sweet-and-sour Belue Berries.

As Natsume prepared the treat, he explained, “Belue Berries offer a harmonious blend of sweet and sour—excellent for pairing with salads, too.”

Cynthia nodded from time to time. “Sometimes I think you’re a scholar, other times a Berry Master, and now you’re—well, a league Champion…”

“Former,” Natsume corrected.

“You are still the league Champion,” Cynthia answered, lifting her snow-white neck, her voice delicate.

Natsume paused, looked up at Cynthia—her proud features were tinged with pink, her gaze averted as she swept golden hair away from her cheek.

First time seeing Cynthia in a moe-moe, bashful mode.

“In a few years, I won’t be,” Natsume said softly as he sliced Berries.

Cynthia spaced out a bit, brow furrowing as she shot him a cool glance: ?

“She’ll be the mother of my children—my true Battle Legends.”

Cynthia was stunned for a moment, lifting her long lashes to gaze at Natsume.

Natsume put on an awkward smile, hands suddenly at a loss.

The always-elegant Sinnoh Champion, eyes a little red, her glance softening, she quickly turned her face aside.

“Garchomp! (〝▼皿▼)”

Garchomp’s scythes glimmered red, one step away from using Dragon Claw.

Natsume: o(≧Д≦)っ!

Misunderstanding! Absolute misunderstanding!

Looks like I’ll be sleeping in the Pokémon Center tonight!

Under the curtain of golden hair, Cynthia’s sculpted profile broke into a faint smile.

“…You’re not angry anymore?” Natsume tested the waters.

“Ice cream.” Cynthia replied coolly.

“Here…” Natsume handed her the ice cream.

Cynthia calmly examined the glass, silently put her hands together, picked up the spoon.

She took a small bite, leading it to her red lips.

Cynthia: (??????????)

So sweet!

Natsume let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Crisis averted… probably!

……

“After your retirement, with Ryo as Champion—are you sure that’s okay?”

Cynthia scooped another spoonful of ice cream, asking blandly.

“Mostly it was the overtime… If not for all the overtime, I wouldn’t have put Ryo in charge,” Natsume answered, absolutely truthfully.

“Oh…” Cynthia nodded in silence.

She probably didn’t understand—much like Lucian, a dutiful Trainer no matter what.

“The gourmet street festival is this weekend. Want to check it out? There’ll be famous dessert shops,” Natsume said.

“I have plenty of free time,” Cynthia mused. “I’ve heard Drasna will be at this event. I’d like to see her.”

“Drasna?”

“Yes, she’s also a Trainer from Celestic Town. She’s the Dragon-type Elite Four in Kalos now.”

Seeing Natsume’s confusion, Cynthia explained calmly:

“As you guessed, she’s a distant relative of mine.”

Celestic Town is known for producing Dragon-type Trainers—much like the Dragon Clan of the Village of Dragons, or Blackthorn City.

Natsume-sensei has nothing to fear from Dragon-types… As long as Arceus doesn’t wake up, the Pixie Plate is as good as his! (not really)

As the year’s end approached, events in Lumiose City were more frequent than ever. With Natsume-sensei’s recent retirement from Champion, invitations flooded in.

The next day, while working on a new dish, Natsume received an unexpected invitation.

“This is the Chairman of the Pokémon Showcase Committee.”

The caller spoke politely. “Mr. Natsume, would you be available next week to serve as a judge at the Coumarine City satellite competition?”

Natsume paused.

Oh right… besides being a chef, I’m also a top coordinator!

“Who are the contestants?” Natsume’s mind stirred.

“Uh… Let me see, there’s Shauna, Jessadia, Serena…”

Natsume froze, recalling the chat group conversations, and accepted the invitation.

“No problem.”