Chapter 0732: Moon Viewing Festival—A Perfect Night for Streaming(Two-in-One)

September 21st, Tuesday—Moon Viewing Festival.

Rows of parasol trees lined Lumiose’s streets, their fallen leaves piling up.

Pedestrians walked past rows of white buildings, the road stretching all the way toward the distant Prism Tower.

“Tourists, please go this way! Take Lumiose City’s famous Gogoat Transport Services for a direct ride to Prism Tower!”

On the cobblestone streets, travelers holding little flags looked on with curiosity as they boarded the Gogoat rides.

It was the middle of autumn; the green plants on Gogoat’s backs took on a yellow hue as they chewed on berries, moving slowly over the golden streets.

Natsume, clad in a light yellow trench coat and holding a large bag of groceries, watched the neat line of Gogoat making their way down the road.

“Sylveon?” Sylveon wrapped her ribbon around his arm, looking up with bright blue eyes.

“I’ve been in Lumiose City so long, and this is my first time seeing this,” Natsume said with a smile.

As I recall, this used to be an enterprise under Rocket Delivery. The price is much more affordable than the expensive Lumiose Taxi.

“Sylveon…” Sylveon stood still, staring ahead at the line of Gogoat passing by.

Maybe it was Natsume’s imagination, but the Gogoat seemed to pick up their pace a little.

Natsume adjusted the paper bag of groceries and turned into the peaceful, picturesque Southern Street.

Passing by rows of dazzling shop windows, he reached the corner—where a café stood, white tables and umbrellas on the patio, and a blackboard listing today’s “shopkeeper’s recommendations.”

【Miltank Shaky Berry Milk 🥛, Caramelized Vulpix Sundae 🍮, Lunatone Five-Nut Moon Viewing Dango 🍡】

“The last one’s my pride and joy!” Natsume sighed proudly.

Moon Viewing Festival definitely calls for some special Touran-style dishes.

Tonight, Natsume would celebrate the festival at the café, together with Cynthia and the Pokémon—so he’d gotten up early to buy the freshest ingredients.

After moon viewing tonight, there’d be the customary live stream to go along with announcing his “Victory Road Challenge.”

Natsume had even planned out his fun stream team composition.

【Smeargle Flying Water Kunai; Weakness Policy Palossand】

It might be tough to face Mustard.

But beating Gold’s Editing Card? Child’s play!

Wind chimes tinkled crisply.

Natsume stepped inside the shop—no guests; Steenee was sitting and chatting with Meowstic.

“Steenee” Steenee cupped her face in her hands, red eyes round.

Is shopkeeper holding a party tonight?

Meowstic gave a silent nod, eyes glowing blue. With a little Confusion, it poured water from the teapot into Steenee’s empty glass.

“Steenee~” Steenee, like a little student, laid her hands flat and swung her legs under the table.

That sounds amazing~

Indeedee, ever diligent, stood at the bar and suddenly coughed quietly.

Steenee and Meowstic turned to see the shopkeeper standing at the entrance, and jumped in surprise.

Swish!

The two leapt to their feet, grabbing a broom and a tea tray beside them, faces showing the seriousness of “on the job.”

Natsume couldn’t help but laugh. “Today is the Moon Viewing Festival, so we’ll have a party tonight.”

Steenee and Meowstic paused mid-step, looking blankly toward the shopkeeper.

“I even made five-nut moon viewing dango… Ahem, if you see it, you have to take one—even if you don’t want to!”

Steenee and Meowstic exchanged glances.

Indeedee covered her mouth, smiling, feeling renewed affection for the shopkeeper.

The garden brimmed with autumn.

The Tree of Beginning’s shade was thick as always, and under its pulse, a few Revival Herbs swayed gently in the breeze.

“Sylveon~” Sylveon bounded for the swing by the tree.

“Tyranitar!” Tyranitar crouched in the sandbox, holding a spade high and waving to Natsume.

“Arcanine…” Arcanine lay in the corridor, giant tail and backside facing him, looking back with a wave, then flopping down again.

Natsume glanced toward the tree.

A tunnel mouth covered in sand stood out oddly.

It was the path to the Land of Ores… every month, Carbink would arrive with diamonds and trade them to Natsume for berries.

Once Diancie finished her royal affairs, she’d often stop by for a visit, too.

Natsume mused that such an extraordinary scene really deserved a ticket fee when Steven came to visit.

This was, after all, the art of using Diancie to “manage” Steven! (Not that that’s true.)

In the garden, beds of medicinal herbs grew around the Tree of Beginning, ahead lay a rectangular battle arena, and behind was a flower-dotted lawn.

That was Cynthia’s Roserade’s planting. Gardening was its favorite hobby.

Gengar sometimes pushed the mowing Rotom, roaring “Grass! Grass! Grass!” as it helped trim the yard.

Which inevitably earned a healthy round of grumbling from Roserade.

Sometimes, disguised Spiritomb, nonchalant Gastrodon, hide-and-seek Togepi, or a lazy Sirfetch’d could be found around the lawn…

Just then, bright laughter echoed.

Natsume, arms full of groceries, stood beneath the clear autumn sky, squinting up at the rooftop.

The Soul Dew at Latias’s neck shone in the sunlight, her feathers vivid red and white, eyes curved with joy.

Watching Latias fly was altogether different from the powerful roars of Metagross; hers was a light, graceful beauty.

Alongside Latias floated Meloetta, smiling and quietly levitating.

"Victini ~" Victini chomped down on a macaron, a happy smile blooming on its face.

Natsume unconsciously smiled, glancing around for a certain Pokémon’s shadow.

Behind the tree trunk, a shadow stretched long as white mist swirled.

Darkrai leaned against the trunk, arms crossed, blue eyes gazing into the autumn sky, lost in thought.

Meloetta’s soft song wafted by Darkrai’s ear; he twitched up the corner of his mouth, closed his eyes.

He saw a soaring tower, music soothing rage and hatred, a countryside girl spinning in the town square. That smile turned to Alicia—then suddenly to braided-hair Natsume…

Darkrai’s eyes shot open, sweat gathering at his spine.

Damn, even I have nightmares now!

A key turned; the door unlocked.

“I’m home—”

Natsume stepped in, balancing the big grocery bag in one hand, shedding shoes and popping loose the trench coat buttons.

“Togepi doo-ee~ヾ”

Togepi came scampering over.

Cynthia sat cross-legged on the carpet, golden hair spilling out, controller in hand, eyes on the nearby screen. She said,

“Togepi says, welcome home.”

“You can translate Pokémon speech now?”

“Of course.” Cynthia’s lips quirked up.

“Careful, you’ll ruin your eyes,” Natsume tossed out, eyeing the screen.

“A Celestic Town trainer never gets nearsighted.”

Natsume walked to the kitchen. “Then what about those thin-rimmed glasses of yours…”

“They help me read.”

From behind, Cynthia’s golden hair cascaded; hairpins on either side, a handheld console case sat in front, around her massive books, stacks of white paper, crumpled drafts everywhere.

“Grandmother’s research report?” Natsume looked at the discarded pages.

“Yeah… I can’t get anywhere, so I play games for inspiration.” Cynthia looked a little troubled.

“In times like that, I usually check the chat group—see what wild ideas the genius group members have,” Natsume said with a smile.

“Speaking of that…”

Cynthia’s gaze flickered, recalling the group chat: “Today is the Moon Viewing Festival?”

Natsume nodded. “It’s the holiday to gather with family, have dango, and view the moon together.”

“Ugh… I didn’t make it back to Celestic Town.” Cynthia sighed softly, looking up at him. “So, you…”

“I’ve already told the folks I’m well,” Natsume said. “You know the saying: ‘We share the same moon, no matter how far apart.’”

Even with distant horizons, we can ease our longing by sharing the moon.

Cynthia watched Natsume’s earnest expression, then broke into a smile. “Is there a gift tradition for Moon Viewing Festival?”

That perked Natsume right up.

“Moon viewing dango, of course! I made lotus paste, red bean, and salted egg yolk… but especially five-nut. No moon viewing is complete without it!”

Gengar looked a little troubled, then turned to a curious Victini and waved grandly:

"Gengar! (￣▽￣)／"

I tried five-nut flavor last year—this time, you all get to taste it!

"Victini~ sparkles" Victini’s eyes sparkled bright.

Amazing, truly amazing~

In the chat group.

Gold was complaining about crooked merchants.

"The one you sold Silver was fake dango, right? It tastes terrible."

“Nonsense,” Green rebutted. “How could it be fake? I made them myself!”

Silver: “……”

Honestly, they’re not that bad…

Bruno crossed his arms, thinking of the festival dango gift box he’d bought online.

The flavor was good… but the best by far was still Rage Candy!

Lance sat alone in his empty office, sipping from a thermos and remarking, “Another Moon Viewing spent alone, eh.”

Subordinate Falkner stiffened, catching the hidden message and declared, “I’ll be back on duty tonight!”

Lucian’s eyes grew warm with tears: “So we really don’t get festival days off, huh.”

“It’s called a schedule adjustment,” Natsume corrected.

Besides, there’s no Moon Viewing in Sinnoh.

Schedule adjustments, though, sure enough—Cynthia and Lucian have those all the time…

At Pewter Gym.

Brock, reliable as always, made Moon Viewing dango for his siblings, earning cheers.

In Pallet Town, Red, Green, Yellow, and Professor Oak gathered to celebrate.

In New Bark Town, Gold, Silver, Crystal, and Green clinked glasses.

In Petalburg City, Wallace, Steven, Ruby, Sapphire, plus both their parents, held a massive party.

In Lumiose City, Natsume was busy making dinner, while Cynthia and the Pokémon played together.

The chat group suddenly quieted down.

Ding ding ding—notifications flashed.

Lorelei quietly echoed, “Another Moon Viewing spent alone, eh…”

……

The lights were bright, the warm glow making the food on the round table look especially appetizing.

Inside, the Pokémon were lively and noisy.

Delibird carried a big sack on its shoulder, handing out presents to every Pokémon it met.

They were all little trinkets Delibird had bought with its own salary: glass marbles, white vanilla…nothing expensive, but so heartfelt.

Whenever a Pokémon smiled after receiving a gift, Delibird would smile along with them.

“Togepi doo-ee~” Togepi approached Delibird.

“Delibird!” Delibird set down its bag and rummaged inside.

Do you want a gift too? Hold on, let me look for something good...

“Doo-ee!” Togepi tapped Delibird gently.

Delibird lifted its head.

“Togepi doo-ee~”

Togepi smiled, holding out a big present with both hands:

I’m not here for a gift—I’m here to give you one!

Delibird was stunned.

It reached out with trembling flippers, barely daring to accept the big box. Pulling the ribbon loose, inside there was a giant bottle of cola with a ribbon around it.

Delibird: “Wu... (╥﹏╥)”

This is the best gift I’ve ever received!

Cynthia’s eyes grew contemplative, fingers pressed to her chin as her gaze drifted back and forth.

“What is it?”

Cynthia said seriously, “I’m just trying to figure out...why does moon-viewing dango come in so many flavors…?”

The table was packed with tiny plates, the moon-viewing dango artfully shaped and glossy, full of variety.

Natsume grinned, “I did that on purpose. Go ahead, pick whatever you like!”

Cynthia gave a regal smile, her shimmering grey eyes fixed on Natsume. She reached out with elegant fingers and pinched Natsume’s cheek.

“Ow, ow…”

“I didn’t even use any strength.”

“Really? Sorry, that was a false alarm.” Natsume shamelessly replied.

Cynthia shook her head with a helpless smile, folding her arms and, after a moment’s struggle, finally steeled herself.

Gazing at the many varieties of moon-viewing dango before her, Cynthia’s eyes practically caught fire!

Natsume: “I can see your spirit!”

“It’s decided—you, red bean paste!” Cynthia declared, and, with steely resolve, plucked up a dango.

“Hmph, red bean paste.” Cynthia cradled the red bean dango, biting into it, a look of bliss curling her mouth.

Natsume: “…Actually, there’s ice cream-filled moon-viewing dango too.”

Cynthia: “Where?!”

The round table overflowed with dishes—almost a buffet in form.

The Pokémon were once again conquered by Natsume’s cooking.

“Five-nut moon-viewing dango is really tasty.” Cynthia held a dango, catching its crumbs, and asked in puzzlement.

“It is! It’s just that Gengar doesn’t like it. Oh, and this one’s from Green’s online store, you should try it,” Natsume said, sliding over a wrapped pack.

Cynthia took a small taste, eyes flickering, then handed it back: “It’s good—you keep it.”

Natsume: “I’m not falling for a basic trick like that!”

Cynthia: “……”

Natsume: “…Fine, I’ll eat it.”

The night grew deeper, the autumn air cool.

Natsume and Cynthia walked hand in hand out to the courtyard.

Moonlight flowed like water, dew sparkling on all it touched.

Turning his head, Natsume glanced at Cynthia beside him.

Moonlight gilded her face in silver, accentuating her delicate profile and drawing a gentle smile to her lips.

All around came the Pokémon’s laughter.

Natsume felt a warmth in his chest—something both nostalgic and peacefully content.

……

Back inside.

“Streaming live tonight?”

“Yep. Want to watch the matches, or help with commentary?”

“No problem~”

Seated at his long-missed gaming chair, Natsume flexed his fingers, muttering,

“When was my last stream? Was it back…”

He set the stream title as:

“Fun Teams! Natsume-sensei’s Victory Road”

Natsume started recording—then froze in mild shock.

The instant the stream went live, the viewer count shot up at a pace visible to the naked eye, with people gifting Rockets the moment it started!

“Whoa, am I seeing things?”

“Spread the word—the streamer has returned!!”

“Natsume-sensei streaming or not, all I care about is Cabbage. Where’s my Cabbage…”

Despite showing no sign of returning to streaming, within ten minutes the viewership shattered two million.

Tons of live chat, floods of gifts and messages—but Natsume-sensei showed no sign of revealing his face.

This, in turn, made viewers realize one thing—tonight’s stream was the real deal: a full tutorial match!

“Dinner time!”

“Goodness, if I don’t get any more Natsume-sensei videos I’ll starve to death!”

“Skip ahead to the Sun team player harassment!”

Natsume smiled, opened the team editor, and dragged two Pokémon into the party...

“This time I’ve prepared two fun team lineups. Their raw strength might not be top tier, but in an environment that’s cold, ideal-less, and lacking faith, you can still see something special shine.”

“Weak Pokémon, through strategy and commands, beating the ones with superior species strength—isn’t that the romance of Pokémon battles?”

“Of course, the try-hard battlers punish me often… but really, if you’re going to battle, always do it with a smile!”

Natsume smiled, opened the team editor, and slid two Pokémon into the lineup…