Chapter 0705: He Ought to Thank Us, Really(Two-in-One)

September 1st, Wednesday.

After editing, Rotom uploaded the live stream to all major video sites including Nico Dou, YouTube, and Pokémon MV.

The title: “Natsume-sensei Teaches Battling 018: Battle Factory.”

Within hours, it shot up as a category top post, on the homepage, and entered the Must-Watch Weekly Leaderboard.

Clicking the video revealed a classic dining hall segment!

“The last time Natsume-sensei updated was... the last time.”

“Good guy, I’m going Gigantamax for this meal!”

Because of the Trainer’s “Cursed” Ability, the Battle Factory challenge had been tough and drawn-out.

But that didn’t stop the fans from cracking jokes in the chat while unpacking takeout.

“Battle Factory? More like Battle Diner!”

“Stalling for turns and pulling a Moody turnabout, eek—I’ve learned it!”

Every time a mighty team member like Graveler glowed with that “Self-Destruct” light, the chat filled with nothing but teary eyes.

And when, after winning round three, Natsume-sensei traded Graveler for the opponent’s Milotic, the screen erupted in a barrage of question marks.

“So he just traded away his MVP Graveler?”

“Too real!”

“It’s not because he fell for Milotic’s charms. It’s so Graveler could have a good rest. (Definitely)”

Clearing the Battle Factory and facing summit Noland—

Natsume’s lineup was now: Milotic, Lapras, Pelipper.

A pseudo-rain team.

“He actually managed to build a rainy bond team!”

“But come on, will Hydro Pump ever actually hit?”

Classic Lapras—double Hydro Pump miss. After a dangerous battle, ♂Milotic charmed ♀Hariyama with “Attract,” pulling out a win against Noland!

“He won with this team?”

“Truly amazing!”

“I can’t eat anymore. I’m done.”

“Wait, this episode didn’t have my beloved Sun Team segment! Outrageous!”

At the end, Rotom: “Please hit Like, Subscribe, and Share~ Rotom!”

A flood of ‘see-you-next-time’ filled the screen—thus ended the long-awaited dinner-table tutorial.

In no time, Hoenn Frontier’s Battle Factory skyrocketed in popularity; countless Trainers flocked to the official website to register.

Boss Scott counted up the losses—in addition to giving away seven gold Symbols, the healing items and berries in the Battle Pike were almost all cleaned out; the Battle Palace ruins needed a remodel; and all those points... had to be exchanged for items to send to Natsume.

Scott winced at the financial hit, but managed a wry smile on his plump face.

At least there was traffic—at least, this round wasn’t a loss!

After throwing a victory feast for his stalwart allies, Graveler and Remoraid—

“Graveler!” Graveler gazed at his old friend’s departing back, falling into thought.

Later, Graveler would roam the entire Hoenn Frontier, but never again taste anything quite like that delicious meal that afternoon…

With the remaining Frontier points, Natsume exchanged them for minerals suited to Tyranitar.

Such as: Hard Stone, Soft Sand, Smooth Rock, and a Dread Plate.

“Tyranitar... (￣～￣)”

Tyranitar stood behind Natsume, crunching on minerals, the wind whistling through the triangular holes in its body.

Natsume turned and tapped the gray scales on its belly. Tyranitar swallowed, then grinned.

An adult Tyranitar was just two meters tall—only half a head taller than Natsume-sensei and about the size of a strong Arcanine.

Arcanine’s Pokédex data: 1.9 meters, majestic and strong. Pokédex entries claim an Arcanine can run 10,000 km in a day and night.

That’s right—ten thousand kilometers.

The Pokédex also says Magcargo’s body temperature reaches 10,000 degrees Celsius, while the surface of the sun is only around 6,000.

Either Professor Oak loves exaggeration, or Pokémon live in a world of ultra-high martial arts...

Natsume shook his head and looked at Arcanine and Tyranitar standing shoulder to shoulder, smiling slightly.

By the standards of beauty, intelligence, strength, coolness, and cuteness of Pokémon Contests, these two were definitely filling the “strength” role in the team.

With all Frontier points spent, Natsume and Cynthia said their goodbyes to Scott.

“Thank you for everything,” Cynthia said politely.

“It’s really the other way around...” Scott rubbed his hands together with an awkward smile. “Having two Champions visit the Frontier is my greatest privilege!”

After their farewells, the two headed towards the port.

Cynthia asked softly, “Don’t you think we went a bit overboard?”

“Overboard? He ought to thank us, really,” Natsume replied.

Scott wiped sweaty hands on his shirt, pulled out his phone, and checked the website stats—eyes shining.

In just one day, Battle Frontier’s traffic soared!

Watching their departing figures, Scott shouted, “Thank you!!”

Cynthia turned her head, a little surprised.

Natsume: ︿(￣︶￣)︿

“Gengar~ ︿(￣︶￣)︿”

Gengar carefully stowed the complete set of shiny golden Symbols in the Reverse World.

Laying them alongside full badge cases from Kanto and Sinnoh.

Gengar also pulled out the Kalos badge case, squinting with one eye, inspecting it closely.

There inside, seven badges glittered—just one last Fairy Badge to go!

“Gengar~ (｀ー｀)”

Gengar perked up.

Just one badge left!

Gengar, oh Gengar, gotta work harder—no more slacking!

……

At Frontier Port, Mr. Briney’s “S.S. Tidal” could sail straight to Sinnoh’s Canalave City.

When he learned their identities, Mr. Briney agreed to depart at once.

There were few passengers, the sea was calm, and the weather was bright and clear.

Cynthia stayed in the cabin, caring for Togepi.

“Duu-wee…” Togepi sat on the snowy bed, playing with a deck of cards.

“Victini~” Victini, on the other side, was full of curiosity.

Cynthia sat on a single sofa by the bed, reading a book on mythology. Glancing sideways at Togepi and Victini, her gaze softened.

Natsume was on deck chatting with Mr. Briney.

“Me? My favorite Pokémon has got to be Peeko, ha-ha.”

A Wingull perched on Mr. Briney’s shoulder, beaming in the sea breeze. “After I retired from sailing, it was Peeko that made me feel young again.”

“Wingull~” Wingull squinted its eyes and stretched its wings.

Natsume looked out over the blue sea. Beside him stood a sleek, white-furred Sylveon, with pink ribbons.

“Sylveon~” Sylveon gazed from the rails at the deck, blue eyes bright as she softly called.

“As for me, my favorite Pokémon is Sylveon.”

Natsume smiled. “I like Gengar too, but in last year’s popularity poll, I gave my one vote to Sylveon.”

“Oh, no wonder your Sylveon stays so close to you!” Mr. Briney laughed.

“Sylveon...” Sylveon stared at the water, actually a little shy, pink ears drooping.

Not that close… at least lately, he’s been closer with Meloetta… so not that happy…

“Different Trainers, different partner combos.”

Natsume stroked his chin. “Just like Red, who’s had both Venusaur and Charizard as his partner.”

In special editions, “The Battler” Red and FRLG’s taciturn Red always had Venusaur.

Origin anime Red caught a Mewtwo and paired with Mega Charizard X.

And in the specials, Red and Green swap Venusaur and Charizard often, so really, they’re all Red’s partners one way or another.

Chatting idly, Mr. Briney set up two fishing chairs.

Natsume scooped up Sylveon’s soft, white belly—she arched her back like a cat and settled onto his lap.

One hand petting a sleepy Sylveon, the other holding a fishing rod, Natsume mused:

“I heard you can sometimes hook Feebas on this route?”

“Yeah, but only that guy Ruby ever caught one—most everyone else pulls up Goldeen.”

Why do goldfish even live in seawater...?

Can’t figure it out.

Natsume flicked out his rod. An exclamation appeared over his head—a black shadow cut through the surf!

“Splish-splash!” Magikarp flopped onto the deck, tailfin spraying water.

“What a lively Magikarp!” Mr. Briney praised. “Young man, solid fundamentals!”

So the fundamentals of fishing… mean catching Magikarp…

Natsume sighed, and with a nudge, kicked the Magikarp back into the sea.

Sploosh—

Magikarp: ?

If not for how scary your fairy partner is, I’d evolve into Gyarados and face you head-on!

By afternoon, the S.S. Aqua docked at Sinnoh Region’s Canalave City.

Canalave’s many islands—Newmoon, Fullmoon, Iron…

It was here that Natsume once plucked a Lunar Feather from Cresselia, the legendary of sweet dreams.

Ensuring that Darkrai, as bodyguard, would never suffer its own nightmares.

Canalave Port.

Mr. Briney, Wingull on shoulder, waved from the tide-pulling deck.

Natsume waved back and headed with Cynthia to the Canalave Library to look up the resources she needed.

“What’s your topic?” Natsume whispered.

In the grand, solemn library, the ceiling soared and bookshelves stretched in circles—ancient, mysterious.

Cynthia’s eyes traced the spines. “They say that before ancient Sinnoh civilization there was another culture here…”

Maybe this means a new region? A new game announcement?

Natsume didn’t press further, instead wandering to find his own favorite books. The shelves were packed—a whole row empty.

Through the hollowed shelves, his eyes met Cynthia’s, paused, then both looked away.

Many Trainers and Pokémon read together at the tables.

A Bounsweet walking across the big table, leaves wobbling—looking like a delicious mangosteen.

Gengar eyed the Bounsweet curiously.

Bounsweet: Σ(っ°Д°;)っ

It rushed back to its Trainer—tripped over a book, righted itself, and slipped into a Poké Ball as a beam of red light.

“I’ve heard there’s Bounsweet juice in Alola,” Natsume explained. “It’s Bounsweet sweat mixed with water, sweet and tasty—just like Alcremie’s cream.”

Like Sirfetch’d, truly a rare emergency ration...

A Premier Ball shook momentarily, then went quiet.

The sun painted Canalave Port, Wingull skimming the waves.

At closing, Natsume and Cynthia walked down the long marble steps; Cynthia stifled a yawn.

“Back to Sinnoh League tomorrow,” Cynthia said quietly.

“I’m starting to understand why Steven handed the Champion job to Wallace,” Natsume agreed.

Cynthia rested a hand on her waist, smiling: “Still, whether facing Groudon or not, it’s a Champion’s duty.”

“I’ll return to Lumiose City and prep for next week’s PTCG World Championship first,” Natsume said. “Once you’re free, come for a vacation.”

“That’ll have to wait until next month.”

“Next month!” Natsume was shocked.

“Can’t make everyone work overtime,” Cynthia said wryly.

That’s true.

Sinnoh League may be notorious for slacking, but there’s still plenty only a Champion can do.

Natsume looked up at the sky.

If I beat Victory Road…

Maybe I’ll grab a title and retire on the spot, breaking Blue Oak’s ‘five-minute Champion’ record?

After all… it’s best to let ex-Champions do the overtime work.

Just like how Red gave Lance the title, then made Blue Oak the Viridian Leader…

Natsume shook his head.

Success isn’t guaranteed.

Besides, Victory Road isn’t even open yet.

Tomorrow: back to Lumiose City, and more planting—Revival Herb, Energy Root, and Berries!

……

The Hoenn journey came to an end.

Like the Unova trip, it was a student-level tutorial, with a bit of world-saving on the side.

Silver Bullet evolved into Desert Tyrant—an unexpected surprise.

To work on flying skills, Natsume rode Latias back to Lumiose City.

“That was an adventure…” Natsume wiped cold sweat off.

“Don’t worry~”

Latias’s Soul Dew glimmered in the sun, “I can use Light Screen to protect you!”

Natsume looked into the red jet’s eye, silent for a moment.

Well, fear of heights isn’t so serious.

That guy Leon still can’t navigate for beans…

“Thanks for the lift,” Natsume said sincerely. “If I fall, pick me up with Confusion, okay?”

“No problem~!” The Psychic-type Latias flashed an OK sign.

Like Rayquaza and Reshiram, Latias could cloak herself in a protective barrier during flight.

Pokémon like Pidgeot or Braviary, “Normal + Flying”, didn’t have that power.

Still, specialized Flying-type Trainers often custom-order flight suits so even accidents only mean deploying a wingsuit or opening a parachute.

“Latia~” Under the clear weather, Latias sliced through the air, wings brushing the wind.

Natsume glanced across the boundless sea of clouds, face unsettled.

He opened the Chat Group for distraction.

Recently, the P1 Championship Belt martial arts tourney was underway in Saffron City, Kanto.

Bruno was invited as guest commentator; Brawly, Maylene, Korrina, Bea, and many martial artists would participate.

“I remember Natsume-sensei joined last year?” Green asked.

“I went with Natsume-sensei,” Brock agreed. “Geodude even won a consolation prize.”

“Bea’s Natsume-sensei’s student, right?” Maylene sighed. “She’s so strong, and then there’s Korrina… I can’t beat any of them…”

“True martial skill shows only on the battlefield,” Blue Oak encouraged.

“There are always other competitions,” Maylene’s best friend Candice suggested.

“But P1 has the richest prizes,” Maylene replied matter-of-factly. “Win that championship belt, you can trade it for money too!”

The Sinnoh Gym subsidy had just been paid; Maylene and her Pokémon enjoyed a barbecue feast, happy tears in their eyes.

If she could win the P1, she could have ten feasts more!

Poor Maylene always saved up to rebuild the gym her gambling father ruined.

A Fighting Gym and its Pokémon were more than a job—they kept her going.

Of course, her new Fighting Training Program had helped with the finances, though her thriftiness remained.

“This year’s P1 Fighting Prix will see Master Dojo students too,” Bruno rumbled. “Mustard is not one to be underestimated.”

Though Mustard spends his days gaming on Isle of Armor, in his youth he was the undefeated Galar Champion “Ring King” and even served a stint as Elite Four in Touran.

He was a true Champion, though degraded by now—you’d wonder if he could beat Raihan anymore.

“@Natsume-sensei, aren’t you going to sweep the P1 Fighting Prix for rookies?” Gold wondered.

“Nah,” Natsume replied, “I’m headed back to Lumiose City—Café is officially open!”

“Can I stop by?” Green asked.

“Of course.”

“I’m coming, too,” Silver said coolly.

“Count me in!” Gold said.

“No problem,” Natsume smiled. “Three people travel, two eat free—Gold pays triple.”

Gold: ???

“I’ll arrive at Lumiose City airport tomorrow!” Ash exclaimed.

“If you don’t mind, let me greet you, Ash,” Clemont offered with a smile.

“Really? Yes!” Ash clenched his fist.

He planned to challenge Clemont for the Electric Badge the same day they met!

So Ash and Clemont would cross paths early.

A strange butterfly effect.

Natsume looked at the gradually materializing Kalos Region through the mist, lost in thought.

For next week’s PTCG World Championship, he’d have to ask Oleana over to Lumiose City to discuss plans.

Even with Lysandre in jail, his research institute was still up and running.

Whether in anime or games, the Lysandre Institute had impressive virtual imaging technology.

If he could partner with the Lysandre Institute,

Perhaps they could use that red-haired lion’s virtual imaging technology to make true “Pokémon battle effects” for Pokémon Trading Card Game…

Natsume’s eyes grew subtle as he murmured to himself:

“City of duels… Lumiose City?”