Chapter 0681: Ash Departs for Kalos(Two-in-One)

Following the planned itinerary, Natsume took Latias to nearby Cerulean City for a gym evaluation.

「So Saffron Gym has already passed inspection?」 Little Latias asked inquisitively.

"Correct," Natsume replied.

Sabrina's father was merely an interim Leader. Once Sabrina herself underwent evaluation, they'd need to stay in Saffron City for a few more days.

Besides, if they were to have a serious battle with Sabrina, the entire gym might be at risk.

Sabrina's strength was undeniable, so rather than waste time at Saffron Gym, it was better to evaluate those clearly "slacking off" gyms.

Yes, I'm looking at you, water ballet (er... I mean) Cerulean Gym!

「So we're going to Cerulean City now?」 Latias had clearly grown livelier after warming up to Natsume.

Natsume nodded solemnly.

"Water ballets and bikinis are irrelevant—this is purely about gym evaluation!"

Upon arriving at Cerulean Gym, they coincidentally caught one of the Sensational Sisters' water ballet performances—

Amidst the roaring applause, Misty stood at the back entrance, massaging her temples in exasperation.

As her sisters' hobby, Misty had no intention of criticizing it...

But wait, weren't there four sisters?!

Was this the same logic as "the Elite Four having five members"?

Cerulean Gym was divided into two sections: the performance hall and the challenge area.

Many Kanto newcomers, misled by the gym's reputation, underestimated the difficulty of the actual gym challenge.

In reality, those who chose Charmander as their starter quickly learned the true meaning of hell mode when facing Water-type expert Misty...

Amid the deafening cheers from the front hall, Natsume entered the challenge area just in time to see a rookie Trainer sprint out of the gym in tears, wailing:

"Pokémon is a scam! Battling isn't fun at all!"

Natsume: "..."

Another day, another disillusioned newcomer.

"Natsume-sensei, you're the League's special inspector?" Misty asked in surprise after receiving the news.

"It's a long story... Let's just say I'm acting on someone's behalf," Natsume mused, stroking his chin. "But running a side business alongside gym challenges—is that a tradition here?"

Misty nodded earnestly. "Absolutely. Kanto's own Miss Erika runs a perfume shop as well."

"My sisters started the performance hall out of passion—and to help maintain the gym!"

"Latias!"An imaginary lightbulb lit up above the invisible Latias' head.

New knowledge acquired!

Natsume found nothing wrong with this—gym Leaders needed income too. In some cases, being a gym Leader was the side gig.

I should mention this to Maylene... Maybe she could start a fighting training program instead of surviving on one berry a day!

"So... are we battling next?" Misty asked cautiously.

No matter what, knowing Natsume-sensei was the evaluation officer was way too intimidating.

Misty was already prepared to send out Mega Gyarados—no way was she letting Cerulean Gym fail inspection!

"Not necessary," Natsume said. "The water ballet was spectacular, so the gym passes evaluation."

Misty: ???

"In my professional opinion, cultural enrichment is a vital part of Kanto's gym development," Natsume declared, adjusting imaginary glasses. "This is precisely what a senior inspector must consider!"

Misty nodded in awed confusion.

Latias: (⊙o⊙)

So this is how it's done!

Declining the Sensational Sisters' dinner invitation, Natsume rode Arcanine leisurely into the sunset, muttering:

"At this rate, we'll finish evaluations in three days."

"I want to try battling..." Latias piped up hesitantly.

Even though I'm a slacker, my Pokémon are all battle-hungry...

Natsume sighed, glancing at his phone's navigation.

"Next up is Pewter Gym... We'll partner up for that one."

"Oh, and Vermilion Gym—that one needs a proper evaluation!"

……

The setting sun cast its golden glow across the shimmering sea, where a white lighthouse stood tall along the distant shore.

Natsume found a clearing, deciding to camp out for the night.

"Gengar, please set up the tent~"

"Gengar! (￣▽￣)／" Gengar waved its tiny hands, conjuring Double Team clones that immediately got to work—gathering firewood, building a stone stove, and pitching the tent.

The orange sunset melted into the ocean, making the horizon appear to boil as Magikarp leaped from the golden waters.

Natsume tied on an apron and began cooking dinner over the stone stove, his gaze drifting toward his little ones.

"Togepi doo-ee~" Togepi sat obediently on a rock, engrossed in a game while Victini peered over its shoulder.

Meloetta perched on a tree branch, meeting Natsume's eyes with a sweet smile: "Meloetta~"

Sylveon's baby-blue eyes flickered with brief dissatisfaction before looking away: "Sylveon!"

Sirfetch'd appeared to meditate on the sound of the waves, though it was clearly just slacking off: "Sirfetch'd…(Θ3Θ)"

Inspired by Sirfetch'd's "guidance," Blastoise focused intently, resuming its Aura training with Calm Mind: "Blastoiseヾ(■_■)"

Even Latias, drawn in by the peaceful atmosphere, revealed itself and floated over to Natsume's bubbling pot: Latias?"

Natsume blinked in surprise at the red jet now hovering near his arm but kept chopping ingredients.

"Berry stew and rice balls... with Pokéblocks for dessert."

「I-I'm fine! I already ate some wild Berries earlier...」 Latias replied stubbornly.

Having only just met, it wasn't about to accept food from a stranger.

"Really not hungry?"

「No!」

Five minutes later.

"Latias~(′▽`〃)" (So good~)

Latias floated happily, its muzzle dotted with stew, grinning from ear to ear.

Natsume chuckled, resisting the urge to wipe its face—they weren't that close yet.

Instead, he stroked Sylveon's long ears, offering a Pecha Berry cube in his palm.

Sylveon stared at him before leaning down to lick it up with a soft:

"Sylveon..."

Resting a hand on Sylveon's warm, snowy fur, Natsume glanced toward the cliffside, where Pupitar sat alone, gazing at the sunset.

The gray-shelled Pupitar remained motionless, watching the darkening sea with quiet awe.

"Pupitar.." Pupitar murmured.

Natsume gained new appreciation for his quiet little one.

According to Giovanni's Training Manual, some Pupitar evolved within just one to three months.

He'd already a giant bag of chips... Now it was just waiting.

"Imagine if Tyranitar could learn Precipice Blades," Natsume mused. "Not its type, but damn, that'd be cool!"

(Of course, the move was illegal—just wishful thinking.)

As night fell, Natsume stretched and ducked into the tent. "Pewter Gym tomorrow—rest up, everyone!"

"Sylveon wants to sleep together? Fine... Wait, Togepi too?"

"Arcanine, you're way too big for this!"

In the end, Natsume lay beside the campfire, his head pillowed against Arcanine's warm belly as he read a picture book to the "little eggshell" in his arms:

"The dragon's path winds through layered peaks, each turn a trial... Wait, is this even a children's book?"

"Togepi doo-ee~"

The night deepened, stars peppering the sky like glitter.

Over Mt. Moon, strange auroras shimmered—rumored to be the work of "alien Clefairy."

Unconcerned about catching cold, Natsume burrowed deeper into Arcanine's thick fur, curling on his side.

Sylveon nestled against his chest, yawning adorably: "Sylveon…(′ω｀)"

Latias watched the scene with quiet wonder before tilting its head up at the meteor streaking across the sky.

Half-asleep, Natsume mumbled: "That's a Minior... Rayquaza's snack. Kinda dark, huh?"

"Latias!" Latias gasped in awe.

More knowledge acquired!

……

The next morning, as the sun rose, Natsume arrived at Pewter Gym atop Arcanine.

"Natsume-sensei," Brock greeted in his yellow-green vest. "Long time no see!"

Simultaneously, a swarm of children came rushing out from behind him.

"Arcanine is so cute! I wanna play too!"

Arcanine stiffened nervously at the approaching kids before forcing its most adorable expression: "Arcanine..."

Patting Arcanine reassuringly, Natsume dismounted with a grin.

"I assume you've heard—I'm the League inspector this time."

Brock nodded warmly. "Forrest and I have prepared thoroughly."

"Mr. Natsume!" A young man who looked 90% like Brock bowed deeply. "Please guide me!"

"Forrest is the one being evaluated?" Natsume blinked.

"Yes." Brock's eyes softened with pride. "He insisted on sharing my burden—said if he could become a Gym Leader too, I'd be free to pursue my dreams..."

"Because Brother works way too hard!" Forrest cut in. "Between all us siblings and his part-time at the Pewter Museum..."

The fourth sister stuck out her tongue. "No wonder no girl wants you!"

"We should find Brother a bride!" protested the ninth sibling.

Brock's dark skin flushed slightly as he scratched his head sheepishly. "A-anyway... Natsume-sensei, we'd appreciate a strict evaluation!"

Shouldering his family's weight alone—Kanto's most reliable Leader.

Brock, you absolute legend.

"Understood. If Forrest passes, it might ease your load." Natsume smiled. "But don't expect leniency."

After a pause, Brock bowed. "Thank you, Natsume-sensei!"

Amid the children's laughter, Forrest retreated inside to prepare.

Natsume and Brock stood together, watching the younger siblings play fetch with Arcanine.

"They're completely unfazed by Arcanine's Intimidate," Natsume noted.

Brock crossed his arms, smiling. "Seems they're having fun."

"By the way, Brock," Natsume asked curiously, "this dream of yours... care to share?"

Was it becoming a Pokémon Doctor? A Breeder? Or finding a kindhearted wife...?

"My dream..."

Brock gazed thoughtfully at his siblings before closing his eyes—then opening them with startling clarity.

"My dream is simply to see them grow up happy."

Natsume: "..."

Wait—

Did Brock's eyes just open fully for a second?!

As the evaluation commenced, Natsume faced acting Leader Forrest.

"Will you follow my lead, Latias?" Natsume asked the empty air beside him.

Latias materialized, determination burning in its eyes. "Latias!"

Those clashing emotions and convictions in battle... That's why I embarked on this journey!

Scanning Latias' moveset—

Recover, Thunder Wave, Wish, Light Screen, Reflect...

"Perfect." Natsume smirked. "Time to show you a strategist's prowess!"

……

In the chat group ...

"The League's special inspector is Natsume-sensei?!" Janine's message dripped with despair.

Erika tilted her head thoughtfully. "Hmm... This does present some difficulties."

Blue Oak frowned slightly. Beating Natsume-sensei with his gym's secondary team was pure fantasy.

Still... passing the evaluation should be manageable.

"Relax! Just pick the right battle format and you'll clear it easily!" Lt. Surge boomed.

Gold snorted. "Says the guy who should be panicking the most, Uncle Surge!"

"Impossible," Lt. Surge shot back.

At worst, I'll use my specialty format...

Suddenly, his face paled as he remembered—he'd lost to Natsume-sensei even in his preferred format.

Hell, Vermilion Gym might get demolished—

This is bad! Need to return and prepare immediately!

Brock recalled that morning's evaluation match: Forrest vs. Natsume-sensei.

When Natsume-sensei sent out the Legendary Latias, Brock had broken out in cold sweat.

Forrest's Weakness Policy-carrying Rhyperior strategy collapsed instantly against Latias' onslaught. Even a direct Rock Wrecker hit was nullified by instant "Recover" healing!

Yet after testing Forrest's capabilities, Natsume had recalled Latias.

"You're already at official Gym Leader level," Natsume had smiled. "Congratulations, Forrest."

The memory of Forrest's tearful excitement still warmed Brock's heart.

With newfound respect, Brock typed: "Everyone, just perform as usual."

Blaine: "Oho! This old man's blood is boiling! Time for a REAL battle!"

His enthusiasm seemingly scared the other members into silence.

Until Ash finally posted gloomily:

"Lost... today's match..."

"Lost?" Blue Oak blinked.

"I watched Ash's Vertress Conference battle," Iris sighed. "Honestly? He got overconfident!"

Cheren analyzed: "Statistically, Ash's Pokémon evolve mid-battle far more than average. But nobody expected Contestant Cameron's Riolu to pull it off..."

Natsume nearly choked.

Damn, Cheren! Way to twist the knife!

Then again, "comedy contestant" Cameron had somehow stolen the protagonist's script this time. With Ash's Unova "Baby Cup" team composition...

Natsume-sensei: "There's always next year!"

Cynthia mused: "Well... the Lumiose Conference is early next year. Ash, you could still make it!"

"Natsume-sensei... you're not joining Lumiose Conference, right?" Iris asked cautiously.

Tempting as it was, Natsume had Touran's Victory Road awaiting:

"Schedule conflict, so no."

Green sighed miserably.

Natsume skipping Vertress Conference had left him stuck with unsold Full Restores. Meanwhile, that damn Meowth Coin Stand next door kept raking in profits.

Need a new strategy... avoid that competitor entirely...

Frustrated by his student's defeat, Blue Oak coldly ordered:

"@Ash Return to Pallet Town immediately for special training."

I refuse to believe a Pallet Town trainer can't even win a regional conference!

Ash clenched his fists, determination blazing. "Yes!"

Natsume gazed skyward.

So Ash is coming to Kalos...

Which means another showdown with rival Alain!

"Winning Lumiose Conference will require serious training," Natsume murmured.