Chapter 0673: Natsume-sensei: "Don't Tell Anyone I Taught You - This Is Embarrassing!"(Two-in-One)

The World Championships Youth Tournament was in full swing, with the top 64 competitors decided by the first afternoon.

Ash, Iris, Wally, and others had all advanced.

Except for Trip... After being utterly crushed by Paul, the devastated Trip was packing his luggage to return home.

Ash had been through similar humiliations before - like the "Lake Acuity Massacre."

From a growth perspective, Paul's influence on Ash might have been even greater than rival Alain's.

Natsume was preparing a tea party at the villa when the advancement list caught his attention.

Well then... They're all my students!

With Gladion from Alola and Bea from Galar... My disciples really are everywhere!

The tournament would last a week. There was no hurry to return to Lumiose City - Natsume planned to stay until the champion was crowned.

Cynthia had also requested extended leave from the Sinnoh League under the pretext of "assisting with Team Plasma's aftermath" - a perfectly justifiable reason.

But for Lucian, this might as well have been a thunderbolt from clear skies.

At the Sinnoh League headquarters, Lucian removed his purple frameless glasses and sighed deeply.

"What's wrong, Lucian? You look terrible."

Aaron sat cross-legged on the carpet, shuffling Pokémon Trading Cards as he glanced back.

"Come play with us!" Flint grinned from the sofa, arm draped over the backrest. "Consider it stress relief!"

Lucian felt overwhelming despair.

Stop playing TCG during work hours right in front of me.

If you two were even slightly competent, I wouldn't have to handle everything myself!

Watching the pouring rain outside the window, Lucian adjusted his glasses and stared at the ceiling at a perfect 45-degree angle.

I'm so tired... I want to retire...

Meanwhile...

The Unova League enjoyed clear blue skies today.

Outside the villa, Axew, Pikachu, Togepi and other little ones played chase across the emerald lawn as the fountain's melody danced through the air.

Meloetta materialized by the fountain, swinging her legs cheerfully.

Victini buzzed between the garden and kitchen, gleefully sampling Natsume's specially made macarons.

Blastoise observed Gothitelle watering flowers, adjusting his sunglasses with a dignified "Blastoise..."

Sylveon patrolled the villa grounds but found no "wild experience points" to hunt. Disappointed, it trudged back to the garden with a dejected "Sylveon..."

The second-floor balcony extended gracefully, its spotless windows gleaming as white curtains billowed inward with a gentle breeze.

Inside the rose-pink living room, Caitlin sat elegantly in a white armchair, delicately holding a porcelain teacup.

Cynthia had changed back into her regal black coat, legs crossed as she read a mythology book resting on her lap.

A knock sounded before Gengar entered grinning, carrying a tray of exquisite pastries to the coffee table. "Gengar~!"

"Thank you, Gengar." Cynthia smiled, closing her book.

"Gengar~" Gengar waved dismissively.

Caitlin rested her chin in hand, staring absently at Gengar.

Natsume might be annoying... But his Pokémon are all so cute...

The tray held an assortment of colorful cream puffs - officially called "Poké Puffs," a wildly popular Kalosian dessert.

As the sweet berry aroma wafted through the air, Caitlin's gaze locked onto the treats. She unconsciously moistened her lips.

Suddenly, excited footsteps echoed down the hall as Ash and Iris burst in from outside.

"Natsume-sensei said it's time to eat!"

"Wash your hands first," Cynthia reminded them gently.

"Ugh, so troublesome..." Ash and Iris groaned before turning back.

Natsume entered drying his hands with a towel. "What's wrong? Not to your taste?"

"We haven't started yet!" Ash swallowed hard. "But they smell amazing!"

"Of course - only fresh berries were used." Natsume proudly explained, "The pink sweet ones use Pecha Berry. The green matcha-flavored ones are 'Luxury Summer Poké Puffs' - worthy of a three-star Snorlax restaurant!"

"Whoa..." Iris quickly wiped drool from her mouth.

Three-star restaurants... In all of Lumiose's famed dining scene, only Mr. Siebold's establishment held that honor.

To taste Natsume-sensei's creations... This was incredible!

Caitlin's composed expression flickered.

Poké Puffs had five grades: Plain, Fancy, Deluxe, Supreme, and Luxury. Higher grades increased a Pokémon's affection more.

Since both humans and Pokémon could enjoy them, they fell more under "breeding" than simple pastry-making.

Examining the exquisite little cakes, Caitlin carefully picked up a pink one and took a small bite.

"Mmm!"

Her eyes sparkled instantly.

She saw cherry blossoms blooming across Kalos, the perfect fusion of berry freshness and creamy richness. Imagined herself lounging in flower fields surrounded by Flabébé, as fluffy Slurpuff snuggled against her, their cream coating her cheeks...

This... This flavor is cheating! Caitlin's face flushed red.

"Poké Puffs represent Kalosian culture much like Pokéblocks for Hoenn or curry rice for Galar..."

Natsume's lecture was interrupted as the coffee table began shaking violently.

"Earthquake?"

Teacups rattled, spilling tea everywhere.

Cynthia frowned at Caitlin - eyes tightly shut, blue psychic energy radiating from her body.

"Psychic overload." Cynthia said calmly, "Ash, fetch Butler Darach. He has suppressants."

"On it!" Ash dashed out.

Iris looked worried. "Will Caitlin be okay?"

Natsume frowned.

Caitlin's psychic powers surpassed even most Psychic-type Pokémon, making her practically a "human Pokémon." She'd never fully controlled this ability. While episodes decreased after joining Unova's Elite Four, they still occurred.

But what triggered this outburst?

Noticing the half-eaten Poké Puff, Natsume's expression turned peculiar.

Could it be... The puff's enhancement effects were too potent for a "human Pokémon"?

These berries were super effective!

Clink!

The shaking intensified. Caitlin's golden hair floated unnaturally in the psychic storm.

Natsume experimentally channeled Aura Sphere's calming waves. To his surprise...

It's working!

The gentle aura from the Tree of Beginning could soothe emotions.

He extended a hand, releasing soft blue energy that rippled through Caitlin's golden locks.

The glow dissipated into baby-blue particles that settled over Caitlin.

Her eyelids fluttered as she slumped weakly against Cynthia, the violent psychic waves subsiding.

"How did you do that?" Cynthia asked, amazed.

Caitlin's condition had stumped countless experts across Unova. Medication was their only solution - until now.

"Just a quick Aura Sphere."

Natsume said, "This is just first aid. We'll need Meloetta's music therapy next..."

At Natsume call, Meloetta floated in, humming a soothing melody.

As the lullaby continued, Caitlin's expression relaxed into peaceful sleep against Cynthia's lap.

Natsume's eye twitched.

Damn... I'm kind of jealous now!

Meeting Cynthia's gray eyes, he saw her lips form silent words:

'Tonight.'

Lap pillows tonight... Maybe even more...

Natsume's eyebrows rose.

Worth it. This tea party prep was totally worth it!

……

Caitlin's eyelids fluttered open, Cynthia's snow-white face filling her blurry vision.

"Cynthia..." Caitlin murmured weakly, "how... how long was I out?"

"Hm? You're awake." Cynthia glanced down with a gentle smile. "Don't worry, it wasn't long. Just psychic overload fatigue."

"I see... Another episode then."

Caitlin sighed dejectedly.

This is probably why I can never beat Cynthia...

Her gaze drifted to the Poké Puffs on the side table, memories crystallizing. In a hushed voice, she admitted:

"I caused trouble for... for Natsume-sensei."

"He already apologized to me," Cynthia sighed. "Said there might've been allergens in the berries and he should've warned you... I'll make sure he reflects properly at home!"

"That's not..."

Caitlin's voice faded.

How could I explain losing control from sheer dessert bliss?

Yet she remembered—Natsume-sensei steadying her psychic turbulence with Aura of Ripple, Meloetta's lullaby soothing the confusion.

Like Cynthia, he was a Champion who treated others with warmth...

Evening light gilded the living room curtains as Caitlin nestled deeper into Cynthia's lap.

"Actually..." Caitlin began hesitantly.

"Hmm?"

"Natsume-sensei... isn't so bad after all."

She turned toward the fluttering curtains, mumbling:

"I approve... of you two... um... being together..."

A tiny whimper escaped her throat.

Cynthia blinked, momentarily stunned by the emotional whiplash before her lips curved.

"For the wedding..." she teased, "you and Shauntal will be bridesmaids, of course."

"No more talk!" Caitlin curled into a ball.

"But we'll need your input on dress designs—"

"Eeeek!"

……

After the Villa Incident...

That evening, Natsume enjoyed the privilege of Cynthia's lap pillow.

The price? "You're making breakfast tomorrow."

"Have mercy," Natsume groaned.

A chef's palate was delicate—once corrupted by dark cuisine, there was no turning back!

"No, I will learn this!" Cynthia insisted stubbornly.

Their three days in Lacunosa Town became a trial run for "honeymoon life."

Perhaps Cynthia's skills had improved.

Natsume realized his resistance to dark cuisine had grown stronger...

Between occasional guest commentary at the tournament, judge duties, and mochi theft from Team Rocket's stands...

Life was simple. The epitome of slacking off.

Who knew the peaceful life he'd longed for would come during the Youth Tournament?

Natsume mused, "Turns out I'm oddly suited to the Baby Cup!"

Once he returned to the café with Meloetta, Victini, and the other little ones...

Things would only get better!

Over those three days, Wally, Ash, Paul, and Iris all advanced to the Top 16.

Post-match interviews inevitably featured contestants mentioning "Natsume-sensei."

"Must be a common surname... So many teachers," the cameraman remarked.

The host nodded in agreement.

If the entire Top 16 were his fans or students... That'd be ridiculous!

July 25th, Sunday.

The semifinalists were decided, drawing massive attention.

Natsume scanned the bracket and blinked.

"Paul vs. Iris? Wally vs. Ash?"

Cynthia massaged her temples. "Aren't these... all your students?"

"Paul and Iris are half-counts."

Natsume nodded. "Wally and Ash are from my Kanto days."

It had already been a year since his teaching days at Celadon School.

Natsume-sensei's expression turned complicated.

In that entire year, Ash had zero tournament wins!

Maybe... he should disavow any teaching connection? For dignity's sake?

"Oh, Caitlin came looking for you earlier," Cynthia mentioned casually.

"A thank-you for stabilizing her psychic powers the other day."

"How embarrassing!" Natsume said, entirely unembarrassed.

Cynthia smiled faintly. "She heard you got Fire and Bug Z-Crystals from Alder... Wondered if you'd collected Psychium Z yet."

"Psychium Z?"

Natsume stiffened.

That'd enable Hypnosis Z!

...He was tempted.

But without the Sparkling Stone, Z-Crystals were useless to him.

Cynthia: "You already have Normalium Z, correct?"

Natsume nodded. "From Battle Castle. With Fire and Bug, that's three types."

"As I thought." Cynthia's smile deepened. "So I took the liberty of accepting Psychium Z for you... I'll give it to you later."

Natsume: ?

"You seem displeased?"

Cynthia's gaze sharpened—her tone sweet yet dangerous:

"Or would you prefer to discuss it in person with Caitlin?"

She emphasized "discuss."

A chill ran down Natsume's spine... followed by quiet awe.

So this is what a jealous Cynthia looks like...

...It's adorable.

"Keep it for me," Natsume said.

Z-Crystals were tradable anyway.

Once we return to Kalos, if the Sparkling Stone unlocks...

Gengar can handle the embarrassing dance moves.

After all—Trainers do Z-Moves. What does Natsume have to do with it?