Chapter 0662: Case Closed, Promotion & Raise!(Two-in-One)

Natsume distinctly remembered the last Berry he'd drawn—the Chople Berry. Spicy in taste, its effect could be dubbed "Anti-Fighting Fruit."

Given Tyranitar's garbage resistances, he wouldn't have minded pulling an "Anti-Water" or "Anti-Grass Berry" either.

But... this time, the pity pull seemed to have missed the mark again.

[Wow, GOLDEN LEGENDARY!]

Natsume: "Stop using random sound effects. You'll get sued for copyright infringement."

The System didn't bother with a [?] this time, silently lurking instead.

Natsume focused on the Berry in his hand, his expression growing increasingly peculiar.

This Berry resembled a polished emerald gemstone, its skin smooth and crystalline—utterly beautiful.

Its effect wasn't weak by any means... just oddly mismatched for Natsume.

[Micle Berry: When consumed, the next move used will ignore all changes to the user's Accuracy and the target's Evasion, while increasing the move's Accuracy by 20%. (An exceptionally rare Berry. Its intensely bitter flavor makes all other ingredients taste sweet in comparison.)]

For reference, Micle Berry's bitterness level was 40, while even Chesto Berry—one of the five basic Berries—only rated a 10.

Natsume held the Micle Berry between his fingers, eyebrow twitching.

This Berry... is way too bitter!

As everyone knew, Accuracy-boosting effects were incredibly rare. Even Victini's broken Ability, Victory Star, only raised Accuracy by 10%.

Moreover, in real battles, Accuracy was influenced by wind, timing, terrain—unlike the fixed numbers in games.

That made both Victory Star and Micle Berry priceless in practice.

However.

Natsume massaged his temples, sighing.

"This Berry's effect... really doesn't suit me."

Guess even Togepi's luck can't save a certified non-whale...

There was a potential combo—feeding Blastoise a Micle Berry before battle would effectively buff [Hydro Pump].

Shaking off his disappointment, Natsume decided to test the Micle Berry in a new Pokéblock flavor later.

After all, bad luck had been his constant companion...

A true Trainer never relies on luck—because there is no luck to rely on!

"Now that this incident's wrapped up... let's see. I owe Darkrai quite a few Pokéblocks."

He headed toward the temporary residence's kitchen, tossing the Micle Berry up and catching it with a "pop."

"Time to show off some real skills!"

"Beep... It's just cooking, Rotom~"

"Little Rotom, mute mode. Then activate Super Berry Blender Forms."

"Beep... SYSTEM OVERLOAD, Rotom~! o(╥﹏╥)o"

……

That evening, the festival in Eindoak Town continued. The Earthquake had done nothing to dampen the celebratory spirit.

The elder of the "People of the Earth," Janta, had announced that the disaster had been quelled by Unova's hero, Natsume-sensei!

Young girls danced and sang, laughing around the bonfire.

A brilliantly plumed Archeops swooped low through the colorful market stalls, its wings brushing against the fabric awnings.

Natsume recalled that this Pokémon was supposed to be extinct—first revived as Archen from a fossil, then evolved.

Its Ability, "Defeatist," was uniquely terrible, on par with "Slow Start" or "Truant."

Ash and Pikachu were having the time of their lives at the festival, while Gengar stuffed its face with tri-colored dango, scarfing them down whole.

"Gengar~ (￣～￣)"

Natsume, led by Sylveon's pink ribbon, strolled through the streets, smiling politely while deftly sidestepping overly enthusiastic girls.

Victini hovered above his head, nibbling carefully on a small round cake before clutching its cheeks in bliss.

"Gothitelle~~"

Meanwhile, Darkrai found itself cornered by a Gothitelle using Shadow Tag.

"No thanks." Darkrai coldly pulled out a glass jar. "I'm only interested in this."

Gothitelle: o(╥﹏╥)o

The sound of a shattered heart!

Darkrai melted into the shadows, reappearing atop the spire of Sword of the Vale Castle.

Perched on the tower, its murky mist swirling in the wind, it lifted its baby-blue eyes to the moon.

Memories of Alamos Town's gardens and the melody of "Oración" surfaced briefly.

Then, its gaze dropped to the black-haired young man slipping away from the crowd, heading home alone.

In him, Darkrai sensed that intangible "Bond."

"When he's not causing trouble... this guy's actually tolerable."

Darkrai looked back at the moon, then plucked a glossy green Micle Berry cube from its jar.

"Huh. New flavor?" It took a bite.

"Tch—!"

Darkrai grimaced. "This Pokéblock... is way too bitter!"

Back in his room, Natsume had just finished reassuring Moe-Moe! that he was safe.

"I'm glad you're unharmed." The projected image of Cynthia let out a small sigh.

"Were you worried?"

"Extremely." Her gray eyes, framed by golden hair, locked onto him. "But I knew you'd handle it alone. So I stayed in Opelucid City to manage the risks."

Natsume's chest tightened. She hadn't known about the Giant Chasm crisis—conversely, Opelucid City had been Team Plasma's primary target.

When it came to strategy, Cynthia was, as always, the consummate Sinnoh Champion.

"Your end?"

"A few small teams dealt with." Cynthia smiled. "Iris did well. Her 'Dragon's Heart' potential is starting to shine."

Natsume felt a swell of pride.

That's Moe-Moe! for you—reliable and brilliant!

"I'll be back soon." He grinned. "Then, I'd like to invite the noble and beautiful Sinnoh Champion Cynthia to ride the Ferris wheel in Nimbasa City."

Clad in a black trench coat, Cynthia rested one hand on her hip, the other lifting to her chin. Her gray eyes glimmered thoughtfully.

"In return, I'll treat you to ice cream," Natsume added.

Cynthia lowered her lashes, golden hair cascading to veil half her face as a faint smile curved her lips.

"Make it a triple scoop..." She paused, then added, eyes crinkling, "You pick the flavors."

"Deal."

A comfortable silence settled between them.

Under Cynthia's amused, knowing gaze, Natsume-sensei coughed lightly.

"Don't look at me like that. I'm not that kind of guy."

"Just one match."

"I retired from being a gaming buddy years ago."

"Oh? But you're short on allowance lately, aren't you?" Cynthia's smile turned sly. "Pokémon battles usually come with prize money. Right?"

"You—"

This is an insult, Natsume wanted to say—but she was just too damn cute.

Instead, he sighed.

"You know way too much about Pokémon battles!"

……

Castelia City, International Police Headquarters

With the capture of Ghetsis and Colress, the long-standing Team Plasma crisis that had plagued Unova for years finally came to a temporary close.

The 'Handsome' Detective—a middle-aged man in a brown trench coat, his slicked-back hair exuding an air of rugged charm—submitted his report, summarizing the operations in Opelucid City, Giant Chasm, and other key locations.

He also completed the performance review for Police Consultant Natsume.

When the detective boldly declared, "Report complete!" during the high-level meeting, he was met not with applause, but silence.

For some reason, seeing these rigid, bureaucratic old-timers rendered speechless gave him an odd sense of satisfaction—like he'd just delivered the perfect mic drop.

The sharp-eyed, short-haired Officer Jenny seized the moment, proposing that Natsume be promoted to Director of the UB Countermeasures Division, with a one-year probation period.

This time, no objections were raised.

After the meeting, when the detective asked his superiors if they had even consulted Natsume-sensei's opinion, it was Jenny's turn to pause.

"A promotion and a raise... isn't that what everyone wants?"

"But—" The middle-aged man hesitated, recalling the sight of Natsume riding Reshiram.

"For heroes like him, material rewards aren't the priority."

Jenny studied him for a long moment before replying,

"You mean freedom? Of course, everyone is free—within the bounds of the law. But some are freer than others. This promotion is a win-win for Consultant Natsume."

She tucked a strand of her short hair behind her ear, adding casually,

"Besides, the UB Countermeasures Division is... a very relaxed department. Perfect for someone like Natsume-sensei."

Her lips quirked. "Don't look so shocked. I may have seniority, but even I have my idols."

Click, click, click—

The sound of her heels echoed through the empty hallway as she walked away.

The detective stood frozen, his jaw slack.

Did she just—?

She didn't say 'Police Consultant Natsume'...

She called him 'Natsume-sensei'?!

……

July 15th, Thursday, Noon

Dark circles under his eyes, Natsume carefully shifted the dozing Sylveon off his chest and yawned as he got up.

After an all-night battle of wits (and Pokémon), Natsume had won the following rewards from Cynthia:

"Pocket money, a morning kiss, and breakfast made by Cynthia herself."

For the last prize, Natsume had attempted to negotiate for "Cynthia wearing white lace stockings at home for a day"—only to be met with an eye-roll and veto.

Still, it was a net win.

Forget card games... Pokémon battles are where the real thrills are!

Exhausted from yesterday's events—awakening Reshiram and Zekrom, facing Kyurem head-on—Natsume had slept until noon to recover.

Now, he prepared a combined brunch:

[Snorlax-Sized Hamburger Steak Rice]

A juicy, savory hamburger steak molded into the shape of Snorlax, as if its sheer mass could rival the Sleeping Pokémon itself.

Rich gravy draped over steaming white rice, accompanied by fresh Berry salad, cherry tomatoes, halved boiled eggs, a poached egg, and a bowl of miso soup.

A true carb-loaded feast, delivering both visual and gustatory satisfaction!

The little ones each received a plate, their eyes widening at the extravagant main course.

Natsume's cooking today is on another level!

Everyone got a share—except Pupitar.

"Pupitar... o(TヘTo)"

Natsume clapped his hands together and grinned at the Snorlax-shaped steak.

"Sorry, Snorlax!"

After the hearty meal, Natsume prepared to return to Opelucid City atop Arcanine.

The two gems infused with "Fusion Bolt and Fusion Flare" would be researched first, then used to train Arcanine in a suitable location.

Arcanine's specialization was "Sacred Fire"—emphasizing endurance and battlefield dominance.

With further refinement, even Entei would just be "Arcanine's little cousin."

That said, the gems' quality fell short of the Rainbow Wing. Thus, their fusion-powered flames and lightning would remain supplementary.

Speaking of which... Ho-Oh's prestige clearly outshines Kyurem's. Is it because it moonlights as a divine cameraman?

Natsume mused, "Between the Rainbow Wing and now the DNA Splicers... my training efficiency is getting ridiculous."

DNA Splicers: (＾▽＾)

Rainbow Wing: (#｀皿′)

Post-upgrade, even if Arcanine couldn't rival a Champion's ace, it could bulldoze through most Elite Four teams.

Not wanting to play favorites, Natsume glanced at Sylveon and sighed.

Guess I'll have to track down that Pixie Plate for the Arceus sooner rather than later...

Before departing, he sought out Victini—hoping to invite it along for the journey.

After centuries trapped in a barrier, surely it would welcome the chance to see the world.

Victini and Mew would get along great.

After all, Mew—after millennia at the Tree of Beginning—now regularly teleported to Natsume's home to play cards with Togepi.

As Natsume pondered how to phrase the invitation—

"Beep! Incoming call, Rotom!"

The screen revealed the familiar middle-aged detective.

"What's up?"

"I’ve been asked to relay the International Police's post-mission decisions regarding rewards and... promotions."

Natsume waved it off. "Rewards don't matter—I'm just a hero for fun!"

The detective's wrinkles smoothed into a smile. "I expected nothing less."

Natsume: ?

"The higher-ups’ arrangement isn’t material-focused. It’s about leveraging your talents—granting greater authority while preserving your freedom."

He added solemnly, "As Unova’s hero, you’ll shine brighter than ever!"

Natsume: ??

"After a one-year probation, you’ll be promoted to Director of the Alolan UB Countermeasures HQ. Congratulations, Consultant!"

Natsume: ???

He knew what the UB Countermeasures Division was—an international task force handling Ultra Beasts, akin to an alien-defense squad.

Since when is that a normal workplace?!

Leading an Ultra Defense Team, transforming into light to battle cosmic monsters?

...Okay, that did sound like peak manly romance.

Rubbing his chin, Natsume felt equal parts dread and anticipation.

Ultra Beasts—extraterrestrial Pokémon arriving through Ultra Wormholes—were clearly Game Freak's nod to kaiju films.

His personal favorite? Buzzwole, the jacked mosquito that could arm-wrestle Tapu Bulu.

That said, he had no confirmation these aliens even existed here.

Though the promotion meant a rank leap, the probation period gave him an out.

Just decline when the time comes.

After all, his current "Consultant" title was convenient enough.

"Understood. But I’ll pass—relay that for me."

The detective wasn’t surprised. After a pause, he changed topics:

"I... omitted details about N in my report."

Hearing the conflict in his voice, Natsume smiled.

"Follow the justice in your heart."

The detective stiffened—then nodded slowly.

Just as he’d once spared Silver, he couldn’t bring himself to pursue N.

He remembered how N had healed his Croagunk... and found himself sympathizing with the green-haired idealist.

After hanging up, Natsume stretched and muttered:

"First Zygarde looking like a Gundam, now alien Pokémon invading... This world’s extra as hell."

……

Afternoon, Clear Skies

Natsume formally bid farewell to the mayor and Janta.

"About Victini..." Janta hesitated, wanting to say that the clan respected Victini's will but unsure how to phrase it.

Natsume glanced around but saw no sign of the tiny Victini. Suppressing a pang of disappointment, he smiled.

"It's fine. I respect a Pokémon's choice."

Turning away, he called, "Let's go, Ash!"

"Coming!"

Janta's lips parted slightly, lost in thought.

Victini—the Symbol of Victory, a Mythical Pokémon any Trainer would covet. Had Natsume-sensei forced it to come along, no one would have protested...

And yet.

She watched silently as the black-haired young man rode off on Arcanine, his figure growing distant.

"Mom..." Carlita tugged her mother's sleeve, whispering, "I think... I should return Hydreigon to you..."

"Why?"

"Because..." The girl's dark eyes gleamed with admiration as she stared at the retreating figure. "I want to form a bond with a Pokémon that's truly mine."

Janta gently patted her daughter's head—then suddenly noticed something.

A half-eaten macaron floated mid-air, drifting after Arcanine before vanishing completely.

A soft, knowing smile touched Janta's lips—equal parts exasperation, warmth, and hope.

"Victini... so that's the undefeated Trainer you've chosen..."

……

"Natsume-sensei, you seem kinda down?"

Ash asked through a mouthful of macaron, cheeks puffed like a chipmunk's.

"Do I?" Natsume rubbed his face. "Just not a fan of forcing things on others."

Scratching his head, Ash stretched out on Tauros' back and gazed at the sky.

"Man! This trip's been awesome—saw so many Legendary Pokémon!"

"Pikachu~"

Natsume: "..."

Like you haven't met enough Legendaries already, kid.

Ash pulled out another macaron—only to bite thin air and yelp in pain. "Oww...!"

"Don't eat while riding, dumbass," Natsume sighed.

"N-No, it's—!" Ash pointed tearfully at a floating macaron. "Waaah!"

Natsume turned—

Victini hovered mid-air, blissfully munching the stolen pastry with both hands, eyes squeezed shut in delight.

Then, the V-shaped mark on its forehead glowed as it flashed Natsume a victory sign, fanged grin sparkling.

"Victini~!"

Natsume's smile froze mid-formation.

Oh no.

What awaited him now was—

The ultimate romantic comedy between Meloetta and Victini!