Chapter 0621: Arrival in Kalos! The Calm Life Begins!(Two-in-One)

『The Kalosian heartland stretches outward from Lumiose City—a vast plain of dense forests and winding rivers, where walled towns nestle between ancient castles.』

Natsume flipped through the travel guide as the plane shuddered slightly. In the window's reflection, Togepi stood tiptoed against the glass.

Sunlight streamed through scattered clouds as they descended over Kalos' emerald-green landscape.

Closing the handbook, Natsume scooped the wriggling Togepi onto his lap.

"Togepi~" It giggled, tiny hands fluttering.

Gengar slurped Coke through a straw, stubby legs swinging, when the intercom chimed:

"Now arriving at Lumiose International Airport. We wish you a pleasant journey..."

"Gengar!" It raised its cup toward the speaker with a jagged grin.

Yeah, make MY trip pleasant!

This trip required Natsume to head to Kalos first, handling the café’s renovation with Matori.

Cynthia owned a villa in Lumiose City, but since the café doubled as a residence, Natsume decided to stay there for a while to observe.

If business flopped, he could always turn to his Wealthy Patron and beg for meals. (Scratch that.)

Mid-June sunlight streamed through the airplane window as it came to a stop. Passengers began rising from their seats.

Their faces brimmed with excitement for a brand-new journey, gripping backpacks tightly, tiny partners like Spritzee and Flabébé perched on their shoulders.

Stepping onto the tarmac, the clear blue sky stretched endlessly, revealing the Kalos Region.

Gengar levitated beside Natsume, crimson eyes squinting as it grinned wide.

“GengarGengar!!”

Natsume adjusted his sunglasses, slung his single-strap bag across his shoulder, and cradled Togepi with one arm, chuckling lightly.

“Kalos Region, here we are!”

A fresh journey awaited, full of unknown adventures.

Countless more Pokémon were out there, just waiting for them—

Natsume’s ears seemed to echo with that ridiculously dramatic dub voice, his expression turning increasingly awkward.

A new journey was fine… but adventures? Hard pass!

That llama never said who had the Plate. Maybe he wouldn’t even need to battle—a little smooth negotiation could do the trick.

Back at the Hall of Origin, when facing Arceus, He had tasked Natsume-sensei with retrieving the Pixie Plate from Kalos. In return, He’d lend it out temporarily.

Gotta admit, that llama was weirdly generous. Last time, He’d handed out five Plates and was still salty about it. Now He was willing to part with the Pixie Plate too?

Natsume shrugged, walking through the long terminal, past the shadows, toward the bustling streets of Lumiose City.

Who knew if he’d even find the Pixie Plate? Raising an Eevee, running a café, and slacking off sounded way more appealing.

Up ahead, a Fletchling perched on a roof beam before darting into the open sky.

"What’s our goal?!" Natsume suddenly called out.

"Gengar! （`▽`)" Gengar pumped its tiny fists.

Become the World Tournament Champion!

"Togepi doo-ee~ (≧∀≦)ゞ" The Togepi in his arms kicked its feet.

Chill in an air-conditioned room, slurping soda and gaming!

The Premier Ball at his waist shook as a snow-white Sirfetch’d burst into dramatic tears.

"Sirfetch’d!~(っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)"

Laze around as a carefree duck~~

Amid the chaotic resonance of "The Power of One," there seemed to be… one wrong answer.

Eh, no big deal. Natsume gave a slight nod, and Gengar pulled out the foldable bike. After snapping it together, he hopped on.

Ring-ring—

Flicking the bell, Natsume said, "Little Rotom, activate Navigation Mode!"

In this maze of a city, without navigation, he’d be wandering all afternoon.

Rotom slipped into the bike, its handlebars blinking with ‘eyes.’

"Beep… Setting course for Southern Street, former Café Soleil. Rotom!"

……

Kalos, Lumiose City.

In the distance, the iconic Prism Tower pierced the sky, its gleaming surface refracting light with precise architectural beauty.

The Lumiose Gym was housed within it—essentially one and the same structure.

Its Gym Leader, Clemont, was an Electric-type expert nicknamed "The Perm Specialist"—his inventions had a habit of exploding unexpectedly, often leaving users with a brand-new hairstyle.

Worth noting, Clemont had a little sister named Bonnie, who was utterly moe-moe!

Lumiose City sprawled outward from Prism Tower and the central plaza, its streets radiating like spokes on a wheel.

The former Café Soleil sat in Southern Street—prime real estate, practically "inside the second ring." The area also housed important facilities like Professor Augustine Sycamore's Research Lab.

Now.

Outside the shop, two Timburr stood on scaffolding, hoisting up a brand-new sign.

Pokémon Rainbow Café

Curious passersby gathered, murmuring about the soon-to-open establishment and the big spender who'd secured such a prime location.

"Timburr!" The Timburr cheered in unison as they packed up their scaffolding and lumber.

Wiping sweat from their brows with a sense of accomplishment, they admired their handiwork and nodded in approval.

"Good work."

A stern purple-haired woman—short bangs, dark office skirt, black stockings—clutched a folder and checked off an item with a pen.

"The final payment will be processed later. We may need your services again soon."

"Timburr~" The Timburr scratched their heads, grinning.

No rush! You’ve always been good to us—payment can wait!

Matori adjusted her round glasses, allowing herself a rare, faint smile.

Then, her expression twisted into something far more cunning—a full "Kaiba-style" smirk.

"Heh… heheh!"

Compared to shady contractors… Pokémon were so much easier to fool!

"Ahem." She cleared her throat, glancing at her wristwatch with the efficiency of a seasoned secretary.

"It’s almost time to meet with the Mentor."

Pushing up her glasses with a middle finger, the lenses flashed ominously.

Just imagining his warm smile and praise made her cheeks flush slightly. She subtly clenched her stocking-clad thighs.

This mission had gone perfectly—he had to be impressed!

Street Corner.

Ring-ring—

Natsume took in the lazy Kalosian architecture—plane trees lining the streets, rows of quaint townhouses.

Cobblestone paths branched into narrow alleys and broad avenues, while a sunlit canal glittered in the distance. A woman with a parasol led her Furfrou across an arched bridge.

Pedaling through Central Plaza, Natsume almost felt like he'd stepped into Roman Holiday.

Cynthia was probably in Unova right now, enjoying Beartic ice cream with Caitlin in her signature white hat, while a flustered Shauntal grilled her about romance.

A proper girls' tea party indeed.

His musings were interrupted when Rotom Bike's "eyes" blinked to life.

"Beep… Destination approaching, Rotom!"

"We're here already?"

Natsume's gaze landed on the café under renovation—and on Matori, standing stiffly with a folder clutched to her chest.

Matori spotted him at the same time.

"S-Sir!" She stammered, voice cracking. "You're riding a bike?!"

Natsume braked abruptly.

"Got a problem with bikes?"

"N-No! I just—" She cut herself off, then bowed so sharply her glasses nearly slid off. "This is my failure! I should have arranged proper transportation!"

Natsume glanced skyward, imagining a black limo with Boss Giovanni glowering inside like some mobster cliché...

"Ahem. Not really my style. How's the renovation coming?"

"Gengar!"

With practiced ease, Gengar folded the entire bike and stuffed it into its pocket dimension.

Matori's eyes flicked toward the display before she straightened. "Proceeding exactly to your specifications. Only the final inspection remains."

Natsume nodded.

Matori's efficiency was why Giovanni trusted her to manage Team Rocket's operations.

"Good work, Melon—ahem, good work, Matori!" He barely caught himself.

(That was close—almost called her "Melon-Head Glasses Girl," her old trio nickname.)

Unaware, Matori tucked a strand of short hair behind her ear, cheeks faintly pink. "Just fulfilling my duties."

"Who's handling construction?"

Natsume scanned the area for some shady [Renovation Captain · Kalos Forms].

"Timburr!" The Timburr waved their wooden beams cheerfully.

"They're the foremons," Matori explained. "They work odd jobs around Lumiose in exchange for food and lodging."

Natsume exhaled in relief.

Timburr were infinitely preferable to some greasy contractor.

With Matori in tow, Natsume stepped into the Pokémon Café.

Though no expert in interior design, he could tell the aesthetic was charming—exactly what he'd envisioned.

A massive Snorlax sofa that begged to be napped in. A Gengar plush with a tongue long enough to double as a blanket.

"Gengar~" Gengar stretched its own tongue out, comparing lengths with the plush before drooping in defeat.

The space was spacious—a service counter, wooden tables, potted plants. The menu board listed Berry Juice, Eevee Latte, and Dugtrio Sandwiches (prices already set).

"From a business perspective, these prices aren't exactly... accessible," Matori noted.

"Doesn't matter. We've got Berries to spare."

"...?"

To open properly, they'd need proper staff.

So far, they'd only roped in Darkrai as security and a hesitant Delibird considering delivery work.

Ideal café Pokémon included Alcremie, Slurpuff, Indeedee, Audino...

Slowly expanding the number of Café employees was also a rewarding experience.

"Let’s check out the backyard."

The backyard was quite spacious, even marked with white lines to create a battle arena.

Natsume tossed a Poké Ball, releasing his little ones.

"Blastoise…ヾ(■_■)"

Blastoise, just arriving in the new environment, frowned and began scanning the area with its aura for potential bombs.

Natsume: "The fish tank’s already been stored in the pocket by Gengar."

"Gengar~(￣▽￣)／" Gengar responded cheerfully.

Only then did Blastoise relax, turning its attention to researching where in the backyard would be best for planting…

The backyard had a parasol tree with a swing beside it. Sylveon circled the swing a few times.

"Sylveon…" (Should I play…?)

"Larvitar~!" Larvitar tugged at Natsume’s sleeve.

"I know," Natsume chuckled. "I’ll dig a sandpit for you later!"

"Larvitar!" Larvitar raised its tiny hands excitedly.

The backyard connected to a house—not as luxurious as the villa in Sandgem Town, but fully equipped.

Natsume walked through the rooms before finally returning to the café’s kitchen, staring thoughtfully at the gleaming cookware.

"Even though I’m not worried about troublemakers… I should still set some standards…"

Soon, the Café would be home to more and more adorable little ones.

It might even have garden functions, allowing group members to place their Pokémon.

Natsume wasn’t aiming for profit… He just wanted a place to settle in Kalos while sharing some of his main content—

Opening a shop in Lumiose City and accepting food battles from chefs!

…Huh? That didn’t sound quite right.

Natsume shook his head, picturing Kalos’s Water-type Elite Four member, Chef Siebold—who, like him, had raised a Blastoise.

If possible, he’d love to exchange cooking tips… and maybe even Blastoise breeding manuscripts.

Stepping out of the kitchen, he found Matori hugging a Pikachu pillow. She jumped up in a fluster, her face red.

"Y-Yes! Any orders?"

"None." Natsume shrugged. "I’m satisfied."

Matori exhaled in relief, then grinned mischievously. "Who’d ever guess that beneath this cute Café lies Team Rocket’s secret base? Hehehe!"

Natsume: "…"

Come to think of it, Meowth’s dream was to open a ramen shop.

Having those three idiots work here… could earn funding while keeping them from getting blasted off.

The days of hunger and cold were over—now was the era of Team Rainbow Rocket!

"Though Team Rainbow Rocket might be a bit too laid-back…" Natsume mused silently.

As the two chatted—

"Gengar~" Gengar pressed its face against the window, gazing at the distant Prism Tower.

Under the sunset, the Prism Tower shimmered brilliantly—the focal point of all trainers.

Maybe someday, I’ll challenge the Gym there!

"Gengar!" Gengar grinned widely.

"Sylveon~" Sylveon hopped gracefully from one wooden table to another, its movements elegant.

Matori couldn’t help but watch.

Ah, right—Mentor was also a Coordinator, a Master of contests who could judge Kalos’s TriPokalon!

"In two weeks, I’ll be heading to the Unova Region," Natsume said. "While I’m gone, scout for suitable employees."

"Understood!" Matori bowed. "I’ll prepare a lineup of youthful, thigh-flashing waitresses!"

Natsume’s eye twitched. Are you trying to get me killed?

"I meant Pokémon," Natsume clarified.

Matori blinked, her expression turning odd before she reluctantly nodded.

"R-Right. Understood."

Natsume: "…"

I’ll find an excuse to fire her sooner or later.

Before the grand opening, Natsume still had to visit Unova for the World Tournament Junior Cup.

Then there was investigating the Pixie Plate… He could also restart his livestreaming and food content creator career.

As the sunset painted the Café in golden light, Natsume stood.

"Matori, what do you want to eat? My treat."

Matori stiffened, her face flushing. "A-Anything is fine!"

"Mm… Just don’t go into the back room. Taking off shoes is too much hassle."

Matori: "…"

It’s not like I want to wear high heels—my feet just sweat a lot!

Ding-a-ling—

Matori turned toward the sound.

A Chimecho-shaped wind chime tinkled softly.

A young man in a black vest, a blue neck accessory around his throat, stepped inside.

Behind him loomed a Charizard, wearing a striking Mega stone, its expression fierce as it followed its trainer.

Natsume glanced up from the counter, raising an eyebrow.

"Looks like our first guest has arrived."