Chapter 0618: World Tournament Youth Cup

Three days had passed since the conclusion of the Champion League.

Ash had arrived in the Unova region, embarking on his "five leagues, zero championships" career starting with the upcoming Vertress Conference.

Each regional league operated on different schedules.

While the Vertress Conference would commence in four months, the Lumiose Conference wasn't until early next year.

Meaning whenever Ash lost one tournament—

He could simply pack up and proceed to lose the next!

Still, Natsume held high hopes for Ash's Greninja.

Combined with guidance from himself and Blue Oak... Greninja might just deliver an impressive performance.

Lily of the Valley Island, Sinnoh League Headquarters

Lucian faced the mountain of folders, clutching his head before activating his "Speed Reading" ability to tackle them.

Aaron and Flint sat nearby, gossiping.

"Who do you think wears the pants between Natsume-sensei and the Sylveon sister?" Aaron asked curiously.

"Hard to say," Flint scratched his head. "Depends on Natsume-sensei's... skills."

"I think Natsume-sensei's skills are excellent," Aaron added. "I've tasted his ice cream - absolutely divine!"

"What are you two discussing?"

Cynthia entered, sweeping back her golden hair as she asked casually.

"Ice cream," Flint and Aaron answered simultaneously.

A gloomy voice emerged from behind the desk.

"Work."

At the mention of ice cream, Cynthia's eyes lit up. "This season marks the release of Virbank City's specialty - Beartic Ice Cream!"

"You're going to Virbank City in Unova?" Aaron inquired.

"We're considering a vacation in Undella Town..." Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, gray eyes thoughtful. "Though I should consult Natsume first."

"After the Lily of the Valley Conference wraps up, we'll have some free time anyway," Flint said, leaning back. "What about you, Lucian?"

Lucian looked up with a sigh. "I plan to rest properly."

Buzz—

"I'll take this outside." Cynthia checked her mobile.

Alder's hearty laughter came through the phone. "Cynthia! Long time no see, hahaha!"

The Unova Champion, currently semi-retired and seeking a successor, was old friends with both Caitlin and Cynthia - an excellent mentor for newcomers.

"Skip the pleasantries," Cynthia smiled slightly. "What's this about?"

Alder cleared his throat. "The World Tournament Youth Tournament will be held in Lacunosa Town next month. I'd like to invite you and Natsume as guests - perhaps a demonstration battle during the opening ceremony?"

"I've also invited Caitlin," Alder continued wistfully. "If we can discover promising talent this year... I can retire from the Unova League in peace."

Since his Volcarona's passing years ago, Alder had lost his passion for battles. His sole wish now was to nurture the next generation before stepping down.

Iris had recently left Village of Dragons to begin her journey, eventually succeeding Alder as Unova Champion.

"A youth tournament..." Cynthia pondered before smiling. "I'll consider it."

Known for her kindness and patience with newcomers - evident in her guidance of Ash and Paul - Cynthia contrasted sharply with Natsume-sensei's notorious habit of crushing Baby Cup competitions... though he proved unexpectedly reliable as a mentor.

"He won't refuse an event like this," Cynthia mused to herself.

……

"World Tournament… Youth Tournament?"

Natsume looked at Cynthia in surprise.

Cynthia nodded lightly, wearing a faint "I knew you’d be interested" smile.

"It’s being held in Lacunosa Town, close to Virbank City… I’ll treat you to their famous Beartic Ice Cream."

"The Youth Tournament can wait," Natsume said. "I just so happened to recreate Beartic Ice Cream."

Cynthia’s gaze sharpened instantly, locking onto Natsume with full attention.

"Gengar! (￣▽￣)~"

Gengar floated in, carrying a glass of ice cream—creamy, crystallized, topped with a cherry, exuding a faint chill.

Clink!

Gengar set the dessert on the coffee table in front of Cynthia, then grinned wide, hands outstretched. "Gengar!"

Enjoy your treat~

Cynthia’s smile deepened as she picked up the glass, silver spoon in hand.

"Thank you. Let’s eat~"

"How is it?"

Natsume watched her expectantly.

Crossing her long legs, Cynthia—dressed in a sky-blue blouse—delicately scooped a spoonful of cream. Her tongue lightly brushed her lips before she murmured:

"Come closer."

Natsume frowned slightly but leaned in, inspecting the dew-covered glass.

"I don’t think I messed up the recipe…"

"You—"

Then—

Cool, sweet lips pressed against his.

The taste of ice cream, infused with Acid Armor’s tang, melted onto his tongue. The scent of golden hair, warm breath, and Cynthia’s flushed face filled his senses—her slender fingers brushing his cheek as she shyly kept her eyes closed.

When they finally parted, Cynthia was breathless, cheeks burning. Her gray eyes shimmered beneath her golden hair as she whispered:

"Thanks for the meal."

Natsume licked his lips.

"Too sweet."

"Then I’ll adjust it next time."

"No need for next time."

He kissed her again.

Behind the sofa, several heads peeked out.

Gengar "Vietcong-peeked," Garchomp stared wide-eyed, and Lucario stoically covered Togepi’s face.

"Togepi doo-ee?" Togepi tilted its head, confused.

"Larvitar…"

Larvitar munched on chips, eyes glued to the TV.

On screen, a tokusatsu drama played—Mecha Tyranitar vs. Ancient Golurk (BW Episode 82).

BOOOOM!

Over-the-top sound effects blared.

Notably, the show starred Ash, who had recently arrived in Unova.

Iris, with her purple braid, played the ancient shrine maiden, shouting:

"To defeat Mecha Tyranitar, we must awaken Ancient Golurk’s strength!"

Ash: "Pikachu, lend me your power!"

"Pikachu—CHUU!"

A brilliant bolt of electricity surged into the statue-like Golurk, its eyes glowing red.

KABOOM!!

Like a rocket launching, flames erupted from Golurk’s feet as it charged toward Mecha Tyranitar.

CRASH!!

The two titans collided.

"Larvitar!!" Larvitar’s eyes sparkled, shaking the chip bag excitedly.

Go, Mecha Tyranitar!!

By sunset, Mecha Tyranitar hung its head, smoke rising from its body.

Ancient Golurk nodded at Ash and Iris before soaring into the clouds.

" Larvitar… (╥﹏╥)"

Tyranitar should’ve won!

Grumpy, Larvitar upended the chip bag into its mouth, puffing its cheeks.

" Larvitar… (╬ Ò﹏Ó)"

Meanwhile…

Now properly composed, Natsume and Cynthia discussed the World Tournament Youth Tournament.

"Alder invited us to do a battle demonstration at the opening ceremony?"

Natsume vaguely recalled this plot, but his memory was hazy—maybe he was mixing things up.

Cynthia nodded. "Caitlin might join too."

Caitlin—

Natsume pictured the quiet, golden-haired girl whose psychic abilities surpassed even her Pokémon.

As one of Unova’s Elite Four, Caitlin owned multiple mansions—some of which she lent to Cynthia for free.

Of course, beyond being a wealthy patron, Caitlin was also a…

Blonde.

A blonde loser.

"She never stood a chance," Natsume mused.

"The tournament’s in a month," Cynthia said, watching him. "Before that… want to travel to Kalos?"

Natsume nodded. "I’m planning to open a café there."

"It’ll probably lose money, but I can invite everyone—Trainers and Pokémon—to slack off together." He shrugged. "Gets me closer to my original dream."

"Your original dream?"

"Running a café with moe-moe girls and little ones," Natsume said.

Cynthia’s eyes softened. Seeing his earnest expression, she smiled.

"That’s a lovely dream~"

"You’re talking to me like I’m a kid."

"Well, you are younger than me."

"I could always ask Dialga to fix that."

"Classic you," Cynthia chuckled.

"Thanks for the praise."

"Resting in a Big Pot speeds up fermentation, Rotom!" Rotom chimed in.

"Fermentation acceleration…? That’s the ‘Dragon-Kettle’ effect."

Natsume facepalmed.

No wonder they say Trainers grow to resemble their Pokémon.

Here he was—a Master Chef—equipped not just with emergency rations, but legendary cooking tools too.

"Sirfetch'd!~(っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)"

……

With matters on Lily of the Valley Island settled,

Cynthia and Natsume returned to Sandgem Town to prepare for their move.

When Professor Rowan heard about their relationship, he stroked his mustache as Natsume visited:

"I never imagined this would happen... back when I first introduced you two."

"I'll take good care of Cynthia."

Natsume paused, then added: "Or maybe she'll be the one taking care of me."

Professor Rowan chuckled before regaining his composure:

"Kalos is known for Mega Evolution. Traveling through the Kalos region should help strengthen any Trainer."

Natsume nodded. After saying goodbye to Professor Rowan, he left the research institute.

The Rangers watched Natsume-sensei's retreating figure with tears streaming down their faces.

Thank goodness... Natsume-sensei is finally leaving!

No more getting wrecked by his Sylveon!

That evening, a Delibird carried bundles as it delivered the evening paper to Natsume-sensei's mailbox.

"Delibird..." Looking up, Delibird spotted Natsume packing his luggage.

"Hey, I won't be living here for a while."

Natsume crouched down to pat Delibird's head, then offered a Pokéblock with a smile: "If things work out, I'll come back to Sandgem Town someday!"

Delibird instinctively covered its forehead, surprised when Natsume affectionately rubbed its head instead.

"Delibird..."

It cautiously accepted the Pokéblock, glanced at Natsume, then tried handing it back.

If I return this... will you stay?

Natsume stroked his chin, observing the pitiful Delibird.

Thinking about his café - still without a location or staff -

Natsume grinned and asked:

"Are you interested in...changing jobs?"