September 11th, Saturday.
Due to a mont of carelessness, Natsu-sensei hadn't restocked his pantry in ti.
Today, Natsu-sensei's breakfast was the sa as his little ones: sweet and sour Berries.
"What are you looking at?"
Natsu bit into the tangy Salac Berry, mumbling, "Can't I eat Berries too?"
The little ones exchanged glances, their expressions somber.
Has the Trainer fallen on such hard tis…?
He used to be able to afford Pokéblocks!
Seemingly struck by a thought, Haunter perked up, floating back with a bank card in hand.
"Haunter!" Haunter grinned, handing the card to Natsu.
Natsu was taken aback. "Your salary card?"
"Haunter!" Haunter nodded proudly.
Natsu was touched, smiling as he patted Haunter's head. "Keep it for yourself."
"I may be broke, but I can still afford to take care of you all!"
Growlithe, who had been munching away, sheepishly stopped eating and pushed the half-full bowl of dog food toward Natsu.
"Sylveon…"
Sylveon also poked Natsu with its ribbon, offering a half-eaten Oran Berry…
Natsu's expression turned odd.
I just forgot to buy groceries, no need to make it so dramatic!
After breakfast.
Natsu gave Haunter so instructions, sending it out with Growlithe to buy groceries.
"If I don't show off my skills, you'll really think I'm competing with Growlithe for food," Natsu muttered.
"Haunter!"
Haunter patted its chest, holding a grocery basket in one hand and Growlithe's leash in the other as it headed out.
Natsu waved, watching the two little ones walk away, feeling a bit sentintal. "Sohow… this guy seems even more suited to being a babysitter than Mr. Mi!"
…
Back on the couch, Natsu stroked Sylveon's snow-white fur while scrolling through his feed.
Natsu-sensei's Night Kitchen had made it to the hopage, with comnts unanimously calling him "inhuman."
"You think Natsu-sensei is a Master? Actually, he's just a chef!"
"Siebold: Thanks, I feel attacked."
"Natsu-sensei doesn't do anything remotely human!"
Seeing the enthusiastic response, Natsu nodded in satisfaction.
Even though he didn't take ads and the earnings weren't high, every little bit helped!
Plus, thanks to the System's BP Exchange, at least he didn't have to buy Berries anymore!
After putting Sylveon on the hamster wheel.
Natsu and Squirtle watched Elesa's Runway Compilation for a while, when Natsu suddenly slapped his forehead.
"Wait, wasn't there sothing else I needed to do…?"
A lightbulb went off in Natsu's head, and he clicked on the "Intercollegiate League" link with mixed feelings.
Wow, I almost forgot again!
…
After browsing, Natsu nodded from ti to ti. "So that's how it is…"
The Intercollegiate League's semifinalists were determined through a round-robin tournant.
The four schools were Kyoto City, Tokyo, Kobe, and Yokohama National University.
Three days later, the semifinals would be held at Ho-Oh's Nest in Kyoto City.
The competition was divided into Individual and Team events, with generous rewards.
Even rare items like Miracle Seed and Mystic Water were up for grabs.
Natsu's eyes lit up.
Just a few drops of Mystic Water had cost him over a hundred thousand Pokémon Coins.
A full Mystic Water… that had to be worth millions Pokémon Coins, right ?
With this, wouldn't he never have to change Squirtle's water again?!
Natsu took a closer look, then fell into thought.
The rewards were a choice between Charcoal, Miracle Seed, and Mystic Water.
And only the MVP would get to pick.
While Tokyo tropolitan University wasn't weak, Kyoto University had a three-year winning streak.
Snatching the MVP from them wouldn't be easy.
"Hmm… I'll take Squirtle to see the world."
Natsu rubbed his chin and nodded.
"Being too careful isn't always a good thing…"
"If we lose, we'll just go back to being slackers!"
…
Since Haunter had to work overti, it wouldn't have ti to walk Growlithe during the competition.
Keeping it in a Poké Ball wasn't Natsu-sensei's style.
So Natsu instructed Haunter, "I'll only be gone for three days, I'll be back soon… keep an eye on it!"
"Haunter!" Haunter nodded confidently.
"Growlithe!" Growlithe wagged its tail and let out a howl.
Natsu's expression was complicated.
The Pokéblocks were ready, and Haunter could take Growlithe out for walks…
Even though it hadn't been with them long, Growlithe's temperant was quite well-behaved.
With Haunter watching… it should be fine, right?
Still feeling uneasy, Natsu asked Misaki-neesan for a favor.
Misaki-neesan smiled gently. "At worst, it'll just wreck the house. A few million is nothing compared to keeping your Pokémon happy."
Natsu: ???
Is this what the world of the wealthy is like?!
Complaints aside, Natsu could see Growlithe's desire to grow stronger.
This was a good opportunity for Haunter to train it and maybe level up at Tokyo Gyms.
While preparing for the competition, Natsu also received a call from Cynthia.
"The research summit in Canalave City is in a few days. Don't forget to co."
"Research or not, I mainly just want to see you."
"I know the first part was the truth," Cynthia said with a smile. "That's your usual way of phrasing things."
Natsu was montarily stunned, then rubbed his temples in frustration.
Crying wolf too many tis… it's bound to backfire eventually!
The Tokyo tropolitan University School team set off for Kyoto City.
On the plane, Coach Takashi nudged Natsu and whispered, "Natsu, if you perform well this ti, the school might recomnd you for further studies at Celadon University. You'd better give it your all!"
Natsu's expression was subtle.
I'm about to beco a ntor there, and you want to study at Celadon University?
Natsu coughed. "Got it, Coach. I'll do my best."
Coach Takashi nodded with a smile. "Professor Rowan, who visited last ti, is also from Celadon University. If you can learn sothing, it'll be good for you."
Captain Keigo, sitting in front, seed to recall sothing. "Didn't Professor Rowan invite Natsu Coach?"
"Invite?" Coach Takashi was puzzled.
"He invited Natsu-sensei to pursue graduate studies at Celadon University," Sakurako said thoughtfully. "But I heard he turned it down."
Coach Takashi looked at Natsu, clicking his tongue. "Is that true?"
"Just rumors," Natsu shook his head.
Coach Takashi relaxed slightly and cleared his throat. "Anyway, everyone, do your best. If we win, I'll treat you all to roast duck!"
Amid the cheers, Natsu also felt a bit excited.
He rubbed Squirtle's head beside him and chuckled. "If the opponents are too strong, just surrender early. There's no sha in being a slacker!"
"Squirtle! ヾ(??■_■)"
Squirtle adjusted its sunglasses cautiously and nodded firmly.
Though it didn't know how strong the opponents would be, judging from Natsu's words.
This battle was going to be extrely tough.
Squirtle clenched its fists, its expression serious.
Don't let the Trainer down, Squirtle!
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