Inside the Chat Group:
Yellow: @Natsu-sensei, I'm almost at the airport! [Video]
From the video, Yellow was already riding her Charizard, filming the layers of clouds with her phone.
Green: "Wasn't your flight at 2 PM? It's almost 4 now."
"Well… long story."
Yellow glanced sheepishly at the red-coated figure in front of her, scratching her head.
Natsu-sensei: No need to co. I'm almost ho.
Yellow: Wha—?! ∑(っ°Д°;)っ
"You can't keep a guest waiting this long," Blue Oak sighed.
"Sorry, sorry! (Ｔ▽Ｔ)"
"As long as you're safe."
Natsu: We'll et again next ti.
Brock: Goldenrod City has maglev trains to every major city. Planning a gathering would be easier here.
Gold: I'm coming too!!
Crystal: Don't cause trouble for Natsu-sensei, Gold!
"Natsu-sensei totally wants there!" Gold huffed.
Natsu-sensei: No, I don't. Stop lying. [Angry Dog Head Rub.jpg]
Gold: ???
After the usual Gold-bullying session…
Erika: Natsu-sensei, I'll guide you to Celadon University tomorrow for your registration.
Natsu-sensei: Much appreciated!
Closing the chat interface, Natsu turned his gaze to the figure in the black trench coat ahead.
This wasn't the first ti Cynthia had picked him up from the airport—she'd done the sa back in Sinnoh.
Having soone waiting for him…
Huh. Kind of heartwarming.
The winter air was biting, damp with cold.
Cynthia wore a thick black trench coat, its collar lined with a fluffy scarf. Her golden hair cascaded over one eye, partially obscuring her face.
Noticing Natsu's stare, she turned slightly, her delicate features softening.
"Hm?"
"Just wondering if you're cold."
"I'm fine." She tucked her hands into her pockets, smiling.
"I'll make you ginger cola later."
Cynthia blinked, as if unsure whether that was a drink or a dish.
"Gengar! (??﹃??)"
The levitating ghost-type, already drooling, seed to sll dinner in the air.
...
Goldenrod City was a sprawling tropolis—skyscrapers, overpasses, subways, and elevated highways stretching in every direction.
Cynthia's villa seed to be far from the city center.
Just as Natsu was pondering this, Cynthia led him to a sleek black convertible parked near the terminal.
"Can you drive?" She jingled the keys.
Natsu froze.
Who just leaves a sports car at the airport?!
Is this how rich people live?!
"I'm an amazing driver!" he declared.
Cynthia chuckled, sweeping her hair back as she opened the driver's door.
"Since it's your first ti here… I'll take the wheel."
Leaning against the window, she tilted her head.
"Get in."
Natsu frowned.
To get in or not to get in?
An impossible dilemma.
After a full 0.05 seconds of deliberation, he decisively said:
"Coming!"
...
The sky darkened, the sunset painting the horizon gold.
Wind whipped through the open-top car as Cynthia turned on the stereo.
The mont the music played, she stiffened slightly.
Then, her ears turned pink.
"Uchiage Hanabi?"
Natsu blinked. "Hey, that's my song."
Cynthia let out a quiet "Mhm," gripping the wheel tighter.
"You've been listening to it?"
"...Mhm."
"On repeat?"
Silence.
Then, with a strained smile, she slamd the brakes.
"We're here. Get out."
The sudden stop sent Gengar face-first into a bucket of popcorn.
"Gengar? (⊙~⊙)"*
Licking the crumbs off its face, the ghost-type gave an innocent shrug.
Hey, I didn't even say anything this ti!
Not my fault!
...
Before them stood a luxurious two-story villa—minimalist black-and-white design, a Dewgong fountain trickling in the courtyard.
Inside, warm orange chandeliers flickered to life, illuminating the spacious living room and its handwoven carpets.
All in all, far more expensive than Natsu's old rented place.
Natsu looked up, tears welling.
Maybe I should just stop trying…
A flash of red light later, Cynthia's Pokémon materialized around them.
"Spiritomb~~" The ghostly plant waved shyly at Natsu.
Lucario and Garchomp crossed their arms, eyeing him with suspicion.
"Gengar! ヾ"
Ever the social butterfly, Gengar floated over with a jar of Pokéblocks.
Lucario and Garchomp exchanged glances, then swallowed hard.
Within minutes, the three were laughing together, the tension gone.
"The quality of these blocks… improved again?" Cynthia murmured.
"I incorporated so Pokémon cooking techniques."
Natsu coughed. "Mainly for better texture."
"Humans can eat them too," he added.
"I see…"
Cynthia nodded thoughtfully.
"By the way… are you here for the League Tournant?"
"Huh?"
Natsu blinked. "Why would you think that?"
"Because the Indigo Plateau Conference is in two months."
Cynthia tilted her head. "If you register now, you'll make the cutoff."
The League was the ultimate test for any trainer's team.
Even Ash brought fresh lineups every year, cycling between primary and secondary rosters.
Leaning against the sofa, chin resting on a pillow, Cynthia mused:
After half a year of training… Natsu-sensei's new team is ready.
He really could compete now.
Natsu hesitated.
I ca to Kanto to relax!
Teaching, traveling with the little ones… isn't that enough?!
Clearing his throat, he said: "I'm not planning to compete right now."
Cynthia nodded slowly.
"Makes sense."
The League was for trainers below Master rank.
True Masters aid for the Champion's path or the Elite Four.
Natsu-sensei's disinterest in the League was understandable…
"I'll start cooking."
Noticing Cynthia's thoughtful expression, Natsu stood. "Any requests?"
Cynthia tilted her head. "Noodles."
"Got it."
As a professional chef, Natsu had already scoped out the kitchen upon arrival.
Though Cynthia didn't live here often, the fridge was fully stocked—likely by a butler.
Perfect. Udon it is.
"Want a soft-boiled egg?" he called out.
"Yes~~"
Cynthia replied, half-watching TV, cheek resting on her palm.
Udon, soba, ran—each had its rits.
But in winter, udon's hearty broth and chewy noodles were unbeatable.
Sliced potatoes boiled soft, butter sizzling in a pan, filling the air with sweetness…
The rich, creamy curry stew—best shared over a hot pot on cold nights—had another na during the Food Wars' Moon Viewing Festival:
[White Cream Curry Udon]
"That na sounds so suspicious…"
Natsu grumbled as he poured Moomoo Milk into the pot.
anwhile, he also prepared ginger cola for the little ones.
Togepi was still chugging icy soda like it was nothing…
Hot ginger tea would at least warm them up.
"I'm turning into a dad," Natsu muttered, rubbing his chin.
...
anwhile, in the living room…
Togepi rode Togekiss in gleeful loops, while Sylveon yawned lazily on Cynthia's lap.
Even Glaceon was dozing off.
"Squirtle! ヾ(■_■)"
Squirtle adjusted its sunglasses, eyeing the ditating Lucario warily.
The aura radiating from Lucario was overwhelming—if Squirtle was a 1, this Lucario was a 1000.
Wiping sweat off its brow, Squirtle clenched its tiny fists.
Gotta keep grinding…
"Lucario."
Lucario cracked an eye open, frowning.
This Squirtle… I can't read it at all.
"Growlithe~~(｀0｀)"
Barking excitedly, Growlithe zipped past the gathered Pokémon.
Glaceon's eye twitched.
"GLACEON—!!"
[Hyper Voice: A deafening shockwave attack.]
CRACK!
Windows shattered. Sylveon jolted awake.
"Sylveon?"
Glaring at Glaceon, Sylveon's eyes sparkled.
"Growlithe~~"
Mistaking the noise for play, Growlithe barked even louder.
Amused, Cynthia rested her chin on her hand.
"What's going on?!"
Natsu rushed out from the kitchen, gaping at the wrecked living room.
"The little ones are playing," Cynthia said lightly.
"But the windows—"
"It's fine."
She waved a hand. "I'll call the renovation team. They'll fix it fast."
Natsu paused.
You're a renovation VIP too?
Kindred spirits!
"Here, I'll give you their number."
Cynthia smiled. "For next ti."
Natsu looked up, despairing.
Even in Kanto… I can't escape the renovation team?!
Dinner was served—steaming udon in creamy curry broth.
"Dig in!" Natsu said, exhausted.
Cynthia led the Pokémon to their mountain of Pokéblocks.
"Gengar, no stealing!"
Gengar grinned, flashing a thumbs-up.
Joke's on you—I already hid a stash!
The udon's rich aroma filled the air.
Cynthia licked a drop of broth from her lips. "Delicious."
"How's it feel?"
"Warms right up."
Natsu smiled. "Nothing beats hot noodles in winter."
With [Cooking Lv5], he could've triggered a full Food Wars reaction—but he'd dialed it back.
Even so, the al was exceptional.
"Where will you stay for Celadon University?"
"Haven't decided. Probably faculty dorms."
"You're welco to stay here."
Cynthia tucked her hair behind her ear. "I'm heading back to Sinnoh soon. The place will be empty."
"Huh?"
Before Natsu could process it, she slid a key across the table.
"Car keys are with the butler. Feel free to use them."
She t his eyes. "What do you think?"
Natsu's heart skipped.
A whole villa… for a bowl of noodles?!
Wait, no—stay rational.
I, Natsu, do NOT mooch!
"I'll pay rent," he said firmly. "The car's whatever. I prefer trains anyway!"
"Sure." Cynthia smiled.
Natsu wasn't short on funds, after all.
This just saved him the hassle of house-hunting.
But then—
A chilling realization struck.
If the little ones wreck this place…
I'm dood.
A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.
This is bad. Really bad.
Later that night…
Since Cynthia "wasn't good at chores", Gengar ended up washing the dishes.
Embarrassed, Cynthia promised to reward it.
Natsu: "Really, it's fine."
Cynthia: "It's non-negotiable!"
Rubbing his temples, Natsu sighed.
At least his housing situation was settled.
Pri location in Saffron City, close to transit and shops—an easy commute.
And since Cynthia visited occasionally…
Does this count as living together?
Still, her villa was expensive.
Future renovation bills would be astronomical.
Surveying the lavish living room, Natsu muttered:
"Surely… nothing will go wrong. Right?"
After arranging Sylveon's hamster wheel and Squirtle's fish tank, Cynthia sipped her ginger cola.
"Done yet?"
"Why?"
"Let's play cards."
Natsu raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were leaving soon."
Cynthia went quiet.
Outside, the night was cold. Inside, warm and bright, surrounded by Pokémon…
Would it be so bad to stay?
But… is he too young?
Blushing, she turned away. "I'm going to shower."
"Wait for !"
"Hm?"
"I an—wait so we can play cards," Natsu corrected.
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