Matori assud Natsu-sensei was too moved to speak.
She sipped her coffee leisurely. "Lord Giovanni truly knows how to value talent!"
The oilpaper wrapping had been removed, revealing a plain book with painfully conspicuous lettering on the cover.
Natsu ran his fingers over the words "Giovanni's Techniques" and sighed silently.
This was indeed Boss Giovanni's style.
In the original tiline, Blue Oak had discovered this book in Viridian Gym. There was no way Giovanni would have overlooked such precious manuals.
The only explanation was that Giovanni wanted his knowledge to be passed down—a point of pride as a Trainer.
The remarkably generous Giovanni had even personally given Red the "Old Amber" containing Aerodactyl...
"Please... th-thank Giovanni for !"
"Don't worry," Matori smiled. "I'll convey your gratitude in full!"
Natsu picked up the leaf-shaped badge.
Just from celebrating Christmas, he'd not only unlocked Gigantamax...
But sohow ended up with the Earth Badge and Giovanni's Techniques too.
Mixed emotions swirled in Natsu's chest—until he realized none of his Pokémon specialized in Ground-types.
Otherwise, with these techniques, one Earthquake would have renovation crews calling him a pro.
"Blastoise can learn it, right? Whatever." He exhaled. "At least that's one silver lining..."
"Gengar!" Gengar erged from a cake it had face-planted into, licking frosting off its lips.
Gengar's eyes locked onto Giovanni's Techniques in Natsu's hands, imdiately sparkling with excitent.
"Gengar! (≧◇≦)"
New textbook! Score!
As Natsu wiped cake off Gengar's face, he asked casually, "By the way, how's owth's group been? Haven't heard much lately."
"They went to Hoenn's Rustboro City for 'market research' at Devon Corp.," Matori said dryly. "If they put half this effort into legitimate business, they'd be thriving..."
Natsu recalled Jas' "Trainer Card production" mission and shook his head in awe.
Those three... might just be the company's top employees!
...
After parting with Matori, Natsu headed ho to cook.
The streets still carried holiday cheer, with even Poké Marts sporting Christmas trees.
Back ho, rustling sounds ca from Cynthia's room.
Natsu checked his watch—11:03 AM.
Yep. Peak Sinnoh Champion slacker hours.
When the door opened, Cynthia stood there in a black sweater with cut-out shoulders, revealing delicate collarbones and a swan-like neck.
Not a trace of dark circles marred her flawless complexion as she yawned behind her hand, golden hair tousled.
"Morning~"
"It's almost noon."
"Back in Tokyo, you slept in too, didn't you?" She tilted her head.
"I've been going to bed early lately," Natsu said. "To make you breakfast."
Cynthia gathered her hair, exposing her nape. "Early nights and late mornings aren't mutually exclusive!"
Natsu opened his mouth—then closed it.
"I'll wake up earlier then," Cynthia added.
"You don't have Early Bird as your ability. Why bother?"
"Skill Swap," she grinned. "I can borrow it."
By midday (technically brunch), Togepi gulped from a giant soda bottle in its high chair.
"Togepi~!"
Squirtle tore off a bread crust, scrutinized Gengar, then nodded solemnly before offering it.
"Sirfetch'd~!" Sirfetch'd sniffed the onion-scented bread—then paused.
Galarian Farfetch'd did eat leeks, after all.
"Sirfetch'd!" Its eyes lit up. Tasty!
Cynthia watched Squirtle thoughtfully.
"This reminds of a joke Shauntal told ."
"What joke?"
"Charmander asks Squirtle to borrow money," she began, then burst out laughing. "S-Squirtle says—"
"Squirtle-le?" (Lend it?)
"Yes! (≧▽≦)"*
Natsu stared as Cynthia doubled over giggling, her usual composure lting into flushed cheeks.
Dangerous. My wife's cuteness is lethal!
"Ahem." Cynthia straightened, puzzled. "Not funny?"
"Hahaha."
"You're laughing at ," she sighed, propping her chin on her hands.
Natsu's heart stuttered.
Even pouting is adorable!
"Squirtle, lend 100 Pokédollars," he said to test a theory.
Squirtle pondered, then waddled off and returned with a string of Mystic Waters.
"Squirtle!" It offered them gravely.
Natsu paled. How much have I spent on microtransactions?!
Cynthia cradled Glaceon, watching them with an amused smile.
...
As morning faded, Cynthia prepared to return to Sinnoh.
Though planned, parting still tugged at Natsu's chest.
In her signature black trench coat and hair accessories, she looked every inch the regal Champion.
"Next visit might be after New Year's," she said, mounting Garchomp.
"Sinnoh's close. I might move there next year," Natsu offered.
"To take my title?"
"Dunno about that, but I'll definitely 'take' you."
When Cynthia blinked, he continued:
"I have dreams, you know."
"Traveling with the little ones, eting rare Pokémon, cuddling them nightly."
"Retiring early to read with Sylveon in the sun."
He t her gaze.
"And opening a café. Preferably with you."
Afternoon light gilded her hair as she smiled.
"Then I'll wait for you."
...
By the ti Natsu snapped back to reality...
Garchomp was already a speck in the blue sky, its contrail slicing through clouds.
He lingered until the black coat vanished—then turned indoors...
And froze.
"Gengar!"
There sat Gengar, Wise Glasses perched on its nose, Giovanni's Techniques spread across its lap.
Its red tongue traced the text thoughtfully.
"Gengar~ (⊙~⊙)"
This training thod... actually works?
Mine now!
Arms crossed, Natsu sighed—just as his phone buzzed.
A ssage from Lance:
"@Steven - Poachers near Rustboro City handled."
Steven replied: "My thanks. I'm in Kalos currently, and Wallace is short-staffed."
"Routine work," Lance said modestly.
Yellow chid in: "Mr. Lance, back to work already?"
Lance's response was a single, weary sigh.
Natsu's eye twitched.
Since when does Lance operate in Hoenn?!
How much do you love busting criminals?!
Then—a jolt of alarm.
Rustboro City... Where the Trio went.
Poachers...
This might be the plot where Team Rocket released Weezing and Arbok!
In the ani, facing poachers capturing Poison-types, the Trio had stalled them—then tearfully freed their partners.
Natsu had overlooked this, assuming Weezing and Arbok were safe.
Only Lance's ntion of poachers jogged his mory.
He quickly DM'd Lance:
"Any poachers targeting Poison-types?"
"Checking..."
Minutes later: "One suspect nad Rico remains at large. Why?"
Natsu inhaled sharply.
Turning to Gengar, he murmured:
"We need to go to Hoenn."
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