The sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden ripples across the ocean as Wingull cried overhead.
Natsu turned away, preparing to bid Lance farewell.
"Leaving so soon?" Lance asked. "You're in Hoenn—might as well pick up so souvenirs."
Natsu considered it, then nodded. "What about you, Mr. Lance?"
The red-haired man adjusted his cape with a sigh. "Overti."
"There's still cleanup, coordinating the officers..." He rubbed his temples. "Just a mountain of work."
Natsu blinked.
Honestly, you and a certain Galar Champion would have a lot to talk about.
But the ssy aftermath? That was best left to professionals like Lance—the "Criminal Crusher."
Under the blushing gazes of nearby Officer Jennys, Natsu and Gengar set off for Rustboro City.
"That's… the famous Natsu-sensei, right?" one Jenny whispered.
"Even more handso than the photos in our manuals!"
"My cousin in Celadon knows him! Should I ask for his number?"
"Don't bother," an older Jenny cut in. "From what I hear… Natsu-sensei's already taken. Even the Joys gave up."
The Jennys wilted—then channeled their frustration into grim determination.
Criminals, your judgnt day has co!
...
"You three okay?"
Natsu opened the communicator to Team Rocket's grinning faces.
"Better than ever, ow!" owth rubbed its paws.
"Arbok and Weezing are fine," Jessie laughed. "Their friends are back in the forest!"
"And… we picked up a new teammate." Jas tossed a Poké Ball.
A spiky Cacnea—also known as "Desert Naiad"—latched onto Jas' face like a facehugger.
"OW! Get off, Cacnea!"
Natsu coughed at the surreal sight.
Co to think of it, all of Jas' Pokémon seem obsessed with his head…
In the ani, this Cacnea had gone to Gardenia.
But no matter—Gardenia was in the group chat. No "Ash's Pidgeot" decade-long disappearances here.
"She's so quiet… I almost forgot Gardenia was in the chat," Natsu muttered.
"Should we continue your mission?" the trio asked.
Natsu nodded, then called Matori for a Hoenn update.
"Magma and Aqua remnants are everywhere," she reported. "That's why Hoenn's so unstable."
"Lord Giovanni scoffs at them… but absorbing them would please him."
Natsu pondered.
Magma's Maxie and Aqua's Archie should already be out of the picture.
Letting Team Rocket expand into Hoenn made sense…
But the image of Team Rainbow Rocket made his eye twitch.
Did I accidentally create sothing terrifying?
"...But they're the villains."
Natsu chuckled to himself.
"I, Natsu-sensei, am an International Police inspector—a model citizen!"
By evening, Natsu and Gengar reached Rustboro City—a tech hub draped in greenery, ho to Devon Corp.'s towering headquarters.
Rich kid Steven… so people have all the luck.
As guests, they were treated by the local Gym Leader, Roxanne, who gifted Hoenn's signature Lava Cookies.
Theoretically, next ti Gengar paralyzed soone, they could munch these instead of Cheri Berries.
"Gengar! (￣～￣)" Gengar crunched happily.
As they left the Gym (after Sylveon solo'd Roxanne), the twin-tailed Leader waved tearfully. "Safe travels…"
Natsu patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. You're not the first, and won't be the last."
"Who else…?" Roxanne blushed.
"Sabrina's Saffron Gym?"
Roxanne brightened. "Oh! Then it's fine! Co back anyti, Natsu-sensei!"
If even Sabrina lost, I'm in good company!
"Sylveon~o(｀^｀)o"
Natsu glanced at the ribbon on his arm, then down at Sylveon's smug expression.
Roxanne was average for a Leader… yet Sylveon had swept her Gym effortlessly.
By that standard, Sylveon had already reached a level beyond typical Leaders—what could be called "Master-tier" in strength.
Natsu's expression turned complicated.
Every morning, you laze in bed with ...
How did you get this strong?!
The winter night was cold. Natsu pulled his coat tighter and muttered, "My standing in this household is precarious..."
Looking at his current team:
Top Tier: Gengar, Sylveon, and Squirtle.
If Squirtle evolved into Blastoise and tapped into its Aura potential, it might even surpass Gengar temporarily.
Mid Tier: Arcanine and Natsu himself.
After all, in wild battles, the Trainer's own strength mattered too.
Bottom Tier: Sirfetch'd and Togepi.
...Probably Sirfetch'd was stronger? Maybe?
Natsu coughed awkwardly. "It's fine... Reaching Elite Four level will take at least three to five years!"
Besides, if he had an Elite Four-caliber Arcanine lounging at ho...
One grocery run, and the house might be a crater when I return.
"Arcanine~ (O_o)??" Arcanine tilted its big head, eyes blank with confusion.
"Never mind..." Natsu scratched under its chin.
"Let's head back to Saffron City. We've got a trip coming up!"
...
December 27th, Friday - Saffron City
Morning frost condensed on the windowpanes.
Natsu lifted the blanket to find Sylveon snoozing softly, its gentle "Sylveon~" snores filling the air.
It was still early—Togepi had curled back into its eggshell, nestled against the pillow.
"Arcanine~" Arcanine lay sprawled on the rug, its golden mane radiating warmth and comfort.
Natsu carefully slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb them.
From the fish tank, Squirtle's eyes snapped open—only to close again when it recognized Natsu.
The corner of Natsu's mouth twitched.
I bet you weren't even sleeping. Just ditating on your Aura, weren't you?
Breakfast in the Natsu household usually consisted of Pokéblocks and homade dishes tailored to the little ones' tastes.
The stew pot hissed softly, steam curling upward.
In the kitchen, Natsu and Gengar waited in companionable silence.
Then, in the quiet of the morning, his phone buzzed.
[Cabbage Ice Cream]: Good morning.
[Natsu-sensei]: Up this early?
"I told you," Cynthia's smiling face appeared on screen. "Skill Swap. My Ability is 'Early Bird' now."
Natsu blinked. "Then does that make 'Slow Start' or 'Truant'?"
Cynthia's smile softened. "More like 'Scrappy.'"
So I'm feisty, huh?
He glanced outside. The forecast had ntioned morning flurries, and the sky hung heavy with clouds.
A small smile crept onto Natsu's face as he murmured, "I can't wait for the new year to co..."
...
Sinnoh - Eterna City
The historic city, famous for its statues of the Temporal and Spatial Dragons, basked in quiet grandeur.
A golden-haired beauty in a black trench coat closed her book, marking the end of her research for the day.
"Haaah..." Cynthia exhaled softly before turning to the short-haired woman behind her. "Let's go. We're done for today."
Her companion—elegant behind oversized sunglasses—nodded. "Aren't you going to disguise yourself before shopping?"
"The locals already know here."
Unlike a certain "poster boy" from the boonies, Cynthia carried none of the pretenses of a Champion.
"Shopping first, then back to the League tonight," she sighed. "I'd much rather laze around all day."
Diantha chuckled. "There's value in ritual. New clothes can lift the spirit."
Cynthia humd noncommittally. Whether due to natural grace or sheer indecisiveness, her wardrobe consisted mostly of that sa black trench coat.
The boutiques of Eterna City favored retro tailoring—a style Diantha adored.
As they strolled through the charming streets, Diantha explained, "This year, Kalos fashion is all about vintage revival—"
Cynthia only half-listened, her gaze drifting toward the nswear display in a nearby window.
Diantha paused, considering. "n's styles can suit won too, you know."
Cynthia didn't respond, ntally comparing the coat to soone's proportions.
...He's taller, though.
After a long mont of deliberation—the struggle of soone chronically indecisive—she finally pushed the shop door open.
"I'll take that one, please."
...
December 28th, Monday
Early that morning, a package from Cynthia arrived at Natsu's doorstep.
Inside lay a soft, checkered wool coat from so high-end brand Natsu didn't recognize (but which scread expensive).
He opened a video call, surprised.
"For ?"
"Obviously."
"How long did you spend picking it out?"
"...Not long."
Natsu was genuinely touched.
Not long?
Yeah, right.
He could practically see it—Cynthia standing frozen before the shop window from afternoon till dusk.
His lips pressed together briefly.
Living is worth it for Cynthia alone.
"Actually... Diantha helped choose," Cynthia admitted sheepishly. "Otherwise, I might still be deciding tomorrow."
"Next ti, I'll pick for you."
"Mmm..." After an agonized pause, she nodded, cheeks pink.
Wait—does that an she'll wear whatever I choose?!
Hell yeah! Natsu pumped his fist.
Bunny ears first!
Co to think of it, had he not brought it up, Cynthia might have completely forgotten about the 5-million Pokédollar debt.
Natsu sighed wistfully.
In this cold winter, only a Cynthia and Sylveon bring warmth...
With New Year's approaching, Cynthia busied herself preparing the Sinnoh League's tournant schedule.
After ending the call, Natsu gazed skyward, ntally organizing his own plans.
His promise to Professor Oak wouldn't co due until after the holidays.
Until then?
He returned to his simple life of "walking the duck and spoiling the dog."
...
Afternoon - P1 Grand Prix Results
The new P1 Fighting Grand Prix champion had been crowned.
News spread like wildfire across fighting tournant forums—even reaching their group chat.
"@Natsu-sensei, this year's P1 champion is your apprentice," Auntie Lorelei announced.
Natsu blinked. "Bea?"
"Indeed." Lorelei shared a clip of Bea's victory speech.
The young girl stood frozen, championship belt in hand, cheeks burning red.
When asked for comnts, she'd only managed to whisper Natsu's na.
Online reactions exploded:
"Natsu chickened out!"
"He's letting his apprentice prove herself!"
Throwing the match wouldn't be Natsu's style—but competing seriously would've eliminated Bea.
Withdrawing was the only way to truly test her growth.
"His apprentice won—why doubt him now?"
"Face it, he's scared of losing to her!"
Then Bruno's public challenge silenced all critics.
The Fighting-type Elite Four had formally challenged Natsu as an equal.
And Bruno wouldn't waste ti on weaklings—
aning Natsu had simply outgrown the tournant!
"Natsu-sensei sends apprentice to baby cups now?"
"He's gotten arrogant!"
"P1's belt is cool but the prize money's weak..."
"My childhood ends seeing Natsu-sensei dismiss baby cups!"
Scrolling through forums, Natsu frowned. "What's this about Bruno's challenge?"
"Ignore that musclehead," Lorelei said flatly. "He challenges every Elite Four."
Natsu looked skyward.
In special editions, Red had fallen to Lorelei's ambush after accepting Bruno's challenge.
So this is a Kanto Elite Four tradition?
"Bruno's moved beyond human opponents," Lance coughed. "Now he hunts giant Onix."
Right... the man's basically a human Pokémon.
Half an Hour Later
Bea called, stamring her thanks.
"You earned this," Natsu smiled. "Keep walking the fighting path."
Her eyes shone.
Walk the path... until I can challenge him at its peak.
Was this her master's true lesson?
Perhaps, like Bruno, he'd already reached Elite Four strength—or beyond.
Bea's fist clenched.
"I'll catch up to you... no matter what!"
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