As everyone knows, a well-executed sliding tackle can also mitigate damage.
Sirfetch'd's sliding tackle could absolutely cleave through Rhyperior's underbelly.
Of course...the more likely outco was Rhyperior countering with Earthquake and Sirfetch'd instantly fainting.
Watching the triumphant Sirfetch'd, Natsu couldn't bring himself to shatter its delusions, his expression complicated.
Even slackers are self-studying moves now?
And learning from one of Leon's main team mbers no less?
Natsu sighed softly.
Sirfetch'd, you've changed. Weren't we fellow slackers?!
"Rillaboom!" The shaggy drumr Pokémon asured Sirfetch'd's leek enviously.
With that reach...its move power must outclass mine...
The academic atmosphere in the yard grew suffocating. Natsu dared not linger.
Who knew if Leon might produce so fire-type training manual and force it on him?
The costs would take months to recoup!
With their evening flight approaching, Natsu and Cynthia prepared to return to Saffron City.
Leon stood. "Natsu-sensei, let see you off."
"No need...I worry you'll get lost in your own driveway."
"Ahaha, as if—"
"Big Bro," Hop whispered, "Last ti at Wedgehurst Pokémon Center, I had to guide you ho."
Leon scratched his head sheepishly. "Then, Natsu-sensei, until next ti!"
Natsu nodded.
Leon then turned to Cynthia with a respectful nod.
Having battled her in the Masters Tournant before, he'd narrowly won a few matches.
But both kept growing stronger—
Like him and Sonia,
Cynthia never fought alone.
Leon said solemnly: "Champion Cynthia, I look forward to our rematch."
Cynthia nodded. "The opportunity will co."
As dusk fell, their figures gradually receded.
Leon and Sonia watched from the doorway.
"Feels like we've made new friends," Sonia mused, hands behind her back.
Leon gazed at the horizon, golden eyes gleaming.
They'd co all this way for John's sake.
Now wasn't the ti for battles.
But next we et...
That'll be our Champion mont!
...
The Wedgehurst train took them to the airport.
After their nightti flight to Saffron City,
Cynthia would return to Sinnoh League to resu her duties.
Their Galar detour had left
Lucian overworked to the point of hair loss.
But this was Sinnoh League's normal state.
On the plane, the blonde Champion pondered:
"Should I...learn from Leon?"
"Learn what?"
"A Champion's responsibilities."
Since her debut, Cynthia had rapidly ascended to Sinnoh's throne—yet she disdained bureaucratic tasks.
For her, traveling to et new life and uncover myths held greater appeal.
But willingly or not, she was Sinnoh's Champion.
This trip had clearly moved her.
"With great power cos great responsibility?" Natsu teased.
Cynthia's long lashes lifted as she gave a small nod.
"For ," Natsu reclined his seat, "Everyone has their own path and doubts."
"I prefer quiet monts with Pokémon over crowds."
"It's what suits —even if not 'the best,' I don't need to be."
Cynthia studied him before smiling. "You sound like Leon when philosophizing."
"At least I don't get lost in straight hallways."
A faint smile crossed her lips.
Perhaps they shared similarities after all.
Pausing sotis on their chosen roads...
This coward fought Leon for a child's wish—
Pinches pennies yet charged nothing for that exhibition match...
"I'm tired." Cynthia hid a yawn (and blush) behind her hand, stretching. "I'll ga after napping, then head to Sinnoh!"
Natsu blinked.
Right...this is the real Sinnoh Champion.
Expecting Steven to mine rocks instead of paperwork would be equally absurd.
"Though 'not needing the best' has one exception," Natsu added.
"Hm?"
"Except for the best Cynthia."
No reaction?
He turned to find her already asleep.
Golden hair cascaded over her waist, her porcelain cheeks faintly flushed from temperature changes.
Sleeping Cynthia resembled delicate art—utterly unlike her usual formidable aura.
Natsu dimd the lights, confirming she was truly out before gazing outside.
Dark clouds swirled with crimson energy—probably Eternatus passing by.
Donning an eye mask, he murmured: "Sylveon, Yawn."
"Sylveon~~" The Sylveon curled on his lap.
With Sylveon here, blankets were unnecessary.
Drowsiness crept in as warmth enveloped him—then a gentle weight settled against his shoulder.
Golden strands brushed his arm as Cynthia leaned against him, her serene breathing oddly comforting.
"Goodnight," Natsu whispered to no one.
The plane's red taillights pierced the darkness.
The year's coldest days approached—yet spring wasn't far.
...
Returning to our residence in Saffron City...
"Gengar!" Gengar began pulling luggage from its pocket dinsion, handing each piece to Natsu.
"Finally ho."
Taking the bags, Natsu sighed in relief before declaring cheerfully:
"Tonight we feast!"
Hearing their chef's promise, the little ones erupted in excited cries—a cacophony of "Sylveon!" ringing through the house.
"Sirfetch'd, co help out!"
"Sirfetch'd???"
Lucario stood arms crossed, though his gaze kept drifting toward Natsu.
But his cooking is just too good...
"Garchomp." The land shark hovered near Cynthia's side.
Not that I care about feasts...just need to taste-test for Trainer's safety!
Cynthia watched the scene with amusent.
At least I can enjoy a few more good als before returning to Sinnoh!
Entering the kitchen, Natsu found Sirfetch'd already wielding its leek like a chef's knife.
Legend said Kalosian chefs employed Farfetch'd to impart oniony aromas while chopping ingredients.
But with Sirfetch'd's massive leek, its role beca tenderizing at to perfection.
Thwack! The rhythmic pounding filled the air.
Natsu raised an eyebrow.
Who knew Sirfetch'd had culinary talent?
Even Gengar's cooking skills peaked at instant noodles.
Maybe next ti we'll try "Iron Pot Sirfetch'd Stew"?
Wiping drool, Natsu washed ingredients while reviewing their Galar trip:
Exchanged contacts with Sonia and Leon.
The Dynamax Band now adorned his left wrist—disguised as a sports brace.
Outside Galar, accidental Dynamaxing wasn't a concern.
Though future visits require more caution...
"Doing good deeds anonymously still backfires on ?"
Rubbing his temples, Natsu examined two system rewards:
[Starf Berry (Legendary): A mystically potent berry that drastically boosts one stat. Effects vary by Pokémon. (Basically just starfruit.)]
"This counts as legendary quality...?"
Staring at the pentagonal yellow-green fruit, realization dawned.
Processed into Pokéblocks, the little ones are in for a treat!
Indeed, while rare berries like Salac only raised Speed one stage,
Starf Berry's two-stage boost justified its "gold legendary" status.
Though effects differed—Blastoise gaining defense, Sylveon possibly weight, Sirfetch'd critical hits...
And Togepi? Luck stat?
With the system shop now stocking them, shortages weren't a concern.
As expected of a berry-based system. Well played!
[?]
The second reward—[Fla Orb: A scorching gem that radiates heat while amplifying Fire-type energy. (Let flas purify all!)]
Its blistering temperature required heatproof gloves to handle.
The crimson orb instantly ward the room—only Arcanine could endure such heat.
Natsu's expression twisted.
"You sure this won't burn the house down?"
Combined with Arcanine's newfound energy for "ho renovation projects"...
This isn't a reward—it's sabotage!
Unable to return it, storing the orb risked disaster.
mories of Gengar's accidental arson made him shudder.
After deliberation, Natsu chose to trust his fiery companion.
"Arcanine(O_o)??" The canine tilted its head at the glowing orb.
"This should benefit you like Charcoal," Natsu explained. "Wear it around your neck—no throwing!"
Ever fair, Natsu ensured each teammate had specialty items—
Gengar with its Toxic Orb (nearly licked into oblivion), Sylveon's Life Orb, and now Arcanine's upgrade.
"Arcanine..." The Arcanine nuzzled Natsu gratefully before its eyes blazed with determination.
This is Trainer's trust!
Starting tomorrow—new training regin!
Ten laps around the yard daily!
The Fla Orb complented Arcanine's majestic mane perfectly.
Satisfied, Natsu patted its head. "Dinner soon—go play!"
"Arcanine~!!"
As aromatic dishes graced the table—crisp stir-fried greens glistening invitingly—
Cynthia murmured, "I've been indulging too much lately..."
"Travel drains HP," Natsu countered. "Good als are mandatory."
An irrefutable argunt.
Silverware clinked softly in the tranquil dining room.
"I return to Sinnoh tomorrow," Cynthia said. "League duties may keep busy until February."
Natsu considered.
By then, Celadon School matters would be settled.
"I'll visit Sinnoh in February."
Cynthia smiled.
If he wins the League Tournant and challenges the Elite Four, my workload might lighten...
"Looking forward to it."
...
January 16th, Saturday
Natsu was experinting with the new 'Starf Berry' Pokéblocks.
"Gengar! (￣～￣)"
Once again, Gengar took on the role of 'taste tester.'
"How does it feel?"
"Gengar!" Grinning widely, Gengar pulled a dumbbell from its pocket and struck a bodybuilding pose.
Natsu blinked in surprise.
Damn, Gengar's Attack stat skyrocketed!
"Seems like it works well," Natsu muttered. "Though I wonder if it'd have any effect on ..."
After finishing the new batch of Pokéblocks, Natsu gazed up at the sky.
Cynthia had already returned to Sinnoh.
Despite her tendency to slack off, she always handled her official duties with care.
She just hated bureaucratic red tape.
This ti, preparing for the upcoming Lily of the Valley Conference later in the year would surely keep her busy.
"The Lily of the Valley Conference is happening in the second half of the year..."
Natsu's expression turned thoughtful—then slightly odd.
"Wait, does that an Ash will finish the Hoenn League and then head straight to Sinnoh League in just a few months?"
Unlike the ani's stretched-out tiline where championships took decades,
realistically, challengers could complete a regional league in four to six months.
At this rate, Ash would likely beco champion within three years of starting his journey.
Not quite on par with monsters like Red or Blue Oak,
but still impressive for a hardworking trainer like him.
Though...this was just speculation.
"I'll ssage Ash privately later," Natsu nodded to himself. "Ask him which league he's tackling next."
"Arcanine! (｀0｀)"
With the Fla Orb hanging from its neck, Arcanine's fur seed to glow with fiery intensity as it sprinted across the yard.
Natsu lounged on the second-floor balcony, sipping tea while watching with amusent—
until his expression suddenly shifted.
"Morning training is fine, Arcanine, but NO FLARE BLITZ!"
"Arcanine!"
Empowered by both the Fla Orb and Flare Blitz, Arcanine's Fire-type energy surged to its peak.
Transforming into a blazing golden cot, it tore across the garden at breakneck speed!
Natsu's face twitched as he checked Arcanine's move list.
Overheat—one of the strongest Fire-type moves...
I get that you're excited about getting stronger,
BUT YOU'RE ABOUT TO DEMOLISH THE HOUSE!
"Blastoise, minimal-power Water Gun!"
"Blastoise." Adjusting its sunglasses, Blastoise aid its cannons—
only to unleash twin torrents of water that were clearly Hydro Pumps.
"THAT'S HYDRO PUMP! ARCANINE, PROTECT!"
As the dust settled, Natsu surveyed the devastated yard.
"Just need to re-lay the grass..."
He coughed awkwardly. "Wait, no—turf costs more than renovations!"
"Arcanine~~"
Arcanine grinned dopily, its eyes sparkling with simple pride.
Got stronger. Didn't embarrass Gengar or Sirfetch'd.
Good job, !
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