March 28th, Sunday. Cloudy.
Yesterday's water speed race had been uploaded online by so busybody, causing quite a stir.
"It's in the bag. Gyarados was leading by dozens of lengths—how could it lose?"
"Holy—Natsu-sensei's Blastoise launched like a rocket!"
"Stop fighting! This isn't even a speed race anymore!"
Adhering to the principle of "knock out all other contestants, and I'm the winner,"
Blastoise adjusted its sunglasses, punched Gyarados into oblivion, and intimidated the rest with a single swing.
Then, under the cara's flawless tracking, Blastoise casually swam past the finish line.
"Soone drug-test this Contestant!"
"Blastoise? More like Rocket Tortoise!"
Giovanni felt personally attacked and gave that comnt a like.
Slipping out during work hours to slack off and join a fan tournant? Totally on-brand for Natsu-sensei.
But to dominate so effortlessly against strong Gym Leaders?
Fans couldn't help but sigh: "When it cos to stomping noobs, Champion Natsu is a professional."
The prize, a Water Stone, had already been pocketed by Natsu, who planned to toss it into his fish tank as decoration.
Sure, liquid funds were tight, but using Never-lt Ice to chill cola and Water Stone as decor?
Peak "boring flex" energy.
Moreover, Natsu had already decided that once the Wallace Cup wrapped up,
he'd go back to focusing on ga developnt—and make a fortune!
Natsu patted his own shoulder cheerfully:
"From rags to riches—just you wait!"
...
Morning. The sky was gloomy, thick with the stifling heat of an approaching storm.
Natsu stood by the window, coffee in hand, watching the gathering rain clouds.
"Feels like rain today." He took a sip.
"Gengar~!"
Gengar stood beside him, tiny hands clutching a mug filled with cola, nodding in agreent.
"Well, today's contests are indoors anyway."
Yawning, Natsu plopped onto the sofa and checked his phone for the schedule.
Today was the third day of the Wallace Cup.
After today's performances, the four finalists would be decided.
The winners would advance to the main venue for the final showdown over the Aqua Ribbon.
"The main venue isn't at Lake Valor? Gotta travel another dozen kiloters…"
Natsu sipped his coffee, scanning the text from Wallace's assistant, deep in thought.
Thought this would wrap up this week… Now there's overti?
I'm the guy who saved the Tree of Beginning and cald Regigigas—a "food/gaming" content creator!
Chat Group Log:
Ruby brought it up with Natsu, laughing:
"The Alamos Town is one of the most historic and glamorous contests! Even Master had to pull strings to book the arena there."
"It's a town steeped in history!"
Gardenia, who'd practically grown up in the Eterna City Museum, finally seized her chance to chi in:
"Alamos Town is famous for its ancient lodies that soothe Pokémon, plus its stunning architecture—gardens and towers straight out of a fairy tale!"
For once, Gardenia didn't feel invisible.
"lodies? Now that's my specialty!" Lt. Surge flashed a grin.
Roxie scoffed: "Sounds like another Unova tall tale. Zero proof!"
Natsu interjected: "In Unova, they've got the 'Relic Song' tied to loetta's legend. That one's actually docunted."
Steven, currently mining in Unova, wiped sweat and li dust off his chiseled face. Pressing his Bluetooth earpiece, he added warmly:
"True. Matches what I've heard here."
No wonder Natsu-sensei was so well-inford.
As a scholar of ancient languages, legends were his bread and butter.
"So what's the deal with Alamos Town's lody?" Yellow tilted her head, curious.
Natsu paused. The na tickled his mory.
Was it from so music-thed storyline?
"Rotom, pull up Alamos Town's archives," he ordered.
"Roger that~Rotom!" The Pokédex pirouetted mid-air, extending chanical arms. "Beep… Found it! Alamos Town—a quaint tourist spot fad for scenic views, plus gardens and towers designed by the architectural genius Gaudí!"
"Tourist spot?"
Natsu rubbed his chin.
"No wonder Wallace picked it as the main stage."
Realizing he'd been overcomplicating things, he muttered:
"Now dig up anything music-related."
Rotom scratched its head. "Beep, nada, Rotom!"
A sha. Natsu had hoped for a moe-moe date spot.
A romantic getaway with lodies, architecture, and vistas? Perfect.
But even without music, a historic town was plenty charming.
Ti to ask her out.
He groaned inwardly: "Overti without Moe-Moe!? Pure agony!"
Red's phone buzzed as he gazed at Mt. Silver's sky.
"Music-thed towns… reminds of Lavender Town."
That eerie vibe, the haunted radio tower, the ghostly whispers…
Young Red's darkest phobia—until he'd faced his demons.
"Alamos Town's way cheerier," Ruby assured. "This year's venue got rave reviews from Coordinators!"
Natsu nodded.
The na did ring a bell, but with so many locations across gas, shows, and spin-offs—who could keep track?
Even if Regigigas crashed the party, he'd brawl it into submission! (Then politely ask for its giant sword.)
"Let's go, Gengar." Natsu stood. "Showti."
"With judging, Jessie's definitely making semifinals!"
"Wobbuffet~!" Gengar mimicked a salute.
"STOP copying Wobbuffet's voice, Gengar!!"
...
That day, the Wallace Cup Semifinals.
Natsu served as a judge.
Chairman Contesta, visibly awkward around him, claid he was feeling unwell and couldn't attend.
A young, handso Top Coordinator replacing the stuffy middle-aged man naturally drew cheers from the entire audience.
Wallace, wearing a white hat with a flowing white cape behind him, crossed his legs and smiled at Natsu in greeting.
Natsu sat beside him and whispered, "Mr. Wallace, may I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead."
"Who do you think is more handso—your Master Juan or Steven?"
Wallace was caught off guard. He coughed into his fist, then answered with a straight face:
"In terms of elegance, Master is particularly popular with older won."
"From that perspective, Steven and Master are quite similar, wouldn't you say?"
Natsu let out a disappointed "Oh."
Wallace's eye twitched. This Champion seed… unusually playful.
Or maybe, like his apprentice Ruby, he enjoyed reckless antics—never playing it safe until he was on the brink of defeat?
But Wallace wasn't sure if he could actually beat him. Clearing his throat, he smiled and said:
"Natsu-sensei, the location for the main stage has been finalized."
Natsu nodded slightly. "I have a friend who'd like to attend."
"Of course, that's no problem."
Wallace paused, studying Natsu's expression, then understood.
He couldn't help but recall his own lost-and-found white swan, Winona back in Hoenn, and smiled warmly:
"I look forward to her arrival, Natsu-sensei."
The performances continued. When Contestant Jessie took the stage, she nervously pumped herself up.
Outside, owth and Jas cheered for her.
Natsu's gaze lingered on Jessie's uneasy deanor.
Truthfully, Jessie was deeply insecure.
She had the strength to reach the Top 4 in the Kalos Master Rank Coordination battles, yet she always believed it was due to foul play rather than her own skill.
In addition, she'd also had a Chansey friend and a secret crush on Doctor Waite, but they both eventually choose to leave alone.
Without Jas and owth, Jessie might not be as cheerful as she was now.
Or perhaps, it was the Team Rocket trio's mutual reliance—none of them could truly live without the others.
As Natsu mused, the performance ended. Jessie stood nervously.
Wallace smiled and gave her a high score, securing her advancent.
"You did it, Jessie!" Jas and owth cheered from the audience stands.
What surprised Natsu was the final Contestant of the Wallace Cup.
The photo in the profile showed a girl in a white hat, thigh-high socks, and a red scarf around her neck.
"Dawn!?" Natsu blurted out.
Wallace glanced at him. "You know Platinum?"
Natsu paused, realizing this was the Special Editions world—she'd be called "Young Lady" here.
In a way, this "Young Lady" was Dawn's alternate-world counterpart, equally skilled in Coordinating.
But Platinum was also a Pokédex holder, born into an obscenely wealthy family.
Many nearby hotels and even a seven-star lakeside restaurant were technically under the Platinum Family's na.
Natsu watched the black-haired girl in a gown at the center of the stage, sighing inwardly.
If I can't be a Coordinator, I'll just go ho and inherit billions!
Nearly identical to Dawn in appearance but far more logical, Platinum had already heard of the "Strategist" from Professor Rowan.
Now, seeing Natsu-sensei in person, Platinum held her breath and steeled herself.
You can do this, Platinum!
Her performance was a resounding success, securing her a spot in the Top 4.
As the day's events concluded, Platinum sought out Natsu backstage.
"Natsu-sensei!" The girl in the white hat bowed formally, then looked up at him.
"I'm a Pokédex holder from Sinnoh. I never got the chance to visit you before!"
Natsu looked skyward.
He had been slacking off during the Wallace Cup, rarely making appearances…
He coughed. "It's fine. I know who you are. Join the group chat, and you'll fit right in."
"Group chat?" The Young Lady sounded confused.
Natsu sighed. If only Ash were here—he wouldn't have to pull out his QR code himself.
"Oh, and if you see Diamond and Pearl, ask them if they're interested in a job from Natsu-sensei."
"What job?"
"Starting a cody duo. They'd handle the performances—stand-up, crosstalk, smoking, drinking, perms… wait, no." Natsu coughed.
Platinum's eyes sparkled. She smiled brightly. "Their dream is to beco professional codians!"
"I'll let them know! Thank you, Natsu-sensei!" She bowed deeply again.
Compared to the Kanto group's "passion," the Johto group's "strategy," and the Hoenn group's "romance,"
the Sinnoh Pokédex holders were best sumd up by "friendship."
anwhile, the Unova group, symbolizing "dreams," had already taken charge of Pokémon Company's entertainnt promotions under BW Productions.
Natsu stared at the sky.
Using Pokédex holders as tools… Is that really okay?
Eh, it's a modified tiline anyway. Just hug the Moe-Moe! and move on!
As night fell, Platinum showed keen interest in the group chat.
She was already familiar with several Sinnoh Gym Leaders, chatting animatedly with Maylene and Candice.
Natsu returned to his hotel. In the dim room, his phone screen suddenly lit up.
He answered, hearing a gentle yet crisp voice:
"My grandmother is sending on a business trip soon."
"Where to?"
"Alamos Town first." Cynthia said. "There's a scientist there researching local legendaries."
Natsu paused, then smiled. "Then I'll see you there."
"Are you surprised?" Cynthia asked suddenly.
"Should I be?" Natsu replied. "Maybe it's because I'm heading to Alamos Town soon too."
Cynthia laughed. He could picture her golden hair swaying as her eyes curved into crescents.
"Because I watched the Wallace Cup and knew you'd be going to Alamos Town next."
Natsu chuckled. "So you 'volunteered' to go there first?"
"Praise ," Cynthia ordered.
"No matter how ti flows or space shatters, my love for you only grows."
"And?"
"Arceus as my witness, I'll only ever love three won: Cynthia, Cynthia, and Moe-Moe!."
Cynthia's voice cooled. "Who's Moe-Moe!?"
"Moe-Moe! is Cabbage."
Natsu paused. "Wait, that makes four…"
Silence. Then, a soft laugh from the other end.
Gengar, grinning mischievously, poked Natsu's side. "Gengar~"
"Hey, no eavesdropping, kid!"
"Gengar! (/ω＼)"
"Gotta go. I need to fight Gengar now."
Cynthia stifled a laugh. "Go easy on him. Use Shadow Punch!"
The last part was louder—ant for Gengar.
"Gengar! (`▽′)" ca the spirited reply.
"Ground rules—only Lick is allowed—ah hell, Rotom, save !"
The call cut to static.
Cynthia smiled, tucking her phone away. Her gaze fell on the docunts before her.
Under her golden hair, her gray eyes turned serious—cool, calculating, and deep.
She dialed her grandmother again. Carolina's voice was grave:
"Spatial rifts are appearing in multiple locations—Jubilife City, Oreburgh City… all affected."
"I've contacted Researcher Tony in Alamos Town."
"Once you've assessed the situation, move to the next city imdiately." Carolina took a sharp breath. "This is urgent, Cynthia. Stay alert."
"Understood."
Cynthia nodded. She hadn't told Natsu—she intended to handle this alone.
"Oh, and tell that boy I said hello. Grandmother misses him."
Cynthia blinked, then laughed softly. "I will."
"It might just be faulty data."
Carolina coughed. "But better safe than sorry."
"Just in case, take the two orbs from the Museum… They might help stabilize the rifts."
Cynthia frowned. "But I don't have the power to use them—"
"It's fine. You and Natsu recovered that artifact last ti…"
Carolina leaned on her cane, her gaze shifting to a faintly glowing cube.
"The key."
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