The setting sun cast its glow over Canalave City, divided by shimring waterways that glittered under the fading light.
The Canalave City Library stood silent and imposing.
From a distance, white-coated scholars descended the marble steps.
"Hey, Burnet," Professor Kukui, his bronze skin catching the light, chuckled into his phone, one hand in his pocket. "Yeah, today's exhibition was amazing!"
Sonia supported Professor Magnolia as they carefully made their way down the steps, sighing in admiration:
"Natsu-sensei and Champion Cynthia... their results were incredible."
Professor Magnolia gave a slight nod, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I benefited greatly as well..."
"Though I never expected," she continued, "that translation achievent actually ca from Natsu."
Sonia clung to her grandmother's arm, smiling. "I saw Natsu-sensei at last year's Research Conference too~"
"With his talent, achieving results in just a year was probably effortless!"
"You..." Professor Magnolia shook her head helplessly.
Her granddaughter still didn't grasp the difficulty and significance of that accomplishnt.
Judging by Professor Hale's excitent, it was clear how impactful this work would be.
And with three groundbreaking Pokédex entries, capped off by a flawless defense...
Professor Magnolia mused, "This year's Gold Award might already have Carolina's na on it."
After the presentation, Cynthia reserved a celebratory banquet at an upscale restaurant in Canalave City.
With so many dining options, her indecisiveness had left her agonizing over which one to pick—until she heard this particular restaurant's specialty was desserts, especially ice cream. Moe-Moe! That sealed the deal.
"So, have you decided which ice cream to get yet?"
Walking toward the restaurant, Natsu asked Cynthia.
"..." Cynthia seed to have just rembered this dilemma. Crossing her arms, she rested her chin on her hand, falling into deep thought.
"Let choose for you," Natsu said, rubbing his temples. "I've done so... research on desserts."
He knows my tastes. Cynthia smiled faintly and nodded. "Sounds good."
Tap. Tap.
"Don't pretend I'm not here," Carolina said dryly, rapping her cane.
"Gengar!" Gengar peeked out from Natsu's shadow, snickering mischievously behind its hands.
You little brat—you're thrilled about getting a ga Stone, aren't you?!
Natsu sighed inwardly, frustration simring.
A glance at the bonus screen confird the selected item—the deep-purple orb: Gengarite
"Who knows? Maybe so wildcard will swoop in last minute and snatch it away," Natsu consoled himself.
"It's not over till it's over!"
The sinking sun stretched their shadows long—Carolina's cane planted firmly between them.
The young man stood tall, his broad shoulders accentuated by a tailored Western-style suit.
The two "girls" moved gracefully, their silhouettes almost mirroring each other. Cynthia's golden hair cascaded down her back, smooth and straight.
Their figures gradually receded into the distance.
"Gengar!"
From the lengthening twilight shadows, Gengar suddenly popped out, grinning wide. Facing an imaginary cara, it snapped its fingers with a playful click, signaling a scene transition.
In the top-left corner, a red recording light blinked off as Rotom chirped:
"Captured so priceless footage~ Rotom!"
...
Canalave City, Library.
Professor Oak was organizing today's observations and preparing the evaluation process.
"So the judging starts this soon?"
Crystal, wearing a white cap and overalls, asked curiously: "Aren't there still two more days left?"
"We're just ranking today's presentations based on certain criteria," Professor Oak chuckled. "If more outstanding work appears later, we'll adjust accordingly."
"But then, why is Natsu-sensei's team's research…"
Crystal glanced at the notebook, suddenly realizing she'd spoken out of turn. Blushing, she fell silent.
"Haha, no need to worry."
Professor Oak nodded thoughtfully.
"Because... in my professional opinion, this is work worthy of the conference's highest honors."
"Tomorrow afternoon marks the end of presentations. By then, we'll know whether Natsu's team wins the Gold Award, Most Valuable Research, or both!" Professor Oak said cheerfully.
To receive such high praise from Professor Oak... Crystal whispered: "That's amazing..."
anwhile, in the Chat Group:
"Results out yet? Results out yet?" Gold spamd the chat.
"You're hurting my eyes," Silver said flatly.
"You there? You there? Who's the freeloader at my place watching tokusatsu—"
[Group mber 'Gold' has been muted by Group Admin 'Lance' for 5 minutes.]
Lance said coolly, "You're hurting my eyes too."
Lt. Surge tsked. "Big oof..."
[Group mber 'Gold' has been awarded the title 'Muted One' by Group Owner 'Natsu-sensei'.]
"..." Sabrina's icy expression cracked as the corners of her lips twitched upward.
Yellow: [Pikachu dancing.gif]
"Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant," Lance laughed, his deadpan humor shining through.
Ash replied: "LOLOLOLOL."
Natsu blinked.
Who has such low EQ—oh, it's Ash. Never mind.
Platinum stifled a laugh, steering the conversation back on track:
"Results won't be out till tomorrow afternoon. But Natsu-sensei's probably a lock for the Gold Award."
Natsu-sensei: "!?"
Lance: "@Crystal, any insider info?"
Is this what justice looks like? I'm here for it, Natsu mused.
Crystal fought back her gossipy urges, cheeks reddening as she adopted her 'class rep' deanor. "Nope, no insider info!"
Muted is over. Gold rubbed his chin, smirking. "C'mon, just tell . Did Elm pull off sothing amazing?"
"..." Crystal.
"With this old man's help," Gold boasted, hands on hips, "he's gotta take first place!"
Crystal flushed and sent a voice ssage, yelling: "Professor Elm didn't even make the cut!"
The chat fell silent.
[Group mber 'Crystal' recalled a ssage due to typos.]
Natsu-sensei: "Voice ssages don't have typos!"
Brock narrowed his eyes. "So, Natsu-sensei has a real shot at the Gold Award..."
"I'm rooting for you, Natsu-sensei~" Erika said sweetly.
"Hehe, even my dad praised you," Sapphire chid in. "Not many scholars earn his respect."
The hype was overflowing, practically leaking from the keyboard!
Whatever… out of sight, out of mind.
Canalave City, upscale restaurant.
Natsu quietly closed the chat and accepted the nu from Cynthia.
Noticing his expression, Cynthia smiled.
"It's over. No need to stress."
"..." Natsu nodded silently.
"Tonight's on ," Professor Carolina declared.
Nice. Natsu opened his mouth to speak but caught Carolina's gaze and straightened up.
"I'll pay."
Good kid. Carolina nodded approvingly.
Canalave's specialty was Old Gateau—smooth, translucent, and served in celadon bowls like polished stone. The red bean filling was sweet but not cloying. Natsu savored it quietly.
"Old Gateau. Cures Pokémon status conditions…" Cynthia read aloud.
"Does it fix paralysis?"
"Mhm." Cynthia looked up from the nu. "It does."
"I'll take so to-go," Natsu said. "Probably tastes better than Cheri Berries..."
Another regional treat unlocked: [Old Gateau] √
This trip to Canalave for the research conference with Cynthia?
Moe-Moe! might've won, but Natsu never loses!
...
Following the plan—Carolina offers, Natsu pays—Moe-Moe! quietly settled the bill via mobile. Natsu promptly reimbursed her.
Cynthia shot him a questioning look.
Natsu's expression said, You lecturing ?
Glancing at her grandmother, Cynthia typed under the table:
[Cabbage Ice Cream: Wrong amount.]
[Natsu-sensei: Keep the change.]
[Cabbage Ice Cream: Not enough. (╥﹏╥)]
[Natsu-sensei: …]
[Natsu-sensei: (Wealthy Patron, feed pls.jpg)]
Nightfall. Cynthia and Carolina returned to the guesthouse to discuss tomorrow's agenda.
Back in his room, Natsu wasn't lonely. His little ones sward him, and the fish tank radiated intense [Aura Detection]…
Wiping sweat, Natsu smiled.
"Sirfetch'd, did you hatch eggs today?"
Sirfetch'd blinked, pointing at its nest—where two Pokémon eggs sat side by side.
"Sirfetch'd?" (Which one?)
Natsu rubbed his eyes. "Togepi, quit hiding in Sirfetch'd's nest!"
"Togepi doo-ee! ヽ(￣▽￣)ノ"
The cream-colored eggshell peeked out, then hopped down and scampered onto the sofa to fiddle with a Handheld console.
Natsu: "A… ninja sprint?!"
"Togepi doo-ee~(′▽｀)"
Togepi kicked its tiny feet, engrossed in the ga.
Natsu: "..."
And I can't even scold it.
Shaking his head, he turned to Sylveon, who tilted its head. "Sylveon?"
"Nothing," Natsu said. "Just thought you'd make a cute magical girl."
"Gengar!" Gengar popped up, posing with a peace sign.
"Denied," Natsu said flatly. "Urgot doesn't belong in idol groups."
"Gengar~(｀Д｀)" Gengar's grin drooped.
As night deepened, Natsu lounged on the sofa, munching on [Old Gateau].
"Arcanine… (ˉ﹃ˉ)" Arcanine wagged its tail.
Natsu eyed it, then turned away with the plate.
Arcanine: "Arcanine!( ﾟ∀ﾟ) ﾉ"
Between bites, he thought of tomorrow's results.
Natsu stared at the ceiling.
"Guess I'm not sleeping tonight…"
...
Next day, afternoon.
Canalave City Library. The awards announcent.
The exhibition hall was silent. Scholars focused on Professor Oak under the spotlight.
His expression was stern, dressed in a white lab coat, holding a speech draft.
Under the crowd's gaze, Professor Oak cleared his throat and spoke slowly:
"We are honored to witness so many outstanding achievents…"
"In this year's Research Conference, the teams awarded the Scientific Research Gold Award are—"
"Professor Kukui's Team—'Effects of the Alola Region's Aura on Z-Moves.'"
"Professor Carolina's Team—'Sinnoh Mythology and Analysis of Legendary Pokémon.'"
"…"
"Additionally, the recipient of this year's 'Most Influential Young Scholar' award is…"
"From Professor Carolina's Team—Natsu."
"…"
"Finally, the team receiving this year's 'Most Valuable Research' award is—"
"Professor Carolina's Team—'Sinnoh Mythology and Analysis of Legendary Pokémon!'"
As all awards were announced, it was like a boulder dropped into a lake—ripples spreading.
Enduring applause followed, all eyes fixed on Carolina's team.
Like a film sweeping awards at a festival.
Every researcher offered sincere congratulations.
Crowned the 'Most Influential Young Scholar', a bright future ahead—a true Ancient Language expert.
Natsu's mind was in turmoil. With a flawless smile, he stood and nodded under the cara flashes and praise.
Brilliant. That was the word rising in everyone's minds.
For his contributions, only one word fit: genius.
Once seated, Cynthia smiled softly:
"You can relax now."
"Yeah." Natsu gave a hollow laugh. "I can… relax now."
[Ding! Quest Complete.]
[Objective: Win the Gold Award at Sinnoh's Canalave City Research Conference.]
[Reward: Selected—Gengarite ×1]
This was expected. Natsu had braced himself.
But—
Before he could catch his breath, Natsu's eyes snapped wide open. A chill shot down his spine.
[Ding! Major Quest—'Sinnoh League' Updated.]
[Progress: (2/3)]
[Objective: Challenge the Sinnoh League. Collect all eight Sinnoh Gym Badges.]
[Description: Set sail, Researcher. Beco Sinnoh's most knowledgeable—and powerful—Trainer.]
[Progress: (0/8)]
[Reward: Gracidea.]
Natsu: "…"
[Ding! Quest Updated.]
[Progress: (5/8)]
[Description: Five badges collected. Halfway there. Keep striving, Trainer.]
"What's wrong?" Cynthia glanced at him.
Natsu took a deep breath and forced a smile.
"N-Nothing…"
Quest progress… updated?!
This was… a chain quest?!
Gracidea… So you're forcing to 1v1 Giratina?!
This isn't so random task—you planned this all along—
D*mn it, I'm filing a complaint!
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