Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit Chapter 520 0521: Bringing Smiles Through Mega Evolution

April 10th, Saturday.

Natsu's original plan was to stay in Canalave City a few more days.

With no urgent commitnts, he figured he'd treat it as a vacation in the scenic port town.

He also intended to borrow Gym Leader Byron's training facilities.

Given Byron's straightforward personality, he'd surely agree.

anwhile, across the Pokémon world…

The conference's revelations had caused an earthquake of shockwaves.

Updated Pokédex entries shattered Trainers' understanding once again.

People stared blankly at the three shadowy silhouettes marked "???" in the Sinnoh Pokédex.

"Wait… these Legendary Pokémon actually exist?"

"Even with the data, there's no way I could catch one!"

"Are you dumb? Natsu-sensei must've seen—maybe even caught—them to confirm this!"

In the ancient language academic circle, researchers were ecstatic.

The decryption of Sinnoh's Plates marked a historic breakthrough, likely influencing studies of other regions' Plate inscriptions.

And the na Natsu was now permanently etched into their minds.

"Isn't this the sa Natsu-sensei who just competed in the Wallace Cup?" one researcher gasped.

"I swear he's flexing—he even transcribed the pronunciations!" another groaned.

"Of course a Champion needs to explore ruins and train Legendary teams. Ancient linguistics is just a side hobby," most fans reasoned.

Back in Torren, forr Tokyo tropolitan University president Hiroshi clutched his chest in disbelief.

First, rumors claid Natsu was Master-level. Then they escalated to Champion.

He knew Natsu was strong, but… a finance major pulling this off?

Now, conference reports from attending professors confird it.

So the kid was living so "retired god of war incognito" plotline?!

Hiroshi wheezed. "My blood pressure…"

In Kanto, Celadon Academy's Principal Dervish was filled with regret.

"Natsu-sensei… was the Ancient Language professor?"

To think I let such talent teach middle school classes—and let him run away!

"I must find a way," Principal Earl Dervish smacked his thigh in frustration. "Perhaps we could erect a statue at Celadon University and invite Natsu-sensei back."

In reality…

Natsu, who had just received the script for Sinnoh's Live-in Son-in-Law, was seeing Moe-Moe! off at the port.

The sea was calm, and near the suspension bridge of the harbor, the massive blue backs of a few Wailord could be seen breaching the surface.

If only they weren't so expensive to raise, Natsu mused. Catching a whale would've been pretty cool.

Sapphire from the group chat owned a Wailord nad "Elulu." But then again, her father was Professor Birch—keeping a Wailord was no trouble for him.

"Well, I'll be heading back to Celestic Town with Grandmother now," Cynthia said, standing before the departing ferry with a soft smile.

Natsu glanced behind Cynthia, where Professor Carolina pretended to gaze at the sea—clearly giving the two so space.

He turned his attention back to Cynthia's fair, delicate face, partially hidden by golden hair, and said:

"How about a kiss before you go?"

"..."

Surrounded by boarding passengers, Cynthia maintained her smile, but her eyes turned sharp with warning, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

Unfazed, Natsu added: "I'm not picky. Cheek or lips—either works."

"Hand," Cynthia said coldly, still smiling.

Natsu extended his hand, and a slender, soft palm slipped into his. Before he could savor the sensation, a sharp pain shot from the base of his thumb up his arm.

Seeming to realize she'd squeezed too hard, Cynthia hesitated, then instinctively brushed her thumb over the spot she'd just hurt.

Then, in a flash, her hand was caught in return—enveloped by a strong, warm, clean grip.

They held on for a few seconds before Cynthia's snow-white cheeks flushed bright red. Reluctantly, their hands parted as the ferry's horn blared behind them.

"See you," Cynthia said softly.

"See you," Natsu replied. "I'll miss you."

Ahem!

An exaggerated cough ca from behind. Professor Carolina shuffled over with her cane. "The ferry's leaving, Cynthia."

Cynthia gave a slight nod, her fingers flicking through the air playfully before she turned with graceful elegance.

Natsu called out: "Say hi to Lucian for ! Tell him to rest after work—maybe even clock in so overti!"

Cynthia's reply was lost in the distance.

As the ferry sailed away from the peninsula of Canalave City, Natsu's screen lit up with a ssage from Cynthia:

"This afternoon, you can pick up the 'Most Valuable Award' prize from the Research Conference. Just choose whatever suits you best."

An unexpected prize?

Natsu blinked. "What about you and Grandmother?"

"We don't need it. Grandmother's already happy. So am I." Cynthia smiled.

So I'm the only one leaving this city with regrets.

Nodding, Natsu—ever the dutiful live-in son-in-law—replied:

"Got it. I'll take whatever catches my eye!"

Cynthia responded with three thumbs-up emojis.

With the chat concluded, Natsu skimd through his daily mo and muttered:

"Right… today's also the day Byron and the Canalave Gym learn true suffering…"

The Research Conference prize could wait. He'd contact Professor Oak after the crowd dispersed.

Today's main mission?

Secure the Gengarite.

Then, while ensuring his own safety, test its effects at the Canalave Gym.

Last ti, after ga Evolving Blastoise, Natsu needed two weeks to recover.

This ti, to settle the score (scratch that)—to verify the ga Stone's quality—

Natsu had decided, just this once, to prioritize his Trainer career.

And to bring smiles to the Canalave Gym and Mr. Byron!

Natsu shuddered involuntarily.

"I scare even myself when I get serious!"

"Gengar~ (≧▽≦)"

"Quit grinning. We're going ho—I've got sothing aweso to show you!"

...

Inside a Canalave City guesthouse…

Natsu sat cross-legged on the bed, expression grave.

Sylveon and Togepi flanked him, while Gengar hovered directly opposite. The rest of his team gathered around the bed.

"Arcanine? (O_o)"

Arcanine tilted its head, puzzled by the dark-red orb on the bed.

"Blastoise… (■_■)"

Blastoise broke into a cold sweat, sensing an overwhelming pressure from the gem.

"Sirfetch'd! o(>ω