The warm sumr breeze blew past, yet Natsu couldn't suppress a shiver.
"Blastoise... learning your Ice-type moves?"
Pryce sat in his wheelchair, giving Natsu a sidelong glance.
"Weren't you researching hail strategies?"
The old man had heard from Professor Oak about Natsu's expertise in snow-based tactics.
Back then, Pryce had dismissed the young man entirely.
But after this battle... his impression had shifted dramatically, even sparking a desire to nurture talent.
"With your strength and character," Pryce said flatly, "my Ice-type techniques won't go to waste."
Natsu slowly ford a question mark in his mind: ?
Pryce was one of the most formidable villain bosses in Special Editions, a master of Ice-type warfare.
If Boss Giovanni embodied "earth," then Pryce was the living incarnation of "ice and snow."
At his peak, this man had crushed Erika with just a Swinub while remotely commanding a Delibird to solo Ho-Oh...
Natsu gulped.
A trainer of that caliber wants to teach Blastoise Ice-type moves?!
Blastoise might just freeze the entire training ground into an ice sculpture!
"Water and Ice have always been intertwined," Pryce noted Natsu's hesitation. "Mastering ice's durability and sharpness will enhance your water-type endurance."
Water-types were often associated with "healing" in trainers' minds—Aqua Ring, Life Dew, Hydro Pump infused with dicinal tea, golden healing kunai...
(The last two are illegal Moves.)
Still, it proved that Ice-type inspiration was the best path for water specialists seeking offensive power.
Natsu's Blastoise was already a triple-threat—lee combat with Ice Punch, ranged artillery via Hydro Pump, and even self-healing cheats.
If it learned Pryce's Ice-type techniques... it might just bulldoze straight to Champion tier...
"Blastoiseヾ(■_■)"
Inside its Dive Ball, Blastoise adjusted its sunglasses, eyes gleaming.
Learning Ice-type moves from that Delibird—
Another trump card acquired!
Sensing Blastoise's enthusiasm, Natsu wore a complicated expression.
At this point, Blastoise might already BE a Champion!
Both Sylveon and Blastoise shared this relentless drive to improve—
Perhaps to better protect their family.
Though... Natsu knew the most eager one was undoubtedly the fearless Sirfetch'd.
(Sirfetch'd: ???)
After the Arceus incident, Natsu's perspective had shifted slightly.
As long as we train at proper gyms with insurance and safety asures... maybe property damage won't be catastrophic!
eting Pryce's earnest gaze, Natsu sighed faintly before seeking advice:
"My understanding of Ice-types is indeed shallow… Which move did you plan to teach Blastoise?"
He had obtained the Technical Record for Blizzard once after clearing the Snowpoint Gym.
But Rotom-Frost had already analyzed and learned it.
Besides, Blizzard was a wide-range breath attack—hardly fitting for an Artillery Pokémon like Blastoise.
Natsu's mind stirred.
"I've seen your Blastoise."
Pryce gently stroked the Swinub in his arms.
"Ice Beam would suit it well."
Natsu froze for a mont.
Ice Beam had a 100% Accuracy rate!
Even if the chance of inflicting the Freeze condition was practically zero, the fact that it rarely missed was enough!
After all, even ga Blastoise's Hydro Pump had missed once during the battle against Arceus.
Wait a second…
Natsu fell into thought.
Given his Blastoise's personality…
Would Ice Beam in its hands… turn into an Ice Z-Move?!
"Subzero Slamr," or worse—a one-hit KO with Sheer Cold?!
"I feel like even the Gym's shields wouldn't hold up…" Natsu wiped away cold sweat.
"Blastoise ヾ(■_■)"
Exuding an air of a Big Shot, Blastoise gave a slight nod from inside its Poké Ball.
This move shall secure our victory!
Seeing Natsu's conflicted expression, Pryce understood his hesitation.
A move passed down from one Trainer to another wasn't just a favor—it symbolized the inheritance of a legacy.
Pryce trusted that Natsu wouldn't disgrace the na of "Ice."
And Natsu, fully aware of the weight of this, hesitated.
The old man's lips curled slightly.
"No need to be so solemn. Consider this an old man's thanks… Besides, my Pokémon will be the one to tutor Blastoise."
Natsu blinked, glancing at the dozing Swinub in Pryce's arms—plump, tender, perfect for Dongpo pork…
Damn these chef instincts!
Swinub sleepily opened its eyes.
The two locked gazes.
Natsu chuckled awkwardly.
"Not Swinub."
The old man tapped his cane twice.
A Poké Ball flashed, and out ca a sharp-eyed Delibird, glaring.
"This is my ssenger. It will stay for a few days to teach Blastoise Ice Beam."
Delibird: (〝▼皿▼)
Natsu's eye twitched.
"So… this penguin—ahem, Delibird—has to stay at my place?!"
"Don't worry, it won't enter your ho." Pryce said calmly. "It can fly. Once its task is done, it will return."
Natsu stared at the large penguin.
The large penguin stared back, expression fierce.
"Why did I have to flick its forehead back then…?" Natsu pondered deeply.
Well, it's fine.
It's just another freeloader for Pokéblocks.
As for where Blastoise and Delibird would train…
He'd have to ask Professor Rowan if he could rent his backyard for a while.
Natsu's mind filled with images—
Frozen wastelands, ravaged gardens, the screeching arrival of a construction van…
"Renovation teams really make bank."
Natsu looked up at the sky.
"Maybe I should suggest to Boss Giovanni… After the delivery service, we branch into construction?"
...
Pushing the old man's wheelchair, Natsu and Ash's group descended from Michina Town.
Looking back at the palace-style ruins glowing in the sunset, Gold adjusted his goggles with a serious expression.
"A journey to rember." He turned to Silver.
Silver's red hair swayed as he shoved a hand in his pocket. "At least you made it back alive."
"Heh, because I knew Natsu-sensei would pull through." Gold grinned. "He always does!"
Pryce sat in the wheelchair, the warm twilight spilling over his legs, the sumr breeze carrying the scent of damp riverside air.
The wheelchair jostled slightly, the chatter of children behind him filling the silence—sothing that, for the first ti in a long while, made Pryce relax.
Slowly, the old man, who had lived in solitude for years, tilted his head and drifted into sleep.
"H-He—!" Gold gasped. "He actually fell asleep?!"
The cold, unapproachable Pryce—letting his guard down like this?!
"Don't wake him." Natsu shot him a glance. "Unless you want a Blizzard from Swinub."
Gold scratched his head sheepishly.
Ash, with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, looked up. "Natsu-sensei, I'll split off here—gotta prep for the Lily of the Valley Conference!"
"Go for it!" Natsu hadn't ntioned his own participation yet but nodded firmly. "You'll beat Paul for sure."
Heh, even Natsu-sensei says I can win…
Ash rubbed his head bashfully before his eyes burned with determination. "You got it! I will do it!"
In the lengthening shadows, Darkrai rose silently, its tattered cloak and mist drifting in the wind.
"Farewell, Natsu," it murmured.
"Yeah, farewell." Natsu corrected himself. "Actually, let's not et again."
Darkrai's expression twisted slightly. The two locked eyes—then nodded in perfect sync.
If we et again… it'll probably be to fight so monstrosity.
With that, Darkrai resud its aloof deanor and lted into the darkness.
"Gengar~~ (￣▽￣)／" Gengar waved cheerfully.
"w~~" w circled Natsu twice, reluctant to leave.
"Stay one more night."
Natsu offered. "You and Togepi can play till dawn… I'll allow it."
"w!!" Its eyes sparkled as it nodded vigorously.
A flash of light—Sirfetch'd burst from its Premier Ball, brandishing its leek. "Sirfetch'd!!"
Lem pull an all-nighter too!
"You've got iron-cutting to do." Natsu recalled it dryly. "Be a hardworking role model for the kids!"
"Sirfetch'd!~(っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)"
Thanks for nothing! Just finished hacking at Arceus, and now it's back to training?!
Tonight's companions on the trip ho: Pryce's Delibird, and w—who was basically pulling an all-night gaming session.
Delibird would be teaching Blastoise Ice Beam, sticking around for three or four days.
w would Teleport back to the Tree of Beginning by morning—like a college student dragging itself to bed after a LAN party.
After escorting the sleeping Pryce to the station, the old man stirred awake, his voice hoarse.
"You all go ahead."
"Sa route." Gold smirked. "We're heading back to Johto too!"
Pryce blinked, then glanced at Silver—the boy he'd once kidnapped, raised, and who held complicated feelings for him.
Silver studied the weathered old man, seeing past his icy exterior to the loneliness beneath.
Expression calm, he gave a single nod. "Sa route."
Sothing in Pryce's chest thawed. His face remained stern as he closed his eyes again.
"Don't wake ," he muttered.
"Tch." Gold leaned against the rattling train, arms crossed as he watched the scenery. "Like I'd bother."
Silver stayed silent, his gaze shifting to the window—where the glass reflected the sleeping old man.
Pryce, the man of winter, cradled a dozing Swinub, the faintest smile on his lips.
...
Pallet Town, Oak Research Institute.
Professor Oak hurried through the courtyard.
He'd just gotten a distress call from Professor Hale—Natsu's group had been caught in the battle of Sinnoh's Three Gods.
Frowning deeply, Oak returned to the lab, eyes locked on the data flooding his screens.
This disaster… It's as I feared. A wrathful Arceus, awakened—
"Can they handle it…?" He paced anxiously, hands clasped behind his back.
Two Pokédex Holders from Johto, plus Natsu and Ash… Even for them, facing Arceus was beyond extre!
The door swung open. Professor Oak turned. "Blue! Perfect timing. It's about Sinnoh's Arceus—"
"Arceus…"
Blue held his phone, expression unreadable. The silver pendant around his neck reflected Oak's bewildered face.
"Natsu-sensei beat it." Blue took a sharp breath. "Ash saw it happen."
Professor Oak: ???
"It could be the Trial of Arceus, or the Natsu-sensei Command Sinnoh Three Gods working together to severely injure it..."
Blue mused. "Either way… Sinnoh's crisis is over."
Oak stood frozen.
Th-This…
He'd thought the Pokédex Holders' achievents were impressive enough—yet Natsu had just rewritten the records again?!
Finally snapping out of his daze, Professor Oak chuckled weakly.
"Hah… I knew my eye for talent wouldn't fail !"
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