September 22nd, Tuesday
The heat surrounding Uchiage Hanabi continued to rise.
As summer faded, the song perfectly captured the mix of excitement and anticipation.
Many music critics gave it unusually high scores, and record companies and agents came knocking.
Natsume-sensei pondered—
Making money wasn't the main goal; it was more about impressing the ladies.
Besides, he could always start his own music studio in the future.
After turning down various offers, Natsume-sensei returned to his usual slacker routine.
It was already the autumn equinox, and the wind outside had picked up, bringing with it occasional autumn rains.
Natsume swapped his T-shirt for a button-up and cuddled Sylveon in his arms, muttering, "I hate autumn the most, especially when it rains."
"Sylveon…"
The little one wrapped its ribbon around Natsume's arm, the connection acting like a heating pad, radiating warmth.
"Whoa, you've got functions like this too?" Natsume said in surprise.
Sylveon snorted, signaling it didn't want to talk to Natsume.
Outside, it was raining, and Growlithe couldn't go out, so it started digging at the couch in frustration.
Natsume had grown used to Growlithe's antics. With one hand holding Sylveon, he reached out with the other and rubbed Growlithe's head in frustration.
"Stop that!"
"Growlithe!!" Growlithe dug even harder.
"Dang it, stop digging! I surrender, okay?!"
This kind of weather was perfect for staying indoors and listening to the rain.
Natsume played some games with Cynthia and chatted about the upcoming research conference.
"It's mainly about sharing academic achievements from various fields," Cynthia explained. "Scholars from different regions will attend, so there's a lot of valuable experience to gain."
Natsume nodded.
Knowledge is power.
Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamax… There were still many challenges ahead for Natsume-sensei.
Although he wasn't particularly interested in these topics, now that his little ones had grown to this level, Natsume-sensei felt he should set an example.
"I hope this day comes a bit later," Natsume said, feeling a headache coming on.
At the Pokémon Studio, Mina had already sketched out various Flying-type Pokémon.
With Devon Corporation's technical support, the game's progress was steadily improving.
Aside from Kazuya's increasingly thinning hair, everything was going well.
Natsume nodded in satisfaction.
…
Afternoon, Still Raining
Sitting on a wicker chair by the window, Natsume stroked Sylveon, who was dozing in his arms.
"Haunter!"
Haunter poured a steaming cup of tea for Natsume and then one for itself.
Listening to the rain, watching the droplets splash against the window, the branches swaying outside, and the low-flying Taillow and Pidgey…
"What a wonderful life," Natsume said with a smile, sipping his tea.
Boom!
Natsume's expression changed.
He turned around to see Squirtle doing push-ups in the living room, the floor beneath it sinking noticeably.
Squirtle's shell gleamed with a metallic sheen, and it scratched its head sheepishly.
It had wanted to try using [Iron Defense] while doing push-ups…
But the sudden increase in weight had caused the floor to cave in!
Natsume's expression turned strange.
The principle of [Iron Defense] was to coat the body with Steel-type energy, like steel armor, to boost defense…
But that was just the first line Natsume had read in the [Iron Defense] move manual.
I haven't even finished reading the book, and you're already close to mastering [Iron Defense]?!
Natsume: "You're something else, Squirtle!"
"Squirtle! (*σ σ`)" Squirtle scratched its head and grinned goofily.
It's not that impressive, really.
Haunter and Sylveon can do it easily!
"Growlithe!" Growlithe's eyes sparkled with determination.
Everyone's so amazing…
I need to work harder to be as great as my seniors!
…
Natsume contributed two more memes to the chat group.
One was Squirtle's [Goofy Blush].
The other was Growlithe's [Rubbing the Dog's Head in Anger].
Example usage:
Gold: "Auntie Lorelei, can you teach me how to counter the Perish Song strategy?"
Lorelei: "I swear, if you call me 'Auntie' one more time, I'll kick you out of the group!"
Gold: [Goofy Blush.jpg]
Or:
Blue Oak: "I'm going on a trip, so the Gym will be guarded by Pokémon. You don't need to come to Viridian Gym for a while."
Red: "Got it."
Lance: "Johto has been unstable lately. Please stay alert."
Gold: [Rubbing the Dog's Head in Anger.jpg]
The meme showed Growlithe being rubbed on the head.
The look in its eyes was pure, natural Husky energy.
This meme was the result of Natsume-sensei rubbing Growlithe's head multiple times and carefully selecting the perfect GIF.
Natsume was surprised.
Who would've thought Gold would be the one to master the essence of this meme!
Lance: ???
[Group member 'Gold' has been muted by admin 'Lance' for 24 hours]
Yellow: [Rubbing the Dog's Head in Anger.jpg]
Yellow: Oops, wrong person. I thought it was Gold.
Lance took a deep breath.
Since it's Yellow, I'll let it slide!
Red also sent a '+1': [Rubbing the Dog's Head in Anger.jpg]
(Yellow blushing…)
Instantly, the group chat fell silent.
Who would dare rub Red's head?
Do they have a death wish?!
Natsume-sensei: [Rubbing the Dog's Head in Anger]!!!
Everyone gasped.
As expected of the group owner, doing what we all wanted to but didn't dare!
With great power comes great responsibility.
After Gold was muted, the chat group gradually returned to normal.
Green, who had made a fortune selling fireworks, said with a grin, "The Moon Viewing Festival is coming up soon! Buy your Moon Viewing Dango now and enjoy a discount!"
Blue Oak: "How do you have everything?"
Green: "Don't underestimate a merchant's professionalism, you jerk!"
Brock: "I'll take ten. Can you make it a bit cheaper with the discount?"
Green: "Of course! (laughs while covering mouth)"
Natsume-sensei: "I feel like buying from Green isn't as good as making them yourself, @Brock."
Brock: "Oh, that makes sense. But I don't know how to make Moon Viewing Dango…"
Natsume-sensei finally bared his fangs: "Learn from me! Just pay a small tuition fee!!"
Brock: "Brilliant! With Natsume-sensei's cooking skills, it'll probably be cheaper than buying from outside."
Green: ???
You can afford to raise a Growlithe, and now you're stealing my business?
Green: "Natsume-sensei, you're not human!!" he sent a voice message, pretending to cry.
Erika, the pink-haired but black-hearted Gym Leader, also sent a voice message: "Natsume-sensei, you're not human!"
Natsume-sensei: "I'm not human anymore. I'm coming clean!"
…
A Few Days Before the Canalave City Research Conference
That night, Natsume received a message from Principal Hiroshi, asking him to visit a senior.
Principal Hiroshi: "He's an expert in Dark-type moves. Bring your Haunter, and you might learn something."
Natsume's expression changed slightly.
A Dark-type move…
Could it be [Dark Pulse], which Haunter hadn't mastered yet?
Even though Squirtle couldn't learn [Dark Pulse], it might gain some insights.
"Is… is it [Dark Pulse]?" Natsume asked cautiously.
"You wish," Principal Hiroshi laughed. "Wave-based moves are hard to master."
"Your Squirtle has a talent that many people envy!"
Natsume sighed deeply, feeling conflicted.
Principal, you might not believe this…
But back then, I really just wanted a slacker Pokémon!
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