September 25th, Friday.
"Jubilife City is approaching. Please prepare for arrival."
Natsume closed the travel guide and gazed out the window, where the mist-covered Lake Verity was faintly visible.
Haunter was pressed against the window, peering outside. Natsume patted its head and smiled. "Let's go. We'll be seeing Cynthia soon."
"Haunter!" Haunter grinned widely and nodded vigorously.
Sinnoh Region, Jubilife Airport.
Hundreds of renowned scholars had been invited to attend this year's Canalave City Research Conference.
In the arrival hall, researchers in lab coats chatted and laughed amiably.
Cynthia, as always, was dressed in her black trench coat, her golden waterfall of hair covering her left eye. Her sharp high heels accentuated her commanding presence.
"Is that the Sinnoh League Champion?"
"Yes, Miss Cynthia is also an expert in mythology. She's been invited to attend the Research Conference."
The researchers' eyes were filled with respect.
"Is she waiting for someone?"
"Someone worthy of her personal greeting... Could it be Professor Rowan?"
But soon, it became clear that things weren't so simple.
A stern-looking elderly man with white hair, dressed in a vest and brown trench coat, approached carrying a briefcase.
After exchanging pleasantries, the two still seemed to be waiting for someone.
Several researchers couldn't hide their surprise.
"Someone worthy of both these big shots waiting for them?"
"Could it be Professor Samuel Oak from Kanto?"
The sight of two such prominent figures from the Pokémon world personally waiting for someone drew curious glances from onlookers.
When the highly anticipated scholar finally arrived, everyone was taken aback.
"He's... so young?"
"He doesn't look familiar..."
A young man walked in, carrying a luggage case, with a Haunter floating beside him.
Despite his youth, he exuded the refined air of a scholar.
And he had managed to earn the favor of both Professor Rowan and Cynthia...
As curiosity grew, so did the respect for Natsume.
"Welcome," Professor Rowan said, shaking Natsume's hand firmly. "My invitation still stands. The Research Institute is always open to you."
Natsume nodded, glancing instinctively at Cynthia.
Cynthia's gaze was soft, and when their eyes met, she smiled. "Long time no see."
"To be precise, 27 days," Natsume corrected.
"Eh... Has it really been less than a month?" Cynthia blinked.
From the meteor shower to the Fireworks Festival...
It felt like so much time had passed.
"Haunter!" Haunter grinned widely, eagerly massaging Cynthia's shoulders.
Cynthia snapped out of her thoughts and patted its head with a smile.
"Haunter! (/ω＼)"
Professor Rowan stroked his beard. "To get to Canalave City, we'll need to take a ferry... The conference starts tomorrow. Natsume, why don't you take some time to familiarize yourself with the surroundings?"
"Do you need a guide?" Cynthia asked.
"Of course!" Natsume nodded vigorously. "To be honest, I'm quite interested in Sinnoh's local culture!"
"Oh?" Professor Rowan's eyes lit up, though he sounded a bit regretful. "Unfortunately, I have to prepare for my presentation, so I can't show you around..."
"Then I'll be your guide," Cynthia said with a smile. "Consider it a return favor for your time in Tokyo."
Natsume was momentarily stunned.
He glanced at Professor Rowan with newfound respect.
Professor, what a great assist!
...
Sinnoh, with its many lakes and wetlands, often relied on ferries as a common mode of transportation.
The shimmering lake surface was gently brushed by the breeze.
Cynthia stood on the deck, her golden hair fluttering in the wind.
"Mount Coronet stretches across Sinnoh from north to south, creating a complex geographical environment."
Cynthia explained earnestly, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.
"In the east and west, Gastrodon has developed shelled and shell-less forms due to regional isolation..."
She paused, looking slightly exasperated. "Are you even listening?"
Natsume, who had been staring at Cynthia's profile, coughed lightly. "Sorry, I zoned out. Could you repeat that?"
Cynthia chuckled and looked toward the coastline. "Canalave City is just ahead."
Canalave City's most famous landmark was the wooden bridge connecting its two districts, which had stood for over a century without rotting.
"Canalave City's Steel-type Gym is led by Mr. Byron, though he's rarely around," Cynthia explained. "Aside from that, there's the historic library... Where would you like to go first?"
"Anywhere I want?"
"Of course."
"Then let's head to where I'm staying first!"
Cynthia was slightly taken aback.
"Mr. Steven has rented me a villa."
Natsume pondered for a moment. "Staying for a few days... shouldn't be a problem..."
"I see," Cynthia nodded. "I was actually going to invite you to stay at my place."
"...Is it too late to cancel my reservation?"
Cynthia chuckled and walked ahead, her black trench coat swaying in the wind.
"Let's go. Give me the address, and I'll take you there."
...
Steven's villa was surprisingly modest.
Its gray exterior resembled a block of limestone, and even the garden was filled with oddly shaped rocks.
The butler had been waiting outside for some time. He bowed respectfully. "Lord Natsume, you may move in at any time."
"Thank you very much!"
"Haunter!" Haunter, carrying the luggage, eagerly slipped through the front door.
"Slow down, Haunter! Watch out for Eevee's hamster wheel inside!" Natsume shouted, chasing after Haunter.
Cynthia watched the scene with a smile, then suddenly asked, "Butler, how many guest rooms are there?"
"Although most of them are used by Master Steven to store his rock collection, there's still plenty of space to accommodate over a dozen guests," the butler replied respectfully.
Cynthia nodded and murmured to herself, "I'll bring my gaming console from home... I can head back later."
Playing solo and playing with a group were completely different experiences.
Especially since Natsume-sensei was a professional gaming buddy.
The level I've been stuck on for so long... I might finally clear it today!
With that thought, a faint smile appeared on Cynthia's face.
Meanwhile.
Canalave City, Lucian's Residence.
"Lucian, wake up! Natsume-sensei is in Canalave City!"
Aaron, with his green cowlick, shouted as he shook Lucian awake.
"What are you yelling about..." Lucian groaned, then suddenly paused. "Natsume-sensei?"
Flint, with his red spiky hair, grinned. "According to reliable sources, Natsume-sensei is also attending this year's Research Conference!"
"How do you two know that?" Lucian asked, struggling to put on his blue glasses.
"Don't you check Natsume-sensei's updates?"
Aaron poked his phone. "He hasn't been live-streaming for a few days. Turns out he's in Sinnoh."
"Speaking of which, I just saw someone who looked a lot like Natsume-sensei moving into that gray villa."
Flint rubbed his chin.
"Chances are, it's definitely Natsume-sensei!"
"You two are like a pair of fanboys..." Lucian sighed, holding his forehead. "Isn't this level of enthusiasm a bit much?"
Aaron grinned. "Well, we've learned a lot of strategies from Natsume-sensei!"
"Exactly! If we can visit him, maybe we can pick up a few more tips!" Flint clenched his fists, cracking his neck, his eyes burning with determination.
These two... Have they forgotten how Natsume-sensei wiped the floor with them last time?
Lucian adjusted his blue-light glasses, lost in thought.
"Speaking of which... Natsume-sensei is actually a researcher..."
To receive an invitation to the Research Conference...
It seems Natsume-sensei has quite the reputation in the academic field as well...
At that moment, the two Elite Four members exchanged glances and shouted in unison, "We've decided!"
Lucian rubbed his ears. "Decided what?"
"We're going to visit Natsume-sensei and ask for some strategies!"
Aaron's cowlick perked up, his eyes shining. "Lucian, are you coming with us?"
Lucian smirked coldly. "I'm not that foolish."
"Anyway, I think there's a good chance it's Natsume-sensei," Flint said, stroking his chin. "It wouldn't hurt to try our luck!"
"Exactly! Lucian, we're heading out first!"
With that, the two rushed out of the house, heading toward the distant gray villa.
Lucian stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching them go, his emotions mixed.
"If it really is Natsume-sensei..."
Lucian murmured.
"Should I call Miss Joy in advance... and prepare an ambulance for them?"
🌟 Join My Patreon and Unlock Exclusive Pokémon Content! 🌟
👉patreon.com/PokemonStoryWeaver
Are you a fan of the Pokémon series? Become a member today and enjoy amazing benefits!
🌟 Membership: Pokémon Series - Gold Champion
Unlock access to 65 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 2 new chapters every day!
🌟 Membership: Pokémon Series - Platinum Legend
Unlock access to 200 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 5 new chapters every day!
Join now and immerse yourself in the exciting world of Pokémon like never before! Your support means the world to me!