With the battle concluded, Natsume-sensei advanced to the Top 16.
Amid the cheers, Maylene sighed quietly.
I was hoping to use the prize money for new clothes...
The team hasn't tasted Sitrus Berries in ages...
But then the pink-haired girl shook her head, smiling.
Battling Natsume-sensei made this trip worthwhile!
...
In the competitor tunnel—
"Natsume-sensei!" Maylene grinned, teeth chattering. "I won't lose next time!"
"And I won't challenge your gym next time!" Natsume declared.
Maylene blinked. "Huh?"
Is he... hinting I should give him the badge now?
But I can't even issue badges yet!
"S-Sorry!" She bowed deeply. "I'm not officially a Gym Leader!"
"Hm?" Natsume was pleased nonetheless.
No badge acquired—perfect.
"Anyway."
He pulled out his phone, showing a QR code.
"Interested?"
"Eh?"
Moments later—
Ding!
With a new member added, Natsume explained:"The group shares job listings. Complete commissions for VIPs, and the rewards are substantial."
"For example, Mr. Steven's unlimited ore purchases, or—"
Maylene's head spun at the names.
Only one stood out—Sinnoh's Grass-type Leader, Gardenia.
In the chat, the usually timid Gardenia tearfully welcomed her.
Gardenia: Welcome!
Gold: Newbie! Post female outfit pics!
Yellow: Gold... she's a girl.
Gold: Oh. [lurks]
Then—
Lance: Group status -1.
Maylene gasped. "T-That's the real Lance?!"
Natsume's phone buzzed relentlessly.
Lorelei: Status -1.
Gold: Status -1.
Red: Status -1.
Even Red?!
Natsume sighed. "Only Kanto's Elite Four are active, but Sinnoh's members should recognize you..."
The impoverished Maylene gaped.
So the rumors about Natsume-sensei... are true?
Someone of his caliber... competing here?!
Then it hit her—
This is Natsume-sensei!
"I need to visit the Pokémon Center," he said.
Maylene bowed deeply. "Safe travels!"
...
At the Center, Natsume handed Nurse Joy Sirfetch'd's Premier Ball.
"Just this one, please."
"Of course!" Blushing, Joy imagined bragging to her family later.
Can't let the Jennys steal all the glory!
"Something wrong?" Natsume asked.
"N-No!" She stiffened, cheeks pink.
So close to touching his hand...!
"Squirtle." The Pokémon tugged Natsume's pants, demanding treatment.
"You didn't even battle," Natsume said.
"Squirtle~" It shook its head.
HP drains just from being in the ball!
Peak condition is mandatory!
Eventually, both balls were handed over.
"Thank you~!" Joy called as they left.
"Such professionalism," Natsume remarked.
"Squirtle?" It shrugged.
Isn't every Center like this?
Passing the vendor area, Green's stall showed slight improvement—
but remained dismal compared to Team Rocket's booming sales.
Spotting Natsume, Meowth flashed a coin-glinting grin.
"Meowth's kinda cute," Natsume mused.
Maybe a music career someday...
Back at the hotel lobby—
Brock and Erika were deep in discussion.
"Natsume-sensei." Erika rose gracefully.
"You're here?"
"The gym's under renovation, so I came to visit."
She smiled. "And discuss Christmas plans."
Brock frowned. "The tournament schedule's packed..."
Finals won't conclude until New Year's.
"We might miss matches if we leave," he said.
Tomorrow was Christmas Eve—the quarterfinals.
But Natsume preferred celebrating with his team at home.
"I'll withdraw after my next match," he decided.
Both stared.
"The prize money doesn't matter."
"Being together for the holidays does."
"Where should we gather?" Brock asked.
"Professor Oak's lab," Natsume suggested.
"C-Can I bring my siblings?!" Brock blurted.
"Of course!"
Relieved, Brock grinned. "Then I'm set!"
"Before finalizing plans—"
Erika tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"—shouldn't we focus on your upcoming match, Natsume-sensei?"
"Losing would dampen the holiday spirit."
Natsume agreed.
Top 8 guarantees system rewards anyway.
Better play it safe with Squirtle!
"Who's your next opponent?" Erika asked.
Brock checked his notes.
"Brawly—the martial artist from Dewford Town, Hoenn!"
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