Natsumecalculated the timing.
Before heading to the Wallace Cup as a judge, he could wrap up the promotional MV first.
He'd rent a studio in Jubilife City, then take Rotom out for location shoots.
It wouldn't take long to finish the MV for Pokémon: FireRed.
Natsume remembered the original game's promotional MV—just simple black-and-white cutscenes.
This time, they were going high-definition.
He planned to recreate the animation from the first season's opening, but with live-action filming.
Of course, the classic Gengar vs. Nidorino scene couldn't be left out.
With his plan set, Natsume double-checked the Wallace Cup's schedule with Ruby.
"Master Wallace is renting an arena near Lake Valor for the Contest battles," Ruby explained.
"Water performances are a big part of it, so besides the main stage, Lake Valor itself will be part of the event."
"I heard there's a fishing competition at Lake Valor too."
Natsume grinned. "Sounds lively."
"Since the Sinnoh League is pretty remote, hosting the Wallace Cup is a win for both Master and the League."
Ruby smiled, then adjusted her headband thoughtfully.
"Though, with all the work involved, Champion Cynthia probably won't handle it personally."
Cynthia was busy cleaning up after the poaching syndicates—
And securing a Lunar Feather for Natsume through the League.
"Don't worry, Lucian will be there to support the Wallace Cup," Natsume said casually.
"Huh? How do you know?"
"Because he's been pulling overtime lately, and this falls under his job."
Ruby blinked, recalling how Lucian had just returned from the Snowpoint Temple incident only to dive back into League work.
Now, he was preparing for the Wallace Cup too…
A flicker of respect rose in Ruby's heart.
"Elite Four Lucian… truly dedicated!"
...
Ruby had invited Natsume-sensei to be a judge, even giving up her own spot on the panel.
She and Sapphire were continuing their honeymoon travels.
With Natsume-sensei stepping in, Ruby could at least explain things to her mentor, Wallace.
Auntie Lorelei: "H-honeymoon travels!?┻━┻︵╰(‵□′)╯︵┻━┻"
Unbelievable! They're still underage!!
Yellow whimpered like a small animal. "That sounds amazing…"
Misty, the defeated rival, silently posted a 'licking a lemon' meme.
During family gatherings, as the youngest of four sisters, Misty always got grilled about her love life.
But she couldn't exactly bring up her own romantic hurdles.
Logically, it wasn't entirely her fault—Red was just too dense, and Yellow was more proactive…
Natsume gazed at the sky.
Technically, Misty was first—meeting Red, battling alongside him…
But.
This romantic mess… let The Battler deal with it!
Natsume chuckled.
"When the Wallace Cup starts, let's all go together. I wouldn't mind some fishing myself."
Yellow: "No problem! "
Lt. Surge sighed. "I'd love to go deep-sea fishing too, but I've been swamped with work—ferrying boatloads of tourists."
Brock nodded sympathetically, eyes closed.
"I've been working security at Pewter City Museum for a month now."
Natsume's heart clenched.
Work hard, grind harder!
No grind, no glory—how else can a Trainer grow stronger!?
Blue Oak asked, "What about Gym challengers?"
"I had Forrest temporarily take over as Leader. It's working out well."
Brock's stern face softened slightly.
"Feels like… the younger siblings are growing up too."
Erika smiled gracefully.
"Family should support each other. Just like Trainers and Pokémon grow together."
Natsume's eyebrow twitched.
In just a year, he and his little ones had come a long way.
But… his dream of financial freedom was still miles off.
Gotta keep hustling!
Natsume @'ed Ash.
"Hey, dummy, free this weekend?"
Ash, training on Iron Island with Riley, scratched his head.
"Wrapping up my training then. What's up?"
Natsume: "Need you as the lead actor for my first MV."
"!!!!"
The chat group erupted.
Blue Oak mused, "Ash as the lead… feels a bit off, no?"
The real protagonist should be this old man… or that guy!
Gold jumped in. "If we're talking star Trainers, New Bark Town's Gold is the obvious pick!"
Whitney facepalmed. "Have some shame, Gold!"
Gold gritted his teeth. "Just because you're tight with Miss Mary doesn't mean you can trash-talk star Trainers!"
Whitney glared. "Wanna settle this? Fight me in Goldenrod City!"
Natsume swiftly muted both and cleared his throat.
"The game's based on Senior Red, but we can't have Red play himself."
Red chimed in apologetically. "I'm training at Mt. Silver. No time for projects."
Natsume nodded.
"Ash is from Pallet Town too. Having him in it should work."
Sabrina, ever the critic, cut in coldly. "What about the song? No matter how good the visuals are, weak music ruins it."
Lt. Surge grinned, flexing his arms. "Y'all forgetting someone here's a certified DJ? Just ask nicely, Natsume-sensei—"
Natsume: "I'm composing it myself."
Lt. Surge: "Nani!?"
Gold snickered. "Uncle, you've got, what, 10k followers? Natsume-sensei's last single hit hundreds of thousands."
Lt. Surge seethed.
Low blow, Gold!
Ash rubbed his neck awkwardly.
"Acting's fine, but… I'm not great at singing."
Natsume declared, "No one's tone-deaf! With training, anyone can sing!"
Ash's eyes slowly lit up.
"I get it! Natsume-sensei, I'll do it!"
…He's way too easy to convince.
Natsume coughed into his fist.
"Meet me in Jubilife City this Sunday. I'll get you a vocal coach."
Ash: "Got it!"
The chat buzzed with excitement about the MV and song.
Green: "We could film on location in Pallet Town!"
Blue Oak: "Professor Oak would probably cameo too." (He sold out his grandpa without hesitation.)
Satisfied with the lively discussion, Natsume nodded—
Then dialed the Team Rocket Trio's number.
"Meowth, you there? Got a student who needs singing lessons!"
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