Inside the Chat Group:
Yellow: @Natsume-sensei, I'm almost at the airport! [Video]
From the video, Yellow was already riding her Charizard, filming the layers of clouds with her phone.
Green: "Wasn't your flight at 2 PM? It's almost 4 now."
"Well… long story."
Yellow glanced sheepishly at the red-coated figure in front of her, scratching her head.
Natsume-sensei: No need to come. I'm almost home.
Yellow: Wha—?! ∑(っ°Д°;)っ
"You can't keep a guest waiting this long," Blue Oak sighed.
"Sorry, sorry! (Ｔ▽Ｔ)"
"As long as you're safe."
Natsume: We'll meet again next time.
Brock: Goldenrod City has maglev trains to every major city. Planning a gathering would be easier here.
Gold: I'm coming too!!
Crystal: Don't cause trouble for Natsume-sensei, Gold!
"Natsume-sensei totally wants me there!" Gold huffed.
Natsume-sensei: No, I don't. Stop lying. [Angry Dog Head Rub.jpg]
Gold: ???
After the usual Gold-bullying session…
Erika: Natsume-sensei, I'll guide you to Celadon University tomorrow for your registration.
Natsume-sensei: Much appreciated!
Closing the chat interface, Natsume turned his gaze to the figure in the black trench coat ahead.
This wasn't the first time Cynthia had picked him up from the airport—she'd done the same back in Sinnoh.
Having someone waiting for him…
Huh. Kind of heartwarming.
The winter air was biting, damp with cold.
Cynthia wore a thick black trench coat, its collar lined with a fluffy scarf. Her golden hair cascaded over one eye, partially obscuring her face.
Noticing Natsume's stare, she turned slightly, her delicate features softening.
"Hm?"
"Just wondering if you're cold."
"I'm fine." She tucked her hands into her pockets, smiling.
"I'll make you ginger cola later."
Cynthia blinked, as if unsure whether that was a drink or a dish.
"Gengar! (??﹃??)"
The levitating ghost-type, already drooling, seemed to smell dinner in the air.
...
Goldenrod City was a sprawling metropolis—skyscrapers, overpasses, subways, and elevated highways stretching in every direction.
Cynthia's villa seemed to be far from the city center.
Just as Natsume was pondering this, Cynthia led him to a sleek black convertible parked near the terminal.
"Can you drive?" She jingled the keys.
Natsume froze.
Who just leaves a sports car at the airport?!
Is this how rich people live?!
"I'm an amazing driver!" he declared.
Cynthia chuckled, sweeping her hair back as she opened the driver's door.
"Since it's your first time here… I'll take the wheel."
Leaning against the window, she tilted her head.
"Get in."
Natsume frowned.
To get in or not to get in?
An impossible dilemma.
After a full 0.05 seconds of deliberation, he decisively said:
"Coming!"
...
The sky darkened, the sunset painting the horizon gold.
Wind whipped through the open-top car as Cynthia turned on the stereo.
The moment the music played, she stiffened slightly.
Then, her ears turned pink.
"Uchiage Hanabi?"
Natsume blinked. "Hey, that's my song."
Cynthia let out a quiet "Mhm," gripping the wheel tighter.
"You've been listening to it?"
"...Mhm."
"On repeat?"
Silence.
Then, with a strained smile, she slammed the brakes.
"We're here. Get out."
The sudden stop sent Gengar face-first into a bucket of popcorn.
"Gengar? (⊙~⊙)"*
Licking the crumbs off its face, the ghost-type gave an innocent shrug.
Hey, I didn't even say anything this time!
Not my fault!
...
Before them stood a luxurious two-story villa—minimalist black-and-white design, a Dewgong fountain trickling in the courtyard.
Inside, warm orange chandeliers flickered to life, illuminating the spacious living room and its handwoven carpets.
All in all, far more expensive than Natsume's old rented place.
Natsume looked up, tears welling.
Maybe I should just stop trying…
A flash of red light later, Cynthia's Pokémon materialized around them.
"Spiritomb~~" The ghostly plant waved shyly at Natsume.
Lucario and Garchomp crossed their arms, eyeing him with suspicion.
"Gengar! ヾ"
Ever the social butterfly, Gengar floated over with a jar of Pokéblocks.
Lucario and Garchomp exchanged glances, then swallowed hard.
Within minutes, the three were laughing together, the tension gone.
"The quality of these blocks… improved again?" Cynthia murmured.
"I incorporated some Pokémon cooking techniques."
Natsume coughed. "Mainly for better texture."
"Humans can eat them too," he added.
"I see…"
Cynthia nodded thoughtfully.
"By the way… are you here for the League Tournament?"
"Huh?"
Natsume blinked. "Why would you think that?"
"Because the Indigo Plateau Conference is in two months."
Cynthia tilted her head. "If you register now, you'll make the cutoff."
The League was the ultimate test for any trainer's team.
Even Ash brought fresh lineups every year, cycling between primary and secondary rosters.
Leaning against the sofa, chin resting on a pillow, Cynthia mused:
After half a year of training… Natsume-sensei's new team is ready.
He really could compete now.
Natsume hesitated.
I came to Kanto to relax!
Teaching, traveling with the little ones… isn't that enough?!
Clearing his throat, he said: "I'm not planning to compete right now."
Cynthia nodded slowly.
"Makes sense."
The League was for trainers below Master rank.
True Masters aimed for the Champion's path or the Elite Four.
Natsume-sensei's disinterest in the League was understandable…
"I'll start cooking."
Noticing Cynthia's thoughtful expression, Natsume stood. "Any requests?"
Cynthia tilted her head. "Noodles."
"Got it."
As a professional chef, Natsume had already scoped out the kitchen upon arrival.
Though Cynthia didn't live here often, the fridge was fully stocked—likely by a butler.
Perfect. Udon it is.
"Want a soft-boiled egg?" he called out.
"Yes~~"
Cynthia replied, half-watching TV, cheek resting on her palm.
Udon, soba, ramen—each had its merits.
But in winter, udon's hearty broth and chewy noodles were unbeatable.
Sliced potatoes boiled soft, butter sizzling in a pan, filling the air with sweetness…
The rich, creamy curry stew—best shared over a hot pot on cold nights—had another name during the Food Wars' Moon Viewing Festival:
[White Cream Curry Udon]
"That name sounds so suspicious…"
Natsume grumbled as he poured Moomoo Milk into the pot.
Meanwhile, he also prepared ginger cola for the little ones.
Togepi was still chugging icy soda like it was nothing…
Hot ginger tea would at least warm them up.
"I'm turning into a dad," Natsume muttered, rubbing his chin.
...
Meanwhile, in the living room…
Togepi rode Togekiss in gleeful loops, while Sylveon yawned lazily on Cynthia's lap.
Even Glaceon was dozing off.
"Squirtle! ヾ(■_■)"
Squirtle adjusted its sunglasses, eyeing the meditating Lucario warily.
The aura radiating from Lucario was overwhelming—if Squirtle was a 1, this Lucario was a 1000.
Wiping sweat off its brow, Squirtle clenched its tiny fists.
Gotta keep grinding…
"Lucario."
Lucario cracked an eye open, frowning.
This Squirtle… I can't read it at all.
"Growlithe~~(｀0｀)"
Barking excitedly, Growlithe zipped past the gathered Pokémon.
Glaceon's eye twitched.
"GLACEON—!!"
[Hyper Voice: A deafening shockwave attack.]
CRACK!
Windows shattered. Sylveon jolted awake.
"Sylveon?"
Glaring at Glaceon, Sylveon's eyes sparkled.
"Growlithe~~"
Mistaking the noise for play, Growlithe barked even louder.
Amused, Cynthia rested her chin on her hand.
"What's going on?!"
Natsume rushed out from the kitchen, gaping at the wrecked living room.
"The little ones are playing," Cynthia said lightly.
"But the windows—"
"It's fine."
She waved a hand. "I'll call the renovation team. They'll fix it fast."
Natsume paused.
You're a renovation VIP too?
Kindred spirits!
"Here, I'll give you their number."
Cynthia smiled. "For next time."
Natsume looked up, despairing.
Even in Kanto… I can't escape the renovation team?!
Dinner was served—steaming udon in creamy curry broth.
"Dig in!" Natsume said, exhausted.
Cynthia led the Pokémon to their mountain of Pokéblocks.
"Gengar, no stealing!"
Gengar grinned, flashing a thumbs-up.
Joke's on you—I already hid a stash!
The udon's rich aroma filled the air.
Cynthia licked a drop of broth from her lips. "Delicious."
"How's it feel?"
"Warms me right up."
Natsume smiled. "Nothing beats hot noodles in winter."
With [Cooking Lv5], he could've triggered a full Food Wars reaction—but he'd dialed it back.
Even so, the meal was exceptional.
"Where will you stay for Celadon University?"
"Haven't decided. Probably faculty dorms."
"You're welcome to stay here."
Cynthia tucked her hair behind her ear. "I'm heading back to Sinnoh soon. The place will be empty."
"Huh?"
Before Natsume could process it, she slid a key across the table.
"Car keys are with the butler. Feel free to use them."
She met his eyes. "What do you think?"
Natsume's heart skipped.
A whole villa… for a bowl of noodles?!
Wait, no—stay rational.
I, Natsume, do NOT mooch!
"I'll pay rent," he said firmly. "The car's whatever. I prefer trains anyway!"
"Sure." Cynthia smiled.
Natsume wasn't short on funds, after all.
This just saved him the hassle of house-hunting.
But then—
A chilling realization struck.
If the little ones wreck this place…
I'm doomed.
A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.
This is bad. Really bad.
Later that night…
Since Cynthia "wasn't good at chores", Gengar ended up washing the dishes.
Embarrassed, Cynthia promised to reward it.
Natsume: "Really, it's fine."
Cynthia: "It's non-negotiable!"
Rubbing his temples, Natsume sighed.
At least his housing situation was settled.
Prime location in Saffron City, close to transit and shops—an easy commute.
And since Cynthia visited occasionally…
Does this count as living together?
Still, her villa was expensive.
Future renovation bills would be astronomical.
Surveying the lavish living room, Natsume muttered:
"Surely… nothing will go wrong. Right?"
After arranging Sylveon's hamster wheel and Squirtle's fish tank, Cynthia sipped her ginger cola.
"Done yet?"
"Why?"
"Let's play cards."
Natsume raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were leaving soon."
Cynthia went quiet.
Outside, the night was cold. Inside, warm and bright, surrounded by Pokémon…
Would it be so bad to stay?
But… is he too young?
Blushing, she turned away. "I'm going to shower."
"Wait for me!"
"Hm?"
"I mean—wait so we can play cards," Natsume corrected.
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