Natsume stared blankly at the system notifications before him.
[Scope Lens: A lens that reveals weak points. Increases the holder's critical-hit ratio. (But let's be real—do you even land crits?)]
Natsume: Excuse me?
The delicate monocle-like lens could boost a Pokémon's critical-hit chance—
But for Natsume, even a crit was usually a wasted crit...
Besides, Togepi's ability was Serene Grace, which didn't synergize well with Scope Lens.
A Super Luck Togepi paired with Scope Lens could hit 100% crit rates—
A classic battle strategy.
"I'll just hold onto this for now." Natsume muttered. "No immediate use anyway."
As for the Skill Level-Up Ticket, he hesitated.
From a practical standpoint, upgrading Fishing or Performance made sense.
But emotionally...
"Ancient Language Lv4" was the obvious choice.
"Romance aside," Natsume stroked his chin. "I just really love studying ancient texts!"
[Ding! Skill upgraded!]
[Ancient Language Lv4: Can decipher most Plates and inscriptions. Can now recognize, write, and pronounce short phrases. (You could even research ancient Pokémon biology now.)]
The upgrade added basic pronunciation—
No idea how useful that was, but Mew, Regigigas, even Arceus likely communicated in this tongue.
With Lv4, getting a Researcher title wouldn't be hard.
As for max-level Ancient Language?
Natsume imagined it'd be like Pokémon 3: The Movie—
Where Unown could manifest an Entei or even a crystalline dimension.
He shuddered.
Just Unown can create reality marbles...
Pokémon is truly a high-tier martial world!
Lastly, the random Apricorn Ball turned out to be a Love Ball—
Pink, heart-shaped, and utterly useless for catch rates...
But adorable.
Too bad Togepi and Sylveon were already in standard Poké Balls.
Otherwise...
A pink Love Ball holding a pink Sylveon?
Now that's peak masculinity.
"What if I catch another cute Pokémon later?"
Nodding, he stashed the Love Ball away.
Back at Celadon School, the rotund Principal Dervish greeted them warmly.
"Fine work, everyone! The school won't forget its teachers' efforts!"
Natsume-sensei's instincts tingled.
"The training facilities have been fully renovated." The principal beamed. "No more worrying about outdated equipment!"
Natsume opened his mouth, then closed it.
Principal... that's exactly why I'm worried!
"Also, your teaching duties for the semester are complete."
Principal Dervish chuckled. "Now you can focus on preparing for the Indigo Plateau Conference!"
Natsume: "The... what now?"
"I suggested it to the principal," Erika said sweetly. "Surely, the Conference is your top priority?"
Natsume: "I... suppose?"
"Isn't it?" She blinked innocently.
"Ahem!" Natsume coughed. "Regardless, my simulated battle classes will continue as scheduled!"
Compared to Erika's theory-heavy lectures, his classes were more relaxed.
Trying to steal my students' time while I'm gone?
Not happening!
The students teared up at his words.
He's sacrificing his League prep time just to teach us...
Such selflessness!
Though the tutoring program had ended, Wally and Gladion chose to stay for classes—
At least until after the new year, when Natsume-sensei might transfer.
Natsume was proud of them.
Two classes a week, playing cards, casual lectures...
Not a bad life.
...
December 11th, Friday.
After a week away, Natsume finally returned home, dropping his luggage with a yawn.
Trip summary:
Three badges collected
Soothe Bell, Life Orb, Scope Lens acquired
Togepi's joyful jingling as it rolled across the floor
"Togepi doo-ee~~"
Natsume smiled.
Worth it.
As evening fell, he cooked a lavish meal and checked the group chat.
Roxanne, the newbie, was slowly realizing:Natsume-sensei might actually be Champion-tier?!
Lorelei reminded everyone: "Fighting Tournament sign-ups are open! Don't miss the deadline~"
"Thanks... Sis Lorelei."
Natsume corrected himself. "Are you judging?"
"Nope, that's Bruno. But I can rig your bracket if you want~"
"Hard pass."
Whitney chimed in excitedly: "Can I go watch?!"
(A Bruno fangirl, her room was plastered with his posters—much to Gold's amusement.)
Lorelei: "Sure! I can get front-row tickets."
Green: Save one for me.
Natsume deadpanned.
You just want to scalp them!
Crystal, Professor Oak's assistant, asked: "@Natsume-sensei, tournament over?"
"Yep. Tough battles."
"The Professor wants to talk to you."
Natsume paused.
Professor Oak needs me?
Then—his phone buzzed.
Principal Hiroshi's number.
"Natsume!" The principal's booming laugh filled the line. "I saw the Tokyo Evening News! Knew you had it in you!"
"Tokyo Evening News?" Natsume blinked.
"No need to play dumb! The headline says you're challenging the Kanto League!"
"Go for it! Tokyo Metro University stands with you!"
Natsume pulled up the article—
[Kanto Leader: "He's Better Than Me!" Natsume-Sensei Eyes Kanto!]
That same reporter?!
Since when does their gossip rag cover Kanto?!
"Principal, let me explain—"
"Actually," Principal Hiroshi stroked his beard. "I have a favor to ask."
"Go ahead."
"Remember that Pokémon we sent to Professor Oak's lab for joint research?"
"The one from our Day Care?"
"Yes. Could you check on it? I'm... concerned."
Natsume chuckled. "What's there to worry about? It's not like Professor Oak would eat it."
The principal fell silent.
...That's exactly what I'm afraid of.
After hanging up, Professor Oak himself called.
"Natsume, free tomorrow? I have a thank-you gift for you!"
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