"I have a thank-you gift for you!" Professor Oak chuckled.
Hearing those words, Natsume shuddered involuntarily.
Lately, the phrase "thank-you gift" had given him PTSD.
"Professor Oak," Natsume coughed dryly, "just tell me what it is. I can take it."
"Oh?"
The professor stroked his beard, glancing behind him.
Across the vast plains, a herd of Tauros stampeded, kicking up dust.
Yet near the lakeside rocks, a snow-white Pokémon stood alone—
Sharpening a long, stalk-like weapon with such intensity that even the Tauros wisely detoured around it.
"Here's the thing," Professor Oak turned back, "Tokyo Metro University's Day Care sent us a Pokémon for a joint study."
"Its... personality is unique, but its strength is undeniable."
He smiled warmly.
"I believe only a truly skilled Trainer can earn its respect!"
Natsume blinked.
A Trainer's strength encompassed physical ability, battle experience, command skill—
Without these, even catching a powerful Pokémon meant disobedience.
"And this 'skilled Trainer'..."
Natsume pointed at himself. "Is... me?"
"Of course!" Professor Oak boomed. "I never properly thanked you for delivering Wally's Pokédex."
"Since you're a Tokyo Metro alum, this Pokémon might feel a kinship with you!"
Natsume inhaled sharply.
This is your idea of thanks?!
Where's my grudge notebook?!
"If you'd rather not catch it, I do have alternate gifts," the professor added cheerfully. "Come by the lab this afternoon—Crystal will guide you!"
...
After hanging up, Natsume sank into the sofa, deep in thought.
Five Pokémon at home...
If I catch a sixth, I'd qualify for the Indigo Plateau Conference!
"No. No jinxing myself."
He shook his head.
"I'll just look. No commitments."
Truthfully, Natsume had no aversion to catching Pokémon.
But strength wasn't his priority—
Compatibility and bonding mattered more.
Maybe this trip to Oak's backyard...
Would yield a cool, low-maintenance partner?
"Power is temporary. Style is eternal!"
Nodding resolutely, he called out:
"Gengar! We're visiting Professor Oak's lab this afternoon!"
"Gengar~!" The Gengar flashed a cheeky grin, tiny hands forming an 'OK' sign.
New recruit means new training victim!
...
That afternoon, a winter breeze nipped at Natsume's cheeks as he stepped out in a dark knit sweater.
Togepi squirmed in his arms—
"Togepi doo-ee~~ヾ(??)"
—while Sylveon stared up at him, unblinking.
"...I can't carry both of you."
"Sylveon!" It huffed, tail flicking indignantly.
Compromise achieved:
On the bus to Pallet Town, Sylveon sprawled across Natsume's lap.
"Sylveon~~"
Natsume: My legs... are numb...
...
Oak Research Institute, Pallet Town.
Under azure skies, Pidgeot soared past rolling hills.
A Gyarados breached the lake's surface—
Nothing exploded.
As expected of the world's foremost Pokémon expert.
Turning a wilderness zone into his backyard? Totally normal.
Nearby, Crystal—red cap tilted back, twin ponytails bouncing—waved eagerly.
"Natsume-sensei! Over here!"
"Where's Professor Oak?" Natsume asked.
"Logging Pokémon data," she said. "I'll take you to him."
Oak's backyard was a biome mosaic—rocky cliffs, sandy dunes, dense forests, shimmering lakes.
Without a guide, you'd get lost in minutes.
Soon, they reached a sun-dappled grove.
The professor—Pidgey perched on his shoulder, Nidoran♂ and ♀ at his feet—jotted notes, bathed in golden light.
Only when he looked up did he notice them.
"How long have you been waiting?"
"Just arrived," Natsume said.
"Perfect timing."
Releasing the Pidgey, Oak gestured forward. "Let me show you that Pokémon!"
"Which one is it?" Natsume pressed.
Principal Hiroshi had been cryptic—
Almost as if worried Oak might actually eat it.
Yet the professor seemed genuinely impressed by its strength.
If even the former Kanto Champion says so...
A trickle of sweat ran down Natsume's temple.
"You'll see." Oak winked. "Worth the wait!"
Following him, Natsume's mind raced.
If it's a pseudo-legendary like Larvitar or Bagon...
I can't afford that upkeep!
And Tokyo Metro's Day Care reputation?
...Something's very off here.
"Relax," he told himself. "Squirtle was a fluke."
"This is just a scouting trip. No pressure!"
As they neared the lake, Crystal frowned.
"The area feels... emptier than usual."
"Predators claim territory," Oak mused. "Solitary ones especially."
Predator?!
Natsume stiffened.
A red beam shot from his belt—
"Squirtle!" Adjusting its shades, Squirtle sensed danger.
This foe... is strong.
Must prepare!
Seeing Squirtle's battle-ready stance, Natsume gulped.
Then—Oak pointed toward the lakeshore.
"There. That's the Pokémon I mentioned."
The trees parted, revealing—
"Gengar?"
Unfamiliar with this species, Gengar rummaged in its belly and pulled out a Special Edition Pokédex.
[Beep! Sirfetch'd, the Wild Duck Pokémon. Evolved form of Galar's Farfetch'd after enduring countless battles.]
[Its leek serves as both weapon and ingredient—deliciously crisp. Slurp.]
Natsume: ???
Did the Pokédex just drool?!
"Ah, my bad," Professor Oak laughed awkwardly. "I accidentally recorded myself... salivating during the entry."
Natsume stared.
You definitely wanted to eat it.
No wonder Ash always worried about his Krabby...
Principal Hiroshi's fears make too much sense now.
Jokes aside, Natsume respected the professor deeply.
"So this is Tokyo Metro's Day Care Pokémon?" He eyed the creature.
"Indeed," Oak nodded. "From Galar—Sirfetch'd!"
Hearing its name, the snow-white, bushy-browed duck turned slowly.
In one wing, it gripped a massive leek spear; the other bore a leafy shield.
An aura of knightly valor radiated from it—a warrior tempered in battle.
"Sirfetch'd!" It leveled its leek at Squirtle, eyes blazing.
By the Holy Light, this foe is worthy!
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