April 20th, Tuesday. A day had already passed since the Stark Mountain expedition. International Police 'Handsome' returned to Castelia City
April 20th, Tuesday.
A day had already passed since the Stark Mountain expedition.
International Police 'Handsome' returned to Castelia City to report, while Flint headed back to Lily of the Valley Island, stopping by to relay the message to Volkner.
"Natsume-sensei agreed to come to the Sunyshore Gym?" Volkner asked.
Flint scratched his cheek, his expression complicated. "Well, yeah… but he seemed way too fired up. He's probably gonna go all out."
"That's exactly what I want." Volkner replied. "A battle with that kind of intensity… I'm actually looking forward to it for once!"
Flint crossed his arms, hesitating.
I'm not worried about Natsume-sensei.
I'm worried your newly ignited fighting spirit is gonna get crushed again…
At the same time.
Lucian received news about 'Stark Mountain's Imprison weakening.'
He considered asking the Psychic-types in the group chat for help… but Caitlin hadn't joined yet, and Sabrina was busy with work.
Asking Cynthia to get Caitlin involved would be too much of a hassle.
In the end, Lucian decided to head to Stark Mountain himself to reinforce the seal—
Despite being an active volcano, the place felt freezing, as if caught in a blizzard.
Snow falls, the north wind howls!
Castelia City, International Police Headquarters.
'Handsome' reported the Stark Mountain operation to his superiors and brought back Heatran's Pokédex data.
"Additionally, we apprehended several fugitives hiding in the Battle Zone."
Handsome spoke seriously. "They've been handed over to the local police station and are being transported by plane for trial."
The Countermeasures HQ Director was a green-haired Officer Jenny, her smile marked by the reliable wrinkles of experience.
"Excellent work, Handsome." Jenny said. "Regarding the rewards for this operation…"
Handsome quickly interjected. "Mr. Police Consultant already mentioned it—no need for additional funding. Pokémon resources would be more appropriate."
"Mr. Natsume's record is impressive, but promoting him to full Police Consultant is still premature…"
"However, given the outstanding results of this mission," Officer Jenny smiled, "exchanging it for a Legendary Pokémon's resource wouldn't be excessive."
The handsome's eyes widened in surprise.
"It's a Water-type crystal recently obtained in the Sinnoh Region. Our rangers rescued a Phione and received a gift from its parent, Manaphy."
Jenny explained. "Locals call it the 'Purifying Droplet'—it possesses even purer Water-type energy and healing effects than 'Mystic Water.'
"Considering the burns and toxins from volcanic magma, this is likely the most suitable reward."
Hearing this, 'Handsome' immediately pictured Natsume-sensei's Blastoise wearing sunglasses.
Plus, the [Purifying Droplet] had healing properties—it might help Natsume-sensei's Arcanine recover faster.
"I believe," Handsome grinned, "Mr. Police Consultant will be very satisfied with this reward!"
...
Sinnoh Region, Sandgem Town.
Natsume sat on the sofa in his villa.
Eight Gym Badges were neatly lined up on the coffee table, gleaming brightly. Natsume stared at them, lost in thought.
[Badges Collected: (8/8)]
After double-checking the mission, Natsume let out a long sigh.
At this point, there was no turning back.
His notebook now had two more names—Fourth Hokage and Afro—and who knew when he'd be able to clear them off.
As for the mission reward, Gracidea, Natsume had only found the time to examine it properly after returning home.
"I can't avoid it forever."
Natsume muttered, standing up and heading to the bathroom.
First, I'll wash my face and gather some luck!
"Arcanine~!"
Through the floor-to-ceiling window in the hallway, he could see Arcanine lifting its head and howling.
In just one day, Arcanine had already recovered most of its injuries.
The 「Sacred Fire」 from the Legendary Pokémon had deeply influenced and enhanced Arcanine's strength.
At this rate, Natsume wouldn't even be surprised if Arcanine started using Sacred Fire in battle.
"Good boy, another illegal move to add to the list."
Natsume rubbed his temples. "Whatever, magic is magic… as long as we don't use it in ranked battles."
His savings had already taken a hit after Blastoise's duel with Bruno's Machamp.
Though Arcanine's recovery was impressive, Natsume had still bought nutritional supplements—sneaking them into its kibble.
That was one of the reasons Arcanine had healed so quickly.
"Guess I'll have to rely on the International Police's funding to recoup some losses."
Natsume looked up at the ceiling.
"Let's hope Officer Handsome doesn't disappoint me…"
BANG!
A loud crash snapped Natsume out of his thoughts.
Sirfetch'd stood firm, its leek raised high, an overwhelming aura coating the blade's edge.
Then—SLASH!
The Metal Coat split cleanly in two!
Natsume's eye twitched.
Since when was Sirfetch'd this strong?!
I must be dreaming. This can't be real!
Sirfetch'd nodded in satisfaction at the severed Metal Coat, then placed its shield and leek on the ground.
"Sirfetch'd! ╰(￣▽￣)╭"
Finally, time to rest~!
Natsume chuckled faintly and nodded.
Now this is the kind of slacker energy I appreciate!
After splashing some water on his face to wake himself up, Natsume returned to the sofa, pushing the gleaming Badges aside.
His gaze settled on the vase on the table—a delicate, pale-pink flower in full bloom, its petals soft, its leaves vibrant green, its stamen a gentle yellow.
Gracidea: A flower symbolizing 'gratitude.' Slightly rare, but functionally useless. (A thank-you for your relentless effort, for yourself, and for fate.)
Natsume: "..."
I feel like this System is mocking me.
Compared to previous rewards, Gracidea wasn't particularly rare. However, it could attract Shaymin, the "Gratitude Pokémon."
And in the movie Giratina and the Sky Warrior, Shaymin played a pivotal role.
Now that he'd already cleared the Alamos Town dungeon and received a "ticket to the abyss"...
"This reward feels a little too suspicious." Natsume sighed.
Come to think of it, if Gracidea attracted Shaymin…
Then what Pokémon would the Dim Rainbow Wing attract?
A chill ran down Natsume's spine. He shook his head violently.
Ding-dong!
The doorbell rang—the express delivery from Castelia City had arrived.
Glancing at the message on his phone confirming it was the reward 'Handsome' had arranged, Natsume blinked in surprise.
"That was fast…"
Natsume stood up to answer the door, thoughts racing.
"Is it a briefcase full of cash… or maybe a black card?!"
"Coming—"
His footsteps faded into the distance.
Outside, the sunset bathed the room in golden light, shadows stretching long across the floor.
"Gengar~ (￣～￣)"
Gengar lounged in its "shadow hot spring," munching on chips, when suddenly—
"Gengar! (°ー°〃)"
Huh? Why does the shadow feel weird today?
Floating up from the darkness, Gengar scratched its head in confusion, peering at the patch of shadow beneath it.
Rustle, rustle, rustle!
The shadow seemed alive, shifting across the floor, darting up the walls, then clinging to the ceiling.
"Gengar! Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"
Gengar's jaw dropped, chip crumbs spilling from its mouth.
Then—the shadow froze.
From within the darkness, a small, humanoid figure slowly emerged.
A Pokémon, pitch-black, its eyes burning like twin flames.
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