Inside the laboratory, Natsui handed the three gifts he had prepared during his rest to the people in front of him.
"Professor Sakuragi, Chrysa, Ren, thank you so much for taking care of me during this time. Please accept these as a small token of my appreciation!"
Having known each other for a long time, and given their current relationship, Professor Sakuragi and the others didn't need to be overly polite and smilingly accepted Natsui's gifts.
Professor Sakuragi said, "My, how time flies. I can't believe that without realizing it, you've been traveling for so long since coming to Kanto, and you're about to challenge the Indigo League!"
"Yes..." Recalling the past, Natsui was also filled with emotion. "Time really does fly. I can still remember the uncertainty and unease I felt when I first visited the laboratory."
"I also clearly remember that scene, and the easygoing, handsome young man from back then." Professor Sakuragi smiled lightly. "But speaking of which, the Indigo League is the most important annual event in our Kanto region. Since you've made it this far, just go for it! Only by giving it your all will you have no regrets!"
"That's what I was thinking too." Natsui nodded. "No matter how strong my opponents are, I will treat every battle with seriousness and caution!"
After a pause, he continued, "Professor, although I may have very little time to come back here in the future, as a special research fellow for the Sakuragi Laboratory, no matter where I go, if I encounter any extraordinary Pokémon incidents, I will definitely report them to you in a timely manner!"
Hearing these words, Professor Sakuragi was very gratified.
"That's secondary. The most important thing on a journey is safety. There's no need to force things. But no matter what happens in the future, you are a member of the Sakuragi Laboratory. This place will always be a harbor for you, and you are always welcome to come home!"
At this point, his tone shifted, and he added, "Although it's such an important day, I'm very sorry, but because work has been extremely busy lately, Chrysa, Ren, and I probably won't be able to be there to watch your matches."
"It's alright." Natsui quickly waved his hands. "Your research is a contribution to humanity, Pokémon, and even the world. Work should indeed come first. There's really no need to delay your valuable time because of me!"
Just then, Koharu walked in from the door. Looking at her attire, she had changed into sportswear and was carrying a fully packed, medium-sized backpack.
Compared to her usual student attire, she now looked less quiet and more youthful and energetic.
"Huh?" Natsui said in surprise, "You're dressed like this... are you going somewhere?"
Professor Sakuragi said, "Although we can't go to the Indigo Plateau with you, Koharu can accompany you, which I suppose makes up for our regret!"
"Koharu is going too?" Natsui was stunned. "But what about school? Doesn't she have classes?"
"It's no problem." Koharu covered her mouth and chuckled lightly. "My mother has already requested leave for me from the school."
Professor Sakuragi also said, "It's a good thing for her to get out more. Koharu's personality is too quiet. I was originally afraid she would become a bookworm from all the studying. I never expected that she would have a day where she'd open up on her own and proactively ask to go see your matches in person!"
"So my wife and I discussed it and both agreed it was a good thing. Rather than being cooped up in school all day, it's better to see more of the outside world. Besides, broadening her horizons is also beneficial for her future studies!"
Oh?
Looking at Koharu's slightly shy and evasive gaze, Natsui couldn't help but be a little surprised.
She requested it herself?
If it were the old her, she definitely wouldn't have been very willing to go on a long trip.
But it was fortunate that she had such open-minded parents as Professor Sakuragi; otherwise, how could they possibly be at ease letting their daughter travel with an adult male.
Natsui made a solemn promise, "Professor, please rest assured, I guarantee I will take good care of Koharu!"
Looking at the ready-to-go Koharu, Professor Sakuragi couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.
A father is always reluctant to see his daughter leave home. Seeing that both were ready, just before they left, he pulled Koharu aside and inevitably gave her a few more reminders.
Because he didn't deliberately lower his voice, Natsui could vaguely overhear some of the conversation.
But it was all trivial matters like remembering to eat on time and not to get too tired.
While the father and daughter were talking, Chrysa and Ren simultaneously extended their hands to Natsui.
The two looked at each other, and then Chrysa spoke first, "Although I don't know the first thing about Pokémon battles, I still wish you a smooth journey and a victorious start!"
Ren secretly glanced at Professor Sakuragi, then said in a low voice, "You have to get a good result, okay? No matter how busy I am with work, I'll secretly turn on the live stream to cheer for you!"
Natsui shook hands with both of them.
"Thanks. You two take care of yourselves as well. Make sure to get enough rest and don't overwork yourselves!"
To be honest, having spent so much time here, he had grown attached to the place. For a moment, he was truly reluctant to leave.
When Professor Sakuragi and Koharu returned, just as everyone was saying their goodbyes, Yamper suddenly ran out with a bark.
Perhaps sensing that Koharu was about to go on a long trip, Yamper circled her feet, completely unwilling to leave.
"That's right." Professor Sakuragi bent down and stroked Yamper's forehead, smiling at Koharu. "Since you're going on a journey, how can you not have a Pokémon by your side? Since it's so reluctant to part with you, why don't you let Yamper go with you!"
"Huh? Take it with me?"
Koharu frowned in a troubled way, then looked at Natsui. Seeing him nod slightly, she thought for a moment and finally agreed.
"Alright then."
At her feet, hearing that it would be taken along, Yamper barked spiritually a few times, its tail wagging rapidly, looking just like a small electric fan!
When everything was ready, Professor Sakuragi watched as Koharu slowly walked over to Natsui's side and waved.
"I'll be counting on you to look after Koharu now!"
Natsui nodded firmly, then he and Koharu bowed slightly to Professor Sakuragi and the others, "Well then, we're off!"
...
After leaving the Sakuragi Laboratory, Natsui and Koharu left Vermilion City and headed north, arriving in Saffron City before dark.
After resting for a night, they turned west and continued towards Celadon City.
This was Koharu's first time leaving home in a travel-like manner. For a child like her who had grown up in a big city, she was full of excitement along the way, finding everything she saw to be new and fascinating.
And with another person by his side, especially such a cute and beautiful girl, even Natsui's mood changed.
With laughter and conversation, even the road under their feet no longer seemed tedious.
This also made Natsui realize that traveling with a companion was indeed much more fun than traveling alone.
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