Chapter 108: The Anti-Natsume Alliance
Suddenly, Zapdos turned around.
Behind it appeared two Pokémon: a Primeape and a Hypno.
*Hyp—no~* What's wrong?
Hypno handed a berry to Zapdos.
After hesitating briefly, Zapdos took the berry.
*Zap—dos!* That damned human!
*Pri-mpe!* Is that the one whose eyes glow blue?
Primeape and Zapdos began discussing Natsume, bonding over shared sentiment. Their conversation grew more animated, until tears streamed down their faces.
Finally, the **Anti-Natsume Alliance** was officially formed.
Back at the factory yard, the piles of Grimer were loaded onto carts and carried out by the workers.
The Grimer were dumped into the sea, but this time, the water inlets were pre-fitted with electrified wire nets.
As the seawater flowed in, the factory lights flickered on and the rumble resumed—the city was alive again.
The group exchanged glances and prepared to return to the Pokémon Center.
"Are the Grimer going to be dumped back into the sea?" Ash asked curiously.
"The nearby waters have been ruined. Not a single Water-type Pokémon in sight," Misty said, lowering her head in disappointment.
"But there's nothing we can do," Brock said anxiously, looking over the darkened sea.
Sometimes, progress demands sacrifice—sometimes it's the environment, sometimes even the workers' health.
"By the way, the nearby sea… just as Misty said, no Water-types, but plenty of Poison-types," Giselle remarked, pinching her nose against the stench.
"That's odd. The waters of Gringey City have been polluted, yet the destruction created the perfect habitat for Poison-type Pokémon," Natsume explained slowly.
Thanks to the variety of Pokémon types in nature, the ecological restoration in this world is surprisingly strong, aided by the Pokémon themselves.
"Mr. Natsume, why didn't your book **Thousand Methods Pokémon Use To Trouble Human Society Under Ecological Destruction** mention Gringey City?" Giselle suddenly asked.
"Because then it wouldn't have been publishable," Natsume admitted.
Silence fell over the group.
"But is it really okay for the League to tacitly allow such ecological destruction?" Misty and Ash asked, looking up at Natsume, puzzled.
"No, which is part of why League researchers exist," Natsume said, patting their heads.
"So you mean… researchers will deal with problems like this in the future?" Ash's disappointment melted into curiosity.
"Yes," Natsume nodded.
"Unlike decades ago, the League has now recognized the consequences of environmental damage. Previously, development came at the expense of the environment. Now, there's a conscious shift toward sustainable practices."
"League investments in major research institutions and Pokémon universities are now favoring ecological studies—especially restoration and resource recycling after environmental damage."
"This is a huge opportunity."
He paused, then looked at Giselle.
"How about you? Interested in pursuing Pokémon ecology? I can introduce you to a suitable mentor."
Giselle quickly hugged Natsume's arm.
"Mr. Natsume… I… I want to be your assistant…"
"It's a shame you're not interested in Pokémon ecology," Misty sighed.
"Natsume, will you be pursuing this research yourself?" Ash asked, still shaken by Gringey City's damaged environment.
"I've already decided on my focus. Though Gary might be a candidate," Natsume said, glancing at Ash.
To expedite his divine Pokémon project, Natsume had studied multiple fields: Pokémon genetics, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. He also studied Pokémon ecology but hadn't had time to conduct formal research.
Gary, Professor Oak's grandson, though not showing potential yet, is likely to pursue research under Oak's guidance.
With the League actively supporting ecological research in the future, unless Oak changes his mind, Gary will almost certainly enter the field of Pokémon ecology.
"Gary?" Ash's eyes lit up.
"Darn it! If he's going to be so great in the future, I can't fall behind!"
Gary's mocking face flashed in his mind, and Ash clenched his fists.
"It's too early to worry about that. Whether Gary will agree is still uncertain," Natsume said, patting Ash's head.
After dealing with the Grimer, the stench had lessened considerably, and Natsume felt his cold was nearly gone. Probably thanks to Joy's medicine starting to work.
"He'll definitely agree!" Ash adjusted his hat. Though he thought Gary was arrogant, he knew they shared the same passion for Pokémon.
"Ah… if you meet him in the future, talk to him about this," Natsume yawned.
"Got it!" Ash nodded seriously, feeling a heavy responsibility settle on his shoulders.
"Whoa, what's that?"
Misty covered her nose and stepped back.
The group shone their flashlights and saw a grayish-purple Pokémon resembling sludge.
"Muk, evolved form of Grimer, extremely foul-smelling, with cases of people being overwhelmed by its stench!"
"Alright, it's a Muk! I'm going to catch you!"
Ash threw out his Charmeleon.
"What are you doing?!" Misty complained, covering her nose as she moved away.
After a brief battle, Muk was sucked into a Pokéball in a flash of red light.
*Whoosh!* The Pokéball vanished.
Ash realized he already had six Pokémon; Muk had been sent back to Professor Oak's lab.
"Lucky Professor Oak," Misty covered her face.
"But… the lab is being watched over by Aunt Delia?" Natsume said.
"Oh no, Mom!"
Ash suddenly realized the danger, panicked, and rushed to the Pokémon Center.
...
**In Gringey City, at the Pokémon Center**
Ash called Oak's lab via video, looking nervous.
The screen showed Delia, fully equipped with cleaning gloves, holding a mop in one hand and perfume with the other.
A Muk lay in the bath, looking completely defeated.
"Eh? Ash, why aren't you asleep so late? For goodness' sake!" Delia scolded, approaching with an angry expression.
"Uh, it's like this…"
Seeing Muk behaving well, Ash relaxed slightly and began explaining.
"By the way, Natsume, can Muk be cleaned?" Misty whispered.
"As long as it doesn't have the Stench ability, careful training over time will remove the smell," Natsume nodded.
"Alright, Mom, goodbye!"
Ash hung up.
"Natsume, why did Mom suddenly decide she wants to take me to Kalos?" Ash suddenly realized Natsume was gone again.
"Ah~" Misty yawned by the stairs.
"He just stepped out. It's late, better get some sleep," she said.
Elsewhere in Gringey City, in a park area, the scenery was noticeably different from other places.
The park was covered by a huge dome that looked like glass.
The air here was poor year-round, making the dome appear like a gray egg from afar.
Due to the blackout, nearly all workers in Gringey City were disrupted, and this area was no exception.
At that moment, lights had just returned inside the park.
"I'm Natsume. Last time, I custom-ordered a giant computer chip."
*Creak~* The park gate opened, revealing Ms. Jenny.
After carefully checking Natsume's credentials, she finally allowed him entry.
"Come in."
You can read more (around 100+ free chapters) of Natsume's adventure ad-free at [https ://ravenarchives .com/book/pokemon-who-let-him-leave-pallet-town]. Bulk uploads is a mess here, so updates here might be irregular.