Unova Region, Castelia City, International Police Headquarters.
The silent hallway echoed with steady footsteps. An aged man in a brown trench coat walked slowly, his expression stern.
"Inspection Minister, Codename 'Handsome,' assigned to investigate the volcanic eruption incident in Sinnoh Region."
He pressed the intercom flashing with azure light and said, "Report complete. Please transfer me to Sinnoh League, Lily of the Valley Island headquarters."
A sweet female voice responded from the intercom, "Transferring now... Connecting you to Psychic-type Elite Four member Lucian."
Beep, beep, beep—
A man in a wine-red suit uncrossed his legs and reluctantly set aside the hardcover book he had just opened.
"This is Sinnoh League, Lucian speaking." Lucian adjusted his glasses. "Go ahead."
"The International Police require authorization to investigate Sinnoh Region."
Handsome summarized briefly, "We suspect the volcanic eruption is linked to wanted criminals, so I'll be conducting the investigation alone."
"Solo operation?" Lucian paused. "Do you need us to assign you backup?"
"Unnecessary." After a moment of silence, Handsome added—his direct superior was already in Sinnoh. "Classified details prevent further disclosure."
"Good that you don't need backup."
Lucian rubbed his temples and sighed inwardly:
Otherwise, I'd have to work overtime again, wouldn't I?
Still, since the International Police headquarters was sending someone, the Sinnoh League had to respond appropriately.
Lucian said, "This matter will be handled by Fire-type Elite Four member Flint. Coordinate with him moving forward."
Flint—this guy either stays home gaming all day or challenges Volkner in Sunyshore City. Perfect chance to make him actually do his job as an Elite Four!
A mix of frustration and melancholy rose in Lucian's heart as he touched his receding hairline.
"Understood." Handsome pondered, then ventured, "If I may ask one presumptuous question..."
"Go ahead."
"Normally, shouldn't Champion Miss Cynthia be the one liaising with headquarters?"
"..." Lucian fell silent.
"Hello? Can you hear me?" Handsome asked.
Ahem. Lucian's gloom deepened. "She's on leave today."
Her excuse? "Adequate rest ensures smooth investigation progress." As if anyone would believe that!
Was she off visiting Caitlin or Shauntal—or worse, on a date with Natsume-sensei?!
Meanwhile, he was stuck alone in the empty League HQ, even his reading time interrupted by work calls...
I quit! Screw this job! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
"Ah, understandable." Handsome nodded. "Then I'll arrive in Sinnoh tomorrow. Please have Elite Four Flint accompany me."
"Got it." Lucian regained composure, curiosity flickering. "Could this disaster be caused by a Pokémon's power rather than human interference?"
"Only the investigation will tell." Handsome sighed.
With matters settled, the call ended.
Lucian reopened the hardcover book on his lap but found himself unable to focus.
He thought of semi-retired Grandma Bertha, Aaron off catching bugs in the forest, and Cynthia enjoying her carefree time...
"This year in Sinnoh..."
A chill ran through him as he gazed at the vibrant spring sunlight outside the window, murmuring:
"...feels like another endless, snow-filled winter."
...
"You're on leave today?"
In a seaside villa in Sandgem Town, Natsume scratched Sylveon's chin while speaking into his phone.
"Officially, it's a flexible day off," Cynthia replied through her Bluetooth headset, her black trench coat fluttering as she rode Garchomp.
Natsume glanced at the sunlit garden where Sirfetch'd hacked relentlessly at a Kurt, metallic clangs ringing out.
"Perfect timing." Natsume smiled. "Let's go for a picnic."
Cynthia's voice warmed slightly. "What about lunch?"
"We'll figure it out when you're back."
Natsume stood, cradling the half-asleep Sylveon. "I'll pack bento for the picnic."
"Okay~" Her voice was tender yet magnetic.
Ending the call, Cynthia gripped Garchomp's back and grinned fiercely:
"Garchomp, full speed ahead!"
"Garchomp!"
Across the blue sky, they streaked like a jet, leaving a contrail in their wake.
Hands on his hips, Natsume watched Gengar mow the lawn in the yard.
"Gengarhehehe"
Gengar pushed the Rotom-powered lawnmower, its laughter vibrating with the machine's buzz.
The air carried the fresh scent of laundry. Shirts freshly spun by Little Rotom's beloved "Washing Machine Rotom" form hung dazzling white under the sun.
"Togepi doo-ee~"
Togepi peeked from a corner, eyes sparkling.
"Arcanine?" Arcanine glanced around cluelessly, oblivious to the hide-and-seek.
"Your nose can't even sniff that out?"
Natsume scoffed at the dopey dog's terrible acting.
He turned to Togepi, whose gaze shone with excitement.
After a long pause, Natsume scanned the yard and mused:
"Hmm... Where could Togepi be?"
Blastoise wasn't doing push-ups today.
Sunglasses on, it sipped tea leisurely, an egg incubator rocking at its feet.
"Only two weeks in my care," Natsume noted, "but the hatching progress is impressive."
Maybe it was Gold the "Hatcher"'s influence... Hopefully the egg won't inherit his and Togebo's bad habits.
Just grow up pure, kind, and simple—like me!
Clang, clang, clang.
Sirfetch'd kept striking the Kurt, its sorrow palpable.
"Sirfetch'd! (′︿‵)" (This is too hard!)
Natsume told Gengar, "Look, Sirfetch'd's about to cry from training."
Gengar nodded vigorously. "Gengar! Gengar!"
Sirfetch'd: "Sirfetch'd! (′︿‵)"
If this keeps up, might it become the world's greatest swordsman?
Natsume's mind wandered:
Focus Energy is Conqueror's Haki, Solar Blade is Armament Haki... so Observation Haki would be... Detect?!
His face twitched. "Holy crap, Sirfetch'd might actually have talent."
Eyeing the leek-wielding duck, Natsume reconsidered:
"...Nah, probably overthinking it."
...
The afternoon sun shone brightly as Natsume prepared for his picnic with Moe-Moe!
Natsume's mood couldn't be better.
Near Sandgem Town, a vast cherry blossom grove covered the hillside. Rumor had it that from the top, one could see the glimmering waves of the distant beach.
Natsume had never been there before, though he had visited Sandgem Beach with Moe-Moe! once.
"Ten o'clock already."
Natsume checked the time.
Time to start preparing lunch.
Since it was spring, he ought to make something fitting for the season—something fresh, vibrant…
Wait, no. Not "seasoning" in that sense.
[Nine-Gem Vegetable Terrine]
An elegant vegetable dish, colorful yet surprisingly simple in ingredients—just everyday veggies.
Cabbage, asparagus, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin…
Gengar stood by the kitchen counter, eyeing the produce with a scrunched-up face. "Gengar…"
"No picky eating." Natsume chuckled. "You'll love it once it's done!"
"Gengar~" Gengar nodded, then resumed licking its dark-red Mega Stone.
"Sylveon!" Sylveon's pink ribbons coiled around Natsume's arm as it sniffed the vegetables disdainfully.
Despite its adorable appearance, Sylveon was carnivorous at heart—preferring tonkotsu ramen, tempura, and other high-calorie treats.
"You still need veggies."
Natsume grinned. "Unless you want to become a chubby bow-wearing lady."
"Sylveon! (〃＞皿＜)" Its ribbons flailed against Natsume's arm in protest.
Natsume smirked.
Pathetic. With my current physique, that tickles at best.
The terrine had seven layers: two savory (mushroom-chicken and zucchini-beef), two sweet (creamy mashed potatoes and pumpkin), plus tomatoes, carrots, and more.
Simple for Natsume-sensei. After cooking, it just needed chilling in the fridge.
The sauce—a blend of shiso, pine nuts, mint, and other herbs—wafted a light, refreshing aroma.
Natsume dipped a spoonful into the sauce and tasted it.
The vibrant colors delighted the eyes, while the sweetness of the vegetables spread slowly, evoking nostalgia and relaxation.
"Looks light, but it's actually quite filling."
He glanced at Rotom. "Did you get all that?"
"Beep… Perfectly recorded, Rotom!"
Natsume smiled.
Back when he made food videos alone, he had to handle cameras, lighting, and timers himself.
With Rotom, uploading was effortless.
"Rotom." Natsume suddenly turned serious.
"Beep… What now, Rotom?" The Pokédex blinked.
"Can you edit the video too? Add effects, subtitles, maybe some emotional background music… I'll pay your electric bill afterward!"
"Beep—System Overload, Rotom! o(TヘTo)"
...
Chat Group
Gold face pressed against desk: "No one's free on Saturday? So bored…"
Silver: "Aren't you at the Pokémon Day Care?"
Gold: "Yeah. Wanna meet up? We could battle in Ilex Forest or hit the Goldenrod Game Corner!"
Silver: "..."
The two vanished, likely switching to private messages.
Brock was on security duty at the Pewter Museum. Lt. Surge lounged at Vermilion Port in sunglasses and swim trunks, fishing.
Erika smiling behind her hand: "My perfume shop just released spring skincare products. Anyone interested?"
Green eyes lighting up: "Erika, save me a tester! Omw!"
Skincare? Sabrina's eye twitched. Is that old woman throwing shade?
Sabrina coolly adjusting her hair: "My spoon divination says now's an unlucky time for everything… especially wearing kimonos."
Erika sweetly: "Oh? Maybe some people just can't pull them off~"
Sabrina icy: "Kimonos are inconvenient when you need to flee quickly."
Tension thickened in the chat.
Yellow timidly: "I-I'd like to try the skincare too…"
Erika playfully: "Of course! But Yellow, your skin's already perfect. Who are you pampering yourself for?"
Yellow: "Uuu…" (blushing furiously)
Brock silently squinting: She's totally doing this on purpose.
Maylene scratching her head: "I've never used skincare stuff."
The chat froze.
Wallace internally debating: Should I mail her a full cosmetics set?
Sapphire cheerfully: "Me neither! But Ruby uses tons!"
Gold (about to type "So girly" when Silver clamps a hand over his mouth.)
Silver deadpan: "Wallace."
Gold grinning: "Got it! I'll buy you a popsicle later!"
Silver: "..."
Ruby sighing: "You could stand to be more ladylike, Sapphire."
Sapphire grinning: "Nah, you've got that covered!"
Lorelei adjusting glasses silently: …This is sappier than a shoujo manga.
Random Grass-type Trainer: "Natsume-sensei just posted a new food video."
Lance: "Oh, saw it. Great lunch break watch."
Bruno frowning: Natsume-sensei does food content too?
…Then he must make amazing steamed buns!
Bruno fist clenched, eyes blazing: "A true role model for warriors!"
Natsume skimmed the chat.
"Who's this again…?" He squinted. "Veggie Stew or Veggie Seed?"
Shaking his head, he checked his watch—1:00 PM.
Within half an hour of upload, [Natsume-sensei's Midnight Kitchen: Nine-Gem Vegetable Terrine] hit the front page.
Comments flooded in:
"Redefining 'midnight'!"
"Grandpa! Your favorite chef finally uploaded!"
"A spring special?! Tricked me into clicking without takeout ready!"
His recent battle against Bruno had left fans stunned—how could a sly, underhanded strategist also be a chef?
The whiplash required adjustment time.
Now, his cooking series reminded them of the true terror: food comas.
"My youth is restored!"
"It's normal for food creators to challenge Elite Fours sometimes, right?"
"Uploading this early… Picnic with Moe-Moe!?"
"Sob. Bros, type 'jealous' in chat!"
Natsume grinned.
Heh. Spot on about the picnic. Stay salty.
Suddenly, the electronic lock beeped. A crisp fragrance swept in alongside a commanding presence.
Cynthia stood in the doorway, her black trench coat framing her figure, golden hair cascading to her waist. A metallic luxury bag hung from her arm, her expression cool and untouchable.
Behind her, Garchomp loomed, eyes sharp as blades—a dutiful bodyguard.
Yet.
When their gazes met, her icy demeanor melted like April's first cherry blossoms.
A soft smile curved her lips.
"I'm home," she said.
"Welcome back," Natsume replied.
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