The warm glow of countless homes cast cozy silhouettes of people and Pokémon.
Natsume placed a steaming plate of aromatic curry on the table and took off his apron.
With a complicated expression, he sat down beside the little ones, holding a cup of tea.
Squirtle lay on the coffee table, intently reading "Blastoise's Breeding Guide."
Eevee, half-asleep, curled up in its tail, the translucent Dawn Stone flickering on and off.
Waves of psychic energy filled the room, bringing a refreshing mental coolness.
This was the benefit of the Dawn Stone.
The Dawn Stone, worth 5 million Pokémon Coins, acted like a small amplifier, boosting psychic power while providing a "Clarity" buff.
Haunter, like a strict teacher tutoring a student, floated in the air and tapped Squirtle's head with a "bonk."
"Haunter!" (Keep studying!)
"Squirtle..." The drowsy Squirtle scratched its head and grinned sheepishly.
Natsume stroked his chin.
If Squirtle could train while sleeping... maybe the results would be even better.
Though whether the house would remain intact was another matter!
The academic atmosphere was so thick that Natsume-sensei felt a bit out of place. He cleared his throat and said, "Dinner's ready!"
Instantly, all eyes turned to Natsume-sensei.
The three little ones tossed their books aside and cheered as they rushed to the dining table.
Natsume shook his head helplessly.
A knock sounded at the door.
Misaki-neesan had come to visit, smiling warmly. "I hope you're settling in well?"
Natsume nodded with a strange expression.
He had just recently knocked down a wall to connect the rooms...
Was Misaki-neesan here to scold him about that?!
"I heard the quality of this house isn't great," Misaki-neesan said with concern.
"So I came to check on you. I asked Mr. Mime to make some soup... I'm really sorry about this."
"Mr. Mime!" Mr. Mime proudly presented a clay pot of soup, grinning widely.
The creamy sea bass head soup, paired with tender tofu, emitted a rich aroma. Natsume swallowed hard and declared solemnly, "Misaki-neesan, even though the house isn't in great shape and part of it collapsed on my first day here..."
"Rest assured, I will treat this house as if it were my own!"
Indeed... Natsume was a reliable tenant.
Misaki-neesan nodded with relief.
Natsume headed to the bathroom for a shower, bringing Eevee along for a bath.
Eevee bounced around the bathroom but was eventually caught by Natsume-sensei, who lifted it by the scruff of its neck.
"Hmm... Maybe if I train a bit, I could become a superhuman too?" Natsume muttered, stroking his chin.
Next in line for the bath were Haunter and Squirtle.
Haunter, covered in bubbles, hummed a tune as it scrubbed Squirtle's shell.
"Squirtle!" Squirtle happily sprayed Water Gun in the bathroom.
It then dunked its head into the bathtub, leaving only its big eyes visible, watching a Psyduck toy float up and down.
Suddenly, a spark of inspiration flashed in Squirtle's eyes.
If I drain the bathtub, it could create a temporary whirlpool...
Could I use that to train Aqua Tail... and achieve the same effect?
What if I combined it with Water Pulse?
Squirtle grinned and nodded proudly.
So that's why Natsume made me take a bath...
This must be his deeper meaning!
Wrapped in a bathrobe, Natsume-sensei received a call from Red.
"Ah, I know, Erika's visit is tomorrow, right?" Natsume nodded.
"Don't worry, I'm a professional when it comes to receptions!"
Meanwhile, the Tokyo City Pokémon Association also received a visit request from Celadon University.
They were reportedly here to recruit talent for their Trainer School as teachers.
This was a mutually beneficial arrangement.
After all, Celadon University was a holy land for Trainers, and those who studied there could return to Touran to nurture talent.
With its deep pockets, the Tokyo Association was confident in its ability to attract talent.
"No problem, Ms. Erika," President Shoya said with a nod.
"May I ask which professor from Tokyo Metropolitan University you plan to invite?"
"I've already discussed it with Tokyo Metropolitan University, but it seems... there is no such professor," Erika apologized.
"He's a young Strategy Master, and everyone refers to him as Natsume-sensei."
A young Strategy Master?
Shoya was puzzled, slowly recalling the image of a handsome young man.
But this young man's strategies... were alarmingly mature.
Despite being on par with Pokémon, he had crushed Takuya 3:0...
Calling him a Strategy Master... wasn't too far off.
Shoya's expression turned strange.
First, the Champion of Sinnoh, and now a professor from Celadon University...
Natsume, couldn't you just stay in another league? Why did you have to come back to Touran to retire?
If I hadn't been mentally prepared, I would've thought you were just an ordinary student!
Shoya cleared his throat. "I think I know who you're referring to... Don't worry, there's only one Natsume-sensei in Tokyo."
Erika smiled gently and said politely, "Thank you for your help."
After hanging up, Erika tidied her appearance, packed her luggage, and prepared for her trip to Touran.
Even if Natsume-sensei hadn't mentioned it, Erika had prepared a generous gift.
Money was too vulgar, and Natsume-sensei didn't seem like someone who would be swayed by material things.
What would catch his attention were likely rare move manuals.
According to Red, Natsume-sensei seemed to be raising a Haunter.
From the perspective of expanding its movepool, the Energy Ball manual, passed down from Celadon Gym, was undoubtedly the best choice.
Moreover, this manual could be reused...
It was an incredibly precious gift!
Erika smiled softly, revealing a small dimple. "Natsume-sensei... should be quite satisfied, right!"
The Tanabata Festival was drawing closer.
Natsume planned to find some time to ask Cynthia about her specific plans.
However, Natsume-sensei was also curious about something.
How would The Battler Red navigate the romantic entanglements of the Tanabata Festival?
"Could it be... that he's really going to give Green one of those 'tear-jerking' gifts?" Natsume muttered.
But today's main agenda was to welcome Erika.
According to Red, Erika was visiting Touran for leisure, and her expenses could be reimbursed by Celadon University.
This made Natsume-sensei sigh with envy.
When would his travel expenses be reimbursed by Tokyo Metropolitan University?
Arriving at the VIP entrance of the airport, Natsume, having done this before, was already familiar with the process.
Erika was easy to spot.
She wore an elegant cherry blossom-patterned kimono, a hairband holding her short ear-length hair, her eyes scanning the surroundings with curiosity.
Suddenly, Erika's eyes lit up.
She walked over to Natsume in her white socks and wooden sandals, the sound of her steps echoing softly. She bowed gracefully.
"It's an honor to meet you, Natsume-sensei."
"Hello," Natsume smiled. "Let me help you with your luggage."
Erika smiled gently, rummaged through her handbag for a moment, and pulled out a thick notebook, which she handed to Natsume with both hands.
"This is a gift for you."
Natsume scratched his head and laughed. "You really didn't have to bring anything! But thank you!"
After a few polite refusals, Natsume accepted the fragrant notebook and asked curiously, "What is this?"
"It's the Energy Ball move manual," Erika said with a smile.
"It's perfect for your Haunter."
A red light flickered as Haunter flew out of its Poké Ball, its eyes gleaming.
It extended its crimson tongue and licked the notebook.
"Haunter! (??????`??)" Haunter smiled contentedly.
The flavor confirmed it—this was a delicious scent!
Natsume-sensei froze.
His hand holding the notebook began to tremble.
"Is something wrong?" Erika asked, puzzled.
"No... it's nothing."
Natsume took a deep breath, glanced at the saliva-stained notebook, and felt his limbs go cold.
"It seems... your Haunter really likes this notebook," Erika said with a smile.
"Haunter!" Haunter flew around Erika happily.
Natsume's breathing quickened.
She even sprayed perfume on the notebook...
Erika, what a clever move!
"Th-thank you, Erika!" Natsume stammered.
"I'm glad you like it..."
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