Friday, November 6th.
Tokyo Metropolitan University.
Coach Takashi knocked on the door of the Training Department's office.
The stern-faced department head, Ishida, nodded at him and asked, "Have the recommendations for the school team been prepared?"
"Sakurako has applied to further her studies at Striaton Academy in Unova," Coach Takashi said, handing over a list. "And here are the recommendations for Celadon University."
The Training Department at Celadon University offers advanced study opportunities to prestigious institutions across various leagues.
Its status is equivalent to the "Pokémon Certification Center" of the Kanto League.
Those who complete the courses can participate in League Tournaments without needing to collect badges.
Even at Tokyo Metropolitan University, such opportunities are rare.
Coach Takashi had chosen Natsume due to his stunning performance in the Intercollegiate League, where he swept the entire competition.
Department Head Ishida glanced at the list, and his expression immediately turned peculiar.
Wasn't he the one personally recommended by the Former Principal?
At such a young age, he had already won a Regional Tournament Championship, leaving even Ishida in awe.
What's even more absurd is that this prodigious training genius was actually from the Finance Department?
After a moment of consideration, Ishida clasped his hands and said, "Takashi, actually, Principal Hiroshi's thoughts align with yours..."
After hearing Ishida's words, Coach Takashi's eyes widened.
Well, well, even the Former Principal had his eye on this guy?
But upon reflection, Natsume's overwhelming performance in the Regional Tournament was truly awe-inspiring.
With his strength, it wasn't impossible for him to win the Kanto League Championship after further studies.
"The new generation surpasses the old," Coach Takashi sighed. "Natsume is indeed the most outstanding student of this batch!"
Ishida's expression turned even more peculiar, and he couldn't help but remind him, "Coach Takashi... he isn't actually from our Training Department, you know..."
Coach Takashi was momentarily stunned, his expression turning complicated. He coughed dryly and said, "Anyway... the spot is confirmed, right? Do I need to inform the Former Principal?"
"That won't be necessary. I'll call him later," Ishida said.
Just then, the office phone rang.
"Huh? Speak of the devil," Ishida said, picking up the phone. After a moment of listening, his expression turned strange.
"What did the Former Principal say?" Coach Takashi asked curiously.
"He said..." Ishida spoke with a look of disbelief, "Celadon University has invited Natsume to become one of their instructors?"
"Are you sure you've got the right person?"
Hiroshi wore an expression of utter disbelief.
What was Celadon University? The world's top-ranked prestigious institution.
And who was Natsume? A second-year Finance Department student.
If they were poaching a seasoned professor, that would be one thing.
But here he was, still considering recommending Natsume for further studies, and they were already offering him a teaching position?!
"Yes...Natsume-sensei from Tokyo Metropolitan University, also known as Natsume," Erika's gentle yet firm voice came through the receiver.
"Celadon University has invited him to join as an instructor in the Training Department... specifically for the newly launched simulated battle courses."
Hiroshi's mouth hung open, still processing the shock.
The institution that had once nurtured Professor Samuel Oak.
A holy land in the hearts of countless Trainers.
Not just Trainers, but graduates from this school had made their mark in business, politics, and even the music industry.
And now, Natsume, this guy, had quietly landed a position at the top university in the world?
This wasn't just "genius" anymore.
This was outright crushing the dreams of countless other geniuses scrambling to get through the door!
Hiroshi's expression was a mix of emotions as he nodded. "The school won't pressure him. It's up to him to decide..."
"Celadon University will also send him an official offer letter," Erika said with a smile. "Please pass it on to Natsume-sensei. Thank you so much!"
After hanging up, Hiroshi sat in stunned silence for a long time, looking down at the list of recommended students in his hand.
The Former Principal's mood had suddenly become quite complicated.
"Well, going to Kanto isn't a bad idea," Hiroshi muttered to himself. "If he can actually win a Championship there, it'll bring glory to Tokyo Metropolitan University!"
Construction workers were busy repairing the shattered floor.
"What move caused this damage this time?" the renovation captain asked curiously. "Was it Dig again?"
Natsume looked up at the sky, recalling the scene from this morning—
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a glow on Sylveon's snow-white fur.
Natsume yawned and saw Togepi standing happily by the window.
"Oh? Did you learn Dazzling Gleam?" Natsume glanced at his Pokédex and immediately understood, smiling wryly. "Good job!"
Togepi giggled happily, waving its tiny hand, which began to glow with a white light.
Natsume's expression changed.
With a sound of the floor giving way, Togepi's little fist struck the ground, shattering several floorboards.
"Anyway, thanks for your help," Natsume said, coughing awkwardly.
"No problem!" the renovation captain said cheerfully.
Togepi's "Metronome" had been an accident.
Thankfully, it hadn't summoned something like "Precipice Blades" or "Dragon Ascent."
Glancing at Togepi, who was happily chugging a large bottle of cola, Natsume rubbed his chin and muttered to himself:
"Hmm... with my luck, I probably wouldn't have rolled those moves anyway."
Just then, his phone vibrated.
Natsume glanced at the caller ID—it was Former Principal Hiroshi, who had taught Squirtle "Aura Sphere."
"What's up, Principal Hiroshi?" Natsume answered.
"Listen carefully, and don't be shocked," Hiroshi said gravely.
Natsume immediately sensed the seriousness. "Go ahead!"
"Celadon University has invited you to become an Instructor in their Training Department," Hiroshi paused, then emphasized, "Listen, an instructor, not a student!"
An awkward silence followed.
Hiroshi was baffled: "You're not surprised at all?"
"Is there a reason to be surprised?" Natsume replied, equally baffled. "It's just a staff position, not a professorship... and the pay's probably pretty low, right?"
Hiroshi was speechless for a long moment.
Is there something wrong with me, or is there something wrong with you?
"You're still just a second-year student at Tokyo Metropolitan University..." Hiroshi reminded him quietly.
"Well, doesn't that just show how talented Tokyo Metropolitan University is?" Natsume laughed.
Now that you mention it... it doesn't seem like such a big deal after all?
"Ahem, well, the school supports your decision," Hiroshi coughed. "If you decide to go to Kanto, I'll see you off."
Natsume nodded, having already made up his mind.
He had promised Erika, after all.
Meeting more people and more Pokémon was part of the charm of the Pokémon world.
Still, there was some time before he would head to Kanto.
In the meantime, he could save up some money for the future...
Speaking of saving money, Natsume felt a pang of sadness.
To train "Dazzling Gleam," he had borrowed over a million Pokémon Coins from Steven.
First Cynthia, and now Steven? Was he just living off their generosity?
Thankfully, the Pokémon Trading Card Game was still booming.
Although he couldn't touch the company's funds, his share of the profits would allow him to pay off Mr. Steven's debt in just half a month.
It was just a small sum, after all!
On Nico Dou, numerous videos about the "Pokémon Trading Card Game" began popping up.
The card game craze started spreading from Natsume-sensei to other content creators.
Natsume browsed through some videos in the gaming section.
"Alright, today we're playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game!"
In the video, a content creator with a unique accent was enthusiastically playing cards with a friend.
Meanwhile, in the meme section, parodies of Natsume-sensei were sprouting up like mushrooms after rain...
"Natsume-sensei: You Dare Intimidate Me?"
"Fa♂Musical Instruments: Natsume's Philosophical Adventure"
"Natsume-sensei's Late-Night Kitchen"
Natsume-sensei had always been tolerant of memes.
However, Gold kept sending him links to these parody videos, accompanied by a string of "HAHAHAHA."
Gold: HAHAHAHA, check this out, it's hilarious!
Natsume's face darkened as he silently muted Gold in the group chat for 24 hours.
Erika sent him a message: "Natsume-sensei, have you decided when you're coming to Kanto?"
"Once the visa and everything are sorted, I should be there by December," Natsume replied.
Erika smiled. "The Kanto Conference is in January, so you'll make it in time."
Two months to conquer a league?
Did she think he was Ruby or Sapphire, who could travel around Hoenn in 80 days for a honeymoon?
Natsume coughed awkwardly. "I'm not really interested in competitions."
Erika thought for a moment, then smiled. "Well, December is perfect. We can spend Christmas together."
Wasn't that the holiday for romantic entanglements?
Natsume looked up at the sky and murmured, "I wonder how The Battler will spend it this year..."
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