Using only the most basic Oran Berry as an ingredient, he managed to create such a perfect Pokéblock.
Even Cynthia had only witnessed this level of craftsmanship in the hands of Pokémon Coordinator Champion, Wallace.
The quality spoke for itself, and Garchomp was the best proof of that.
Cynthia instinctively glanced at Natsume beside her.
"You... made this yourself?"
Natsume glanced at the Oran Berry Block in Cynthia's hand and didn't shy away.
"Yes, it's been stored for a while, otherwise the quality could have been even better."
Lucario, who had been munching on the Pokéblock, suddenly stopped mid-bite, slightly stunned.
It could... taste even better?
Haunter, recalling the freshly made Pokéblock, couldn't help but wipe the drool from its mouth.
"Did you use this machine to make it?" Cynthia pointed at the old Berry Blender in the living room, raising an eyebrow.
"Is there a problem?"
Cynthia gently shook her head, tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear.
"I'm just a little surprised."
To think that such high-quality Pokéblocks could be made with such an old machine.
Cynthia couldn't help but be genuinely impressed.
"Does it not suit your Pokémon?"
Natsume's expression shifted slightly.
"I tasted it myself... well, Haunter tasted it and said it was good!"
Cynthia smiled softly. "If anything, it's too perfect."
Even custom-made Pokéblocks hadn't suited Garchomp's taste this well.
Cynthia thought she might understand why Natsume-sensei lived so frugally... or rather, modestly.
Producing high-quality Pokéblocks undoubtedly came with astronomical costs.
Rather than indulging in luxuries, Natsume-sensei must have invested heavily in perfecting his craftsmanship.
Take, for example, Master Kurt, the artisan of Apricorn Balls. Despite possessing some of the world's finest techniques, his residence was remarkably humble.
These individuals preferred to spend their resources on what truly mattered, rather than external appearances.
A simple meal, a humble drink, yet their joy remained unchanged.
"Your Pokémon... have found themselves a wonderful Trainer," Cynthia said with a gentle smile.
"Trainer? I'm just the one who cooks for them," Natsume sighed.
"Have you eaten? Let me make you some noodles."
The flight was at 10 a.m., so Cynthia likely hadn't had lunch yet.
If it were just Natsume, he'd probably grab some Pecha Berry cubes and call it a day, maybe even fight Eevee for them.
But with a guest, proper hospitality was in order.
Cynthia glanced around, noticing her Pokémon quietly chewing on the Pokéblocks, their expressions filled with contentment.
Cynthia nodded. "Thank you, that would be lovely."
Natsume muttered under his breath, "Though you could pay if you wanted..."
Cynthia's Glaceon stood gracefully by the windowsill.
Haunter grinned, about to greet it, but was met with a cold stare, causing it to slink away in defeat.
The bold little one, Eevee, hesitated upon seeing Glaceon...
She was too beautiful.
It made Eevee feel insecure.
Back in the mountains, Eevee never cared about such things.
But ever since meeting Natsume and experiencing the outside world, Eevee had started to fear.
Fear of waking up and not seeing Natsume, fear of Natsume catching another Eevee...
It shouldn't have to fear these things.
But once caught, the risk of tears was always there.
Eevee bared its teeth, glaring fiercely at Glaceon on the windowsill. "Eevee!"
Glaceon turned gracefully.
Those deep, icy blue eyes calmly observed the timid Eevee.
Then, step by step, Glaceon approached Eevee, backing it into a corner.
Glaceon extended its cool tongue, gently smoothing Eevee's fur, offering it a tender smile.
The little one's face turned red, as if startled, and it darted off to the neighboring bedroom.
["Master of Healing," a term often used to praise physicians who excel in gynecology or have made significant contributions to a particular disease...]
Cynthia glanced at the banner, then looked up the term on her Pokédex, nodding slightly as if she understood.
"Alright, food's ready!"
Natsume called out as he removed his apron.
Garchomp, Lucario, Haunter, and several other Pokémon immediately rushed to his side, staring at him with intense, almost menacing eyes.
Natsume chuckled awkwardly. "I'll make Pokéblocks tonight, and there'll be plenty!"
Hearing this, Cynthia's Pokémon nodded in satisfaction.
"Haunter! Why are you perfectly blending in with them?!"
Crap, I was just trying to sneak in some extra bites, how did you notice?!
Cynthia, arms crossed, walked gracefully from the living room, her curiosity piqued.
"Master of Healing... what does that mean?"
Natsume nearly choked on the water he was drinking.
But, considering his image in front of the goddess, he coughed, risking asphyxiation. "Wh-what are you talking about?"
"That banner over there... it seems important to you."
"Oh... I'm quite skilled in massage therapy, especially for women," Natsume replied without missing a beat.
Cynthia blinked in surprise.
"I always thought only women practiced massage therapy."
Natsume continued his bluff. "This is authentic Hong Kong-style acupressure, passed down only to men."
"Ah..." Cynthia nodded.
Though something felt off, it didn't seem entirely wrong.
Maybe... I should ask him for a massage?
No, as a guest, it wouldn't be right to trouble Natsume-sensei.
Looking down at the aromatic Soba noodles on the table, Cynthia's eyes sparkled.
"You seem to be good at everything."
"Pretty much... my uncle and I learned it all in Alola."
Authentic Tempura Soba, with a broth made from water, mirin, and soy sauce.
Toppings included boiled Bonito flakes, kelp, golden crispy Shrimp Tempura coated in breadcrumbs, and finally, chopped green onions.
The rich aroma of the broth was irresistible, and the golden tempura shrimp made one's mouth water.
Even Cynthia couldn't help but subtly lick her lips, a look of surprise flashing across her delicate face.
It looks... incredibly delicious.
Natsume, arms crossed, scanned the data in his Retina and nodded.
Hmm, my Cooking skill leveled up... shouldn't fail miserably now!
[Cooking Lv3: Enhances your culinary skills, also applies to knife work, ingredient selection, and heat control.]
Garchomp and Lucario, on either side of Natsume, stared at the Soba noodles on the table, swallowing hard.
Cynthia gracefully took her seat, clasped her hands together, and said with a touch of reverence, "Let's eat."
Compared to ramen, Soba noodles have a clearer broth, making it even more challenging to infuse flavor, truly testing the chef's skill.
Cynthia gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, carefully bringing the spoon to her lips for a small sip.
Instantly, her eyes narrowed, and a smile naturally spread across her face.
This taste... it's familiar.
In fact, it might even be better than Grandma's.
The golden, crispy shrimp brought an overwhelming sense of happiness the moment it touched her tongue, perfectly complemented by the sharpness of the broth's sake.
Without exaggeration, this was definitely at the level of a star-rated chef!
"It's delicious," Cynthia said with a soft smile.
Natsume, meanwhile, kept a wary eye on the drooling Haunter, fully focused on devouring his own bowl of Soba noodles.
Natsume couldn't help but marvel.
My Soba noodles... are just too good!
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