While Natsume was left alone at home, Cynthia was busy training the two little ones with great dedication.
Today, the "Bull Training Club" was closed.
But Haunter, with some mysterious skill, managed to pick the lock with a piece of wire.
Cynthia blinked. "Are you sure this is okay?"
Haunter patted its chest and waved its Coach certificate, signaling that it was a professional.
Cynthia chuckled softly. "Indeed... very much like Natsume-sensei's style."
Cynthia's training methods were undoubtedly top-tier.
Even just an afternoon of training could have a profound impact on the two Pokémon.
This was also Cynthia's way of thanking Natsume.
Cynthia observed the enthusiastic Haunter and nodded.
"Let's start with a move you can master..."
A red light flickered, and the chilling aura of Spiritomb made Haunter shiver.
Pokémon could also teach moves to each other.
Cynthia planned to have Haunter learn the usage of Shadow Ball from Spiritomb.
An afternoon wasn't enough to master it completely.
Proficient use would take at least half a year, along with a significant amount of resources suitable for Ghost-type Pokémon.
But Cynthia could explain the training method to Natsume and help Haunter grasp the basics of using Shadow Ball.
The rest would depend on resource investment and Haunter's diligent practice.
"The cost of practicing Shadow Ball... should be around three to four million Pokémon Coins," Cynthia nodded lightly.
"I'll just let him know when the time comes."
The red light flickered again as Spiritomb opened its pale red fan, its cold aura slowly spreading.
Haunter couldn't help but shiver.
In its eyes, this Dark-type Spiritomb looked incredibly menacing.
But thinking of Natsume's determination to become a Trainer, Haunter took a deep breath, and its eyes grew resolute.
I will learn this new move!
Meanwhile, Eevee was learning the usage of "Return" from Glaceon.
With Glaceon's live tutorial, Eevee would be able to learn faster when combined with the Technical Machine later.
"Return" was an extension of emotional energy.
In this regard, Natsume's Pokémon had a natural advantage.
The little one dashed across the training field, its fur soaked with sweat, but its eyes remained sharp.
It was Natsume who had given it a new life.
So it was only right that it fulfilled his wish, accompanying him to become the strongest Trainer!
The move's white light flickered as Eevee charged into the training target.
The power far exceeded a normal Tackle, surprising even Glaceon.
But once wasn't enough. Under Glaceon's astonished gaze,
Eevee, panting and exhausted, stood up and began practicing again...
Cynthia crossed her arms, watching the two Pokémon train diligently, and nodded with a smile.
Whether a Trainer was worthy of respect could be seen in how they treated their Pokémon.
Some Trainers treated Pokémon as tools, as a means to make money.
But others treated them as friends, comrades, family...
Cynthia had always believed that the key to becoming stronger was simply loving Pokémon, always and forever.
After all, that was how she herself had climbed to the top of the Sinnoh League. There was nothing else to it.
Call it talent, call it luck...
Cynthia tucked her golden hair behind her ear, a faint smile on her lips.
At least on this path, Natsume-sensei shared the same perspective as her.
As the sun set, flocks of Pidgey flew across the sky.
Natsume sat at the table, propping his chin on his hand, letting out a lonely sigh.
"It's already dinnertime... why aren't they back yet..."
Although only two months had passed since the Worldline shift, Natsume had already grown accustomed to life with Pokémon.
Haunter and Eevee had become his family, an indispensable part of his life.
Of course... he missed Cynthia a little too.
Just as he was muttering to himself, a ghostly hand suddenly reached through the door, fumbling for the handle.
The next second, Haunter pushed the door open.
Natsume was slightly startled.
He had wanted to complain, but seeing Haunter's excited expression, he could only shake his head helplessly and smile.
"Welcome back... I'll go heat up the food."
Eevee had trained so hard that it wobbled over to the sofa and, in no time, was softly snoring.
Seeing this, Natsume covered it with a Silk Scarf and turned up the air conditioning a few degrees.
"Were you two training just now?" Natsume asked.
Before Cynthia could answer, Haunter nodded eagerly.
Natsume sighed, feeling a bit worn out.
He had thought that after witnessing the Master League, the two would be discouraged.
But instead, they were training even harder?!
Well... training is training. At least they didn't wreck the house.
Just as Natsume breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he had dodged a bullet, Cynthia spoke up.
"I trained Haunter in the Shadow Ball move. I think... it should be helpful."
Natsume's expression turned odd.
So that's why, after a whole day of training, these two still thought of sneaking out to train.
Who would've thought... there was a traitor among us!
"I'll send the Shadow Ball training method to your email later," Cynthia said with a smile.
"Besides that, you'll need a small budget for Haunter to practice Shadow Ball."
Natsume was slightly stunned and stammered, "How much... does practicing Shadow Ball cost?"
"Not too much," Cynthia thought for a moment. "Chunks of Dusk Stone, high-quality Ghost Gems... all in all..."
"Just around three million Pokémon Coins," Cynthia smiled.
Natsume froze on the spot.
"Just" three million?!
That's enough to buy a house in Tokyo!
Is being a Trainer really this expensive?!
The Shadow Ball technique taught by the Sinnoh Champion was undoubtedly extraordinary.
Spending just over three million Pokémon Coins for "Champion guidance + training methods" was undoubtedly a steal!
But Natsume didn't want to be a Trainer. Spending three million Pokémon Coins to train Shadow Ball...
A cold sweat dripped down Natsume's forehead as he imagined a luxurious villa flying away with wings.
Natsume's breathing quickened.
This is a total loss!!
Calm down, calm down!
What if... what if Haunter doesn't want to train Shadow Ball?
Training moves is so exhausting, and with Cynthia's training methods, even Haunter might not be able to handle it, right?
Natsume's head was spinning.
He turned to look, only to see Haunter staring at him with an expectant expression.
Cynthia pondered, "We should start practicing soon. Otherwise, today's training might fade from memory..."
Natsume's expression changed, and Haunter's face fell, leaning against the wall and drawing circles dejectedly.
"I can lend you the money first," Cynthia blinked. "You can pay me back slowly."
Natsume was slightly stunned. He turned his head and glanced at the disheartened Haunter.
Natsume-sensei never wanted to disappoint his Pokémon.
And with Cynthia's offer on the table, Natsume really had no reason to refuse...
Clenching his teeth, Natsume spoke in a trembling voice:
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