September 11th, Saturday.
Due to a moment of carelessness, Natsume-sensei hadn't restocked his pantry in time.
Today, Natsume-sensei's breakfast was the same as his little ones: sweet and sour Berries.
"What are you looking at?"
Natsume bit into the tangy Salac Berry, mumbling, "Can't I eat Berries too?"
The little ones exchanged glances, their expressions somber.
Has the Trainer fallen on such hard times…?
He used to be able to afford Pokéblocks!
Seemingly struck by a thought, Haunter perked up, floating back with a bank card in hand.
"Haunter!" Haunter grinned, handing the card to Natsume.
Natsume was taken aback. "Your salary card?"
"Haunter!" Haunter nodded proudly.
Natsume was touched, smiling as he patted Haunter's head. "Keep it for yourself."
"I may be broke, but I can still afford to take care of you all!"
Growlithe, who had been munching away, sheepishly stopped eating and pushed the half-full bowl of dog food toward Natsume.
"Sylveon…"
Sylveon also poked Natsume with its ribbon, offering a half-eaten Oran Berry…
Natsume's expression turned odd.
I just forgot to buy groceries, no need to make it so dramatic!
After breakfast.
Natsume gave Haunter some instructions, sending it out with Growlithe to buy groceries.
"If I don't show off my skills, you'll really think I'm competing with Growlithe for food," Natsume muttered.
"Haunter!"
Haunter patted its chest, holding a grocery basket in one hand and Growlithe's leash in the other as it headed out.
Natsume waved, watching the two little ones walk away, feeling a bit sentimental. "Somehow… this guy seems even more suited to being a babysitter than Mr. Mime!"
…
Back on the couch, Natsume stroked Sylveon's snow-white fur while scrolling through his feed.
Natsume-sensei's Night Kitchen had made it to the homepage, with comments unanimously calling him "inhuman."
"You think Natsume-sensei is a Master? Actually, he's just a chef!"
"Siebold: Thanks, I feel attacked."
"Natsume-sensei doesn't do anything remotely human!"
Seeing the enthusiastic response, Natsume nodded in satisfaction.
Even though he didn't take ads and the earnings weren't high, every little bit helped!
Plus, thanks to the System's BP Exchange, at least he didn't have to buy Berries anymore!
After putting Sylveon on the hamster wheel.
Natsume and Squirtle watched Elesa's Runway Compilation for a while, when Natsume suddenly slapped his forehead.
"Wait, wasn't there something else I needed to do…?"
A lightbulb went off in Natsume's head, and he clicked on the "Intercollegiate League" link with mixed feelings.
Wow, I almost forgot again!
…
After browsing, Natsume nodded from time to time. "So that's how it is…"
The Intercollegiate League's semifinalists were determined through a round-robin tournament.
The four schools were Kyoto City, Tokyo, Kobe, and Yokohama National University.
Three days later, the semifinals would be held at Ho-Oh's Nest in Kyoto City.
The competition was divided into Individual and Team events, with generous rewards.
Even rare items like Miracle Seed and Mystic Water were up for grabs.
Natsume's eyes lit up.
Just a few drops of Mystic Water had cost him over a hundred thousand Pokémon Coins.
A full Mystic Water… that had to be worth millions Pokémon Coins, right ?
With this, wouldn't he never have to change Squirtle's water again?!
Natsume took a closer look, then fell into thought.
The rewards were a choice between Charcoal, Miracle Seed, and Mystic Water.
And only the MVP would get to pick.
While Tokyo Metropolitan University wasn't weak, Kyoto University had a three-year winning streak.
Snatching the MVP from them wouldn't be easy.
"Hmm… I'll take Squirtle to see the world."
Natsume rubbed his chin and nodded.
"Being too careful isn't always a good thing…"
"If we lose, we'll just go back to being slackers!"
…
Since Haunter had to work overtime, it wouldn't have time to walk Growlithe during the competition.
Keeping it in a Poké Ball wasn't Natsume-sensei's style.
So Natsume instructed Haunter, "I'll only be gone for three days, I'll be back soon… keep an eye on it!"
"Haunter!" Haunter nodded confidently.
"Growlithe!" Growlithe wagged its tail and let out a howl.
Natsume's expression was complicated.
The Pokéblocks were ready, and Haunter could take Growlithe out for walks…
Even though it hadn't been with them long, Growlithe's temperament was quite well-behaved.
With Haunter watching… it should be fine, right?
Still feeling uneasy, Natsume asked Misaki-neesan for a favor.
Misaki-neesan smiled gently. "At worst, it'll just wreck the house. A few million is nothing compared to keeping your Pokémon happy."
Natsume: ???
Is this what the world of the wealthy is like?!
Complaints aside, Natsume could see Growlithe's desire to grow stronger.
This was a good opportunity for Haunter to train it and maybe level up at Tokyo Gyms.
While preparing for the competition, Natsume also received a call from Cynthia.
"The research summit in Canalave City is in a few days. Don't forget to come."
"Research or not, I mainly just want to see you."
"I know the first part was the truth," Cynthia said with a smile. "That's your usual way of phrasing things."
Natsume was momentarily stunned, then rubbed his temples in frustration.
Crying wolf too many times… it's bound to backfire eventually!
The Tokyo Metropolitan University School team set off for Kyoto City.
On the plane, Coach Takashi nudged Natsume and whispered, "Natsume, if you perform well this time, the school might recommend you for further studies at Celadon University. You'd better give it your all!"
Natsume's expression was subtle.
I'm about to become a Mentor there, and you want me to study at Celadon University?
Natsume coughed. "Got it, Coach. I'll do my best."
Coach Takashi nodded with a smile. "Professor Rowan, who visited last time, is also from Celadon University. If you can learn something, it'll be good for you."
Captain Keigo, sitting in front, seemed to recall something. "Didn't Professor Rowan invite Natsume Coach?"
"Invite?" Coach Takashi was puzzled.
"He invited Natsume-sensei to pursue graduate studies at Celadon University," Sakurako said thoughtfully. "But I heard he turned it down."
Coach Takashi looked at Natsume, clicking his tongue. "Is that true?"
"Just rumors," Natsume shook his head.
Coach Takashi relaxed slightly and cleared his throat. "Anyway, everyone, do your best. If we win, I'll treat you all to roast duck!"
Amid the cheers, Natsume also felt a bit excited.
He rubbed Squirtle's head beside him and chuckled. "If the opponents are too strong, just surrender early. There's no shame in being a slacker!"
"Squirtle! ヾ(??■_■)"
Squirtle adjusted its sunglasses cautiously and nodded firmly.
Though it didn't know how strong the opponents would be, judging from Natsume's words.
This battle was going to be extremely tough.
Squirtle clenched its fists, its expression serious.
Don't let the Trainer down, Squirtle!