Staring at the surveillance screen, both Nanami and the receptionist were left utterly speechless.
"No way… this can't be real," Nanami muttered, swallowing hard.
"Well, it's not entirely unexpected," the receptionist chuckled awkwardly.
"Mr. Natsume did sweep Takuya Leader's entire team last time, after all."
"But still…"
"Haunter?" (What are you two whispering about?)
Haunter floated over, eyeing the two suspiciously in its role as the manager.
The two exchanged glances and immediately bowed. "Take care on your way out!"
"Mr. Natsume, watch your step!"
Natsume was taken aback.
Last time I was here, you two weren't this enthusiastic!
Haunter nodded solemnly, floating away with its hands behind its back, each clutching a bottle of cola…
After leaving the Battle Club.
Erika, her face slightly flushed, tiptoed closer and whispered softly into Natsume's ear, "Natsume-sensei… is there a good restaurant around here?"
Her fragrance wafted over, but Natsume remained unfazed and nodded.
After picking her up from the flight this morning, they had been battling non-stop until now… it was only natural to feel hungry.
Natsume's heart leapt with joy.
Finally, a chance to treat her to a meal!
"I'll make dinner," Natsume said, clenching his fist and nodding.
"Cash, card, or mobile payment—all are accepted!"
As the sun set.
Erika, dressed in a kimono, walked gracefully through the twilight, her hands clasped in front of her skirt.
Natsume, on the other hand, was deep in thought.
Recapping the day, he had been caught off guard by Erika's [Energy Ball] manuals earlier.
And then, out of nowhere, he had accepted a job offer with an annual salary of 3 million Pokémon Coins…
Natsume-sensei stroked his chin, seriously considering his options.
While 3 million Pokémon Coins was still a drop in the bucket compared to his debts, working there for a year to gain some experience could help expand the overseas market for his game.
Plus, being closer to Sinnoh meant he could visit Cynthia more often…
"But that's not the main point," Natsume muttered to himself.
"I'm really looking forward to experiencing the culture and lifestyle of Kanto!"
...
"What would you like to eat?"
Back at home, Natsume asked.
Erika rested her chin on her hand, thinking for a moment. "Anything is fine."
"Then I'll just go with my instincts."
Natsume rolled up his sleeves and headed into the kitchen.
He had some leftover chicken soup jelly from yesterday, perfect for making a rice bowl.
Even if it didn't suit her taste, as long as he added enough Berries (scratch that).
As long as he added enough Berries, even Hoopa would be caught!
In the living room.
Haunter was holding a notebook on [Energy Ball], earnestly asking Erika for tips.
"Haunter?" Haunter pointed to a line of text in the notebook, its expression serious.
Erika was stunned.
Why… can Natsume-sensei's Pokémon train themselves?
Even Red's Pokémon didn't seem to have this kind of talent.
Is this some kind of exclusive training method?
But seeing Haunter's eager-to-learn expression, Erika, as a teacher, became intrigued.
"Well… the key points of Energy Ball are quite similar to Shadow Ball…"
Erika took out a pair of thin-framed glasses from her bag, put them on, and began explaining seriously.
"It's a bit challenging, but you can give it a try…"
...
In the kitchen, Natsume's heart skipped a beat.
This is Anticipation!
Suppressing the urge to rush out of the kitchen, Natsume forced a laugh. "Haha, Erika's reliable. Haunter won't master a new move that quickly…"
Crack!
A sound like a wall breaking echoed through the house.
Natsume's hand holding the spatula trembled.
From the living room came Erika's exclamation, "This progress is astonishing!"
"Haunter! Ｏ(≧▽≦)Ｏ"
Eevee, lying on the couch, watched the crack in the wall with great interest.
Maybe… I could ask Haunter for some tips on using Shadow Ball too?
Since both are projectile moves, Shadow Ball and Energy Ball share some similarities.
And Eevee can also master Shadow Ball.
Eevee licked its paw, lying down and staring at the crack in the wall.
Trainer… would probably agree.
Even if he doesn't, it's fine.
"Eevee!"
I can Copycat Haunter and practice together!
"What happened?"
Natsume walked out of the kitchen, holding a bowl, his heart pounding.
Seeing the spiderweb-like cracks on the wall, he gasped.
Erika's face still had a faint blush as she coughed lightly. "Haunter's talent… is among the rarest I've seen in my students."
"I only asked it to try gathering energy."
Erika glanced at the smug Haunter, covering her mouth with her sleeve. "I never expected… its progress to be so astonishing!"
"Haunter! (≧▽≦)"
Natsume-sensei's expression turned strange.
I know about your learning abilities…
But you don't have to show them off every now and then—it's terrifying!
"It's my oversight, I'm truly sorry!"
Erika stood up, bowing apologetically, but then let out a soft chuckle.
Natsume: ???
You're definitely laughing!
"I lost my composure," Erika said, her face slightly red. "But… teaching such an excellent student really lifts my spirits!"
Natsume stared at Erika deeply, then sighed.
I can't help but feel… you're only this happy because my house got wrecked.
The Gym Leader of Celadon City is definitely black-hearted!
Natsume took out his mobile phone and dialed a familiar number.
"Yes, it's the same villa as last time. We need construction again, please…"
"Haunter's talent is remarkable."
After Natsume hung up, Erika smiled. "If combined with some rare Berries, its Energy Ball training will progress even faster."
Natsume paused for a moment, then his eyes lit up.
Berries are great—I can exchange for those in the system!
Natsume: "Not bad, you've got some useful knowledge."
[???]
Erika asked for a pen, leaned over, and wrote down a list of Berries. Natsume-sensei nodded repeatedly.
Grass types are truly the friends of ordinary people—this is way cheaper than Shadow Ball!
"Eevee…" Eevee suddenly jumped onto Natsume's shoulder, letting out a pitiful cry.
"What's wrong? You can't learn Energy Ball, so why are you jealous?" Natsume said flatly.
"But Eevee can master Shadow Ball."
Erika added with a smile, "It can train together with Haunter."
"Eevee! (≧ω≦)/" Eevee nodded its little head cutely.
Both Natsume and Squirtle were stunned.
This is outrageous! You two are learning new moves, but when will Squirtle ever get its chance to shine!
Natsume was filled with deep regret.
Why did I even go to pick Erika up from the airport?
This woman is clearly up to no good!
Glancing at the tearful Squirtle, Natsume said shakily, "You understand me, don't you, Squirtle?"
"Squirtle!" Squirtle nodded, choking back tears.
Natsume…
In the end, it's just you and me being the slackers, Squirtle!
...
Dinner was [Disguised Egg Rice Bowl].
The savory chicken soup jelly was spread over steaming pearl rice, melting into a rich broth as it mixed with scrambled eggs. It was incredibly satisfying to eat.
"Let's eat."
Erika clasped her hands together and elegantly picked up her chopsticks.
Then, her bowl never left her face.
The moment the delicious broth touched her tongue, the chicken soup jelly melted instantly, and the eggs provided a meaty satisfaction…
Erika felt as if the broth was flowing through her entire body, filling her with warmth…
Natsume coughed lightly, snapping Erika out of her daze.
"That'll be 50 Pokémon Coins per bowl."
Erika put down her bowl, licked the rice grains from the corner of her mouth, and suddenly blushed, covering her face with her sleeve.
Then, she handed her empty bowl to Natsume with both hands, her face still red. "Another bowl, please!"
"My apologies for the poor hospitality."
Natsume-sensei pushed aside his disappointment and nodded firmly.
Another 50 Pokémon Coins earned.
One step closer to paying off his debt!
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