Sabrina couldn't fathom how Natsume-sensei had conceived it.
Yet the market truly circulated his title as a "genius game developer."
It's just that his mentor's other brilliance overshadowed his business acumen.
"I have no objections regarding the licensing," Sabrina said coolly, then added, "Just make the character art good-looking..."
"Long hair or short?"
"Long. And the skin should be flawless—at least better than that Green girl—" Sabrina abruptly fell silent.
In the first generation of Pokémon, aside from roadside NPCs, the characters numbered only Professor Oak, eight Gym Leaders, and the Elite Four.
Adding Boss Giovanni to the mix, Natsume-sensei somehow secured licensing for all of them.
As for Nurse Joy at the Pokémon Center... almost forgot, I still have that "Master of Healing" title (not really)—more like "Healthcare Reform Pioneer."
Using an all-star lineup as a marketing gimmick... Natsume felt a jolt.
This move? This move was about recreating the Pokémon game within the Pokémon world!
Natsume instinctively patted his own shoulder:
"As expected of you, Natsume-sensei!"
Of course, neither character licensing nor game development could be completed overnight.
By the time it officially launched, it might already be the second half of this year.
Then, physical and digital releases would bloom simultaneously!
As Natsume pondered, Rotom reported:
"Today's training plan has been exceeded, Rotom!"
Sabrina: "Natsume-sensei, do your Pokémon train themselves?"
Natsume-sensei: "Don't yours?"
Sabrina: "..."
Fortunately, today's training session didn't demolish Saffron Gym.
Otherwise... the renovation costs would've been astronomical.
After bidding farewell to Natsume-sensei and Gengar, Sabrina felt a twinge of regret.
But.
Like the guidance of fate's spoon... it always brought different Trainers and Pokémon together.
Watching Natsume-sensei's retreating figure, Sabrina rarely allowed herself a faint smile.
Fate tells me, Mentor.
You might just lead Team Rainbow Rocket to unprecedented heights...
As the sun set and Pidgey returned to their nests, Natsume collapsed onto his couch at home and glanced at the chat group.
"Losing once isn't a big deal," Blue Oak was comforting Ash, who had suffered a defeat against Brandon.
"A true strong person accepts failure and grows stronger from it."
After all... Blue Oak never considered himself weaker than Red.
Failure was just bad luck—he was the world's strongest Trainer.
Ash nodded vigorously. "I plan to recall my companions from Professor Oak's backyard and challenge Mr. Brandon again!"
Natsume-sensei felt a pang of sympathy.
So Pidgeot just doesn't count as one of your partners, huh?
"Accept failure and grow stronger?" Silver's eyes flickered.
That man... had said the same thing once.
"Natsume-sensei."
Brock chimed in: "The money for the Max Revive last time—I've transferred it to your account!"
Natsume hadn't expected Brock to remember that.
Seizing the moment, he brought up the Pokémon project via private message.
"Does Red know about this?" Brock asked.
"Something this important deserves an in-person discussion."
Natsume replied: "If Red refuses... we can always ask Ash to do a Let's Go Pikachu instead."
"Well... I don't have any objections."
Brock agreed readily: "Misty and I have an exhibition match tomorrow. I'll extend the invitation face-to-face—it'll feel more official that way."
Natsume hadn't expected Brock to proactively recruit others.
Now this was what you called a reliable teammate!
Touched, Natsume nodded, sensing a kindred spirit in Brock:
"Thank you, Brock!"
"No problem~(*￣ー￣)"
Before departing for Sinnoh, it was only right to bid farewell to the group members.
Setting off for a new region still stirred some nostalgia.
"No need to rush," Natsume murmured. "If I finalize the licensing this week, Pokémon can enter development!"
The market response to PTCG had been outstanding.
With that seed funding, a story-driven Pokémon game could hold its own against Devon Corporation's battle-focused Pokémon: Battle.
Especially since Devon's upper management had a certain... informant.
"After all, Devon's main focus is new energy," Natsume coughed. "Breaking gaming monopolies is our duty!"
Night fell.
At Natsume's home, the little ones were reviewing the day's training.
"Gengar?" Suddenly, Gengar scratched its head.
Was it just him, or had the energy in the house surged?
Following the source, Gengar's gaze landed on the flickering Rainbow Wing in the potted plant.
Instantly, Gengar grinned: "Gengar! (*≧▽≦)"
The Trainer was just too shy to say it outright.
Going to such lengths to create the perfect training environment...
I won't let him down!
In high spirits, Gengar nearly burst into song—until Sylveon's expression darkened:
"Sylveon! (╬ ò﹏ó)??"
Gengar pouted as Sylveon's ribbon snatched away the microphone.
"Gengar!" But soon, Gengar perked up, hands on hips.
Next time, I'll use Rotom as the mic!
It was recording last time anyway—no need for hassle, live performance ready!
"System overload, Rotom! o(TヘTo)"
...
February 18th, Thursday.
Rotom's electricity bill had arrived.
Natsume-sensei stared at his phone screen—the endless scroll of charges left him conflicted.
"Now I'm paying for renovations and electricity?!"
Look on the bright side... at least I won't need power banks when traveling?
Natsume: "Still a rip-off! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻"
Compared to its Ghost typing, Rotom clearly specialized in Electric-type domains.
But as a late addition to the team, its utility skewed more toward daily life.
Natsume still remembered the feel of hurling Rotom Pokédex during the King of Pokélantis fight...
"Maybe... I could use it to surprise opponents in wild battles?" Natsume mused aloud.
"Beep, Rotom! (⊙x⊙;)" Rotom shuddered and fell silent.
Under clear skies, Gengar hijacked "Rotom Washing Machine's" chores, hanging blankets in the yard.
Before leaving, Natsume casually cast Aura of Ripple on the Rainbow Wing, calling to Gengar:
"Don't wait for me at dinner—I'll be back late!"
"Gengar! (￣▽￣)／" (I'll mooch meals at the Gym!)
Sylveon had vanished dungeon-crawling; Blastoise stood guard as usual; Togepi was gaming with Mew.
Natsume prepared fresh Starf Berry Blocks—legendary quality, eaten like candy at his place, thanks to the system's berry market.
Then, Natsume-sensei took Sirfetch'd and rode Arcanine to Celadon School.
In the principal's office:
"You're... resigning?"
Mr. Earl Dervish pleaded: "Stay one more year! I'll recommend you for a permanent position!"
Celadon School was merely an affiliate of Celadon University—a tenured position there was every scholar's dream.
Natsume shook his head. "I'm traveling to Sinnoh. This is also my farewell."
"Very well."
Seeing his resolve, Mr. Earl sighed inwardly:
Alola's new Trainer School was in preparation...
With Natsume's credentials, perhaps he could secure a spot there...
Students flocked to bid Natsume-sensei farewell.
Erika asked him to step outside. Shooing away nosy students, Natsume followed her to the hallway.
"Next time we meet might be far off," Erika said.
Natsume nodded. Sinnoh would take half a year at least.
"If you visit Sinnoh, I can be your guide."
Erika shook her head, eyes glinting mischievously: "Rumor says you're entering the Sinnoh League?"
"Uh..."
"The youth division?" Her smile turned predatory.
"Cough..." Natsume stiffened. Since when was she such a sadist?!
Was the Celadon socialite really black-hearted inside?!
Erika composed herself, hiding a laugh behind her kimono sleeve:
"Do your best, Natsume-sensei~ I'll be watching!"
"Oh, one more thing."
Natsume broached the licensing matter. Erika agreed readily.
"Make the art pretty!" She blinked. "Kimono with flower arrangement and archery motifs, ideally!"
Natsume stared.
Shouldn't you care more about battle stats than artwork?!
"Sirfetch'd!" Sirfetch'd emerged, bowing solemnly to Erika.
"The Miracle Seed worked well," Erika noted, throat bobbing.
"...Its move power has increased again!"
Natsume & Leek Pancake: Σ(°△°|||)︴
Why are you swallowing hard?!
You're eyeing Sirfetch'd like it's dinner—shameless!
"I plan to reward it with another Miracle Seed for the League," Natsume continued.
Erika smiled. "Of course. It'll be... very satisfied."
"Sirfetch'd! ~(┯_┯)σ" Tears fell.
Fattening me for slaughter?!
I'll train properly—just stay away!!
...
Back home, Brock reported Misty's agreement.
Half the licensing was secured in two days.
Natsume stroked his chin. "Have I really become this influential?"
Or had Team Rocket's infiltration of Kanto's League reached terrifying levels...?
Scanning his memos:
Red and Blue Oak could wait—one's approval meant the other's.
He almost pitied Blue Oak—his past failures were about to be dredged up again.
But facing defeat makes you stronger—his own words!
Natsume would use that line.
"The real challenge..."
After a pause, Natsume dialed Matori:
"Hey. Patch me through to Boss Giovanni?"
"I'm just your switchboard now?!" Matori fumed—then obediently connected the call.
...
After a long silence, a low, authoritative voice answered:
"State your business."
"Boss Giovanni."
Natsume cleared his throat solemnly:
"Have you ever considered... debuting as an idol?"
--------------------------------------
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