Chapter 0258: Three Misses in a Row? Just Another Day

November 25th, Wednesday

The Cinnabar Island trip had come to an end.

Natsume returned to his usual, leisurely routine.

Taking advantage of the holiday, he lounged on his bedroom floor, propped against Arcanine's warm belly, reading under the sunlight.

Arcanine's massive size and toasty fur made it the perfect winter cushion.

"Arcanine~" Arcanine yawned lazily.

The yawn spread to Natsume, then to Sylveon, who was sprawled on top of him.

The winter sun was blissfully warm, casting a golden glow over Sylveon's snow-white fur.

Less than ten minutes into his book, Natsume snapped it shut.

He pinched Sylveon's cheeks, earning an indignant "Sylveon!" from the little one.

Honestly… with 25kg of dumbbell sitting on me every day, my physique might evolve before my Pokémon do!

After lifting Sylveon off, Natsume prepared to head to the Trainer Academy.

Blaine's Fire Blast had left him with serious psychological trauma.

Rather than letting Gengar secretly train (and risk another disaster), he figured it'd be safer to take Arcanine to the Sunlight Chamber himself.

Well, "training" is just an excuse—keeping Arcanine away from the house is the real goal.

At least this way, he could burn off some of Arcanine's energy…

Besides, the principal did say the academy's training facilities were free to use.

And if something blew up… eh, probably fine?

Grabbing his Poké Balls, Natsume-sensei set off on foot toward the outskirts.

Wild Pokémon rustled in the dense bushes along the path.

But the moment a red light flashed and Arcanine let out a proud howl—silence fell.

The Intimidate Ability worked wonders for avoiding random encounters.

Even the bug-catching kids lurking nearby wisely pretended not to see them.

Saved some time, sure… but now I can't "borrow" their lunch money.

Natsume sighed regretfully before swinging onto Arcanine's back and patting its fluffy head.

"Let's go! To the Trainer Academy!"

"Arcanine~~!"

"Wrong way—this way!"

As one of Touran's legendary Pokémon, Arcanine had always been a favorite of Natsume's.

Riding it was exhilarating—wind roaring past, trees blurring into streaks of green.

Ten minutes later, the Trainer Academy came into view.

...

Giselle was reviewing last week's lecture notes when a cloud of dust suddenly billowed in front of her.

A massive Arcanine skidded to a halt.

"N-Natsume-sensei?!"

She stammered before scowling. "The academy has a no reckless riding rule! Even for teachers!"

"Technically, we're still outside the gate."

Natsume laughed, recalling Arcanine into its Luxury Ball.

"How's Professor Erika's substitute teaching?"

"Not as good as yours."

"Pfft, stop telling the truth." Natsume waved her off.

Giselle deadpanned.

You're totally smug about that, aren't you?!

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you," Natsume said. "The year-end exchange tournament requires student participants. If you're interested, now's the time to start preparing."

"Isn't there a faculty division too?" Giselle blinked.

"If you're competing, Natsume-sensei… shouldn't you prepare seriously?"

"Nah, the Baby Cup's a free win." Natsume waved. "See ya."

As he walked off, Giselle's face flushed before she realized—

Wait… did Natsume-sensei just say something outrageous?!

...

In the faculty office, Erika—wearing her usual green furisode and oversized glasses—was drafting lesson plans, makeup-free.

"Natsume-sensei?" She looked up, surprised. "You don't have classes today, do you?"

"You covered for me last time," Natsume said. "Figured I'd return the favor."

"That's unnecessary." Erika smiled gently. "Given your… teaching style, I worry you might traumatize the students."

"Hey, I'm not that ruthless."

Natsume coughed. "Well, if you don't need me… mind if I use the training grounds?"

Erika nodded, then remembered Natsume-sensei was collecting Gym Badges.

Back in Tokyo, she'd lost to him in a friendly match.

If he's too proud to ask…

She decided to wait for the right moment to offer her badge.

...

Trainer Academy – Sunlight Chamber

The old custodian flinched as another explosion rattled the training room.

The equipment's brand-new… but can it handle this?!

Flashbacks of past incidents made his hands tremble as he pulled up the surveillance feed.

A handsome Trainer stood at the sidelines, cradling a Togepi, watching intently.

On the field, a very well-fed Arcanine bared its fangs, drool glistening, as flames gathered in its maw.

The old man paled.

An Arcanine? Why does it look familiar—

Wait, isn't that the Growlithe that wrecked the place last time?!

BOOM!!

A star-shaped inferno erupted from Arcanine's mouth, hurtling toward the target dummy.

Just training… should be fine…

The custodian relaxed—until the explosion made him fumble his glasses.

…It missed?

At point-blank range?!

Natsume seemed equally stunned. "Uh… again?"

"Arcanine!"

Arcanine howled confidently.

This time, I won't fail!

BOOM!!

The second Fire Blast slammed into the wall, shaking the entire chamber.

Two misses in a row? Natsume was getting fired up.

I even brought Togepi for luck! How's this possible?!

"One. Last. Time."

Natsume gritted his teeth. "Arcanine, Fire Blast!"

"Arcanine~~!!"

The flames roared forth—power impressive, trajectory abysmal.

Somehow, in just one afternoon, Arcanine had grasped the basics of Fire Blast.

My training skills are god-tier.

But the shot veered wildly off-course—not toward the dummy, but straight up.

The custodian's jaw dropped.

The fireball smashed into the ceiling.

As debris rained down, a single sunbeam pierced through the new skylight.

"Arcanine~~凸(｀0′)凸"

Arcanine shook its majestic mane, grinning smugly.

Who's the best? This old man, that's who!

Half a day's progress? Almost as good as Senior Gengar's 30-minute mastery!

Bathed in sunlight, Natsume's expression was… complicated.

My house is safe… but the academy's wrecked again?

Well, better them than me—

Wait, no.

Natsume shook his head, grimacing.

I legit just wanted to train!

Who knew Fire Blast could miss three times AND have worse aim than a drunk Magikarp?!

...

Principal Earl Dervish rushed over, wiping sweat from his brow.

Not even a week since the last incident… How?!

That architect was a scam!

"You're not hurt, Natsume-sensei?" The principal fretted.

"Physically? No…"

"Good, good." Earl Dervish sighed in relief.

"I'll call a construction team ASAP. Feel free to use other facilities!"

"Let me chip in for repairs," Natsume said, guilt gnawing at him.

"Absolutely not! Like I said last time—"

The principal smiled. "Your lectures bring far more value than material costs."

Touched, Natsume nodded. "Then I'll handle the construction crew. I've got a VIP contact!"

"Oh? Splendid!"

...

By evening, Arcanine's Fire Blast had taken shape.

In official matches, Natsume would still rely on the more accurate Flamethrower.

But compared to Gengar's "tutorials," supervising Arcanine himself was clearly the safer option.

This time, Natsume plays 4D chess.

As the sun dipped, a flock of Pidgey soared across the twilight sky.

Natsume shook hands with the Kanto renovation foreman, more determined than ever to compete in the exchange tournament.

After the principal's kindness… I've gotta repay him!

Back in his office, Natsume studied the tournament guidelines, deep in thought.

"Three student participants… Where do I even find candidates?"

Just then—

A student with a "haircut that screams poker ace" burst in.

"Natsume-sensei!"

He gasped. "Senior Giselle—she's fighting some outsider at the gate!"

"Details."

"Some guy from Alola challenged our entire training division!"

"Senior Giselle's about to lose!"

Natsume blinked. "What's he look like?"

"Blonde, edgy hairstyle, and the smuggest face—ugh!"

The description clicked.

Alola's Gladion?

Following the "Duel King" student, Natsume reached the gate.

A Midnight Form Lycanroc stood there, crimson eyes gleaming with arrogance.

Natsume's eyes lit up.

Tournament candidates… delivered straight to my doorstep!

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