August 25th, Tuesday.
Unova, Undella Town.
Waves crashed against the golden sand, and a row of luxurious beachfront villas lined the coast.
A tall, golden-haired woman with hair reaching down to her waist stood on the villa's balcony, wearing sunglasses and a light blue swimsuit.
The swimsuit wasn't particularly revealing, but it still accentuated her slender figure.
"Want some juice?"
The voice from behind was cool and carried a hint of youthfulness.
The speaker wasn't tall—a girl around sixteen years old.
Her thick, wavy golden hair cascaded down to her calves, and she wore an exaggerated white hat.
"Of course, thank you, Caitlin," Cynthia said, still gazing at the beach without turning around, a smile on her face.
"What would you like?"
Cynthia turned around, momentarily showing a thoughtful expression.
The girl nodded in satisfaction, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. "Just kidding… I'll decide for you."
Cynthia let out a sigh of relief.
Caitlin poured a pitcher of juice into a cocktail glass and used her psychic powers to float it over to Cynthia. "So, what made you suddenly decide to vacation in Unova?"
"I just finished my league duties and have a week off," Cynthia replied, taking the chilled glass and sipping the juice. "Undella Town is perfect for escaping the heat, so I came here."
"But you're just going to read books and play games in a different location," Caitlin said, pouting.
"And," Cynthia raised a finger with a smile, "occasionally challenge strong Trainers!"
Caitlin smiled faintly. "If you need a challenge, the Battle Castle is always open…"
Just then, the ringing of a mobile phone interrupted Caitlin.
"Hold on," Cynthia said, picking up the phone from the coffee table. "Natsume-sensei?"
"Yes, I'm on vacation… Tanabata? What's that?"
Caitlin stood to the side, pouting and twirling her long, curly hair with her fingers.
"Traveling to Touran? Hmm… I can do that, but I might be a little late," Cynthia said after a moment of thought, smiling. "Actually, I've been thinking about my holiday plans too."
"Alright… no problem."
After Cynthia hung up, Caitlin asked softly, "Who was that?"
"A friend from the Touran League," Cynthia replied with a gentle smile, glancing at Caitlin.
"Are you going to Touran? We could go together."
Caitlin opened her mouth but then lowered her head in disappointment. "No… I snuck out this time. I'll have to go back soon to fulfill my Elite Four duties."
Cynthia gently patted Caitlin's head as if she were a small animal.
"Mmm…" Caitlin let out a dissatisfied whine but didn't pull away.
"I'm not in a rush to leave," Cynthia said with a smile. "I can visit your Battle Castle first."
Caitlin's eyes lit up, her golden curls floating with excitement. "Let's go! We can head out now!"
...
Natsume-sensei put down the phone, feeling quite pleased.
"Who knew inviting Cynthia would be so easy!"
Tomorrow was Tanabata Festival.
The astronomical forecast predicted a comet meteor shower over Kazurino.
Since he hadn't traveled at all this summer vacation, this was the perfect opportunity to take the little ones out for some fun.
"I wonder how late she'll be…" Natsume muttered as he packed his luggage. "As long as she doesn't bail on me!"
"Haunter!"
Haunter happily helped pack the luggage.
This was the first time the little ones were going on a trip, and they were bouncing around with excitement.
"Don't pack the dumbbells in the suitcase!" Natsume cried out in despair. "Eevee, are you seriously bringing the hamster wheel?!"
"Eevee?" (Is that not okay?)
Eevee scratched its little head.
Seeing the sparkle in Eevee's eyes, Natsume sighed. "Fine, just this one thing. No more… Haunter, you'll have to help me carry it!"
"Haunter!" Haunter confidently patted its chest.
"Squirtle!"
Squirtle chanted as it dragged the fish tank out of the room.
The water quality outside wasn't safe, so it was better to stick with the familiar fish tank!
Natsume glanced over and said flatly, "The fish tank is not coming."
"Squirtle! ∑(っ°Д°;)っ"
Squirtle paused for a moment, then suddenly understood.
This was Natsume's way of pushing me to train my moves in an unfamiliar environment—
Only in new surroundings can I grow stronger!
"Squirtle…" (I see…)
Squirtle stroked its chin and nodded slowly.
As Natsume continued packing, his phone vibrated. "Huh? Who's calling at this hour?"
"Natsume-sensei, want to hike Kazurino together tomorrow?"
Steven's warm and gentle voice came through the phone. "I have two juniors who are also planning to visit Touran."
"Oh, sure, no problem. Are you coming too?"
"Yes, but I won't stay long. After finishing some business at the observatory, I'll head back."
Natsume was slightly taken aback.
Why does Steven always pop up whenever I invite Cynthia…
But since he still owed Steven some money, Natsume coughed awkwardly. "No problem. Cynthia might join us too."
"Really?"
Steven sounded surprised.
It seems Cynthia and Natsume are closer than I thought…
"By the way, what are your juniors' names?" Natsume asked.
"Ruby and Sapphire."
Oh, the dumb couple!
Who would've thought I'd meet them before even meeting Gold!
Suddenly, Natsume clutched his chest, his breathing quickening.
Does that mean I'll have to watch them flaunt their love during Tanabata Festival?!
No way, I'm going to flaunt mine with Cynthia!
"If it's no trouble, let's meet tomorrow," Steven said with a smile.
"Oh, and will there be a sequel to Gold Miners? I'm almost done with the game…"
Natsume's lips twitched.
It's only been a few days since release, and you're almost done?
The Grinding King is truly terrifying!
After hanging up, Natsume calculated the trip's schedule.
The trip would last about three days to a week, and there were tents for rent near the observation site.
Camping with Pokémon sounded exciting…
Opening his live stream, Natsume posted a message: [Going on a field trip, will be gone for three days. New strategies coming when I return. Love you all.]
"Natsume-sensei, just die already!"
"Three days off for a new strategy? Totally worth it!"
"Does anyone actually believe Natsume-sensei is going on a field trip? He's obviously going to take down an evil organization!"
"Maybe Natsume-sensei is part of the evil organization, hahaha."
In Natsume-sensei's fan group.
Everyone expressed their envy upon hearing about Natsume's trip.
Gold: So annoying, the Pokémon Day Care's been super busy lately. Otherwise, I'd love to go out for a few days.
Yellow: A meteor shower… I want to see it too! (crying behind hands)
Erika: I'd love to go too, but Natsume-sensei didn't invite me. (Meowth sigh)
Natsume's heart skipped a beat.
Oh right, Erika's currently traveling in Touran!
Steven sent an apologetic voice message: "Since I invited Natsume-sensei first, I'll have to trouble him to look after two troublesome juniors."
Lurking in the chat, Lorelei took off her glasses, wiped them, and sighed. "How nice, traveling with a good man…"
Green seized the opportunity to advertise: "Buy gifts from me now and get 20% off!"
Natsume-sensei asked curiously, "How many have you sold so far?"
Green chuckled awkwardly. "So far, only Red has bought one."
"I'll buy one too," Gold declared, shocking everyone.
Instantly, the group's gossip instincts were ignited.
Who would've thought you, Gold, of all people, would have a girlfriend!
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