Pokémon: Who let him leave Pallet Town?

Chapter 499 A Friend's Trouble is Hoopa's Trouble

Natsume's gaze swept across the entire room, and most people remained silent.

Clearly, they also wanted to know the true value of their championship win.

However, my own Pokémon isn't doing very well at exploring ice caves right now.

"Mr. Rogers' concern for regional security is commendable."

Natsume spoke, his voice steady and unreadable, but he was weighing his options.

"My main partners are currently carrying out an important escort mission to protect a group of children who are studying in the wild."

"Protecting is a trainer's duty, regardless of the occasion or place."

"The safety of the children is just as important to me as the safety of Shuanglong City." Natsume paused, his tone calm:
"Mr. Rogers, how about we reschedule the exhibition match for another day?"

After hearing Natsume's explanation, Rogers' face immediately showed an expression of deep understanding and admiration. He bowed slightly, his tone even tinged with emotion:
"I see. Your Excellency, the Champion, cares deeply for the next generation. This sentiment and sense of responsibility are truly moving. My previous doubts were far too narrow-minded."

He spoke loudly, making sure everyone could hear his high praise for Natsume.

He paused, his smile growing even more genuine, as if completely captivated by Natsume's noble sentiments:

“Protecting the children’s safety is indeed a matter of utmost importance. Your Excellency puts the children’s safety above your own convenience. This selflessness and sense of responsibility are exactly the kind of demeanor that the champion of the United States should have.”

"The champion Ardek often taught us that a trainer's heart should always be turned towards those who need protection!"

He first elevated Natsume's behavior to the level of selflessness, responsibility, and champion's demeanor, even bringing in Aldeck to endorse it, which sounded like he was giving Natsume a way out and praising him highly.

Even a fool could see that the other party's logic was to praise him first and then kill him; this kid was about to change his tune.

Sure enough, just when everyone thought Rogers was going to back down, he suddenly changed his tone, his voice still gentle, but carrying a heavy sense of concern for the country and its people:

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"

Rogers stood there, sobbing, but no sound came out.

"Ok?"

Rogers covered his throat in disbelief, drawing stares from the audience.

"You get to say both good and bad things, aren't you being too greedy?" Natsume said, holding his phone.

I really need to control you.

Seeing Rogers shut up, Natsume silently put away the remote control and subconsciously sat down in the seat behind him.

He just likes to hear good things.

Anyone who dares to criticize me to my face shall have their tongue cut out.

"Well"

The moment I sat down, a deep, murmuring sound, like flowing water, came from behind me.

"Sorry, I forgot about you."

Natsume immediately sprang to his feet, maintaining a safe distance from Cattleya before the Life Dolls rioted.

Although it seems from what I just saw that contact with Gadriya would allow me to quickly restore my superpower level, this situation is clearly not the right time.

Rogers clutched his throat, uttering futile sobs. His perfect expression completely crumbled, leaving only incredulous astonishment and a mechanical lag.

He tried to speak again, but could only manage a louder hoarse sound, looking utterly pathetic.

The entire room fell silent; everyone was stunned by this sudden turn of events.

Why did Rogers, who was just talking eloquently and occupying the moral high ground, suddenly fall silent?
As if nothing had happened, Natsume sprang away from Cattleya, cleared his throat, and his voice carried clearly throughout the hall:

"Ahem, it seems Mr. Rogers is too worried about the league's affairs and his throat is a little sore. Well then, we won't waste any more time."

Ignoring Rogers's almost fiery glare and the strange expressions of those around him, he announced directly, "Now, representatives, please vote on the candidate for mayor of Shuanglong City."

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

After the series of farces that had just transpired, coupled with Rogers's current loss of voice, the venue actually quieted down, and the staff began distributing ballots.

However, just as the voting was about to begin, a figure gracefully stood up in the Gym Leader area.

That's Xiaoju'er.

Her dazzling long golden hair flowed like gold, cascading smoothly down to her waist.

She wore a fashionable and avant-garde black bodycon dress, showcasing her supermodel figure, and her fair skin seemed to glow under the lights.

A pair of sapphire-blue eyes, filled with a mix of languor and curiosity, were now looking at Natsume on the high platform with great interest.

“Natsume, Champion,” Kiku’s voice was clear and melodious, like a spring striking a stone, with a unique magnetism, “Please wait a moment.”

Her words instantly drew everyone's attention.

As one of the most popular gym leaders in the Unova region, her influence is not to be underestimated.

Natsume looked at her and nodded slightly: "Master Kiku, what can I do for you?"

Xiao Ju smiled brightly, radiating charm: "I dare not presume to offer guidance."

"However, although Mr. Rogers's way of expressing himself was a bit intense, the question he raised is something that we, the museum owners, also feel is indeed worth considering."

She glanced around at the other owners of the museum. Boss Ju nodded steadily, and the other owners also showed expressions of agreement.

"As gym leaders in the Unova region, we know what the championship title means," Kiku continued sincerely.

"That is the pinnacle of strength, the symbol of protection."

“We are not questioning your qualifications, Champion Natsume. It’s just that the situation in the Unova region is different from the other regions, and Mr. Rogers’ accident just now prevented everyone from witnessing your brilliance firsthand.”

She paused, a sly yet benevolent glint in her eyes:

"Since your Pokémon partner is temporarily unable to split into two, how about you borrow one of our Gym Leaders' Pokémon?"

"A trainer's skill and tactical acumen are also reflected in their command abilities. We'd be happy to lend you our partner temporarily so you can show off your skills, put everyone at ease, and dispel any unnecessary doubts. What do you say?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Elder Ju echoed in a deep voice: "Little Ju is right. Champion, your command of the battle is equally impressive."

What do you want to do?
Unlike Rogers, Natsume did not sense any malice from these gym leaders.

After all, they shared the same stance as themselves, standing on Shaka's side.

Natsume glanced sideways and noticed that Shaka below was frantically winking at him, her mouth silently opening and closing.

"Say yes, say yes now, kid."

In an instant, Natsume understood their meaning. These gym leaders wanted to help him save face and prove his strength.

They noticed Natsume's awkward situation and realized that although Rogers had been muted, the questions he raised were valid, so they came up with this compromise.

By borrowing their Pokémon, Natsume can demonstrate his command ability without leaving him in the predicament of having no Pokémon to use, and also silence any criticism.

Natsume is able to resolutely refuse any malicious attacks.

Natsume refused even more quickly when faced with well-intentioned requests for a fight.

Almost the instant Kiku-sama finished speaking, Natsume uttered two words decisively:

"No."

It was swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation, even faster than when he rejected Rogers.

Xiao Ju'er's smile froze, and the other owners were also stunned.

Shaka almost couldn't catch his breath.

What are you doing?

Xia Ka almost picked up her phone and showed Natsume her chat history with the museum owners.

Do you know how humble he was in the gym trainers' group chat just now?

Natsume doesn't care.

Given Aldak's tracking speed, the other party should be able to catch up to his academy within the next few days after he finishes exploring the ice cave, since he has made quite a few "marks" along the path of that Tyranitar.

Wouldn't it be more convincing to have an exhibition match with Ardek himself?
And it also serves as a way to advertise one's own college.

"If Mr. Natsume finds it too difficult to fight against the other gym leaders, then please choose me!"

Rogers has finally regained his ability to speak.

With a wave of his hand, accompanied by a sonic boom, a red and white ball flew towards Natsume.

"Sizzle~" Natsume caught it steadily, and with a flash of light, a three-headed dragon appeared in the auditorium.

“I have two Hydreigon, which are almost identical in quality. I’d love to see the difference in command between me and the Champion.”

As he spoke, another three-headed dragon of similar size appeared behind Rogers.

"If that's the case, it would surely better showcase Mr. Natsume."

Before he could finish speaking, Natsume retrieved the three-headed dragons back into the ball, and instead of returning them to Rogers, he simply put them in his pocket.

"Thank you so much. It's been so kind of you to take care of me these past few days without any Pokémon around." Natsume thanked him sincerely.

Rogers: "???"

It seemed that the processor had never encountered this situation before, and it remained in place for a long time.

"Could it be that Mr. Natsume only raised six Pokémon?" After a long while, he finally managed to squeeze out these words through gritted teeth.

"Then what are you going to do?"

Natsume turned his head and looked at Cattleya, who was grabbing his sleeve.

The other party seemed to have finally come to their senses from the previous chaos.

She looked down at the aggressive, dagger-smiling Rogers below, then glanced at Natsume, who was in trouble beside her.

The life doll inside me, which had just calmed down, seemed to throb slightly again, conveying a vague emotion of wanting to help.

Almost as if by magic, Cattleya's fair hand reached for a luxurious sphere inlaid with gemstones at her waist.

She hesitated for a moment, as if struggling with some kind of inner sense of rules.

But in the end, she took off the deluxe ball and, silently, with a hint of concern that she herself was unaware of, handed it to Natsume.

Her movements were very gentle, her eyes were somewhat evasive, and her cheeks still had a blush. She whispered, "Use this."

This scene once again drew everyone's attention.

Elite Four member Cattleya actually lent her Poké Ball to the new champion.

"Sure enough, these two people definitely knew each other before."

"Yes, yes, I figured it out a long time ago."

The crowd began to whisper.

Rogers' pupils contracted sharply when he saw this.

His expression froze for a moment.

Cattleya is actually so biased towards this guy?!
I've done my research, and Gadria has practically no friends. Even Orchid is still in the early stages of getting to know her.

However, to everyone's surprise, Natsume did not accept the red and white ball.

He glanced at the hand Cattleya offered, then at her eyes, which held a hint of expectation and shyness, and gently but firmly shook his head.

"Thank you for your kindness, but it's not necessary now."

Natsume's voice was gentle, yet carried an undeniable refusal.

Something seemed to have happened in that instant. After a brief moment of stunned silence, Natsume's gaze became less reserved, and the playfulness in his eyes returned.

Cattleya was stunned.

She never expected that her courageous act of offering help, which even went against some of her principles, would be so decisively rejected!
An indescribable sense of grievance and disappointment welled up in her heart, causing her beautiful eyes to widen slightly, her outstretched hand to freeze in mid-air, her fingertips trembling slightly.

"I can accept your challenge, and I will accept the challenges of all the gym trainers."

Natsume suddenly stood up and walked towards the audience, step by step, his eyes filled with a deep smile:
"However, to be honest, it's not a Pokémon I bred myself, but if it's willing to battle you, you can give it a try."

A golden ring silently appeared on Natsume's left wrist.

The ring was ancient and mysterious, as if it were made of pure gold, with engraved mysterious patterns on it, emitting a faint, warm halo.

It quietly encircled Natsume's wrist, like a delicate decorative bracelet.

A subtle, slightly helpless smile appeared on Natsume's lips.

He looked down at the gold ring on his wrist and said softly in a familiar tone:
"What, your grandfather is already settled?"

(End of this chapter)