October 4th, Friday.
After the special welcoming ceremony.
The group, led by Gold, headed to the Pokémon Day Care in the suburbs of Goldenrod City.
Although Gold had saved the Johto Region multiple times, the incidents were too significant to be publicly reported.
Thus, Gold's current life revolved between the Pokémon Day Care and Mt. Silver.
With the allowance from the Johto League and the understanding Crystal, Gold lived a rather comfortable life.
Although their relationship wasn't officially defined.
From Gold's frequent visits to Trainer Academies to help Crystal out.
It was clear that Gold's emotional intelligence was slightly higher than a certain Battler's…
Johto, Pokémon Day Care.
"I'm so hungry, my stomach's about to collapse!"
Gold, with a pool cue slung over his shoulder, casually pushed open the gate of the Pokémon Day Care, completely ignoring the Day Care Granny's exasperated glare.
"Sorry for the trouble..." Crystal clasped her hands together, apologizing with an awkward smile.
The Granny nodded slightly, then turned to Natsume. "And this is?"
"He's the master who defeated Lance!" Gold boasted. "Doesn't it feel like our humble abode is glowing with honor now?"
"Hey! Don't hit me with that cane!"
Watching Gold scurrying around the room, pursued relentlessly by the Day Care Granny.
Natsume coughed dryly. "Is he always... this reckless?"
"Haha..." Crystal laughed awkwardly. "Well... he's a bit of a straightforward guy!"
"Please, have a seat," the bespectacled old man poured Natsume a cup of tea, stroking his beard with a smile. "We don't get many visitors... I hope you don't mind the lack of preparation."
"It's my fault for dropping by unannounced," Natsume smiled.
This unassuming couple running the Pokémon Day Care were actually deeply hidden big shots.
They were close friends with Pryce, Mr. Kurt, Agatha, and Professor Samuel Oak in their youth.
Agatha and Samuel Oak were childhood friends, but due to differing ideals, they eventually went their separate ways.
This was why Agatha still held a grudge against Professor Samuel Oak...
The Granny, despite her sharp tongue, had a soft heart. She waited until Gold returned before starting to cook.
Gold played around in the yard, laughing and joking with the little Pokémon.
Crystal crouched nearby, resting her chin on her hands, smiling as she watched the scene.
Natsume helped out in the kitchen and finally said, "Granny, let me handle the cooking. No need to trouble yourself."
"You?" The Granny glanced at Natsume suspiciously. "Can you even tell salt from sugar?"
Natsume chuckled.
After all, I, Natsume-sensei, am a master chef!
Fresh mushrooms from the Ilex Forest, paired with tender chicken, created a rich and flavorful sauce that made the rice dish incredibly aromatic.
Gold gulped, his spoon trembling as he took a bite, then began devouring the meal.
The Day Care Granny rested her chin on her hand, her cheeks slightly red, as the dish reminded her of her youthful days...
At 2 p.m., it was time for the scheduled meeting with Professor Bill.
Silver also sent a message via the communication terminal, arranging to meet in an alley in Goldenrod City.
Crystal headed back to the Trainer School founded by Mr. Earl Dervish.
Gold, wearing goggles and resting his arms behind his head, came out to see them off.
"Aren't you coming with me?" Natsume asked.
"That guy... I'm afraid we'll just start arguing the moment we meet."
Gold smirked, then suddenly laughed.
"But if he wants to see me, he'll come find me himself!"
Natsume was slightly taken aback, then nodded with a smile. "That's true..."
Although the Johto group often acted independently.
As Gold himself put it, the Johto group was built on trust between comrades.
"Haunter!" Haunter floated beside Natsume, grinning and waving its claw at Gold.
Gold, remembering the morning's sneak attack, gritted his teeth in frustration.
But he still pulled out a metal object from his pocket.
"Here, this is for you," Gold turned his head away, coughing into his fist.
"What's this?" Natsume was puzzled.
"The Day Care Granny gave it to me as a reward for helping out," Gold rubbed his nose. "But since Polibo has already evolved, it's not much use to me..."
"Consider it an apology for this morning's ambush!" Gold said casually.
The metal object did look familiar. Natsume scanned it with the System.
[King's Rock: A symbol of royalty. When carried, attacks may cause the opponent to flinch upon dealing damage. (The King's Will!)]
The value of this item was self-evident.
But Haunter seemed uninterested in it, not even tempted to lick it.
"Haunter!" Haunter shook its head in disdain.
"Hey! That really hurts my feelings!" Gold exclaimed.
"Haunter!" Haunter stuck out its tongue and made a face.
But since it was a gift from Gold, Natsume accepted the King's Rock and patted Gold's shoulder, touched. "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you in the next Recording Card!"
Gold blinked, then blew a strand of hair from his forehead, smirking. "No need. Bring on whatever new strategies you've got!"
...
After saying goodbye to Gold, the group chat suddenly buzzed incessantly.
Gold: "I almost beat Natsume-sensei this morning!"
Crystal sighed helplessly. "Well, Natsume-sensei did go easy on you..."
With just two Pokémon, he perfectly executed his strategy...
It's hard to imagine what it would be like if Natsume-sensei commanded six Pokémon.
Blue Oak: "6v6?"
Gold coughed. "No restrictions... I only lost by a few seconds!"
Blue Oak raised an eyebrow.
Although Gold was reckless, he was quite aggressive in wild battles.
Natsume-sensei... is he really that skilled even in this mode?
Red clenched his fist, feeling a rare surge of excitement.
Compared to watching from the sidelines... fighting alongside Pokémon is so much more thrilling!
Red: @Natsume-sensei, come to Mt. Silver next time!
Natsume's expression changed slightly, and he coughed. "Sure, sure!"
Lorelei: "Speaking of which... it's been a long time since I fought alongside my Pokémon."
The wild battle mode had been removed from League Tournaments.
The group chat then turned to Red and Lorelei reminiscing about the old days.
Although Lorelei was an old auntie now, her 'Mr. Rime' was truly a force to be reckoned with in wild battles...
"I should take it easy from now on," Natsume wiped his cold sweat, muttering. "Without the physique of a true rookie... this mode is really unforgiving!"
According to incomplete statistics, Red has been frozen twice, petrified once, and drowned twice in special editions...
Surviving all that truly earns him the title of 'The Battler'!
Closing the chat interface, Natsume played with the King's Rock in his hand.
With Haunter by his side, he headed to Goldenrod City.
...
Goldenrod City, the most bustling city in Johto, also had comprehensive communication and trade facilities.
This trip was primarily for Haunter's evolution.
In the agreed-upon alley, Natsume met the cold-faced, red-haired youth dressed in black.
'Link Trade,' Silver.
Silver glanced at the photo on his phone, then silently nodded at Natsume.
Natsume observed the legendary son of Giovanni, stroking his chin.
"Let's go," Natsume didn't waste words. "First, to Professor Bill's Research Institute."
Silver nodded silently, glancing at Haunter on Natsume's shoulder, slightly surprised.
To wait until it's this strong before evolving...
What a cautious Trainer...
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