Kanto Region, Cinnabar Island
A large island in southern Kanto, famed for its active volcano and hot springs, ranked among the region's top tourist destinations.
Sea breeze brushed against Natsume's face as Wingulls soared over the azure waves.
Lowering his travel guide, he spotted the emerald outline of the island on the horizon.
Buzz—
Red: "Natsume-sensei, Yellow and I are already here!"
Natsume blinked.
Oh, so having a flying Pokémon makes you special?
Still needs me as a love coach!
That said… Red seemed oddly adept at handling romantic tension.
Sylveon stood beside him, ribbons fluttering in the wind, its blue eyes sparkling with anticipation.
A long ferry horn sounded as passengers began disembarking.
"Let's go hit those hot springs!" Natsume patted its head.
"Sylveon~(◕‿◕✿)"
Despite winter's chill, Cinnabar Island's volcanic activity kept it warm. Portside, inn staff waved signs to attract guests, while shops lined the streets bustling with tourists in kimono and Alolan shirts.
Natsume wheeled his luggage, Sylveon gliding elegantly beside him, its ribbon coiled around his arm. Behind them, Gengar (in sunglasses and a floral shirt) and Squirtle followed, while Growlithe—carrying Togepi—raced ahead.
"Wrong way! The resort's that way!"
"Growlithe~"
The island boasted numerous resorts, including a high-end Team Rocket-owned hotel. But Red's directions led them to a quiet hot spring inn on the outskirts.
A row of modest wooden cabins came into view.
"Pikachu~~"
Inside the lobby, two Pikachu playfully tussled—their tail shapes betraying their genders.
"Natsume-sensei! Over here!"
Yellow waved, dressed in a light yukata, her ponytail swaying shyly. Beside her, a black-haired young man in a dark yukata extended a hand.
"Natsume-sensei, nice to finally meet you."
It took Natsume a second to process—this was the legendary Trainer, The Battler, Red!
Though Natsume had met Yellow before, this was his first encounter with Red. Gone was the iconic red-and-white outfit; instead, he mirrored Yellow's relaxed attire. His calm eyes held a quiet intensity.
"Senior Red," Natsume shook his hand, awed. "An honor."
One year.
That's all it took for Red to dismantle Team Rocket, topple the Elite Four, and claim Kanto's championship—a feat even Ash Ketchum couldn't match. A wrist injury had forced his retirement, but his legend endured.
As Natsume studied Red, Red studied him back.
From SubProtect Toxic strategies to sleep-inducing tactics, Natsume's skills rivaled the Elite Four's. Drawing against Lance in official matches, defeating Professor Oak in unrestricted battles—his prowess justified his title as a Pokédex Holder.
"Just 'Red' is fine," Red grinned, scratching his head like a kid. "Actually, I should thank you for coming."
"Huh? For what?"
Red glanced at his wrist. "Dragging you out here just for my rehab..."
"Ahaha, no trouble!"
'I'm here for the drama,' Natsume internally coughed. "Just happened to be in the area!"
Yellow tilted her head. "You have other business on Cinnabar Island?"
Red's eyes lit up. "Oh! You're here to challenge Blaine, right?"
Natsume froze.
Blaine? The guy who pals around with Mewtwo and Entei?
If he whips out a Legendary, I'm toast!
"Gym challenges can wait," Natsume deflected. "I'm just here for the springs."
"Blaine's busy anyway," Yellow added. "He told us to enjoy the resort first."
"Probably researching," Red nodded. "Best not disturb him."
Yellow clasped her hands. "Natsume-sensei, if you've got things to do, don't worry about us! I'll take care of Senior Red!"
She's totally shooing me away!
Still, playing third wheel wasn't the plan.
"I'll handle my errands after the springs," Natsume said. "What's your schedule?"
Red and Yellow exchanged glances.
"Maybe… train our Pokémon?" Red ventured.
Natsume's eye twitched.
You bring a girl to a resort and your first thought is grinding EVs?!
"The town's got an open-air cinema tonight," Natsume hinted. "Post-movie hot springs and snacks sound nice, right?"
"You want to watch movies with me?" Red blinked.
"Pikachu!"
The Pikachu in the lobby faceplanted.
Their Trainer's EQ is hopeless!
Natsume sighed. Time for bluntness.
"I'll pass. You two go. I've got… uh…"
Inspiration struck.
"A private Gym challenge! No spectators allowed!"
Brilliant save!
"Ah." Red nodded sagely. Some Trainers guarded their strategies fiercely.
"Then we won't intrude," Red said. "Pika and I'll hit the cinema after soaking."
Natsume & Yellow: ???
At the last second, Red's EQ glimmered.
"Yellow, wanna come?"
"Y-Yes!" She turned scarlet, nodding furiously.
As Natsume sighed in relief, Red stretched.
"Since we've got time before sunset..."
His grin sharpened.
"Natsume-sensei, let's battle!"
"HUH?!"
Red's fighting spirit blazed—had he been wearing his cap, he'd have tilted it dramatically.
Natsume, trained in composure, prepared to decline—
"NO!" Yellow stomped.
Red froze.
"Senior, you're an adult! Why can't you take care of yourself?!" She puffed her cheeks. "This trip's for healing! Battling could reinjure your wrist!"
Me? Injure Red?
Natsume sweatdropped. Pikachu alone would vaporize me.
Red pondered, then sighed.
"You're right."
Half-hearted battles insulted strong opponents. Better to wait until he'd recovered.
Watching them, Natsume felt oddly...
Why do I taste lemons?
"Couldn't Entei's flames heal you?" Natsume recalled. "Blaine recovered using its sacred Fire, right?"
Both stared, surprised he knew—then remembered his Pokédex Holder status.
"They helped," Red admitted. "The ice injury's mostly gone. This is just muscle strain from overtraining..."
"He throws Poké Balls thousands of times daily," Yellow huffed.
"Gold spars with me sometimes!" Red laughed.
"That's not a good thing!"
Natsume marveled. Even legends had burdens.
"How about a simulated battle?" He flipped open the resort's brochure.
"Pokémon Battle on the console?"
...
Evening – Resort Backyard
The outdoor springs bubbled softly as Red and Natsume faced off in a digital showdown. Yellow sat primly in her yukata, watching the screen flicker.
Final score: 6-5.
"Not fighting alongside Pokémon feels weird," Red mused, sprawled on the floor. "You win, Natsume-sensei."
"Simulations favor strategy over luck," Natsume handed him a hot coffee. "For once, RNG blessed me."
"Thanks."
Red sipped, unbothered. Professor Oak was right—each Pokédex Holder excelled differently. Gold outpaced him in breeding; Natsume dominated tactical sims.
But glancing at Gengar and Sylveon, Red smiled.
To raise such strong Pokémon in six months...
"Can't wait to battle you for real," he said.
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