January 5th, Tuesday.

Their five-day journey had finally come to an end.

Natsume-sensei and Ash returned to Pallet Town to meet with Professor Oak.

The winter sun shone gently as a breeze rippled through the tall grass of the wilderness zone.

"Finally, I can sleep in again," Natsume thought cheerfully.

"Gengar~" (Finally, back to training~)

Gengar floated beside him, its tongue licking out—only for Natsume to dodge effortlessly thanks to his Aura of Ripple.

"Gengar~"

Ash climbed onto a small hill, cupping his hands around his mouth. "Pallet Town, I'm back!"

Natsume side-eyed him. "Why are you yelling?"

"Heh, that's just what coming home feels like!" Ash grinned.

Natsume blinked, surprised Ash could say something so poetic.

Lucario really changed him...

Then again, he was an Aura warrior now.

Natsume smiled—until both he and Ash suddenly stiffened.

"Natsume-sensei..." Ash gulped, staring at the swarm of Spearow darkening the sky.

"Caw!" Like a rolling storm, the furious flock dove straight for Ash!

Natsume massaged his temples.

Right. Ash still has that natural aggro effect.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu leapt onto Ash's shoulder, cheeks crackling—

—only for a white blur to shoot past Natsume.

"Sylveon~! (▼皿▼#)"

Midair, a Dazzling Gleam erupted—then condensed into a searing beam.

The Spearow swarm split apart like torn fabric, birds raining down in a dazed heap.

"Sylveon~ o(｀^｀)o"

Sylveon landed gracefully, flicking its ribbon bow at Natsume.

Mission complete~

...

After harvesting that generous batch of EXP...

Natsume and Ash finally arrived at Oak Research Institute.

Hearing about their encounter, Professor Oak laughed heartily. "Winter makes Spearow aggressive due to food scarcity. Perfectly normal behavior."

Ash blinked. "Professor, what about my Pidgeot...?"

"Don't worry." Oak adjusted his glasses. "Natural herd competition maintains healthy ecosystems."

Ash turned to Natsume with a grin. "Thanks for earlier, Natsume-sensei!"

Natsume coughed delicately.

So my Sylveon is auto-leveling now?

That last-hit steal was way too clean...

"You should be thanking me," he sighed.

Watching their camaraderie, Professor Oak nodded approvingly. "I've heard about Cameran Palace."

"Ash, your evaluation was exemplary."

Ash's eyes sparkled.

"But before receiving your special Pokédex," Professor Oak grew serious, "there are things you must understand."

"Of course!"

"I created these special editions to help gifted trainers document discoveries."Professor Oak closed his eyes. "Yet I learned... a Pokédex isn't just data. It carries the holder's spirit."

"Red, Natsume..." He paused. "Even Gold proved this."

Natsume stiffened.

Did he just throw shade at Gold?

Professor Oak, how deep does this grudge go?!

"Ash." Oak's gaze deepened. "What does Pikachu mean to you?"

"Pikachu..."

The Pikachu tilted its head beneath Ash's cap.

"I'm still figuring it out." Ash scratched his cheek, then clenched his fist. "But like Sir Aaron, I'd risk everything—"

Professor Oak chuckled, cutting him off.

"Enough."

The Professor Oak produced a crimson Pokédex from his lab coat.

"Congratulations, Ash."

His smile crinkled aged eyes. "You passed."

Ash adjusted his cap, signature grin blooming.

"I got... the special Pokédex!"

"Pikachu~!" They spun in celebratory circles.

Professor Oak laughed. "Well, Young Man, get on with your work."

Turning to Natsume: "For guiding Ash, I'd like to—"

"NO THANKS!" Natsume choked.

Such modesty, Professor Oak mused. Well, I'll just gift him that analyzed Pokémon data later...

"Professor Oak," Natsume changed topics, "what's Ash's title?"

Professor Oak stroked his chin. "Ash, know that a Pokédex title isn't just talent—it's responsibility."

Ash shook his head.

"Red the Battler faces frozen or petrified foes."

"Gold the Hatcher... well, his eggs inherit questionable traits."

"As for the Strategist—"

Professor Oak glanced at Natsume.

Damn it, no flaws?!

He coughed into his fist. "Ahem! Sometimes... too strategic! Lacks sportsmanship!"

Natsume beamed.

I'll take that as praise.

"Titles remind us to grow." Professor Oak rested hands on Ash's shoulders. "Your gift for bonding with any Pokémon... may be why you plateau as a trainer."

Ash pondered this.

Natsume nodded.

Ash kept restarting with new Pokémon each region.

With his original team, he'd have conquered leagues by now.

"Yet this cycle of meeting Pokémon..." Professor Oaksmiled at Ash's drooping expression. "...makes your bonds uniquely genuine."

"Congratulations..."

The words carried weight.

"...Ash the Bondsmith."

Ash sniffled, tackling Oak in a hug. "THANK YOU!"

"Go on now! Muk needs its bath~"

Natsume recalled Ash's Greninja and its Bond Phenomenon.

So titles are both blessing and challenge...

Sunlight glittered on the lake as a Pidgeot soared overhead.

"Time to go."

Natsume stretched. "Gengar, let's buy Blastoise a new tank."

"Gengar~! Ψ(￣ ￣)Ψ"

Its sneak-attack lick landed perfectly.

Natsume crunched a Lava Cookie, grimacing at the aftertaste.

Regular tanks won't cut it...

Knowing Blastoise...

Would the Water Cube suffice?

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