...
The battle between Natsu and the others didn't happen.
It was already pitch black by the time the academic exchange wrapped up. After a full day of mental activity, and Natsu not having slept the night before, he really had no energy left to fight.
But now that Professor Oak had revealed they'd inevitably be participating in a match soon, some people didn't regret missing this particular battle too much.
Two days later, Natsu returned to Solaceon Town, accompanied by Cynthia.
When he first arrived, Natsu was honestly shocked by how lively Solaceon Town was. Even though it was getting close to the "Devon Minor Cup," which would definitely bring more people, the sheer volume of traffic was way beyond Natsu's expectations. Cynthia looked surprised too.
"It's only been a few months, and Solaceon Town has become something I don't recognize at all," Cynthia said.
Natsu smiled, "That's thanks to the development and support from the Devon Corporation."
But Cynthia disagreed. "I think your influence is key. Devon is irreplaceable, but as the current face of Solaceon Town, you're the most critical part. Devon saw that too, which is why they're willing to invest if you have potential."
As she spoke, she pointed to a building under construction in the distance. It was the Devon Building. Once finished, it would be the largest commercial building in Solaceon Town and one of its landmarks, significantly boosting the town's economy.
Outside the building, there was also a huge banner poster. It showed Natsu, holding his hat. The banner read, "Eevee Expert, one of the authorities on Pokémon evolution, Mr. 'Dodo,' Lily of the Valley Runner-up, Dragon-type Gym Leader Natsu!"
It was a professionally revised poster, and some of the titles written on it made Natsu feel a bit regretful. It was clear that after Natsu announced he was "Dodo," the Devon Corporation paid even more attention to him. Presumably, the reason Solaceon Town exploded in popularity in the last few days had a lot to do with his identity being revealed.
One of the representatives of the younger generation among Trainers, combined with his unparalleled standing among young Pokémon researchers—these two overlapping identities made Natsu invaluable.
"Cough, cough, that seems a bit much," Natsu said, pulling his hat down slightly, a little embarrassed.
"It's not an exaggeration," Cynthia nodded in agreement. "Each of those titles is yours. But I think you could add 'intimacy' and 'beauty,' like with Milotic, Steelix, etc." As she spoke, she raised her fingers, counting Natsu's achievements.
"It's Ms. Cynthia!"
"Gym Leader Natsu!"
"It's really Mr. Natsu!"
"Mr. Natsu, I'm your fan!"
"Mr. Natsu!"
"..."
Cynthia didn't hide herself, so she was recognized quickly. Even Natsu was recognized. With Natsu's current influence in Solaceon Town and his impact on the younger generation, it would be annoying if they were surrounded.
"Let's run!" Natsu took off decisively.
Cynthia covered her mouth and chuckled a few times, then ran after Natsu to the Gym. She had way more experience with this than Natsu.
After all, she'd been famous for a long time and had fans all over the Pokémon world, while this was new for Natsu.
They both ran back to the Gym and made it to the office.
Before they could even catch their breath, there was a knock at the door.
"Mr. Natsu, you're back. Over the past few days, so many people have signed up, it's even crazier than before, I'm not sure what to do," Yamato said. As the person in charge of the Gym that day, he immediately found Natsu chatting with Cynthia in Natsu's office after learning of his return.
"That's enough already," Natsu said, his brows furrowed, slightly out of breath.
"Then we won't accept any more applications for now. Also, Mr. Natsu, look at this." Yamato handed him a list. The list contained all sorts of big and small brands, and there were even some companies Natsu found very familiar. "These are companies that suddenly contacted us in the last few days, hoping to invest in advertising space. Even the restrooms are sponsored."
Natsu just stared.
The scale was small. The Gym was originally small.
"This is just a part of it, and there are other parts that I honestly can't find a place to advertise," Yamato said, his face full of helplessness. This was the first time he'd encountered such a situation. He'd only heard about tournaments held by the Alliance where all advertising space would sell out, and there'd be competition for it. He never expected a small cup run by a Gym to get that honor too.
Natsu rubbed his forehead. "If you really can't post it, just push it off."
At this point, Yamato looked embarrassed. "This... I'm afraid that won't work. Some companies have already sent the money directly, the full amount."
"Huh?" Natsu was stunned.
Was that even allowed?
Yamato, like Natsu, had been feeling the difficulties of happiness these past few days. "The Gym's income from this competition might far exceed my previous expectations. Mr. Natsu is truly amazing," Yamato sighed unknowingly.
Natsu pulled his hat down. It was mainly because his public identity happened to coincide with this. Plus, the chain reaction from Milotic, which he announced the other day, and how Steelix evolved.
"Just figure out the arrangements. If it's really not good, you can stick them on the walls," Natsu said helplessly. After all, everyone had already sent money.
"Okay."
Natsu breathed a sigh of relief once Yamato left.
Seeing Cynthia sitting on the sofa, full of smiles, Natsu said, "Cynthia, I need your help."
"Help?"
...
...
..
One week later, the highly anticipated "Devon Minor Cup" finally began!
In front of the Solaceon Town Gym, there was a massive crowd of customers around stalls selling various snacks, food, souvenirs, etc. A large screen hung above the Gym's "torii"-like gate, which Natsu designed. Currently, it was showing scenes inside the Gym.
Since Natsu's Gym wasn't big, space was limited. Compared to the liveliness outside, it was relatively quiet inside the Gym. However, seeing all kinds of cameras everywhere, you could still tell the level of attention this cup was receiving. In the center of the venue, a fiery host held a microphone. He was a professional host sent by the Devon Corporation and had rich experience. Even with such a hot cup match, he handled it with ease.
"Let's welcome our Gym Leader, Mr. Natsu!"
With cheers, Natsu walked out of the aisle, representing the Gym Leader's side.
"And Ms. Cynthia!"
With even more shouts, Cynthia stepped out of the aisle, representing the challenger.
This was the opening ceremony of the Cup, featuring an exhibition match by Gym Leader Natsu. What surprised everyone was that the person playing the exhibition with Natsu was Cynthia. And that was exactly what Natsu had asked Cynthia for help with.
It could be said that the companies that invested in advertising this event definitely made a fortune. An exhibition match by Natsu and Cynthia, two young trainers with excellent reputations in the Sinnoh Region, was sure to skyrocket viewership.
Since it was an exhibition match, they didn't need to play too seriously. And as a Dragon-type Gym Leader, Natsu was destined to only use Dragon-type Pokémon in this exhibition match. So the opponent for the exhibition match had to be an acquaintance.
Otherwise, if the other party didn't immediately give him a respectable draw, the reputation Natsu had finally built for the Gym would be completely ruined.
Plus, in the "Lily of the Valley Youth Tournament," the final match between Natsu and Cynthia never actually happened, with Natsu voluntarily abstaining. This would be the first time the two faced each other, and even if it was just an exhibition match, it was enough of a gimmick.
Natsu sent out Duraludon, which had almost become one of the Gym's signature Pokémon.
And Cynthia sent out Togetic, which had recently joined her team. Both were Gym Leader-level Pokémon.
Cynthia didn't have a top-quality Shiny Stone, which was hard to find. Even for Cynthia, it wasn't easy to find a top-tier evolution stone. So Togetic remained in its current state.
And Cynthia's Togetic hadn't awakened its Fairy-type yet, so its restraining effect on Dragon-type Pokémon wasn't strong. It also hadn't evolved into Togekiss and hadn't learned how to adapt to its "Serene Grace" Ability and "Air Slash." At the moment, this Togetic was on Cynthia's team, much like Natsu's Togetic was back then; it was more of a supporter. Of course, even for these reasons, this Togetic shouldn't be underestimated.
Natsu and Duraludon. This Duraludon wasn't his personal Pokémon, and he essentially didn't have much understanding with it; he just acted according to orders.
Duraludon had developed a certain understanding with Linghua. Natsu had promised Linghua that when she didn't want to be a Gym Leader anymore, she could take this Duraludon.
Since it was an exhibition match, Natsu and Cynthia tacitly focused on showcasing their Pokémon and performing some moves that looked very Contest-like, drawing exclamations from the audience repeatedly. In reality, there weren't many actual clashes between the two sides.
In the end, neither determined a winner, and the exhibition ended in a draw. But they also set a good tone for the subsequent matches.
Since the venue wasn't large, only one game was allowed at a time, but because too many people signed up, to speed things up, after Natsu and Cynthia left the field, the subsequent games immediately began.
Natsu estimated that the games would last at least half a month.
In the player waiting room, "Natsu, Cynthia, you two played way too fake," Flint was the first to speak his mind when he saw them enter.
Cynthia smiled and didn't say anything.
Natsu gave him a glare. "You can lose if you think it's fake. No one wants you to participate."
Flint grabbed Natsu's shoulder and put his messy head next to Natsu's. "Look at what you're saying, this is the first event your Gym is holding, how could we not support it?"
Seeing his inspiring devotion to truth, Natsu couldn't complain.
"But Natsu, if the winner challenges you, can the winner ask you not to use the Gym Pokémon?" Flint added.
With that, Lucian, who was reading with his head down, pushed up his glasses and looked up. Aaron, who was teasing a small bug on his fingertip, also raised his head.
Looking at them, this group of people had come just to challenge him. This was outrageous.
Before Natsu could answer, the communicator in his pocket vibrated. Where the vibration was felt, Natsu's expression changed slightly.
"I have a call." After saying that, he walked towards the outside.
Flint raised his hand, watching Natsu leave, opened his mouth, but couldn't speak.
"Mr. Natsu shouldn't refuse our request," Aaron reassured.
"Let's hope so," Flint moved his lips. He just wanted to have a passionate battle with Natsu. The last time the two competed until the end, Flint still felt the spirit from Natsu.
"But have you all heard? Mr. Natsu is 'Dodo'," Aaron said with admiration.
"Dodo? Who's that?" Flint was stunned.
"An incredibly outstanding researcher. I never expected that person to be Natsu, and my Espeon is still trained according to his thesis," Lucian couldn't help but sigh.
"But don't you think the name is weird? 'Dodo'," Flint scratched his head.
"I just know that Natsu has a close relationship with Mr. Lance," Lucian said, whether intentionally or not.
"Du, 'Dodo,' huh?" Seeing Flint stunned, Cynthia next to him couldn't help but laugh. This joke had already started to spread.
...
(End of this chapter)