[Ding! Task "Friendly Match with the Elite Four" completed!]
[Task Reward: 1000 BP, Premier Ball ×1, Random Orange Item ×1
Task Completion: 150%, Additional Reward: Random Purple Item ×1]
The System's notification chimed.
Although the task goal was to survive ten rounds, Natsume managed to achieve a draw within just three rounds, exceeding expectations.
If he had defeated Lance within ten rounds, Natsume guessed the rewards would have doubled.
But Lance was, after all, a battle-hardened Champion-level Trainer.
Natsume's practical battle experience wasn't that extensive, so pulling off this one-for-one trade was already beyond his expectations.
Two months into his journey, and he's already tied with Lance!
Sure, he used Cynthia's Pokémon, but Spiritomb wasn't in peak condition either.
This was Natsume-sensei operating at his absolute best.
Lance recalled the fainted shiny Druddigon, replaying the battle in his mind.
He had made mistakes too, and Natsume had seized those opportunities perfectly.
If Druddigon's Sleep Talk hadn't randomly selected "Dragon Claw"...
Lance frowned.
He might have actually lost!
Clair and Cynthia had also noticed this.
Overall, the two Pokémon were on equal footing.
Spiritomb, while Cynthia's Pokémon, was primarily a physical wall.
Moreover, after a grueling 6v6 battle, even with Natsume's Sitrus Berry Blocks, it was hard for Spiritomb to return to peak condition.
In contrast, the shiny Druddigon was Clair's ace, built for maximum damage output.
It was like a warrior facing off against a support.
Despite the disadvantage, Natsume still managed to execute the "Destiny Bond" strategy flawlessly.
"Truly..." Clair's eyes sparkled with admiration.
"Absolutely brilliant!"
Cynthia smiled faintly. "If it hadn't been a Dragon-type Pokémon, Mr. Lance would have been in even more trouble."
Clair pondered Cynthia's words, deep in thought.
To force a draw despite such a clear disadvantage...
This guy's command skills...
Were on par with Lance, one of Kanto's Elite Four and the current Johto League Champion!
"Miss Cynthia..." Clair couldn't help but ask.
"Where exactly did you meet him?"
"Why have I never heard of such a powerful Trainer in the Touran Region?"
Cynthia thought for a moment and replied, "We met through gaming."
"Gaming?"
"Yes... I've lost to him many times."
Even Miss Cynthia lost to him?!
Clair raised her eyebrows, looking at Natsume on the field with disbelief.
Then his other Pokémon must at least be Champion-level, right?
Instead of taking advantage of Lance's exhaustion after a 6v6 battle, he chose the fairer Rental Battle...
Clair nodded, her gaze toward Natsume now filled with a hint of admiration.
"A truly outstanding Trainer!"
"The path of a Trainer is endless."
Cynthia smiled softly and nodded. "That's probably why he's re-breeding his Pokémon."
...
The friendly match between Natsume and Lance came to an end.
Aside from fulfilling Red's request, Lance himself had enjoyed a thrilling duel.
Although Spiritomb's strategy was somewhat conservative, even overly cautious...
This might just be Natsume-sensei's personal style.
Lance pondered for a moment.
In the end, Rental Battles were only one aspect of a Trainer's strength.
If... he were to battle me with his own Pokémon...
The outcome of this match might still be up in the air.
Lance exhaled, his sharp gaze softening as he stepped forward and extended a hand to Natsume, smiling.
"I look forward to the day we have a full battle!"
Natsume, still catching his breath and now faced with another battle invitation, coughed heavily.
"I've only caught two Pokémon. I doubt that day will come!"
Only caught two Pokémon?
Lance was momentarily stunned but quickly realized—
Natsume-sensei was likely building a new team composition.
This was quite common among Masters—starting over with new Pokémon in each region.
The Champion-caped Lance crossed his arms, nodding with a smile.
"I believe I can wait until your new team is ready."
Lance glanced at Haunter and Eevee beside him.
"They have a strong desire. I don't think they'll give up until they see you reach the top of the league."
Natsume's expression turned complicated.
Are you even human?
Before they can lead me to a championship, I'll probably go bankrupt first!
But Lance meant well, so Natsume sighed.
"Thanks for the kind words!"
...
Lance and Clair left first.
Before leaving, Clair couldn't help but look back, giving a deep, lingering glance at the Trainer who had "defeated Cynthia" and "drawn with Lance."
Clair's eyes were sharp. "If you come to challenge the Blackthorn Gym, I won't go easy on you."
Clair had immense pride, having challenged the Elite Four before, and her strength ranked among the top Gym Leaders in the Johto Region.
But Clair had never beaten Lance, not even once, not even a draw.
Thus, Clair saw Natsume as a worthy rival.
Natsume smiled faintly. "Don't worry, I definitely won't come to challenge you."
Clair nodded in satisfaction, then suddenly realized something was off and let out a soft "Huh?"
But Lance had already changed the subject.
Lance rummaged through his belongings, looking somewhat apologetic. "I came in a hurry and didn't prepare a gift."
"This scale contains some Dragon-type energy. Consider it a small token of my appreciation."
"How could I possibly accept this!"
Natsume skillfully took the "Dragon Scale," grinning. "You really didn't have to bring a gift!"
This sharp-edged, beautifully patterned Dragon Scale could probably fetch a hefty price!
Seeing this, Cynthia rested her chin on her hand and nodded.
"Now that I think about it, I should also give you a thank-you gift."
"I'll give you the 'Return' Technical Machine... It might come in handy for you."
Cynthia pulled out a small gray USB drive from her bag, tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear.
"Return might help with Eevee's evolution."
Natsume was momentarily stunned, staring at the gray USB drive in his hand.
He never expected to obtain the most powerful Normal-type move in theory through such means.
At full friendship, Return had a power of 150, even stronger than Hyper Beam.
Though he didn't have much use for Technical Machines, hearing that it could benefit Eevee, Natsume accepted it without hesitation.
With both big shots giving him valuable gifts, Natsume cleared his throat and subtly shifted his gaze to the bewildered Clair.
Your cousin gave a gift. Aren't you going to offer something too?
Clair paused for a moment, then clenched her whip, a vein popping on her forehead.
"I get it. I have a gift for you too!"
"Really, there's no need!"
Natsume coughed. "Your kind thoughts are enough!"
Clair didn't say a word, taking off the dragon-claw-shaped ring from her finger and shoving it into Natsume's hand.
[Quick Claw: A light, sharp claw. The Pokémon holding it has a small chance to move first.]
Cynthia frowned slightly but remained silent.
Only after bidding farewell to Lance and Clair did Natsume slap his forehead, suddenly realizing.
"This Dragon Scale... wouldn't it be more suitable for Garchomp?"
"Taking your 'Return' Technical Machine makes me feel a bit guilty, so I'll give you this Dragon Scale instead!"
Cynthia's beautiful eyes showed a hint of surprise.
Was it really okay to regift something right in front of the giver?
But this Dragon Scale did have some benefits for Garchomp.
Cynthia accepted the beautifully patterned Dragon Scale with care, smiling softly.
"Let's go home."
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