Natsume's expression was peculiar.
He was all too familiar with the name.
The former Champion of the Hoenn Region, who had passed the title to Wallace before fully dedicating himself to a mining career.
If he couldn't find any stones, he'd have no choice but to return home and inherit a vast fortune.
Even his looks and demeanor were on par with Natsume-sensei.
This made Natsume sigh deeply.
Damn overachiever!
The manager adjusted his glasses and spoke with respect:
"The Vice President also instructed us to bring you another contract."
"I'm sure the gift from the Vice President... will definitely satisfy you!"
Natsume was taken aback.
Last time, a significant portion of the 500W Pokémon Coins he owed was spent on Steven's stones.
What kind of scheme was this now?
The manager stood up, presenting two contracts and an exquisite wooden box, placing them in front of Natsume.
Opening the box, a spherical orb with a purple glow rested quietly on a soft cushion.
[Toxic Orb: A rare orb filled with Toxic Mist. When carried by a Pokémon, it will induce a Poisoned Condition. (Best enjoyed with Poison Heal for enhanced effects.)]
The accountant explained:
"We've heard about your Haunter. This orb is perfect for your Pokémon's breeding."
"Additionally, the Toxic Orb is also valued at 200W Pokémon Coins."
The accountant smiled: "Considering legal tax avoidance, it's a suitable choice for both of us."
Natsume's expression remained peculiar.
Although Koga's Toxic Manuscript did mention it...
But who the hell wants something like that?!
Keep it at home, and one wrong move could be fatal!
I was planning to use the 200W Pokémon Coins to pay off my debts!
Kazuya nudged Natsume, whispering:
"Choose the orb, Brother Natsume. Haven't you always wanted to boost Haunter's strength?"
"Money can be earned again... such a rare item won't come around twice!"
Natsume's eyelid twitched involuntarily.
The manager smiled: "This was specially brought for you by the Vice President."
"Just like the Dusk Stone you purchased last time, this is also one of the Vice President's personal collections!"
As he spoke, the manager couldn't help but feel moved.
The Vice President's passion for minerals was well-known.
Yet, he was willing to sell his collection to this young man.
It was clear that this was a Trainer even a Champion would value!
Natsume was stunned.
Steven was just too thoughtful!
Just because Cynthia mentioned it once, he remembered until now?!
But the thing is... I just wanted to make some quick cash!
Natsume's expression was odd:
"Can I choose the 200W Pokémon Coins instead of the Toxic Orb?"
"Of course," the manager nodded. "You just need to sign this contract."
As Natsume picked up the pen, a red light emerged from the Poké Ball at his waist.
Haunter, drawn by the scent, floated out and hovered near the box, drooling.
"Haunter (ˉ﹃ˉ)"
"Your Haunter seems quite interested in the Toxic Orb," the accountant smiled.
Natsume's expression changed.
"Haunter! (?ω?)"
Haunter's eyes gleamed as it pointed at the Toxic Orb, then turned to Natsume with a wide grin.
"Brother Natsume, maybe you should choose the Toxic Orb," Kazuya whispered.
"It's just two million Pokémon Coins. You can earn it back in a couple of months."
"The key is... this thing is priceless and unavailable on the market!"
Natsume's current mood was like a parent taking their child to a toy store.
The child clings to a limited edition Gundam worth tens of thousands of Pokémon Coins, while the salesperson keeps praising:
'Your son has such great taste!'
A poor family really can't handle such extravagance!
Natsume let out a long sigh.
Maybe this time, let it go...
I'll make it up to Haunter next time?
"Haunter! (?′?`?)"
Haunter's gaze was fixed on the Toxic Orb, its 200W Pokémon Coins smile warm and genuine.
Natsume's pen trembled.
Just as he was about to sign, he slammed the pen on the table.
"Pack up the Toxic Orb for me!" Natsume declared firmly.
What's wrong with buying a toy for my kid?!
It's just 200W Pokémon Coins.
I refuse to believe I'll never pay off Cynthia's debt!
After completing the contract process,
Natsume leaned back on the sofa, feeling dazed.
Looking back, he deeply regretted it.
"Haunter! o(*≧▽≦)ツ"
But Haunter flew around Natsume excitedly, eagerly massaging his shoulders.
Natsume sighed helplessly.
"Fine, consider it a free Toxic Orb..."
"Still a great deal," Natsume said, his voice trembling.
"That's our Brother Natsume."
Kazuya patted Natsume's shoulder.
Willing to spend 200W Pokémon Coins on an item for his Pokémon.
That's what you call vision!
If not Brother Natsume, who else could be a Trainer?!
Natsume forced a smile and stood up unsteadily.
The manager and accountant immediately stood to see him off.
"Don't worry about the overseas version and mobile game development," the manager smiled.
"I'll also convey your gratitude to the Vice President!"
Natsume paused for a moment, clenched his teeth, and smiled:
"Please thank him for me, Steven Stone!"
"Absolutely!" The manager laughed heartily.
...
Leaving the Devon Corporation Building,
the heat outside was overwhelming, yet Natsume felt cold.
Kazuya smiled: "Brother Natsume, you're so happy you're speechless!"
"Even the Champion knows you..." Kazuya marveled, "Looks like this year's school Champion is yours for the taking!"
"Thanks for the kind words."
The 200W Pokémon Coins Toxic Orb was carried by Haunter back into its Poké Ball.
Despite this, Natsume still felt a chill.
According to the Pokédex, the Toxic Orb could indeed poison a Tauros!
Although harmless to humans... but physiques vary.
What if Natsume's physique was more like a Pokémon's?
Wouldn't that be the end!
"I'll have to keep an eye on Haunter during training..." Natsume murmured.
"Even take some training notes."
With Koga's Toxic Manuscript, Haunter absorbing the Toxic Orb would be a breeze.
But Natsume was still worried.
Besides, stopping Haunter from training was impossible; it would train secretly anyway.
For Haunter's safety, Natsume had to study the Toxic Manuscript again.
Natsume never expected that signing a contract would lead to this...
Are all you Champions this free?!
First Cynthia, now Steven?
Natsume sighed deeply:
"Luckily... it's just two million Pokémon Coins. It's manageable!"
...
Back home.
A beam of red light shot out from the Poké Ball.
Haunter proudly stuck out its tongue, on which rested a deep purple Toxic Orb.
"Haunter(*⊙~⊙)!"
Haunter's crimson tongue deftly twirled around the Toxic Orb, nodding as if savoring its taste.
Natsume's expression was odd.
"Haunter!"
As if showing off, Haunter flew around Squirtle and Eevee with the Toxic Orb on its tongue.
Eevee puffed up its cheeks, turning its head away disdainfully, "Eevee!"
It's just a gift, I don't care!
"Squirtle..."
Squirtle's eyes showed a hint of envy, but it just scratched its head sheepishly.
Like comforting sulking children.
Natsume-sensei seemed to age instantly, coughing as he reassured:
"Don't worry, you'll both get one..."
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