**Celedon City, downtown, inside a won's clothing shop**.
"Oh my, Ash, this one, this one! And add a bow on top of your head!"
Rotom Phone floated in the air, its screen showing Delia's smiling face as she gave *outfit advice* for Ash's disguise.
"Ahahaha, so cute! Rotom, take a picture for and send it over."
*Roto!*
Delia's laughter rang on while Ash's face turned redder and redder.
"Mom, this is already the eighth outfit! Isn't it enough yet?!" Ash shouted.
Natsu's plan was to have Ash pretend to be his younger sister, register him with an ecology tour group, then sneak inside to issue a challenge.
It was a solid plan. After explaining the situation at the clothing store, Natsu even asked Delia to provide input.
But the mont Ash put on the first dress, Delia's *input* changed direction.
She suddenly realized Ash was actually quite cute. She took more and more photos, planning to show them to that girl Serena on their future Kalos trip.
"Oh, Ash, don't be impatient! I've just thought of a new combination that'll look even better."
Half coaxing, half tricking, Delia made him try on two more outfits.
*Click click click!* Rotom snapped pictures from every angle.
"Alright, the first one's the best. Buy that one!" Delia's voice decided firmly.
Ash: "…"
"Sir, that will be 100,860."
Natsu swiped his card.
Strangely enough, it cost less than he expected. Considering Celedon City's high prices and that it was a big brand, it wasn't too bad.
But in this world, productivity was so advanced that anything not tied to Pokémon wasn't expensive at all.
"N-Natsu, wait for !" Ash squeaked, chasing after him.
Soon, the two of them arrived at Celedon Gym.
"Good luck, Ash*-chan*!" Natsu cheered, watching Ash blend in with a group of little girls.
Ash clenched his teeth, barely holding it together.
"Sir, don't worry, we'll take good care of your little sister while you go challenge the Gym." A staff mber bowed politely.
"Alright. See you inside." Natsu waved at Ash.
To avoid suspicion, Natsu casually picked up a sleeping Pikachu and rested him on his shoulder.
Luckily, before puberty, girls were usually taller than boys. Among the seven- and eight-year-olds, Ash was tall but not overly conspicuous.
"We're the fifth tour group! Kids, hold your signs high. This way!"
The staff led Ash and the others into another passage.
Natsu stroked Midchu's fur as he walked slowly. Ahead, staff were already notifying the Gym Leader.
Looking down, he glanced at the sleeping Midchu in his arms.
Honestly, a Pikachu infused with Eternatus' shard really did have smoother fur.
"You're going up later," Natsu said.
Midchu's ears twitched as if he hadn't heard.
The next mont, he felt dizzy as Natsu's eyes flashed with light.
Even if Midchu pretended not to hear, a voice rang clearly in his heart.
"Don't tell you're treating Eternatus' shard like so kind of na-change card."
*Pika…* Midchu woke, conflicted, glancing at Natsu.
"Hm?" Seeing Pikachu's hesitant expression, Natsu's heart skipped.
"Could it be, you've discovered sothing during this ti?" Natsu asked with hopeful eyes.
*Pffft!* Midchu lifted his back leg, let out a fart, and his conflicted face shifted into relief.
*Pika-chu!!!*
When the challenger's gate opened, everyone saw a furious Trainer with glowing blue eyes punching his own Pikachu into the air.
"Kids, we've got a challenger today, huh?" The announcer gasped as a Midchu suddenly landed in her arms.
Midchu squird twice in the young lady's embrace, rolled over, and fell back asleep.
"Wow! What kind of move was that big brother using just now?"
"I know, it's Rage Fist!"
Inside the Ecological Do, children crowded excitedly around a battle arena.
"Ah, it really is Natsu," Misty said, covering her face.
She, Brock, and Giselle had co along to watch the commotion.
"This challenger looks full of energy!"
From behind the crowd, a graceful woman appeared. It was Erika—the Rainbow City Gym Leader and owner of the city's largest perfu shop.
Erika's long dark-green hair flowed over a beige knit top and a pale green skirt. A white magnolia hairpin held back her hair; pearl earrings dangled, and a strand of sandalwood beads wrapped her wrist. She radiated calm elegance, dressed with care.
"Miss Erika, I'll act as referee!" Brock stepped forward, cheeks flushed.
"Thank you," Erika said with a soft smile, like early March cherry blossoms.
"No trouble at all," Brock stamred, stepping into the center of the field.
"Challenger, please enter!" His voice bood with excitent.
From the entrance, Ash turned sharply to watch.
"Go, Gloom!"
Erika tossed a Pokéball. Red light flashed, and a blue Pokémon with a huge red flower atop its head appeared in the center.
"I'm Erika. This will be a 3-on-3 battle," she said with a smile toward Natsu. He didn't respond—his eyes were locked on one spot.
Following his gaze, they saw one of his employees cradling a sleeping Pikachu.
Natsu used **Glare**!
*Midchu is immune!*
A flicker of blue light in Natsu's eyes, and Midchu floated toward him.
"Wow! That big brother's Pikachu can fly!" the children gasped.
"Is that… Psychic?" Erika murmured, glancing at Natsu with surprise.
Midchu faced Natsu directly. His eyelids trembled.
Natsu used **Close-Range Glare**!
*Pikachu!* Midchu's eyes snapped open.
Reluctantly, he handed his little blanket to Natsu and stepped onto the field.
Rubbing his stomach, he regretted lying on that shard. He could have been lazy, but since that shard entered his body, Natsu had been paying him extra attention.
He decided that from now on, any strange shard he found, he'd shove it all to Natsu.
If the trainer could handle Pokémon solo, his Pokémon didn't even need to battle.
Midchu thought of his future and felt the path ahead was bright.
*Pikachu!* Bring it on!
He stood in front of the Gloom, clenching his tiny fists.
You can read more (around 100 free chapters) of Natsu's adventure ad-free here[sravenarchives/book/pokemon-who-let-him-leave-pallet-town]. Bulk uploads is a ss here, so updates here might be irregular.
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