Get Stronger by Pleasing Pokémon? Who Needs to Be a Trainer!

"What the heck? I thought Snivy's trainer had no sportsmanship, but looking at this now, it's clear he was actually helping Lapras release its pent-up energy!"

A spectator with some breeding knowledge suddenly exclaimed, eyes shining with realization.

"That was a brilliant tactic. This young man cleverly took advantage of Lapras's painful confusion, having Snivy set up Grassy Terrain first to obscure its target, then making it repeatedly provoke Lapras into firing Water Guns at measured intervals.

By doing that, he minimized the damage that Lapras's leaking energy would have caused to its own body. Brilliant simply brilliant! Whoever's training this young man must be at least a high-level Breeder!"

Someone next to him looked utterly incredulous. "Wait, hold on. He's just a high school kid, and you're saying he's a high-level Breeder?"

The first man shot him a side-eye and shook his head.

"You misheard me… I said at least high-level. He might be even more advanced.

Because from start to finish, he never gave Snivy precise, step-by-step commands. That means the bond between him and Snivy has already reached a level where they're practically communicating by instinct!"

Hearing this explanation only deepened the shock rippling through the surrounding crowd.

And then…

"Lapras did it! Lapras successfully broke through!"

The tense atmosphere across the audience finally released into collective relief.

Then…

Out of nowhere, someone shouted, "Snivy is awesome! Damn, how can there be such a ridiculously strong Snivy?!"

Which set off a deafening roar.

"Snivy! Snivy!"

"Snivy…!"

Cheers thundered throughout the entire stadium.

At the same time, the system notification echoed in Lin Feng's mind.

[Congratulations to the host for raising Snivy's Happiness from 60% to 80%. Reward: Five bags of Golden Fertilizer, one Rare Candy, and one Occa Berry.]

...

[Pokémon: Lapras]

[Gender: Male]

[Ability: Water Absorb]

[Aptitude: Purple Rank]

[Power: Level 22–25]

[Description: A Lapras that has successfully vented its excess energy and undergone a breakthrough.]

[Congratulations to the host for raising Lapras's Happiness from -40% to 90%. Reward: Ten bags of Golden Fertilizer, one Rare Candy, and one S-Rank Ocean Crystal (a legendary crystal stored in the Ocean Temple, infused with the power of the sea and greatly beneficial to Water-type Pokémon).]

"Phew…"

Listening to the rhythmic chanting from the audience, Lin Feng felt a bit helpless.

He'd orchestrated every step of this plan, yet now everyone's focus was fixed solely on the dazzling Snivy.

It was… frustrating.

He even felt a little jealous of his own Pokémon.

Still…

When he glanced at the list of new rewards an Ocean Crystal and an Occa Berry his mood immediately lifted.

All that hard work paid off. These rewards were well-deserved.

The Ocean Crystal, he thought, would be perfect to place beneath his water reservoir for Milotic's future use.

Snivy's sharp increase in Happiness also made him sigh inwardly. "I was right. A Snivy who loves battling and basking in applause…"

"Woooo~!"

Now that Lapras's energy had stabilized, its joy was unmistakable.

Meanwhile, Chi Chang stood frozen behind it, utterly stunned.

Moments ago, Lapras had been on the verge of a life-threatening crisis. And now, right before his eyes, it was perfectly fine, as if nothing had happened, even having successfully completed its breakthrough?

He couldn't help asking uncertainly, "Lapras?"

"Woo-woo!" Lapras glided rapidly across the grass, signaling that it felt better than ever stronger and more vigorous than before.

"Hoo… waaah…"

Chi Chang abruptly burst into tears and threw himself at Lapras, hugging it tightly. "You scared me to death! I thought something terrible was going to happen to you!"

Snivy, still hidden within the Grassy Terrain, stared blankly at the pair. "Snivy?"

"Give them a minute. They're bonding," Lin Feng said, noticing Snivy's growing impatience.

It had been interrupted mid-battle. Now, it was feeling like ants were crawling all over its scales.

But hearing Lin Feng's explanation, Snivy fell silent and stayed quietly within the grassy field, waiting for its opponent.

Even so, it could feel its own energy surging restlessly, pulsing just beneath its skin. It felt like it was right on the edge… just one step away from evolving…

It focused on calming itself, steadying its turbulent power, preparing to evolve in the best possible condition.

About a minute later…

Prompted by "friendly reminders" from the audience above, Chi Chang finally realized he was still standing in the middle of an official match.

He scrambled to his feet, glancing across at Lin Feng, who remained patiently waiting, and gave a look that was equal parts gratitude and embarrassment.

After a brief moment of thought…

He finally spoke with solemn determination. "I forfeit this match!"

The moment his words fell…

Silence swept over the entire arena.

But soon enough…

A hum of discussion started up again.

This time, though, the voices were filled mostly with approval and relief.

"He's forfeiting? That's probably the right call. The other kid basically saved his Lapras's life."

"I'll admit, I judged the chubby guy by his appearance. I thought he was hiding Lapras's strength because he refused to accept anything but first place. Turns out I was wrong…"

"But maybe it's for the best. Honestly, Snivy doesn't stand much of a chance against Lapras, who's already stepped into the Elite threshold."

"Wait… huh? Why isn't Snivy's trainer accepting the forfeit? What's going on?"

...

Lin Feng's expression remained calm, though he felt a flicker of surprise inside.

After all…

Chi Chang's father had invested a fortune into this competition.

For him to concede now meant that half of that effort would go up in smoke.

Of course, it was also possible that Chi Chang might gain other benefits by yielding.

Especially since the majority of the audience was now praising the chubby kid for his sportsmanship.

Lin Feng thought for a moment and said quietly, "If you're forfeiting out of gratitude for Snivy helping your Lapras… then you don't have to. Because right now, my Snivy actually needs a battle that puts it under real pressure!"

His voice wasn't loud…

But it carried across the entire arena through the speaker system.

"Snivy!"

The Grassy Terrain, which had just been starting to fade, suddenly glowed brighter and more vibrant. A pair of bright orange-yellow eyes gleamed from within, filled with eager anticipation.

"Woooo!"

It was as if Lapras could hear the desire surging in Snivy's heart. It let out a cry, echoing with renewed fighting spirit.

"Alright, Lapras! Use Water Gun!"

Hearing Lin Feng's words, Chi Chang no longer hesitated. He wiped away his tears and shouted the command once more.

Compared to the earlier erratic bursts, this Water Gun was precise and carried a true sense of power.

Snivy's silhouette flashed through the Grassy Terrain.

The Water Gun struck the spot where Snivy had just been standing, blasting away a huge swath of grass.

Anyone watching could see it clearly.

This Lapras… was already far stronger than the Lapras from just moments ago.

"Leech Seed!"

A sharp glint flashed in Lin Feng's eyes.

The Leech Seeds he'd planted earlier inside Lapras weren't just for helping it release energy.

One by one, tiny seeds began to sprout on Lapras's body, greedily draining its strength.

"Lapras, Ice Beam!"