Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

Tuesday, December 15th.

Cynthia's schedule was packed.

By dawn the next day, she'd already left for the League.

Though a little disappointed, Natsume quickly shook it off.

Like a Swanna skimming the water's surface, or the ripples left by a Milotic—

Their rarity and beauty only made trainers yearn to catch and chase them more.

That said…

Natsume's primary goal remained making money.

"Guess I've still got classes to attend."

He swung onto Arcanine's back, patting its head.

"To Celadon School!"

"Arcanine~~凸(｀0´)凸"

"HOLY SH—NOT EXTREME SPEED!!"

...

With his hair now dramatically windswept, Natsume began the day's lecture.

Technically, he was still an instructor at Celadon School.

Even though the semester's tutorials had ended,

Many students clung to his courses like lifelines.

"Natsume-sensei, just one more UR—I mean, one more class!"

"Next year, add an open-battle workshop!"

"Natsume-sensei, the old man at the training room wants to see you!"

Natsume smiled serenely, dispersing the crowd.

Oh no.

This month's paycheck is toast.

He arrived at the training room, tense—only to find the equipment perfectly intact.

Huh?

Arcanine and Gengar didn't wreck anything today…?

"So, my granddaughter's renovating her place soon."

The old man chuckled. "Heard you're knowledgeable about this stuff. Mind sharing tips?"

Natsume's expression twitched.

He thinks I'm besties with a demolition crew?

Damn it… I can't even deny it!

...

Lunch break.

The little ones waved at Natsume, prepping for their Fighting Gym dungeon raid.

By now, Natsume was used to this sight.

All he felt was guilt for the Karate Master…

"Still never asked his name last time."

The image of Saffron City's crushed Fighting Leader resurfaced, leaving Natsume awkward.

…He's not actually named "King," right?

The team now included slacker Sirfetch'd.

Top lane "Leek Pancake" has connected!

Sure, it was kinda pathetic in battle—

But with teammates to carry, Sirfetch'd could cheer from the sidelines.

"In every way, it's just like me!"

Natsume nodded sagely. "Don't forget—you're the livestream reward tonight. Be back early!"

"Sirfetch'd(O_O)?"

"Yeah, I'm talking about you, duck!"

Sirfetch'd pressed its leek to its forehead, sighing deeply.

First, I fear being eaten daily.

Now I'm a livestream giveaway?

I'm tired… So damn tired…

...

Saffron City, Fighting Gym.

Once glorious, the dojo had fallen into decline after losing to psychic prodigy Sabrina.

Under a single spotlight,

A stern-faced man in a karate gi stood.

I, Karate Master Koichi, have a dream—

To become Kanto's Fighting-type Elite Four and restore this gym's honor!

With a swish, Koichi tightened his belt, fire in his eyes.

"Leader's daydreaming again," whispered an apprentice.

"I make that same face during my delusions!"

"Ahem!" Koichi struck a mystic master pose, hands behind his back.

Finally, he murmured, "Any challengers today?"

"After you lost to Miss Bea, she kinda… lost interest."

Another apprentice sighed. "And since that new class next door went viral, our enrollment's…"

"Guh—!" Koichi choked on his own blood.

He knew all about the neighboring workshop—

Run by Natsume-sensei's Gengar, it was packed daily with eager students.

Meanwhile, his Fighting Dojo was…

Just a stepping stone for trainers to pad their resumes.

"Close the gym today." Koichi aged ten years in one sigh.

"Leader!" An apprentice burst in. "Challengers!"

"WHO?!" Koichi's eyes blazed.

"It's… that Sylveon again. And it brought a whole gang of thugs."

Koichi pushed open the doors—and stiffened.

Leading the pack was Sylveon, ribbons fluttering.

Gengar floated midair, sinister shades glinting.

Squirtle and Sirfetch'd mirrored the look, icy-cool.

And perched atop menacing Arcanine was—

Adorable Togepi, clapping cheerfully.

"Togepi doo-ee~~(｀▽´)"

Koichi swallowed hard.

That day…

Even faraway Tokyo's Leader Takuya wasn't spared.

Karate Master Koichi, aspirant to the Fighting Elite Four—

Experienced true Sylveon terror.

...

Sunset.

The little ones left as energetically as they came.

Only a hollowed-out Koichi remained, face ghostly pale.

"Not a single one left…"

He muttered. "Nothing left to fight…"

"Leader," an apprentice whispered. "That Sirfetch'd didn't even move."

Koichi's blood ran cold.

The battle had been a one-sided stomp—

If Sirfetch'd had joined?

It would've been a massacre.

Koichi gazed heavenward, tears glistening.

First, he dominates Saffron Gym.

Now he's crushed my very soul.

Too strong… Natsume-sensei …!

...

Natsume clocked out early.

By the time the sunset stretched his shadow,

The "Team Villain" squad emerged on the horizon.

Natsume's eye twitched.

Okay, Sirfetch'd does rock those shades and gold chains.

Squirtle's basically a yakuza with that bald head.

Gengar and Arcanine? Naturally menacing.

Sylveon's ironic-cute vibe works.

But how does Togepi fit in so perfectly?!

Are you guys corrupting it?!

...

"Well."

Natsume rested his chin on his palm,

Watching Togepi bounce on the table, and sighed.

Not corrupted.

Instead, it learned a new move.

This is next-level trolling.

Though Natsume's system was mostly useless,

It could at least identify and predict moves.

Now, Togepi's move list included a critical support skill:

[Follow Me]!

Effect: In doubles, draw all enemy attacks to itself.

A core tactic, like Ally Switch or Protect.

That said… Togepi was still too young.

Battle strength? Who cares—it's adorable!

"Not a big deal."

Natsume smiled wryly. "They worked hard for this…"

"Togepi doo-ee~ヾ(▽ﾟ▽ﾟ)ノ"

Togepi bounced, the center of attention.

The gang erupted in applause.

So impressive!

"Togepi~~(⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄"

Embarrassed, Togepi retreated into its shell, rolling across the table.

Suddenly, Sirfetch'd realized something.

As the team's resident slacker, panic set in.

Even Togepi is improving this fast…

What if I'm actually the weakest here?!

HOLY LIGHT—!

Sirfetch'd wept.

Even slackers have pride!

I refuse to lose to an egg!

...

That night.

Natsume's livestream introduced a new household member.

"Meet our new giveaway reward."

He pointed the camera at Sirfetch'd, eyes gleaming.

"Look at that flawless plumage…"

A cold sweat dripped down Sirfetch'd's brow.

"Flawless plumage"?!

I mean, thanks—but that sounds like a death flag!*

"Sirfetch'd!!"

It waddled off to the living room, leek in hand.

Another day, fighting to avoid the dinner table.

Sirfetch'd— CHARGE!

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