Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

Wednesday, December 16th.

Clear skies.

The perfect day for Pokémon Company's promotional event.

Oleana gave a slight nod over the phone, her tone precise. "We've hired professional security near the rented arena. You have nothing to worry about."

"Uh..." Natsume hesitated.

The weak ones can't beat Gengar.

The strong ones? I'm screwed either way.

But then again, even big shots like Giovanni brought bodyguards sometimes.

Those guards were like lifeguards at the Olympics—

Extremely underworked.

Natsume nodded. "Which agency are they from?"

"An independent specialist. She didn't specify her fee."

Oleana adjusted her thin-framed glasses. "Previous employers rated her exceptionally professional."

"As an expert, adjusting pay based on difficulty is reasonable. That said..."

Her voice turned icy. "If she makes unreasonable demands, we can sue. She won't see a single penny!"

Natsume blinked.

So... she works for free and might owe us money?

"We'll see," he coughed. "Who's the specialist?"

Oleana flipped through her notes. "The contractor is Janine from Fuchsia City—100% satisfaction rate."

...

As Fuchsia City's Gym Leader,

Janine's profession clashed with a ninja's need for secrecy.

After all, fame was a burden for covert operatives.

But in these tough times, even ninjas had to diversify.

Janine had conducted disaster drills at Goldenrod's art museum,

Worked security at Pewter Museum alongside Brock...

A highly trained, capable girl.

If not for Koga's sudden departure, forcing her to take charge early,

She wouldn't have spent years searching for him.

Natsume recalled Janine's background, murmuring, "Tragic backstory..."

The Fuchsia Badge was likely still in her possession.

Not that Natsume was nervous...

But Janine was here to work.

Time was money—no room for casual battles.

Surely she didn't take this job just for me?

"Understood." Natsume nodded. "I'll attend."

...

News of Pokémon Company's Saffron City event had spread like wildfire.

Though a young studio, their games set historic standards in quality and passion.

More importantly, they understood gaming's core:

Graphics, story, mechanics—all served one purpose: fun.

Every release brought fresh innovation.

Even compared to giants like Devon Corporation,

Pokémon Company held its own in the gaming industry!

"Did you hear? They're announcing a new game!"

"Delays don't matter if it's good."

"That's not the point! There's a lottery!"

"Prizes include Natsume-sensei's autograph... and a golden UR card!"

Instantly, PTCG fans erupted.

"Back off—that signature is MINE!"

"Wait, his autograph's that valuable?"

Amid the chaos, the "small" event kicked off.

Purple-haired Janine, in full ninja garb, stood on a second-floor balcony.

She stared at the sea of people below, stunned.

You call this small?

Did you raid a Trainer Convention?!

Despite the limited URs, hype was unstoppable.

And the new Auto Chess announcement left everyone baffled but excited.

"Who cares what it is—I'm sold!"

"Just take my money already! Let me whale!"

...

Far from the crowd, three figures peeked from bushes.

Recently, the "twerp" had returned to Kanto for some mysterious job.

Naturally, the trio followed.

"So many humans, meow." Meowth adjusted his binoculars.

"My turn!" Jessie shoved him aside.

"Fine, meow..." Meowth crossed his arms. "Since it's the Executive's event, should we help?"

"Let's not bother him."

James licked his lips, tearing open a card pack.

"Let's see today's haul!"

"What's that?" Jessie and Meowth leaned in.

"Special event-exclusive packs!" James grinned. "UR pull rates doubled!"

"Collecting PTCG is my new hobby... after bottle caps."

"Rich people..." Jessie and Meowth sighed.

"Wobbuffet!"

"NO WAY—I GOT IT!"

James trembled, holding a glittering card to the sun.

"Golden Magikarp UR!!"

"Wow. Congrats." Jessie yawned.

"Thank you for your patronage, meow~" Meowth mirrored her disinterest.

"Ugh!" James turned away, eyes watering.

They don't get it!

With this, my Kanto UR collection is complete!

Thank you, Executive Natsume!

...

Slacking aside,

The trio needed funds.

Within ten minutes, Team Rocket's Ramen Stand was open.

In the winter haze, Jessie stirred a pork bone broth, bandana tied tight.

James stretched noodles with exaggerated Kansai flair:

"Thank you for your patronage!"

Meowth carefully placed chashu atop a bowl, handing it to a customer.

"Hot, meow~"

He looked up—and froze. "Executive?!"

Natsume's eye twitched.

"What are you doing here?"

"We're not causing trouble, meow!" Meowth flailed.

"Last time's giant Gyarados was a misunderstanding!" Jessie added.

"We're paying off debts with this stand!"

James paled. "Don't cement us into Kanto Bridge!"

"Wait, he'd do that?!"

"Absolutely, meow!"

Natsume stared, deeply offended.

My reputation's that bad?!

"Ahem. I'm not a monster."

He sighed, then smiled.

"Just checking if you're overworking."

The trio teared up.

"Executive...! (;´Д`)"

A customer yelled, "Hey! More ramen!"

"Hurry up!"

Meowth wiped his eyes, offering Natsume the bowl—then hesitated.

"Too... salty, meow? We'll remake it?"

"Not the point."

Natsume rubbed his chin. "30% of profits. Hand them over."

"EH?!"

"Kidding." He waved. "Carry on."

The trio nearly bowed—then remembered their cover. "Yes, Natsume-sensei!"

...

As the event wound down,

A few lucky fans walked away with URs and autographs.

Janine watched the satisfied crowd, deep in thought.

"My job's done."

Natsume stretched, turning to her. "So, specialist, what's your fee?"

Janine had handled every threat flawlessly.

True expertise deserved fair pay.

"I don't want money."

Natsume froze.

"Then what?"

A chill crawled down his spine.

No. It can't be that answer—

"I took this job for one reason."

Janine removed her mask, cheeks flushed from the fabric.

"I want you."

Her gaze locked onto his.

"Train me. Properly."

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