Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

Unlike the roaring cheers from the audience stands, the guest panel was eerily silent.

It didn't feel right to applaud when someone else's son had just lost the match, especially in front of the father.

Takuya and Shoya exchanged glances, both awkwardly chuckling. "That was... quite the evenly matched duel."

"Your son performed exceptionally well. It's just that his opponent was a bit too cunning."

Mato's expression was complicated.

You call this evenly matched?

Throughout the entire match, Magneton barely even touched Haunter.

The only damage dealt was from Haunter's Substitute.

It was hard to believe that such a one-sided battle could happen in the finals.

And Natsume's opponent was none other than the heir to Saga City's Electric-type Gym!

Seeing Mato's grim expression, Takuya sighed inwardly.

In this battle, Natsume had completely outplayed Ryosuke.

As expected of a strategy master—his mind was just too sharp!

Mato couldn't help but rub his temples.

He had even prepared a speech for his son's victory ceremony.

Who would've thought reality would slap him so hard in the face?

"Now... I'm starting to believe the rumors online," Mato said with a dry laugh.

"Losing to him... it's not shameful for Ryosuke. Haha!"

Shoya gazed at Natsume in the arena, his eyes filled with deep thought.

From Gastly in the preliminary rounds to Haunter now.

In just two months, his growth speed was nothing short of astonishing.

Though Natsume's true strength was unknown, just based on his Pokémon's condition, it was clear he was no ordinary Trainer.

"Someone like him... coming here just for the prize money?"

Shoya shook his head.

"Maybe he really is the descendant of some legendary master..."

"A hidden family?" Takuya joked.

But seeing Shoya's serious expression, he awkwardly scratched his head.

"Well, it's not impossible..." Takuya muttered.

The arena was filled with cheers as they witnessed the birth of the new Piplup Cup Champion.

This Haunter tutorial match was worth every penny.

And while Natsume-sensei's followers weren't too surprised by his victory, they still learned a lot.

"Why didn't Natsume-sensei use SubProtect Toxic?"

"Steel-types are immune to Toxic, you idiot! Burn + Hex was more than enough!"

"Man, Natsume-sensei is seriously dirty!"

The victory came a bit too easily.

Natsume's expression was complicated.

That's it?

I was planning to seriously train Haunter, but this was the level of competition?

I might as well have played a few rounds with Gold for some real challenge!

"Hmm... the strong ones are too tough, and the weak ones aren't even fun to beat."

Natsume nodded thoughtfully.

"Being a Trainer... isn't as rewarding as just making some quick cash!"

The cheers were deafening, and reporters swarmed around Natsume.

"Hello, can you share how you're feeling right now?"

Natsume smiled warmly. "Not bad."

A female reporter blushed, while a male reporter quickly interjected, "Can you share your training regimen for Haunter?"

Natsume's expression turned strange.

Now you're asking the right question!

"It trained itself," Natsume said through gritted teeth.

"Trained itself?"

Natsume spoke slowly, "That's right. It trained itself!"

The male reporter nodded thoughtfully, scribbling down notes.

[Encouraging Pokémon to develop self-discipline, following the Taoist philosophy of Wu Wei, embodying the spirit of Touran Trainers...]

"As expected of Natsume-sensei!"

The reporter's eyes sparkled.

Just his mindset as a Trainer was miles ahead of the other competitors!

...

The Piplup Cup champion rewards had already been delivered to Natsume.

Fifty thousand dollars was deposited into his account, bringing his savings close to a hundred thousand.

And the item Natsume valued most—the Soothe Bell—was now resting in an exquisitely crafted wooden box.

Natsume opened the box and took out the small, delicate bell, giving it a gentle shake.

A clear, melodious chime rang out. It wasn't particularly special, but it had a soothing effect that lifted the spirits.

Natsume couldn't help but smile. "Eevee's going to love this."

Haunter also seemed entranced, its crimson tongue flicking out as it tried to lick the Soothe Bell.

Natsume quickly raised the bell out of reach.

"If you lick this, Eevee's going to bite you!"

Haunter chuckled awkwardly, scratching its head.

It wasn't that it was afraid of Eevee's Bite.

It's just that, as the big brother, it had to look out for its siblings!

Back at home, Eevee was wagging its tail, sitting in front of the computer watching a video.

[#133 Eevee.Avi]

"Huh?" Natsume raised an eyebrow.

"Learning bad habits from Haunter now?"

Sneaking up behind Eevee, Natsume suddenly shouted.

"Eevee?! ヽ(*.>Д<)o゜"

Eevee let out an adorable squeal, jumping off the computer and using Quick Attack to dart straight into Natsume's arms.

"Whoa!"

Haunter appeared just in time, using its ghostly hand to stop Eevee's head from colliding with Natsume, grinning proudly.

Pretty cool, huh?

Suddenly, Haunter's expression changed, its body trembling violently.

Looking down, Eevee had bitten Haunter's ghostly hand and refused to let go.

"Haunter! ?(;′Д｀?)"

Natsume rubbed his chin.

"Hmm... that could've been me."

"Thanks, Haunter!"

Natsume nodded sincerely.

Grabbing Eevee by the scruff of its neck, the little one kicked its legs, struggling unhappily.

"Eevee! (〃＞皿＜)"

Natsume glanced at the video file on the computer.

Wow, training Protect in secret? Caught red-handed!

"Blocking isn't the solution."

Natsume muttered.

"Guess I'll have to set strict training hours from now on..."

"Can't have these two overtraining and getting hurt. That'd be a real loss."

Natsume's expression was strange.

What kind of situation is this...

Other Trainers have to force their Pokémon to train.

But here I am, having to limit my Pokémon's training time?!

Putting Eevee down, the little one still looked pouty.

I'm not talking to him.

At least not until dinner!

"Here, I brought you a gift."

Natsume took out the Soothe Bell and gently fastened it around Eevee's neck, smiling as he ruffled its fur.

"Even Haunter doesn't have one. This is just for you!"

"Eevee?"

Eevee let out a soft cry, looking down curiously at the bell around its neck.

Jingle jingle—

"Eevee~ (?′?`?)"

All the earlier frustration melted away.

Eevee flopped onto the floor, rolling around happily.

"Eevee! (′▽`〃)"

The little one smiled contentedly, staring at the bell with curiosity.

When the bell stopped ringing, it reached out with a tiny paw to tap it, giggling softly.

"Eevee~!!"

Haunter scratched its head, looking confused.

Sounds nice, but I wonder how it tastes.

Haunter: （ˉ﹃ˉ）

Watching Eevee roll around on the floor, Natsume's face turned red, and he clutched his chest.

"System, do you have any heart medicine?"

[?]

"It's just too cute..."

"AWSL!!"

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