Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

Night fell.

Natsume returned home with the little ones.

Team Rocket, having packed up their stall, video-called.

All three squeezed into the tiny screen: "Executive, just say the word!"

"Should we transfer today's earnings to you, meow?"

"Keep it."

Natsume smiled. "Use it to build that mech... Just let me pilot it sometime."

Though clueless about "mechs,"

The trio saluted in unison: "Roger!"

The Pokémon world's tech wasn't just limited to mechs.

There were also the airships from movies and special editions.

Giovanni himself owned a battleship,

Which he'd once used to duel Red mid-air.

Both had deployed Legendary Pokémon—

While Red tanked Deoxys' attacks bare-handed to buy Mewtwo time.

And through it all, the ship stayed perfectly stable.

"Technology is amazing," Natsume mused.

Today's event had left his signing arm sore.

But these diehard fans were Pokémon Company's best advertisers.

Their buzz across forums and video sites would boost publicity immensely.

According to the dev schedule,

Pokémon Auto Chess's alpha was complete.

Beta testing would start this week, leading to full release soon—

Becoming the company's first online game.

Combined with their hit single-player titles and the PTCG craze,

Natsume could finally breathe easier about funding his training and gacha addiction.

His gaze fell on the Fuchsia Badge Togepi had brought home.

He sighed deeply.

"Can't let my guard down yet..."

If I want to buy a Mega Stone, I'll be eating instant noodles for months!

[Progress]

[Badges Collected: (5/8)]

Natsume mentally tallied the remaining gyms:

"Lt. Surge's Electric-type gym..."

"Brock's Rock-type gym, and Big Shot Blue Oak's Ground-type gym..."

Of the three, Lt. Surge without a Mega might be easiest.

Brock's Mega Steelix would give his current team trouble.

And Blue Oak's Champion-level Viridian Gym?

Hopeless.

But the harder the gyms,

The safer Natsume felt.

"No big deal."

He smirked.

"Even if Gengar challenges them, I won't accidentally bring home badges!"

"Sirfetch'd~"

The afternoon's MVP now dozed on the couch,

Leek and shield propped nearby, wings tucked in.

A sitting duck's feet are invisible—

Only its plump, snow-white feathers showed.

Natsume's home was practically a menagerie:

Duck, turtle, cat, dog, hamster...

"Next thing I know, I'll be running a zoo."

When dinner's aroma filled the air,

Sirfetch'd's eyes snapped open.

Food time!

The little ones devoured the feast like a storm.

Natsume smiled, checking his phone.

...

Chat Group

Wattson: "New game soon, eh? Wonder if this old man can still grind."

Gold: "Just hire Pokémon to grind for you! My Pichu handles dungeons."

Wattson: Cheat codes work too...

Steven: "@Natsume-sensei, heads up—Devon Corp's gaming division sees you as competition."

Natsume blinked.

Aren't you Devon Corp's Vice President?

Why the treason?!

Natsume: "Do they have a similar game launching?"

Steven: "Their site lists one."

Checking Devon's site, Natsume found it—

A strategy RPG releasing alongside Auto Chess.

Completely different genres.

Gold: "Hope it's out before the P1 Grand Prix! I wanna cheer for Natsume-sensei live!"

Silver: "He doesn't need it."

Gold: ?!

Green: "I offer virtual cheering services! Discounts available~"

Who'd buy that?!

Gold turned to Silver—

Only to find him ready to pay.

Gold: "Don't impulse-buy!"

Silver: "Let go!"

Lance: "@Natsume-sensei, you're in Kanto, right?"

Natsume: "Yeah, why?"

Lance recalled his earlier meeting with Koga:

"About that..."

...

As a ninja, Koga worked efficiently.

That night, via Crobat Air Express, he reached Johto League at Mt. Silver's base.

Breezy night winds swept the compound as Koga leapt across rooftops.

Under the moonlight—

A Dragonite descended abruptly.

A red-haired man landed, cape billowing.

"Knew I'd find you this way."

Lance frowned. "You're an Elite Four. Just use the front door."

"Too much paperwork."

Koga waved dismissively. "I need a favor."

"Details first."

"I need you to relay a message to Trainer Natsume."

Koga continued, "Your... network connects all major leagues. Since we're unacquainted, you're the ideal intermediary."

"Network?"

Lance pulled out his phone. "You mean the group chat?"

Koga: "..."

Lance coughed awkwardly. "I'll help. What's the message?"

Koga composed himself.

"If Natsume is willing, I'll personally instruct him in Poison-type techniques."

"While I can't claim to teach him..."

"In Poison-type arts, I have some expertise!"

...

Lance: "Koga wishes to express gratitude. He offers personal Poison-type training."

Natsume froze.

First Janine delivers a badge...

Now her dad wants to finish me off in person?!

Natsume: "I'll pass. Prepping for P1 Grand Prix and company work."

Lance nodded.

Of course Natsume-sensei would refuse.

He probably outclasses Koga already...

Lance: "Understood. I'll inform Koga."

Lance's compliance surprised Natsume.

Did I...

Dodge a bullet?

Then came Lance's critical hit:

"Since you won't meet, he'll deliver handwritten manuals to your residence."

Lance smiled. "Even if unused, they may offer insights!"

Natsume: ???

"And this 'he' is...?"

"Poison-type Elite Four Koga."

Lance checked the time.

"He should be arriving... now."

...

Under the night sky, Koga approached Saffron City.

The thought of meeting Natsume-sensei stirred excitement.

My ideal son-in-law...

On par with Red himself!

Skyscrapers glittered as Koga reached an upscale neighborhood.

Instead of barging in,

He'd asked Lance to arrange a meeting spot.

Soon—

A Gengar materialized from the shadows,

Accompanied by a strikingly handsome young man.

"Natsume-sensei."

Koga's red scarf fluttered as he crossed his arms. "An honor."

"Likewise." Natsume sighed.

An Elite Four playing delivery man...

Least I can do is greet him properly.

"Lance likely explained my purpose."

From his belt, Koga produced a handbound manual.

"A token of appreciation."

Natsume remained baffled.

Why are father and daughter ganging up on me?

"May I ask..."

He tread carefully. "What exactly prompted this?"

"Naturally."

Koga's eyes crinkled behind his mask.

"Your guidance to my daughter during her gym challenge was invaluable."

"Facing stronger opponents..."

"Fuels her growth."

Natsume's face twitched.

That wasn't a gym battle!

But with the badge in hand...

He sighed deeply.

"Your Toxic manual was already generous."

"This really isn't necessary!"

"Unacceptable."

Koga's eyes narrowed.

"Unless..."

"You find my gift lacking?"

Natsume: ?

Seeing his expression, Koga understood.

Good thing I came prepared!

Gritting his teeth, he produced another manual.

Koga: "This one covers Sludge Bomb. Perhaps—"

Natsume's despair deepened.

As Koga reached for a third,

Natsume intervened: "Two's enough! No more!"

He'll literally empty his archives at this rate!

"Two suffice?"

Koga wiped his brow, relieved.

"The second details Poison Jab—annotated with my personal insights."

"While perhaps basic for you..."

"My notes may prove useful!"

The night wind howled as Natsume massaged his temples.

Sludge Bomb would expand Gengar's coverage as a special Poison move.

But Poison Jab...?

Then—his Premier Ball shook.

Natsume blinked.

Sirfetch'd's determination?

Even slackers dream of carrying!

For Sirfetch'd's sake...

I'll accept.

He patted the ball. "Don't worry, I'll save it for you!"

Sirfetch'd: ?

Peering through the ball at the thick manuals,

Sirfetch'd broke into a cold sweat.

STAY AWAY!!

"My task is complete."

Koga relaxed as Natsume took the manuals.

Then—he studied Gengar.

Its Poison techniques felt eerily familiar.

My Toxic Manuscript...

Mastered in half a year?

Koga's respect skyrocketed.

He's practically a Poison-type master already!

"One last tip."

Koga added, "Train Sludge Bomb using Black Sludge items."

Natsume stiffened.

That sinking feeling returns...

"How much?"

"Toxic Orbs run 2 million Pokédollars each. Two minimum for optimal power."

"Plus two Black Sludge—4.4 million total."

Koga chuckled.

"Poison-types are quite budget-friendly, really!"

Natsume's hands trembled as he clutched the manuals.

But refusing outright felt rude...

So he forced a smile:

"Th... thanks."

"My pleasure." Koga vanished into the night.

The cold wind howled.

Watching Koga disappear, Natsume sighed.

December 16th, Wednesday Night, Gale Winds.

Janine and Koga—father-daughter combo.

One delivered a badge, the other bankruptcy manuals.

This kindness...

I won't forget.

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