Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

On Saturday, the long-awaited Piplup Cup Semifinals officially began.

According to the matchups, Natsume was set to face Reina from Tokyo Metropolitan University High School.

She was the live-streaming fan whose Pokémon was Breloom.

The other matchup was an internal battle at Osaka University, with Kazuki facing Ryosuke.

When Kazuki saw the matchup list, he wiped the sweat from his brow and let out a sigh of relief.

"Phew… at least I didn't get matched against Natsume-sensei in the Semifinals."

Meanwhile, Reina's eyes sparkled as she bombarded Natsume with messages under the guise of asking for professional advice.

"Natsume-sensei, I'm in your group for the Semifinals!"

"Natsume-sensei, can I take a photo with you after the match? Or maybe get an autograph!"

Thanks to the growing influence of his videos, Natsume had gained a small fanbase among these young Trainers.

Looking at her, it didn't seem like she was here to compete—more like she was here to meet a celebrity!

"This really is a fan tournament…"

Natsume's expression was a mix of amusement and bewilderment as he clicked into Reina's social media profile. His eye twitched at what he saw.

The cover photo was a large chibi-style fan art that bore a 70% resemblance to Natsume-sensei.

Floating next to it was a Gengar with a sinister grin, accompanied by the caption: "Protecting the world's best SubProtect Toxic!"

Natsume was momentarily stunned.

"Is this… the legendary fangirl?"

Scrolling down, he found the usual posts of a devoted fan.

"Funny! Natsume-sensei is at least a master trainer, okay? Don't talk nonsense if you don't know!"

"Ahhh, Natsume-sensei can even cook! I'm in love!"

...

Natsume's expression turned complicated as he glanced at Haunter, who was scratching its head.

"Haunter?"

"Make sure to go all out later. Teach her how harsh the world can be!"

"Haunter!"

Haunter cracked its knuckles, grinning with a sinister smile.

...

The match was set to begin in the afternoon.

For lunch, Natsume prepared some Moomoo Milk for Eevee. After calling out several times with no response, Natsume went into the room and carried Eevee out himself.

"Eevee…"

Eevee let out a reluctant cry, initially trying to struggle.

But in the end, it lowered its head and quietly began lapping up the milk.

Natsume sneakily reached his hand into the fluffy fur around Eevee's neck, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

"This texture is unbeatable!"

"Eevee!"

Eevee suddenly lifted its head, glaring fiercely at Natsume, only to let out a hiccup.

"Eevee!"

Despite its bared teeth, the hiccup made it look anything but intimidating.

"Lactose intolerant?"

Natsume was momentarily surprised before chuckling. "Wait here, I'll get you a different lunch."

"Eevee!"

Eevee hiccuped again, wagging its tail and shyly turning its face away.

Meanwhile…

"Haunter~(*⊙~⊙)"

Haunter stuffed a handful of Pokéblocks into its mouth, munching on them like candy, and even considered grabbing a Soda Pop to wash them down.

"Fizz—"

With its other hand, Haunter popped open a soda bottle, took a sip, and let out a contented sigh.

"Haunter~!"

Before heading out, Natsume patted Eevee's head. "Do you want to come with us?"

"Haunter!" Haunter also chimed in enthusiastically, extending the invitation.

Eevee took half a step back and then shook its head.

The little one was still a bit shy, but staying in its Poké Ball all the time wasn't ideal either.

"Then you stay and watch the house," Natsume said with a smile. "We'll bring you something tasty when we get back."

"Haunter…"

Eevee nodded lightly, only to hiccup again and quickly scamper away.

Watching Eevee's retreating figure, Natsume stroked his chin and muttered, "Eevee doesn't know Will-O-Wisp, so it's not like it's going to burn the house down, right?"

"Hmm… it should be fine."

Natsume nodded confidently.

"Let's go, Haunter. Time to crush this fan tournament!"

...

The 'Mercedes' Arena was packed with spectators, and media outlets were out in full force.

This was Tokyo's first major summer event, and it was nearing its climax.

"The Piplup Cup Semifinals are about to begin! Among these talented competitors, Natsume from Tokyo Metropolitan University…"

"Natsume, hailed as the biggest dark horse, can he create another miracle?"

"The Semifinals guest lineup is out! Shintaro Master, Champion of the South Kyushu Championship, is here to lend his support!"

As a special guest for the event, these seasoned Trainers would provide commentary on the competitors.

The Piplup Cup was tied to the upcoming [Junior Trainer License Exam] in a month, so the commentary also served as a form of evaluation.

Shoya, the Association President, smiled. "Master Shintaro, it's been a while."

Master Shintaro waved. "Old man, you're still as spirited as ever!"

"With so many talented youngsters emerging, I can't help but feel at ease," Shoya said with a grin.

"Oh?" Master Shintaro raised an eyebrow. "Are you referring to Ryosuke or Kazuki?"

Shoya stroked his beard, smiling without a word.

"The first match is between them. We'll soon see who comes out on top," Master Shintaro said.

As the ceremonial cannon fired, the commentator's voice rang out, signaling the start of the match.

"Both competitors are in position! Let's see how this unfolds!"

In the audience stands, Yuuichi stammered, "Brother Natsume… are you really this relaxed?"

"I'm already pretty nervous."

Natsume sighed. "Don't believe me? Look at my eyes."

"Hmm… you do look a bit tense."

Kazuya, munching on a burger, shot him a sideways glance. "He's not nervous at all!"

Natsume cleared his throat.

Even if he wanted to feel nervous, the thought of facing his own fan made it impossible!

"Let's just watch the match… these tickets were expensive, a few hundred Pokémon Coins each."

Ivysaur VS Magneton.

Aside from Toxic being ineffective against Steel types, neither side had a clear advantage.

In the end, it would come down to the Trainers' commands and their Pokémon's training.

Ryosuke made the first move: "Thunder Wave!"

With Ivysaur's sluggish speed, dodging Magneton's Thunder Wave was nearly impossible!

But "Protect" activated just in time, and the crackling electricity slammed into the barrier.

At the same time, Ivysaur curled up, the vines on its back piercing into the ground.

"Kazuki has given up mobility, opting to have Ivysaur take root!" the commentator announced.

"Ivysaur's speed is indeed a bit lacking," Shoya nodded. "This is a solid command."

Master Shintaro smiled. "He's likely going for a stalling strategy."

"Leech Seed!" Kazuki commanded.

"Gyro Ball, then follow up with Thunderbolt once you're close!"

The thorny vines shot toward Magneton, but the latter was already spinning rapidly, deflecting the vines!

Rooted in place, Ivysaur couldn't move, while Magneton closed in, unleashing a dazzling burst of electricity!

The electric light flickered as Ivysaur curled up in pain.

Kazuki barked, "Hidden Power!"

In a critical moment, a glowing orb emerged from the bud on Ivysaur's back, and a wave of scorching heat spread across the field.

"A Fire-type Hidden Power?" Shoya exclaimed in surprise.

"That's quite the hidden card!"

"Still too impulsive," Master Shintaro frowned.

In the audience stands, Yuuichi gasped, "Whoa, Ivysaur's about to turn this around!"

But Natsume sighed. "Ryosuke's going to win."

The flames of Hidden Power erupted, but Magneton tanked the hit, emitting a high-pitched screech.

At the same time, Thunderbolt struck again!

The referee waved the flag: "Ivysaur is unable to battle! The winner is Ryosuke from Osaka University!"

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