BOOM!
Dust swirled across the battlefield.
When the smoke cleared, Porygon2 lay motionless—utterly defeated.
A stunned silence gripped Striaton Academy's trainers and students alike.
What was supposed to be a close match...
Had turned into a one-sided annihilation.
Even Cheren, Unova's famed tactical Gym Leader, had been completely outplayed.
Meanwhile, Rustboro School and the surrounding stands erupted in cheers.
"Go, Natsume-sensei!!"
"3:0! 3:0!!"
Roxanne nodded approvingly.
See? Even Cheren got wrecked.
It's not that we're weak—Natsume-sensei is just that strong!
The outcome was inevitable.
Cheren sighed, but a small smile tugged at his lips.
At least I learned something from battling a trainer of his caliber.
His Stoutland, a burly canine with a coffee-colored mane, lumbered back onto the field.
Natsume, meanwhile, sent out his deceptively ordinary Squirtle.
"Stoutland—!"
The moment Stoutland bared its fangs, its growl died in its throat.
Squirtle's calm stare locked onto it like a predator's gaze.
Stoutland flinched, tail tucking between its legs.
"Stealth Rock!"
Jagged stones erupted across the field—a trap for any switch-ins or reckless charges.
Natsume smirked. "Rapid Spin."
WHOOSH!
Squirtle retreated into its shell, spinning like a helicopter blade—kicking up a gale as it shredded the rocks to dust.
"T-That's Rapid Spin?!" The commentator gaped.
Since when does it look like a buzzsaw?!
In one fluid motion, Squirtle slammed into Stoutland, its shell leaving a deep gash across the Pokémon's neck.
Cheren swallowed hard.
Data analysis? Useless against this monster.
What even IS this Squirtle?!
Desperate to chip away at Natsume's team, Cheren barked:
"Roar!"
The forced switch-out was a classic hazard strategy—but what replaced Gengar left everyone stunned.
A small, egg-shaped figure materialized in a flash of light.
"Huh?" Natsume blinked. "Why are you out here?"
"Togepi doo-ee!" Togepi waved its tiny fists fiercely.
I wanna help too!
The crowd squealed in delight.
"Aww! So cute!"
"Natsume-sensei—peak masculinity confirmed!"
But Gladion frowned. "Can... Togepi even fight?"
Wally nodded sagely. "If Squirtle's that strong, who knows what this one can do?"
"Ah. Good point."
Back on the field, Cheren seized the opportunity.
"Stoutland—Crunch!"
Stoutland hesitated—then lunged, jaws wide—
"Protect."
CLANG!
A green barrier flickered around Togepi.
Stoutland chomped down—right onto the shield.
"Now. Toxic."
PURPLE MIST sprayed from Togepi's crown, dousing Stoutland in venom.
The crowd lost it.
"Even Togepi's running SubProtect Toxic?!"
"Natsume-sensei's soul is blacker than a Gengar!"
Cheren could only admire the ruthlessness.
This man... is the true master of dirty tactics.
Two turns of stalling later, Stoutland—poisoned and weakened—was on its last legs.
"Ancient Power!"
Rocks slammed into Stoutland as Togepi's stats surged.
"Additional effects! Togepi's growing stronger!"
Then—
"Metronome!"
A Karate Chop later, Stoutland collapsed.
Silence.
Then—pandemonium.
"HE WON WITH A TOGEPI?!"
"Natsume-sensei—what even ARE you?!"
The referee's whistle blew.
"Winner—Natsume!"
"Togepi doo-ee~!" Togepi turned, beaming at its trainer.
Mission accomplished!
Natsume sighed. "Just... don't get hurt next time."
"Togepi!" It patted its shell cheerfully.
Trainer's happy! That's all that matters!
...
After shutting out Cheren, Natsume took a breather.
Erika, taking the field next, emulated his dominance—another 3:0 sweep.
"This year's champions have been decided!"
The host's voice boomed. "Congratulations—Celadon School!"
Amid the cheers, Natsume's system pinged.
[Ding! Quest "Inter-School Exchange Tournament" complete!]
[Rewards: Orange Item ×1, Skill Level-Up Ticket ×1, Random Apricorn Ball ×1]
Not bad.
He'd check the loot later.
"Did I do you proud?" Erika smiled as she returned.
Natsume gave her a flat look.
"A friendly match ending like this... Really?"
"Precisely why you're a lock for MVP," she teased. "Guess what the prize is?"
"There's a prize for that?"
"Of course!"
She handed him her phone. "You get to pick from the event's item pool."
Natsume skimmed the list.
...Nothing dangerous. Safe enough.
Just then, Roxanne and Cheren approached.
"Natsume-sensei!" Roxanne waved. "He wanted to talk."
"What's up?"
Cheren scratched his head. "Roxanne reminded me—Gym Leader etiquette."
"Even in unofficial matches, we're supposed to award badges for victories."
He held out a gleaming metal badge.
"The Basic Badge of Aspertia City. Please accept it."
Since it wasn't tied to a quest, Natsume took it without hesitation.
"Thanks. You fought well."
Cheren laughed weakly.
After chatting with Roxanne, he'd learned Natsume's title.
The Strategist.
A trainer on par with the legendary Red.
"Battling you was honor enough!"
Natsume stared at the sky.
Why does every Baby Cup turn into a fan meetup?!
Noticing the badge in his hand, Erika suddenly perked up.
"Oh! Natsume-sensei, I have something for you too."
"Hm?"
Distracted, he automatically accepted it.
[Ding! Quest Updated!]
[Badges Collected: (4/8)]
Natsume: ???
"The Rainbow Badge," Erika said sweetly. "For holding the lead position in my stead."
Consider it... my thanks.
Natsume's soul left his body.
THIS is your gratitude?!
After all my hard work—
YOU STAB ME IN THE BACK?!
"Happy?" Erika grinned. "You're one step closer to the Indigo Plateau now!"
Natsume's eye twitched. "Ha... ha..."
In his heart, a grudge was born.
December 10th. Overcast. Erika gave me a badge.
This. Means. War.
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