Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

The semifinals of the Piplup Cup are set to take place next Wednesday, with a week-long promotional buildup leading up to the event.

Coincidentally, Natsume's final exams are also happening around the same time. Once they're over, summer break will begin.

Natsume doesn't plan to return to his hometown for the summer, so he's decided to visit his parents during the review week.

"Class, this is our last session of the semester. Once I finish taking attendance, you're free to go!"

Professor Kenta, ever meticulous, stood by the podium, adjusting his glasses.

As the class ended, the room erupted in cheers.

Although the review week is a grueling seven days of exam prep, it's also a mini-vacation of sorts.

Yuuichi, sitting in the front row, turned around eagerly. "Hey, you guys wanna hit up a game later?"

Kazuya looked like he'd aged several years. "I... I've got Computer Science, Criminal Law... and Advanced Math..."

"Got it," Yuuichi swallowed hard. "What about you, Brother Natsume? You've got training, right?"

"Actually, I'm free," Natsume shrugged. "I've already maxed out my credits. I could fail these two classes and still be fine."

"You..."

The news of a first-year student from Tokyo Metropolitan University making it to the semifinals—and from the Finance Department, no less—had spread like wildfire throughout the Economics faculty.

Even students from the Southern Campus' Pokémon Academy had come to catch a glimpse of this big shot.

No fewer than three Battle Department students had already challenged Natsume to a battle.

But since they weren't NPCs who'd drop cash when defeated, Natsume naturally declined.

With the day's classes over, Natsume pulled out his phone to check the reception of his Night Kitchen series.

Natsume-sensei was a content creator known for his dirty strategies, a fact well-recognized in the gaming community.

While these strategies could be applied in real life, without Natsume-sensei's level of command, the results were often disastrous.

This had led to a polarized reputation for Natsume-sensei:

"Natsume-sensei is downright dirty!"

"How can someone be as cool as Natsume-sensei when it comes to strategy?"

But this time, Natsume-sensei had surprised everyone by releasing a food video.

Putting aside the late-night food cravings it induced... Natsume-sensei's cooking skills had earned unanimous praise from his followers.

Combined with the understated narrative style and editing, the Night Kitchen series had unexpectedly struck an emotional chord.

Especially the smiling face of Gastly during its evolution—it truly conveyed the message that humans and Pokémon could coexist harmoniously.

In the comments section, one hot take caught Natsume's attention.

"Onix used Harden: Natsume-sensei's Night Kitchen strips away the noise and glamour of the world, leaving only simple narration that resonates deeply. I think he's trying to convey the following points..."

"Want to raise a Garchomp: Dude, your analysis is spot on!"

"Art is Electrode: You've got the most words, so I'm following you!"

Natsume's expression was priceless.

"So that's what it means... Wow, I never thought of it that way!" Natsume's eyes widened.

With the overwhelming positive feedback from his followers, the video's popularity continued to rise.

While it hadn't yet reached the top post in the Lifestyle category, it was only a matter of time.

Natsume nodded in satisfaction.

Haunter was more invested in the Piplup Cup semifinals than Natsume himself, so Natsume didn't bother with training.

For now, his main focus was preparing for his final exams.

"Alright, time to hit the books."

In the library, Natsume pulled out his notebook and muttered to himself.

His phone buzzed.

A message from his one and only special contact—short, direct, and commanding.

"Let's play."

Natsume twitched.

Why is it always you?!

Why do you always show up when I'm trying to study?!

Do you really think I'm some kind of pushover?

Natsume's response was just as firm.

"On my way."

"Give me ten minutes. I'll be home soon!"

Cynthia allowed herself a small smile, her expression quickly turning serious.

On her game screen, a massive Tyrantrum loomed.

Cynthia had tried over a dozen times, each attempt ending in failure, which was why she'd reached out to her professional gaming partner.

"This level is so hard," Cynthia murmured, brushing a strand of golden hair from her forehead. "Is it too much to ask Master to play with me...?"

But soon, she gripped her controller tightly and clicked her tongue. "It's fine. I'll make it up to him later!"

As Natsume sprinted down the street, only one thought filled his mind.

Time is money!

If this wealthy patron finds someone else to play with, I'm done for!

Breathless, he arrived home.

Haunter was nervously painting the wall with a bucket of paint when it suddenly froze.

Turning its head stiffly, Haunter floated in front of the dented, punch-marked wall and gave Natsume a sheepish grin.

"It's fine. I've already braced myself," Natsume sighed.

"Haunter?"

"Keep painting. We'll grab something good to eat later."

Haunter blinked, then grinned and nodded.

"Haunter!"

The gaming console in this world was produced by Hoenn's Devon Corporation. It was said that the concept of the console was first proposed by Steven Stone.

Though this rich kid seemed to be slacking off, he was actually a business genius. If he couldn't find rocks, he'd have no choice but to inherit his family's vast fortune.

Besides Devon Corporation, Kalos Region's Lysandre Labs was still developing AR and 3D technology.

Natsume muttered, "I wonder if we'll ever be able to use virtual imaging technology for something like card games."

But for now, Natsume quickly logged into the game.

"What are we playing today?"

"Monster Hunter."

Natsume opened the game and used a rented account to head to the mission location, where a Garchomp was already waiting in the mission hall.

"You're still using Gengar?" A slightly husky yet captivating female voice came through the team chat.

Her voice had a unique charm that was impossible to ignore.

"You're... using Garchomp too," Natsume replied, struggling.

"Fair enough," Cynthia nodded. "Anyway, how much would it cost to defeat a Tyrantrum?"

"What do you think is fair?"

"Hmm... I'm not familiar with Touran's prices. Just send me next week's bill."

Natsume couldn't help but tear up.

Is this a wealthy patron? No, this is an angel!

"If we can't clear it, it's fine," Cynthia mused. "This is a five-player mission, so I can always find someone else."

Cynthia's mind immediately went to Diantha, who was all the way in Kalos.

That girl was a jack-of-all-trades, excelling in both gaming and acting.

But Natsume, being a seasoned player, smirked. "You're underestimating me."

Gengar, cracking its knuckles, approached the roaring Tyrantrum with a sinister grin.

Looking at the move list, Natsume's lips curled into a smile as he prepared the complex "Destiny Bond" combo.

"Die already!"

Cynthia watched in confusion as Gengar tangled with the Tyrantrum.

Even in this game, Natsume-sensei stuck to his SubProtect Toxic strategy.

"It's really..." Cynthia paused, searching for the right words. "Consistently you."

In the end, both sides were heavily damaged, and the "Destiny Bond" combo was successfully unleashed. The towering Tyrantrum collapsed with a thunderous crash.

Boom!!

The timer showed less than five minutes. Cynthia's delicate face showed a hint of surprise.

"That was... way too fast!"

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