Though Natsume had committed to the P1 Grand Prix, his immediate focus remained the Inter-School Exchange Tournament.
After nearly blowing up the school grounds multiple times, even he felt a twinge of guilt—though Principal Dervish had merely urged him to "prioritize education."
With that kind of trust… I'd better take this seriously.
...
November 30th, Monday
Natsume leaned on the villa balcony, watching Togepi in the courtyard with mixed emotions.
"Togepi doo-ee!"
The tiny Pokémon waved its fingers, levitating boulders that then crashed down with a thunderous BOOM, cratering the garden.
"Togepi!" It clapped joyfully. I did it! Finally!
Beside it, Gengar sniffled into a handkerchief, tears streaming.
Trainer must be so proud...!
Natsume sighed deeply.
This was Ancient Power—a Rock-type move that, for the lucky few, could boost all stats.
With Togepi's Serene Grace ability, the odds doubled.
Not that I trust my own luck to trigger it…
Yet Togepi's innate fortune lived up to its ability's name.
My "anti-luck" aura just drowns it out sometimes.
"Togepi!" The togepi beamed up at him.
"Good job," Natsume forced a smile. "Take a break before more training."
Togepi wiped its brow, then pumped its tiny fists. "Doo-ee! ヾ(◕°◕°)ノ" Gotta keep pushing!
Natsume's chest tightened.
It's trying so hard to catch up to the seniors…
Why does this fill me with dread?
"Cuteness is its own victory," he muttered. "Who cares about strength? Just grow up healthy!"
As if to protest, Togepi unleashed Ancient Power again.
CRACK! The villa shook.
And this time—crimson light enveloped Togepi as its stats surged.
"Togepi!" Its eyes gleamed with newfound intensity.
Natsume's sweatdrop could've filled a bucket.
Right. Like Gold's Togebo, mine's also a 6V monster.
"Togepi doo-ee (´∀｀)♡"
Post-training, Togepi reverted to its usual adorableness. Gengar telekinetically hoisted it onto the balcony, where it bounced gleefully, begging for "uppies."
Natsume eyed the lunar landscape below and dialed a number.
"Yeah, it's me. Again. ASAP."
...
The Kanto Renovation crew leader shook Natsume's hand with reverence.
"Business from you always brightens our day!"
Natsume's eye twitched. You think I enjoy this?!
Yet as he surveyed the pristine garden, he marveled at Pokémon-world tech.
How do they fix everything so fast?
...
Afternoon – Trainer Academy
Astride Arcanine, Natsume arrived to oversee training.
Gladion stared at his assigned regimen.
"Get punched repeatedly?!"
"Your Lycanroc has Counter potential," Natsume said. "Gengar will demonstrate."
The boy paled as Arcanine loomed with a feral grin, Gengar cackling beside it.
Trainer even provided Arcanine as a sparring partner…
I won't waste this chance!
Gritting his teeth, Gladion barked: "Lycanroc—Counter training, NOW!"
Dusk
Arcanine yawned atop a whimpering Lycanroc.
"That's enough for today," Natsume coughed. "Survival is progress."
Gladion, drenched in sweat, nodded fiercely.
Nearby, Giselle wobbled. "Sensei… how many more Bonemerangs?!"
"Until it rivals Earthquake," Natsume said. "No shortcuts."
Post-Training
Arcanine had gained something too—Reversal, a move that grew stronger at low HP.
Perfect for surprise sweeps in 4-move battles.
While most Arcanine specialized in offense, tank builds or artillery sets existed.
But in reality, "EV spreads" were fluid.
Max everything first, adjust tactics later.
A tactic Leon famously abused—his Charizard ran mixed sets like Brick Break/Thunder Punch or Flamethrower/Air Slash.
A kindred spirit in chaotic battling.
As students dispersed, Erika called.
"Sensei, come to the principal's office. A Hoenn transfer student arrived—arranged by Professor Oak."
Natsume blinked. "Hoenn?"
"Call the Professor. Your Pokédex wasn't responding."
Ah. Natsume winced. Probably still in Gengar's stomach dimension.
Video Call – Professor Oak
The white-haired man peered at a Kingler over a Bunsen burner.
"Natsume! Long time!"
Was he about to cook that Kingler?!
"How many badges now?" Oak asked.
"Th-Three…"
"Impressive! Barely a month in!"
"The transfer student," Natsume pressed. "Who is it?"
Oak's expression sobered.
"Tell me… do you know Wally?"
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