Trainer's Gambit

All eyes in the arena turned to Natsume.

"That's right, Brother Natsume is also in the competition!"

"But his opponent is from the school team. Don't push the class rep too hard…"

As the whispers spread, a few girls secretly glanced at Natsume.

Though nervous, their eyes also shone with a hint of admiration.

In critical moments, it's always Natsume who comes through!

Sakurako frowned slightly as she observed the fierce-looking Gastly.

Her sharp intuition told her that this Gastly's strength was not to be underestimated!

But as for its Trainer…

Sure, he was good-looking, but no matter what, he was still a Finance Department student.

When it came to commanding, he couldn't possibly compare to someone from the Battle Department!

"Hey, Brother Natsume, are you serious about this?"

Yuuichi whispered, "If you lose, you might not even get to compete tomorrow!"

Natsume had been hesitating.

But upon hearing Yuuichi's words, his eyes lit up.

Wait, does that mean I can focus on studying for my finals instead?

Patting Yuuichi on the shoulder, Natsume smiled.

"I'll handle it."

Stepping forward calmly, Natsume said, "At Tokyo Metropolitan University, we don't let our girls take the lead!"

"Class Rep Natsume…"

Natsume could feel the intense gazes from behind him, making his back itch.

Meanwhile, the boys from the Battle Department behind Sakurako were grinding their teeth in frustration.

Not only was this guy good-looking, but he also had the audacity to show off in front of them?

How could they tolerate this?!

A freshman from the Finance Department daring to challenge a member of Tokyo Metropolitan University's school team?

Do you even know what you're getting into?

"Sister Sakurako, teach this guy a lesson!"

"Yeah, beat him so badly he quits being a Trainer!"

Natsume's eyes sparkled with gratitude as he looked at the boy who had shouted.

"Quiet down!"

Sakurako turned to the gym teacher. "Sensei, could you please act as the referee?"

Teacher Hayato sighed. "Fine, as long as you can resolve this quickly… I'm still on probation, you know!"

The Finance Department students gathered around Natsume, their spirits high as they marched toward the battlefield.

Gastly, its eyes bloodshot, floated beside Natsume, revealing a sinister grin.

To Sakurako, that grin sent a chill down her spine.

But only Natsume knew it was just Gastly's exhaustion from staying up all night.

Well… dark circles do make one look more menacing!

Yuuichi looked uneasy and whispered, "Brother Natsume, are you sure about this?"

"Uh… actually, I'm not great at commanding."

"?"

"This is my first time commanding in a practical battle," Natsume said with a cheerful smile.

"I'll give it a try!"

"???"

On the 10x10 standard battlefield, Sakurako and her Granbull stood ready.

Granbull, a bulldog-like Pokémon, stood on two legs with a fierce expression, its light purple fur and powerful jaws giving it an intimidating presence.

Seeing Sakurako's Pokémon, Natsume felt a twinge of disappointment.

He had been hoping to see an adorable Ralts!

So this is what the Fairy-type specialist family has to offer? Just a Granbull?

Teacher Hayato blew the whistle. "Begin the match!"

Sakurako raised her arm, pointing forward, and Granbull lunged with a powerful Bite!

But before Granbull could reach its target, Gastly had already appeared at its side with a sinister grin.

A flicker of surprise crossed Sakurako's mind.

What kind of speed is this?

Natsume sighed inwardly.

Everyone knows Granbull is going to use Bite. Why is it still being treated as a trump card?

"Gastly, use Substitute!"

Gastly's black mist twisted, and a portion of it separated, forming two more sinister-looking Gastlys.

To the astonishment of the onlookers, the two Gastlys began darting around Granbull at incredible speed!

"Why… does it look like Sister Sakurako is being overwhelmed?"

"Don't be ridiculous! That's just a tactic to make the opponent lower their guard!"

A drop of cold sweat rolled down Sakurako's forehead.

Gastly's speed was terrifying!

She had to find a way to limit its movement!

"Granbull, use Scary Face!"

"Gastly, close your eyes!"

The commands rang out simultaneously, and Sakurako glanced at Natsume in shock.

He looked as if he had expected this, even seeming a bit bored.

"Too predictable," Natsume muttered.

A sense of pressure unlike anything she had ever felt before weighed heavily on Sakurako.

Was she… being predicted?

Prediction, in battles, refers to a Trainer anticipating their opponent's moves.

It's an extremely risky strategy.

One misstep, and the entire battle could spiral out of control.

But… successfully predicting an opponent's move is a devastating blow to their morale!

No way, it must just be a coincidence!

Sakurako bit her lip.

He just happened to guess my move, that's all!

On the battlefield, Granbull's Scary Face had no effect, as Gastly had already closed its eyes.

Meanwhile, Gastly's Confuse Ray flickered around it, but Granbull shook its head, resisting the confusion.

This gave Sakurako a moment of relief, and her determination returned.

"Granbull, Bite!"

Granbull opened its massive jaws, but Gastly easily dodged the attack.

Sakurako looked at Natsume in confusion.

He pointed at Granbull's feet and shook his head helplessly.

Thanks to Gastly's Mean Look, Granbull's legs were trembling, making it impossible to move!

"Granbull may look tough, but it's surprisingly timid," Natsume said with a sigh.

"If you'd read the Pokédex more, you wouldn't have let it make eye contact with Gastly."

Sakurako opened her mouth to retort but found her throat tight.

"Don't zone out!" Natsume urged.

"This is psychological warfare, part of the strategy!"

Natsume was dumbfounded.

He had assumed that a member of Tokyo Metropolitan University's school team would see through such basic tactics.

But before he could even start trash-talking, the girl was already shutting down?

How am I supposed to keep up the act now?

Sakurako bit her lower lip, her voice trembling.

"Granbull, use… use…"

"Gastly, Will-O-Wisp!"

"Gastly!"

The sinister Gastly floated in the air, three clusters of cold Will-O-Wisp swirling around it before converging into a powerful explosion of flames.

Amid the icy blast, Granbull was sent flying, its fur scorched and disheveled!

"Granbull—!!"

Granbull let out a mournful cry, but Gastly's combo attacks didn't stop!

This wasn't a turn-based game.

If Sakurako couldn't find a way to turn the tide, Gastly's attacks would keep coming!

That said, with Gastly's incredible speed, Granbull couldn't find an opening to counterattack.

Sakurako's rigid commands made Natsume anxious.

What's going on with Tokyo Metropolitan University?

Is this really the level of their school team?

The people I play against in games are stronger than this!

"Boom!"

With one final explosion, Granbull collapsed to the ground with a pitiful wail.

In the stunned silence that followed.

Everyone stared at Natsume, a giant question mark forming in their minds.

Natsume… just beat a school team member?

Recalling Natsume's words before the battle, Yuuichi was left speechless.

You call this "not great at commanding"?

You said you weren't good at it, but then you completely dominated a school team member with pure strategy?!

Brother Natsume, have some shame!