Chapter 20 - 020: The Poison-type Elite Four’s Favor

Natsume had specifically checked the tournament schedule online. The group stage would likely last for three rounds. The competition schedule spanned nearly a month, coinciding with Natsume's final exam week. Natsume pondered that if Gastly lost this match, he could focus on studying for his exams. He never expected this. They had already made it through the group stage, and they actually won?! This year's Battle Department freshmen weren't pulling their weight! But since Gastly had successfully advanced, Natsume considered taking command in the next round. First, with him on the scene, he could ensure Gastly wouldn't sustain serious injuries. Second, if the opponent turned out to be really strong, they could just surrender and be done with it. Natsume wasn't particularly interested in winning the championship. His main goal was simply to ensure Gastly didn't have any regrets. Having decided to participate, Natsume planned to gather some intel on his opponent's strengths. He called Yuuichi, who was actively participating in the competition, and the two agreed to meet at the Starbucks near campus. The summer heat was intense. Everywhere you looked, there were vibrant young girls and Wild Pokémon bustling about the city. Humans and Pokémon coexisting harmoniously—the life depicted in Detective Pikachu's Ryme City was now a tangible reality. Just look at that Poké Ball hanging on her thigh, so white! "Welcome!" As they stepped into Starbucks, a cool breeze greeted them. "I'll take a medium latte." "Sorry, sir, this is a large, and this is an extra-large." "...I want the one in the middle of these three cups." As soon as Yuuichi walked into Starbucks, he saw Natsume with a look of utter despair. Yuuichi was excited. "Natsume, Gastly actually won that match!" Natsume wore a pained expression. "I know." "That Vigoroth had placed in the Kansai University tournament!" "But against Gastly's Substitute, it was all for nothing!" Yuuichi exclaimed. "You're amazing, Natsume! I didn't know you had that up your sleeve!" Natsume silently sipped his coffee. He couldn't exactly say this was the result of Gastly's one-night training session, could he? No way, that would be too demoralizing! Clearing his throat, Natsume asked Yuuichi about the tournament schedule. "You're planning to compete in the next round?" Yuuichi's eyes widened. Natsume nodded. "Let's aim for a good placement." Natsume's best-case scenario was making it to the top 16. That way, he could still make it in time for his exam review week. Yuuichi rubbed his hands together. "This is the first round of the group stage. Win two more, and you'll advance." "If you get lucky with a bye, you could go straight to the top 16!" "When's your match?" Yuuichi grumbled, "I just lost this morning!" "Pfft." "...What are you laughing at?" "The coffee's too hot." Natsume coughed loudly. "Any tough opponents in the advanced rounds?" "Yeah," Yuuichi nodded. "The top seed, Kazuki, is a freshman in Osaka University's Battle Department. He made the school team in his first year!" "Impressive, making the school team as a freshman!" "Then there's Ryosuke from Tokyo Yokohama National University. Even the Electric-type Gym Leader praised his Magneton!" "Wow, that sounds pretty strong too." "And there's Sakurako from our school, from a Fairy-type family. She's the undisputed goddess of the Pokémon Academy!" "Nice!" Natsume clapped in admiration. "Natsume." Yuuichi looked at him with a complicated expression. "The opponents are so strong, but you don't seem the least bit worried..." "Do I?" Natsume turned away. "Look, I'm shaking right now." "You're clearly holding back a laugh!" Natsume coughed lightly. Battling strong opponents would not only train Gastly but also ensure no regrets even if they lost. Natsume could then focus on his studies and career. It was a win-win situation! A Fairy-type family? That sounded impressive. And then there was the "Trainer praised by the Gym Leader" and the "freshman who made the school team." With these big shots around, there's no way they could win, right? Sure, Will-O-Wisp counters Magneton, and Poison-types counter Fairy-types. But the difference in strength was still there. Losing to these big shots would be completely reasonable! "Gastly," Natsume called out Gastly from its Poké Ball. "Gastly?" "Let's give it our all next round and leave no regrets!" "Gastly~! (?ω?)" Johto Region, Mt. Silver. A blanket of white mist enveloped the mountain range. Aside from natural hot springs and rare plants, Mt. Silver was also home to powerful Wild Pokémon, making it a unique training ground. Through the thick fog, an imposing Charizard emerged. On its back was a black-haired young man in a red vest, his cap pulled low, revealing determined eyes. Landing by the lake at the summit of Mt. Silver, Red patted Charizard. The fearsome Charizard spread its wings and vanished into the mist. "Why did you call me here all of a sudden?" The rustling of leaves echoed. A middle-aged man in ninja attire, wearing a mask, hung upside down from a tree branch. "Your observation skills are as sharp as ever." Red sighed. "Well, I've been ambushed on Mt. Silver enough times." This man was none other than Koga, one of Johto's Elite Four, the Poison-type master! Koga leaped down and got straight to the point. "I need you to help me repay a favor." Red was surprised. "Even you owe favors now?" Koga was silent for a long moment before speaking slowly. "Recently, I made a new breakthrough in the Poison-type field." "What?" "Look at your feet." Red looked down and felt a chill. Surrounding his ankles were countless Minimized Muk, their eyes glowing green! These Muk were no larger than ants, yet they swarmed together like venom. The area was covered in filthy sludge—it was hard to imagine how many Minimized Muk were here! "Venusaur." In an instant, Red released Venusaur and leaped onto its back, commanding, "Vine Whip!" Two vines shot out like lightning, wrapping around Koga's neck with a snap. From releasing Venusaur to restraining Koga, it took less than three seconds! Koga raised his hands in surrender. "I mean no harm." "I was just testing if the Champion could see through this new strategy," Koga said with a slight smirk. "Seems it was quite successful." Red coldly replied, "And this is your so-called new strategy?" "Yes," Koga nodded. "I figured if I could ambush someone with hundreds of Minimized Muk, even an Elite Four member would struggle to escape." Red glanced around at the dispersing Muk, feeling a shiver run down his spine. "I got the idea from a Trainer named Natsume... was that his name?" Koga muttered, "The whole Minimize tactic is pretty dirty, don't you think?" "Anyway... I was inspired by him." "I know you know him. My daughter watches his livestreams all the time and says even you're one of his followers..." Koga suddenly rambled. "She's all grown up now, but she's still single, just staying at home all day." "Sure, she's cute and has a strong personality, which helps me a lot..." "But she can't stay home forever! A daughter should get married someday!" As he spoke, Koga wiped a tear from his eye, clearly emotional. Red awkwardly coughed, signaling Koga to get back on track. "Anyway..." Koga cleared his throat. "I want you to do something for me." "This is no way to ask for a favor!" Koga removed his mask and grinned. "How about... I introduce you to my daughter?" So that's your real goal! Red sighed. "What exactly do you want me to do?" "I know he recently caught a Gastly... and while it may sound like bragging, this 'Toxic' knowledge is my life's work." Koga tossed a scroll to Red, which Venusaur caught deftly with its vines. "I hope you can deliver this to him." Koga bowed solemnly to Red. "I would be eternally grateful!"