Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit Chapter 216 - 0216: All Thanks to the Competition

Under Natsu's revision requests, the art girl let out a frustrated sigh.

"It's fine, we can just revise it a few more tis," Natsu reassured her.

"Goodbye!" Mina gritted her teeth.

After hanging up the call,

Natsu opened the images and examined them closely.

"Hmm... there's still so potential."

The card designs Mina provided followed Natsu's instructions, adhering to a classic style.

They were the size of playing cards.

The top half of the card featured the Pokémon's na, type, and illustration;

The bottom half included the Pokémon's moves, Pokédex description, and weaknesses.

For example, the Pikachu card looked like this:

[Pikachu, Electric type

Moves: Thunder Wave, Electro Ball, Thunderbolt

Description: It has small electric sacs on its cheeks. When in danger, it discharges electricity.

Weakness: Ground]

This explanatory style of card would surely satisfy even Professor Samuel Oak.

To make the gaplay more intuitive,

Natsu made so adjustnts to the original PTCG rules.

The cards were divided into three categories: 「Pokémon Cards」, 「Item Cards」, and 「Energy Cards」.

Each 「Pokémon Card」 had a corresponding HP value, with rarity and strength sowhat proportional.

Only by drawing and equipping 「Energy Cards」 could you use the moves listed on the 「Pokémon Cards」 to deal damage to the opponent's 「Pokémon Cards」.

「Item Cards」 could be understood as a combination of "spells" and "traps."

A quick demonstration:

[I summon Pikachu in attack mode, equip three Electric-type Energy Cards, and unleash a full-power Thunderbolt!]

[It's no use! I activate the Item Card 'Insulated Gloves' from my hand, nullifying your Electric-type attack!]

[What?!]

The ntal skit concluded.

Natsu nodded in satisfaction.

Although it was still in its early stages,

A tabletop ga that could be played during breaks and wouldn't get confiscated by teachers was truly a "child's treasure."

Natsu vaguely rembered that in his previous life, many kids loved collecting various cards like "Ultraman Cards" and "Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards."

This world also had its share of card series.

But compared to giants like Bandai and Nintendo, they were relatively small-ti.

In fact, this "PTCG" card set,

Had the potential to be the first step for "The Pokémon Company" to test the waters in other domains.

"All thanks to the competition!" Natsu chuckled, nodding in satisfaction.

...

The project was progressing steadily.

On the graphic design front, Mina was struggling a bit to complete 149 card illustrations on her own.

Fortunately, she had a Sargle to assist her...

After all, what's a Pokémon Company without a few Pokémon employees?

In special editions, Lt. Surge had the audacity to use Raikou to power a maglev train.

Natsu mused that using a Legendary Pokémon for such a task was truly fitting for an Electric-type Master...

As for the physical card production,

The highly efficient Oleana had already contacted a printing company. Once the designs were finalized, they could start printing samples.

One step closer to making a living.

Natsu smiled.

He put on an apron and personally cooked a lavish dinner for his little ones.

Even the Pokémon egg had a proper bowl of Pokéblocks placed in front of it.

Natsu exchanged glances with his little ones, and then they devoured the al like a whirlwind.

...

"Sylveon~ burp!"

Sylveon jumped off the chair, letting out a milky burp, a vein popping on its forehead.

Gengar and Squirtle pretended not to notice.

"Growlithe~~" Growlithe grinned goofily.

Gengar and Squirtle took a step back, gasping.

Little buddy, what's wrong with you!

"Sylveon! ヽ(#`Д??)??"

Ding, clang, thud...

Watching Growlithe being chased around by Sylveon, looking utterly desperate,

Natsu sat on the couch, calmly sipping his tea.

Hmm... this must be the daily life of Natsu's household!

At the sa ti, as if sensing Natsu's feelings,

The Pokémon egg resting on the cushion...

Crack.

A small fissure appeared on its surface.

...

The semifinals of the Tokaido League were still ongoing.

Counting the days, the invitation from Erika to visit Kanto was just a month away.

Natsu opened his phone and scrolled through the chat group.

Clair, the Dragon-type Leader with blue hair tied in a ponytail and wearing a tight outfit, bit her lip.

Too shy to private ssage, she typed in the group: "@Lance, have you been back to the clan recently?"

"The clan... sounds so fancy... (⊙??⊙)" Yellow chid in.

Brock squinted and explained, "The Dragon Clan holds a family gathering every year. Rumor has it they use it to select new elders... though I'm not sure if it's true."

"It's true," Lorelei adjusted her glasses and smiled. "But the new elder... seems to be quite afraid of !"

Lance: @Clair, not coming back.

Lance: @Lorelei, that's because I wasn't in the clan at the ti.

In the Champion League, the winner of the Champion's Path would challenge the Elite Four.

Unfortunately, the Dragon Clan's prodigies had always lost to Auntie Lorelei.

Dragon-type against Ice-type...

A big fat "L"!

Clair pressed, "Why aren't you coming back?"

"I've been investigating Team Rocket recently,"

Lance frowned, deep in thought. "Team Rocket has been laying low lately... Last ti I saw them, they were actually clashing with a cri syndicate..."

Silver: Black eating black?

Lance: No... according to the locals, the Pokémon that were stolen were returned by Team Rocket mbers.

The group chat fell silent for a mont.

That doesn't make sense?

This doesn't align with Team Rocket's usual behavior.

Moreover... what's their endga?

Silver frowned, pondering, then coldly said, "I'll keep investigating on the Johto side. Don't worry."

Lance: Thanks.

Reading Lance's ssage, Natsu-sensei looked up at the sky.

It's only been half a month...

And Team Rocket is already pivoting their business?

Giovanni's efficiency is truly impressive!

Miss Sabrina, busy filming,

Glanced at her phone and, seeing an interesting topic, chid in.

Sabrina: Maybe Team Rocket's ideology has shifted.

"As a forr Team Rocket Executive," Blue Oak said coldly, "your credibility isn't exactly high."

Sabrina smirked but didn't argue.

"People change. No one is an island."

Sabrina said, "As long as they have emotions, no one is an exception."

The group chat fell silent again.

Silver frowned, staring at Sabrina's ssage, lost in thought.

Natsu-sensei: [Rubbing the Dog's Head in Anger.jpg]!

Sabrina: ?

Natsu-sensei: Sorry, my hand slipped.

The atmosphere was too heavy!

As the group owner, it's my duty to bring back the silliness!

Gold quickly followed: [Rubbing the Dog's Head in Anger.jpg]

[Group mber 'Gold' has been muted by Group Owner 'Natsu-sensei' for five minutes]

Gold: ???

What's this about?

mbers can rub, but the admin can't???

With Gold muted,

The group chat filled with laughter once again, the atmosphere lively.

Silver narrowed his eyes, remaining silent.

People change, huh?

What about a man who abandoned his wife and child in pursuit of power... how would he change?

...

After logging off,

Natsu specifically asked Matori about the current situation.

"There are still many parasites within the organization,"

Matori said. "These scum only tarnish Team Rocket's reputation and Lord Giovanni's pure vision."

Natsu was taken aback.

If you said Red's vision was pure, I'd understand.

But Giovanni's vision...

Oh, finding his son? Never mind then!

After so small talk and advising Matori to soak her feet more often,

Matori said indignantly, "Aren't you also lowering your status by participating in such low-level competitions?"

"Low-level competitions?"

"Regional league tournants."

Natsu realized, "Because... I'm genuinely not that good!"

He's so angry he's saying the opposite...

Matori, realizing her mistake, nervously said, "I'm sorry, I know you're doing it for the prize money... Please forgive !"

Natsu: ???

"Even Leon has to take on many exhibition matches."

Matori nodded, "I understand!"

What do you understand?!

But...

Natsu rubbed his chin.

Having already made it to the semifinals,

Not winning the championship would only increase the ti cost.

Of course, the prize money was secondary.

With the company, even a few more problem children could be supported.

What mattered most was ensuring his little ones didn't get hurt and could enjoy the battles to the fullest.

After hanging up, Natsu patted Sylveon on his lap.

"Sylveon~~"

Sylveon's blue eyes narrowed as it let out a soft purr.

"Do your best tomorrow," Natsu smiled.

Sylveon's gaze suddenly sharpened.

"Sylveon!! (▼皿▼#)"

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