Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit Chapter 237 - 0237: The Strategist

November 12th, Monday.

A rare sunny day, with golden light spilling through the windows.

A snow-white Sylveon lay sprawled across the sunlit bedsheets, lazily letting out a yawn.

"Sylveon~"

The winter sun was warm and comforting.

Gengar, with Togepi balanced on its head, lounged on the balcony, soaking in the rays.

"Gengar~~" It blew on its steaming teacup, looking every bit like a retiree babysitting.

Though Natsu would've loved to sleep in, Growlithe dashed back and forth between the living room and bedroom like a hyperactive sprinter.

Natsu reached out, rubbing the dog's head in mock frustration before dragging himself out of bed to wash up.

"Growlithe? (O_o)"

With so ti still left before his official duties began—and his teaching schedule being light—Natsu had plenty of free ti to himself.

Aside from chatting in the group or streaming gas, taking his Pokémon out for trips was always a solid option.

"Morning," Natsu muttered, sipping coffee as he joined Gengar on the balcony.

"Gengar~ (′▽`〃)"

As he drank, Natsu pulled up the chat interface.

Natsu-sensei: "@Crystal, would today work for visiting Professor Oak?"

As Professor Oak's assistant, Crystal was partly responsible for managing his schedule.

Crystal: "No problem! You can co by this afternoon, @Natsu-sensei."

Yellow: "What's this about, Senior Blue Oak? Can you give us a hint?"

Blue Oak crossed his arms, thinking for a mont.

The special Pokédex is still just between and Gramps. Knowing him, he'll probably test Natsu-sensei in person first…

Better wait until he actually gets the Pokédex before telling the group.

Blue Oak: "Nope."

His cryptic response only fueled the group's curiosity.

Even Natsu-sensei felt a twinge of unease.

Sothing about this feels… dangerous.

Please don't tell he's gonna dump another Starter Trio on .

With mild trepidation, Natsu boarded a train, then transferred to a bus bound for Pallet Town.

...

Kanto, Pallet Town

A quiet, peaceful town nestled in lush greenery.

A gentle breeze rippled across the lake's surface, scattering sunlight like glitter.

"Pallet" ans pure white.

Breathing in the crisp air, Natsu began to understand the na's significance.

Waiting for him was Crystal, her cap pulled low and her deanor as ticulous as ever.

Crystal: "Welco to Pallet Town, Natsu-sensei!" She smiled warmly.

Natsu: "Long ti no see. Anyone else from the group here?"

Pallet Town was a hub for big nas—aside from occasional wildcards like "Ash Ketchum," it also spawned legends like "Red" and "Blue Oak."

Running into Red would've been… nerve-wracking.

Crystal: "Senior Red is training at Mt. Silver with Blue Oak and Yellow. They're all there together."

Natsu blinked, then glanced skyward.

Which one of them is the third wheel again?

Crystal: "That red building up ahead is Professor Oak's lab."

She pointed toward the sprawling plains and hills behind it.

"And that? That's Professor Oak's backyard."

Natsu: "???"

You call THAT a backyard?!

Even with prior knowledge, seeing it in person was staggering.

Crystal chuckled.

"Well, he houses over a thousand Pokémon there. Just the breeders working at the lab number over thirty."

Natsu nodded.

Now I get why Blue Oak beca the 'Breeding Prodigy.'

Growing up helping Gramps manage this place? You'd have to try NOT to master breeding.

Inside the lab, researchers hunched over their workstations.

A silver-haired man with sharp eyes stood up, grinning broadly.

Professor Oak: "Ah, the Trainer from Touran! I've heard much about you!"

His words made the researchers glance up in surprise.

This guy's getting a personal welco from Professor Oak?!

Natsu shook his hand respectfully.

Natsu: "Thank you for endorsing the Pokémon Trading Card Ga. It helped a lot."

Back then, a smooth-talking pitch had landed Professor Oak's support, skyrocketing the ga's sales.

This visit was partly to thank him in person.

Professor Oak: "Hah, that was nothing—"

He scratched his head, then paused.

Wait.

The Pokémon Trading Card Ga?

Wasn't that a collaboration with a Touran-based company?

What does that have to do with the Trainer Blue Oak recomnded?

Professor Oak (hesitant): "Hold on… What was your na again?"

Crystal: "Professor, this is Natsu-sensei—the one who created that card ga you praised."

Professor Oak's expression turned odd.

Blue Oak only ntioned a Trainer from Touran last night, not a na.

And the 'Natsu' from Pokémon Company left a strong impression…

So the guy Blue Oak recomnded was soone I already knew?!

Professor Oak (laughing awkwardly): "The endorsent was nothing! What I really called you here for is far more important!"

You totally forgot, didn't you?

Natsu coughed lightly but understood—as a leading researcher, the man had too much on his plate.

Still, Professor Oak's words reignited Natsu's unease.

Natsu (cautious): "And this important thing is…?"

Adjusting his lab coat, Professor Oak cleared his throat.

Professor Oak: "I've developed a new special-edition Pokédex. I'd like to entrust it to a worthy Trainer."

"Blue Oak recomnded you, so…"

He turned, picking up a red Pokédex from his desk before locking eyes with Natsu.

"Natsu, would you accept the role of a Pokédex Holder?"

Natsu's brain short-circuited for half a second.

Staring at the device, he froze.

A Pokédex Holder?

Sure, everyone in the group chat has one, but in the special-edition universe, this is protagonist-tier treatnt!

Crystal, though surprised, quickly smiled in understanding.

With Natsu-sensei's skills, he's easily on par with Kanto's top three…

So Professor Oak chose him as Touran's representative.

Natsu's face twisted slightly.

"Protagonist treatnt" usually ans getting burned, petrified, frozen, or chased by Legendaries.

Even in peaceti, this feels like a bad on!

Professor Oak: "Take your ti deciding. No rush."

Special Pokédexes had functions beyond ordinary ones—halting evolution, communication, even identifying moves.

For any Trainer, it was a priceless tool.

Natsu's thoughtful silence pleased Professor Oak.

Much better than that delinquent who just challenged to a battle outright!

Natsu rubbed his chin.

System's Pokédex might be embarrassing, but at least it lets see opponent moves—basically cheating.

Accepting this ans taking on bigger responsibilities…

Which kinda goes against my original plan of staying low-key.

Natsu: "Professor, I—"

"Gengar!"

Before he could finish, Gengar snatched the Pokédex from Professor Oak's hands, grinning wildly.

Natsu: "???"

Professor Oak: "???"

"Gengar!"

The Ghost-type's eyes burned with determination.

In battle videos, it had seen Champions wield similar devices.

If Trainer wants to be the best… he needs this!

People hesitate. They doubt. They overthink.

But as long as Gengar kept pushing forward, none of that mattered.

Clutching the Pokédex, it nodded fiercely at Natsu.

I'll make sure Trainer doesn't miss this chance!

Watching Gengar's sudden热血 ("burning passion"), Natsu sighed.

What weird narrative are you imagining now?

Professor Oak, moved by Gengar's resolve, recited an impromptu senryū:

"A ssenger in darkness,

steadfast as a Gengar's will,

eyes afla with purpose."

He smiled. "You're the kind of Trainer Pokémon believe in."

Strength wasn't the key factor in receiving a special Pokédex—it was character, conviction, and love for Pokémon.

Trainers and Pokémon resonated with each other.

In Gengar, Professor Oak saw Natsu's potential shining through.

Walking the Trainer's path alongside Pokémon…

That's why I created the Pokédex. That's the beauty of this world.

"Gengar!"

It poked Natsu's side, offering the device with a cheeky grin.

Natsu (resigned): "You hold onto it."

"Gengar?"

Natsu: "Keep it in your bottomless stomach for now."

Taking a deep breath, he made his decision.

The Pokédex might not help much…

But it'll help Gengar.

If not for myself, then for them—I've got to step up.

Natsu (bowing): "Professor Oak. Please entrust the Pokédex to !"

For a mont, Professor Oak saw echoes of others—Red atop Mt. Silver, that reckless Pallet Town boy…

Professor Oak (softly): "That's quite the look in your eyes."

Then he laughed heartily.

"But before you get it, there's one last thing."

Natsu: "A… thing?"

Professor Oak (smirking): "A little test. To see if you're truly worthy."

Crystal (thoughtful): "My trial was caring for dozens of Pokémon in a garden…

"I ended up catching all of them."

Professor Oak (chuckling): "Hence her title—'The Capturer.'"

Natsu (dryly): "And my test is…?"

Professor Oak (tossing a Poké Ball): "Sa as Gold's."

His gaze turned serious.

"Battle ."

...

Crystal (nervous): "Unrestricted format. Two Pokémon each. Any objections?"

Professor Oak (stretching): "None at all! It's been ages since I've had a good sweat!"

Natsu's mood was complicated.

Professor Oak was a Championship contender in his youth. Am I about to get steamrolled?

Two Poké Balls flew.

A majestic Stantler and a hovering Ledian took the field.

At least it's not Kangaskhan or Dragonite…

But that Stantler's trouble.

Since this was an unrestricted battle, targeting the Trainer was fair ga.

Natsu: "Sylveon, Yawn!"

The Fairy-type landed gracefully—

—only for Stantler to act faster, mimicking the move.

But Sylveon wasn't aiming at the Pokémon.

It yawned at Professor Oak.

Professor Oak (grinning): "Condition-based tactics? Interesting."

"Ledian, Supersonic!"

The soundwaves could confuse both Pokémon and Trainer.

But as Ledian fluttered toward Natsu, a shadow lood behind him.

Natsu: "Gengar, Shadow Ball!"

"Gengar! (?????)"

The attack sent Ledian reeling—

—but Stantler's Hypnosis already put Sylveon to sleep.

Natsu (internally): "Sleep spam? That's just rude!"

Natsu: "Gengar, Substitute!"

A decoy split off, cackling.

Professor Oak, fighting drowsiness, barked orders.

"Ledian, Encore! Stantler, Hypnosis again!"

If "Encore" landed, Gengar would be locked into Substitute.

Natsu: "Taunt."

Now, no status moves could be used.

Professor Oak's eyes widened.

He predicted .

This adaptability…

This is what makes battles thrilling!

anwhile, Natsu was sweating.

How is this man still awake?!

Even a Tauros would've conked out by now!

Are all Pallet Town residents built different?!

Outnumbered, Gengar lunged at Professor Oak, eyes glowing blue.

Hypnosis.

Professor Oak: "Stantler, Imprison!"

Blue light flared from Stantler's antlers, sealing Gengar's move.

But the Substitute shattered—

—as Gengar's real body lood over Sylveon, devouring its dreams.

Professor Oak (realizing): "Dream Eater on its own ally?!"

Natsu: "Sylveon, Quick Attack!"

The drowsy Fairy-type blurred forward, KO'ing Ledian.

Professor Oak: "Stantler, Take Down!"

The stag charged—straight through Gengar's intangible form—

—only for Natsu to smirk.

Natsu: "Ally Switch."

A dirty move, but one Gengar had learned long ago.

The only way to beat a cheater is to cheat harder.

In an instant, positions swapped.

Gengar's Hypnosis hit point-blank.

Thud.

Stantler snoozed peacefully.

Ga over.

Professor Oak, finally succumbing to sleepiness, waved lazily.

Crystal hurried over with a Chesto Berry.

Professor Oak (yawning): "Impressive tactics. Beating an ex-Champion? Not bad, kid."

Says the man who fights like a sleep-deprived war veteran.

Natsu kept that thought to himself.

Crystal watched Natsu with newfound respect.

His adaptability, reflexes, and strategic depth…

He's easily on par with the best Pokédex Holders.

And to reach this level in just half a year?

Only Senior Blue Oak managed that.

Professor Oak: "You passed."

He handed over the Pokédex, expression turning solemn.

"One last question, Natsu."

"What do Pokémon an to you?"

Almost musing to himself, he continued.

"Every Pokédex Holder is a genius in their own right."

"To them, Pokémon are friends. Partners. Comrades."

"So tell ."

His gaze deepened.

"What are Pokémon… to you?"

Natsu paused.

He'd pondered this before, but only after half a year in this world did the answer crystallize.

In daily life, in shared mories—that was where the truth lay.

Natsu (softly): "To …"

He patted Gengar's grinning face and Sylveon's tsundere cheek.

The Poké Balls on his belt vibrated faintly, as if awaiting his reply.

"Pokémon are family."

Professor Oak (smiling): "Family, huh?"

He nodded.

"Congratulations, Natsu. This is yours."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the plains gold, Natsu passed the Pokédex to Gengar.

"Gengar!"

It gave a thumbs-up.

I'll take good care of it!

After final instructions, Natsu prepared to leave.

Crystal (curious): "Professor, what would you call Natsu-sensei's talent?"

Watching Natsu's retreating figure, Professor Oak's eyes glead.

"Unshakable calm in any situation."

"Prepared for every opponent, with counters ready."

"Adaptability that even Champions envy."

"And above all… a heart of pure gold."

He smiled.

"He is… the Strategist."

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