Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit Chapter 239 - 0239: The Badge Quest

November 12th, Monday.

One day remained until Natsu—the newly minted "Strategist"—had to report to the Trainer Academy.

He woke to the sound of chaos.

"Growlithe~~!"

Flas wreathed the Puppy Pokémon as it tore through the living room like a living Fla Wheel.

"Togepi doo-ee~~!" Togepi waved its tiny fingers, summoning a Life Dew that doused the flas.

Nearby, Squirtle paused mid-one-fingered push-up, watching the shimring droplets with sudden inspiration.

If Aqua Ring could be combined with Life Dew… wouldn't that an less damage taken?

"Squirtle…"

It rubbed its head, then smacked a fist into its palm.

Brilliant!

That's my Squirtle!

Natsu (calmly dialing): "Hello, construction company? Yes, nearby location."

Noticing Squirtle's proud pose, he froze.

"Pokémon grow to resemble their Trainers…"

Is this what they an?!

After so analysis, he concluded the Charcoal must've amplified Growlithe's flas.

At this rate, it'd master Flare Blitz soon—which posed a problem.

If Growlithe couldn't handle the recoil, a Fire Stone evolution would be inevitable.

Arcanine stood between 1.6 to 2 ters tall.

Compared to a Gyarados, it was small… but as a "house-wrecker," size hardly mattered.

Natsu shuddered, eyeing the hyperactive Growlithe.

Growlithe: "(O_o)?"**

Natsu: "Nothing. Just eat less. Less energy ans less destruction."**

Growlithe: "???"**

You're really sothing else.

As a VIP client, the repair team arrived within 30 minutes.

When Natsu saw the foreman, he blinked.

Foreman: "Sothing wrong?"**

Natsu (oddly): "Do you… have a brother in Touran in the sa business?"**

Foreman (brightening): "Ah! My cousin runs a company in Tokyo! You know him?"**

Natsu stared.

Kanto Form Foreman?!

Are you people like the Jennys and Joys—so hidden clan?!

After confirming no other relatives were in construction, Natsu exhaled in relief.

If every region had one of these guys…

That'd be too much.

...

Today's agenda: ani with Togepi.

Nestled on the couch with a giant popcorn bucket, they looked like two peas in a pod.

"Togepi doo-ee~!"

The tiny Pokémon lifted the bucket, completely hidden behind it.

Growlithe tilted its head.

Since when does popcorn make noise?

Professor Oak called to register Natsu's Trainer license.

Professor Oak: "This grants you Gym challenge rights in Kanto, sa as in Touran."**

Natsu: "I'm not planning to challenge Gyms."**

Professor Oak: "Ah, right—Trainer Academy students bypass that for the Indigo Plateau Conference."**

"Still, having the license makes travel easier."**

Though Natsu had no conference plans either, he nodded.

Natsu: "Thanks, Professor."**

After hanging up, the System suddenly pinged.

[Ding! Trainer License Activated!]

[Major Quest: 'Kanto League' Detected!]

[Objective 1/3: Collect all eight Kanto Gym Badges.]

[Progress: 0/8]

[Reward: Key Stone]

[Note: Becoming Champion? Easy as pie.]

Natsu stared.

Wait…

Did Professor Oak just trigger this?!

The task made sense for a "Legendary Trainer System."

But Academy staff could skip straight to the conference!

This is redundant!

Then there was the reward.

Key Stones—essential for ga Evolution—were rarer than Z-Crystals or Wishing Stars.

Getting one free was a steal…

But then I'd need ga Stones.

A cold sweat ford.

The cheapest ga Stones cost millions.

Without Red's luck or Ash's plot armor, collecting them would drain ti and funds.

This is a trap!

Natsu (smirking): "Think you can trick ?"**

"No Gym battles, no problem. Nice try, System."**

With no penalties, he'd ignore the quest.

Streaming and ga design were more his speed.

Tossing so Berries to Gengar, he chuckled as the Ghost-type munched away.

"Gengar! (￣～￣)"

Even soone like , who eats rare Salac and Petaya Berries…

Sotis craves a humble Pecha Berry.

...

Setting the quest aside, Natsu called Oleana.

Oleana: "The Plants vs. Zombies Christmas DLC and Johto card expansion are underway."**

"If you wish, we can establish a Saffron City branch."**

Natsu: "Branch later. I'll send new project plans once things stabilize."**

Oleana's eyes glead.

Oleana: "Understood. I'll ensure flawless execution."**

With her handling the company, Natsu could relax.

Hanging up, he surveyed the room.

"Gengar!"

The Ghost-type studied the Pokédex intently.

Would Gym battles help complete the dex faster?

Where's Saffron's Gym…?

Oh, the dex has a map function!

Grinning, Gengar played with its new toy.

"Squirtle…"

Squirtle floated in its tank, still theorizing about Aqua Ring-Life Dew fusion.

With enough Mystic Water, it's possible!

Natsu (smiling): "Everyone's so well-behaved."**

"If only it could stay this peaceful!"**

...

Night fell.

With Sylveon in his lap and Togepi on his shoulder, Natsu settled into his gaming chair.

Ti to stream new strategies.

As the "Strategist," he couldn't slack—or he'd beco "The Procrastinator."

He titled the stream: [New Strat: Easy Master Rank Climb.]

Natsu (grinning): "Hey everyone, Natsu-sensei here."

"Today, we're playing scientific sleep spam!"

🌟 Join My Patreon and Unlock Exclusive Pokémon Content! 🌟

👉patreon/PokemonStoryWeaver

Are you a fan of the Pokémon series? Beco a mber today and enjoy amazing benefits!

🌟 mbership: Pokémon Series - Gold Champion

Unlock access to 40 Chapters in advance!

Enjoy daily updates with 2 new chapters every day!

🌟 mbership: Pokémon Series - Platinum Legend

Unlock access to 300 Chapters in advance!

Enjoy daily updates with 5 new chapters every day!

Join now and imrse yourself in the exciting world of Pokémon like never before! Your support ans the world to !