Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit Chapter 272 - 0272: The Inter-School Exchange Tournament Beg

Due to the collaboration between Professor Samuel Oak's research institute and the Tokyo tropolitan University Pokémon Day Care, academic challenges often led the latter to seek the professor's expertise.

This ti, however, the problem lay with a particular Pokémon sent from Tokyo tropolitan University to Professor Oak's ranch.

After discussions with Principal Hiroshi of Tokyo tropolitan University, Professor Oak concluded:

It wasn't just the Pokémon's overwhelming strength—its sheer presence intimidated others, making even seasoned Trainers falter in their attempts to catch it.

Professor Oak stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Natsu, a Tokyo tropolitan University alumnus, had both the skill and status to handle this Pokémon. It'd be a perfect fit.

Just as he reached for the phone, Professor Oak paused. "Wait... isn't he preparing for a tournant right now?"

As a Celadon University graduate, Professor Oak was well aware of the upcoming Trainer academy exchange matches.

With Natsu coaching, his priority would undoubtedly be training his students.

"I'll invite him after the tournant," Professor Oak mused with a smile.

"After all, I owe him a proper thank-you... and I'd better prepare sothing special!"

...

December 5th, Saturday.

Among the three participants representing Celadon Academy, Wally stood out as the strongest.

Beyond his trusted Gallade, he also commanded a Steel/Electric-type Magnezone—a solid defensive and offensive asset.

Despite his frail health, Wally never skipped training, earning even Gladion's begrudging respect.

In a way, every student in Natsu's class had their own driving force.

Gladion sought strength to find his missing father.

Wally wanted to prove that even soone like him could beco a great Pokémon Trainer.

Giselle had initially been drawn to Natsu's looks, only to later admire his skill.

And the student obsessed with card hairstyles? Probably just chasing rare pulls.

With the tournant approaching, even Gengar was putting the younger Pokémon through rigorous drills.

Natsu had originally planned to slack off during the faculty matches, leaving Erika to carry the team.

But fate had other plans—Erika would be busy with League inspections during the event.

Thus, the school decided: Natsu would lead the delegation instead.

The man slumped in defeat.

So this is how you dodge work?!

"Three days until the tournant," Erika reminded him over the phone, hesitating. "Please... try not to humiliate the opponents too much."

If Natsu went all out, nobody would stand a chance.

Natsu: "Relax. The students will handle scoring. I'll handle slacking."

Erika sighed.

Every ti he claid he'd slack off, things ended in devastation.

Was he planning to drain the pond this ti?!

"Just... use your discretion," she muttered before hanging up.

Natsu glanced at Gengar.

"We're there to build friendships. Got it?"

"Gengar!" The Gengar nodded eagerly.

Friendship-building?

Piece of cake.

I've built plenty of friendships with Gym Leader Takuya!

...

The weather turned colder, but today offered a rare break before the tournant.

Natsu lounged by the fireplace, a Sylveon curled on his lap.

At his feet, the lion-like Arcanine yawned lazily.

"Togepi doo-ee~"

The tiny egg Pokémon tumbled off Arcanine's back, phone in hand, only to be gently scooped up and placed back.

Natsu set his book aside, watching with mild concern.

Every ti, I worry it'll get crunched...

But with Togepi's luck, danger was never truly a threat.

Ruffling Arcanine's mane, Natsu checked the reports from Oleana.

The Pokémon Company's online TCG platform was still in developnt.

Once launched, he could finally let Togepi handle his card pack openings.

Additionally, to promote the digital release, the Sinnoh Expansion would debut by year's end.

Despite the cold, hype for the new set burned hot among players.

Sure, it had been delayed multiple tis—

But nobody rembers diocre gas that release on schedule.

With Mina overseeing the artwork and each card ticulously detailing its Pokémon, quality was guaranteed.

This expansion would also introduce the first Trainer card:

[Trainer Card · Cynthia]

Unlike standard Trainer cards, this one was a collector's masterpiece.

Only two copies existed worldwide—one for Natsu, the other for Cynthia herself.

If I can print cards, why not start with my wife?

When Natsu shared the news, Cynthia responded with a soft "Hmm."

"I'll deliver it in person," he said. "I'll be in Jubilife City soon."

The tournant's location was conveniently close to her ho.

"Where are you staying?" Cynthia asked.

"With the students at a hotel."

"You could bring them here."

Natsu blinked. "You have a villa in Jubilife too?"

"Of course," ca her smug reply.

"Then let repay you with a al," Natsu offered. "Any requests?"

A long silence followed.

Cynthia's voice turned uncharacteristically hesitant. "...Anything's fine?"

Amused, Natsu teased, "I've got two cards here. Which one do you want?"

Cynthia: "..."

"Kidding." He chuckled. "You get both."

That's more like it.

"...Any female students?" she asked after a pause.

"One."

"Then I'll host after I et them," she declared firmly.

Natsu laughed. "Deal!"

...

Three Days Later

After final training sessions, Natsu and his students departed for Sinnoh's Jubilife City.

A long-standing tradition, the Inter-School Exchange Tournant drew significant attention, with matches broadcast live over three days.

On the train, the frail green-haired boy fidgeted nervously.

"Just do your best, like always," Natsu encouraged. "Your parents will be watching."

Wally nodded.

Many tis, he'd resented not receiving a Special Pokédex.

Yet Professor Oak, Natsu, even Ruby—

None had ever given up on him.

I won't let them down.

Across the aisle, Gladion stared at the passing scenery, fists clenched.

Will my family see this?

Thoughts of his mother and sister in Alola steeled his resolve.

I can't afford to lose.

Sandwiched between them, Giselle squird under the pressure.

"Mr. Natsu... if I lose, you won't punish , right?"

"100 copies of the type chart," he deadpanned.

They'd trained, strategized, even used Pokéblocks.

Losing now would tarnish his reputation!

Giselle sighed. "And... if I win?"

"What do you want?"

"100 autographs?" She backtracked at his glare. "...10?"

"Ten's manageable," Natsu grumbled. "But no reselling! I haven't even tested their market value yet."

"Deal!" Giselle bead.

For now, I'll hoard them. Their worth will skyrocket eventually!

...

After checking into the tournant hotel, Natsu briefed the team.

"Four schools, two days of matches. Each round features three students and three faculty mbers per team."

He crossed his arms. "My expectations aren't high—just three straight wins each. Easy, right?"

The trio nodded with terrifying determination.

Nearby, Teacher Kanon blinked.

If they sweep everything... what's left for us?

Then again—

Is this Natsu's teaching style in action?!

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