Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit Chapter 284 - 0284: This Leek Holds Great Fortune!

The snow-white, glossy-feathered Sirfetch'd stood tall, its fragrant leek held high, eyes sharp as blades.

"Is it... challenging Natsu-sensei?" Crystal gasped.

"Pokémon choose their Trainers as much as Trainers choose them," Professor Oak mused, smiling. "It seems Natsu's strength has earned its respect!"

He couldn't help but reflect—

Over a dozen Trainers had tried to catch this Sirfetch'd since its arrival at the lab.

All had failed.

Yet now... it was initiating the battle itself.

A eting of kindred spirits, perhaps?

"Just as I expected from my chosen Strategist," Oak thought proudly.

Natsu, however, looked skeptical.

An ergency ration daring to challenge Squirtle?

How bold of you, "Leek Pancake"!

But caution crept in.

As a Galarian Farfetch'd, it could only evolve by landing three critical hits in one battle—

A feat as mythical to Natsu as Arceus's creation myth.

Which ant...

This duck had seen real combat.

Gulping, Natsu pulled up its stats on his System Pokédex:

[Sirfetch'd | Fighting | ♂

Ability: Scrappy

Moves: First Impression, Brutal Swing, Rock Smash, Detect…

Egg Moves: Feint, Counter

Special Move: Guidance]

"...This isn't strong."

No Swords Dance. No signature teor Assault.

Why is it so confident?!

Is it the Scrappy ability?!

"Squirtle!" Adjusting its shades, Squirtle wiped sweat off its brow.

Such battle spirit!

I mustn't embarrass myself!

The clash began.

"Sirfetch'd~" The duck gave Natsu a sidelong glance—

Then focused entirely on Squirtle.

Finally... a weaker opponent.

(Previous Trainers brought Charizards and Blastoises—no thanks!)

This slacker with a Squirtle? Perfect.

"Sirfetch'd!" Sirfetch'd chuckled, leek twirling.

Plus, this Trainer's as handso as .

Maybe I'll let him catch ...

After humiliating this turtle!

"Sirfetch'd!" With a swing of its leek, it charged—

Leaves scattering in the wind, aura overwhelming.

Natsu gulped.

"That's First Impression," Oak comnted. "The strongest priority move."

"And Natsu-sensei's Squirtle?"

"...Skull Bash, I think?"

WHAM!

Before the leek could land, a cannonball-esque Squirtle smashed into Sirfetch'd.

"Sirfetch'd—!"

Even with its shield raised, Sirfetch'd flew backward, crashing into a boulder—instantly KO'd.

Silence.

Natsu, Crystal, even Oak stared in disbelief.

One hit?!

"Ahem," Oak coughed. "Perhaps... Squirtle was simply too strong?"

Natsu stroked his chin—

Then realized.

Wait.

Is this Sirfetch'd...

The lazy kindred spirit I've been searching for?!

"But how did it evolve in the wild...?"

Sheer luck?

His gaze locked onto the leek still clutched in Sirfetch'd's limp wing.

"This leek... carries great fortune!"

Crystal revived Sirfetch'd with a Max Revive.

Groggily, it awoke—

And flinched at the sight of Squirtle's calm face.

Holy Light! This turtle cheats!

"Sirfetch'd!" It glared at Natsu.

What kind of Trainer brings a starter Squirtle this broken?!

Tricked! Bamboozled!

Grumpily, it climbed onto a rock, hugging its leek and shield.

"Professor Oak," Natsu ventured, "is it... just weak?"

"Not necessarily." Oak coughed. "Strength is relative."

"Its presence alone intimidates most Pokémon here."

(Then again, Natsu's Squirtle was an outlier.)

"Squirtle..." Squirtle exhaled, eyes sharp.

This Sirfetch'd... is worthy.

Natsu studied the glossy-feathered duck.

"Sirfetch'd!" It turned away—

Then back, locking eyes with him.

Natsu saw sincerity.

Sirfetch'd saw a fellow slacker.

Destiny had spoken.

"I'll catch this 'Leek Pancake'—ahem, Sirfetch'd!" Natsu grinned.

"Famine-resistant ergency rations!"

"Sirfetch'd?!" It leaped up in horror.

Oak chuckled, improvising a senryū:

"Noble Galar knight,

Clutching leek in steadfast might—

Fortune shines tonight!"

"Indeed," Natsu agreed. "My midnight kitchen needs updates..."

"Professor! Natsu-sensei!" Crystal pointed. "Sirfetch'd's sneaking away!"

The duck froze mid-tiptoe, leek and shield raised.

"Strategic retreat!" it sweatdropped.

"Will you battle it again?" Oak asked.

Sirfetch'd vigorously shook its head.

No way I'm fighting that monster twice!

"I prefer non-violent captures," Natsu said. "If it's willing."

Oak nodded approvingly. "Then speak to it."

Approaching Sirfetch'd, Natsu crouched.

"Brother... we're fated."

A fellow slacker who accidentally beca strong?

This duck was ant to be his.

"Sirfetch'd~~" Tears welled in its eyes.

After all these Trainers...

I've found my people!

They shook hands (or leek).

"A perfect match," Crystal smiled.

"Or," Oak muttered, "maybe it just bullied other Pokémon into avoiding it."

(But Natsu's eye for talent was unmatched.)

"Here." Natsu offered a Scope Lens.

"Sirfetch'd!" Donning it like a monocle, the duck bowed.

"Which Poké Ball?"

The Love Ball was rejected with a leek-flick.

Too girly.

But the Premier Ball?

"Sirfetch'd!" (This one!)

"A materialist?!"

As the ball tapped its head, Sirfetch'd glowed white—

Giving Natsu a solemn nod.

By the Holy Light, I pledge my life to you!

Ding!

No wobbles. A perfect capture—just like Eevee.

"Sirfetch'd! Get☆Daze!" Natsu struck a pose, Premier Ball gleaming.

The laziest knight had found its king.

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