Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit Chapter 354 - 0355: Hot Pot with Moe-Moe!

January 10th, Sunday. Light snow.

It was the coldest ti of the year.

Peering outside the window, Natsu watched as a drizzling mix of rain and snow fell, the streets shrouded in a hazy white mist.

A freezing Sunday.

Too lazy to move, Natsu lounged on the sofa with a book.

His eyes traced the lines of text, drifting slightly downward to where a pink bow rested.

Sylveon leaned against his chest, facing away, also "reading" along.

Natsu knew Gengar could read, but whether a Sylveon could…

He chuckled to himself and moved the book farther away—no need to risk the little one straining its eyes.

"Sylveon~!" Sylveon pawed at his arm with a tiny mitt.

Hey, I was reading that!

"It's not a picture book…" Natsu stroked Sylveon's back fur, earning a pleased stretch.

"Sylveon~~"

Sure, having a Pokémon standing on his chest made breathing a bit harder…

But who could resist the cuteness?

Kanto winters were damp and bitter, thick clothes barely enough to keep the chill out.

His upper body fared fine, but his feet always froze.

Luckily, his "doggo" was nearby.

Natsu rested his feet in Arcanine's warm, fluffy mane, sighing in contentnt.

"Arcanine (O_o)??" Arcanine tilted its head, confused.

I might not be human, but you're definitely shaless.

Fire-types ca with fire hazards, but their perks—winter warmth, camping coziness, travel convenience—were undeniable.

Really, what Trainer wouldn't want to camp with their Pokémon?

Sitting by a crackling fire, stargazing under the night sky…

Plus, post-evolution, his once-Husky-like Growlithe had beco a fluffy Arcanine—basically a living heater.

(Or maybe the Husky phase was just its winter hibernation mode…)

Natsu yawned, shifting into a comfier position.

"Sylveon~"

Sylveon hopped down, trotting off to its hamster wheel.

After flipping through more pages, Natsu checked his phone, skimming a group chat.

Auntie Lorelei: Winter's perfect for training at Seafoam Islands. Give it a shot!

Gold: Pfft, I'm not walking into that trap. I'm heading to Mt. Silver to challenge Senior Red!

Red: Welco. Training at Mt. Silver with hot springs after? Sounds good.

Silver: …@Gold, you going there to die?

Gold: Never mind. Too cold. Staying in Johto.

Yellow: Sprout Tower's monks do winter training. Try that, Gold.

Gold: Oho! Decision made—I'm going there!

Natsu blinked.

That "low-level dungeon" won't cut it for real training!

Lance: Too cold for overti…

Blue Oak: Can't deal with the Gym today. Let the Pokémon handle challengers.

Red: Co to Mt. Silver?

Blue Oak: Deal.

Natsu-sensei silently lurked.

Is this how the big shots chat?

If Sprout Tower was a beginner's dungeon, Mt. Silver was straight-up hell mode!

Winter hit hard.

Lance, the Dragon/Flying-type Elite Four mber (quad-weak to Ice), sighed and stuck to busting criminals.

anwhile, Auntie Lorelei buzzed with energy, off to spectate the Champion Cup at Sevii Islands.

(The Sevii Islands—aka the ani's Orange Archipelago—were supposedly ho to Lugia and the Legendary Birds.

Spin-off Legendaries never get the respect they deserve…)

Natsu shrugged, rembering Pallet Town's absurdly tough residents. Makes sense.

Noon approached, the light snow still drifting outside.

Natsu stood up and pushed open the window, letting the crisp, damp winter air rush in.

"Gengar," he called out.

"Gengar?"

His gaze fell on the potted plant by the windowsill—its leek leaves a vibrant green, the stalks white as polished jade.

"How about hot pot for lunch?"

...

Of course.

He wouldn't actually use the leek as broth.

Though fragrant and perfect for dipping sauce, it was, after all, Sirfetch'd's exclusive item.

"Sirfetch'd~_"

Sirfetch'd lay sprawled on the carpet, pondering the aning of duck life—completely unaware it had just dodged a bullet.

So tired today~ Don't feel like training~

Maybe tomorrow~

Even though it hadn't done anything, making decisions was exhausting enough.

Sirfetch'd nodded to itself, eyes closing contentedly.

"Let's go buy hot pot ingredients." Natsu ruffled its feathers.

"Sirfetch'd..." Yawning, Sirfetch'd grabbed its leek and shield, eyes sharpening instantly.

Destination: supermarket. Full assault!

A large grocery store stood near the villa district.

"Blastoise..." Blastoise first boiled water, then brewed a cup of tea.

The bitter "Energy Root" tea could restore a fainted Pokémon to fighting condition.

"Blastoise..." It blew gently across the steaming surface.

Natsu's eye twitched.

Blastoise, you're at full health! Why the potion?!

Or is cold air considered a special attack now, requiring HP top-ups?

"Alright... Blastoise, guard the house."

With its aura talents and steady temperant, Blastoise was the perfect ho guardian.

Natsu called out, "Togepi, you coming?"

Hearing its na, Togepi—mid-video call with w—waved goodbye and scampered over.

"Togepi doo-ee~ヾ"

I'm coming~!

In the end, Natsu left with Arcanine at his side and Sylveon twining around him.

Gengar floated behind, cradling Togepi.

"Sirfetch'd!" At the forefront, Sirfetch'd brandished its leek toward the supermarket.

"Let's go." Natsu smiled.

We'll return them to their Poké Balls at the store.

He cherished these monts of companionship during the journey.

"Blastoise ヾ(■_■)"

Just then, sensing a familiar aura, Blastoise raised a hand in warning.

The click of heels echoed at the entrance.

Click— The key turned.

A golden-haired beauty stepped in, her绒-lined black coat dusted with snow. A black hairpin held back strands that frad delicate features, her pink lips exhaling white breath.

She lifted her gaze, steel-gray eyes eting Natsu's. "Heading out?"

Natsu nodded, surprised. "Work finished early?"

"Can't I co back unfinished?" Cynthia countered.

"Of course you can."

Noticing the snow lting on her shoulders, Natsu added, "I was just missing you."

"Drop the 'just.'"

"Really?"

"..."

Cynthia hung her coat, revealing a black sweater that accentuated her figure.

"Fine, keep it." She murmured.

"Gengar!" Gengar took the coat to steam-press.

Seated on the sofa, Cynthia propped her chin on slender fingers, silently studying Natsu.

"Perfect timing." Natsu admitted. "We were about to leave."

"For what?"

"Uh... grocery shopping. Hot pot for lunch."

Cynthia's lashes fluttered, eyes glinting.

Natsu sighed. "Want to join?"

Smiling, Cynthia called upstairs, "Gengar, fetch my other black coat."

"Gengar!"

"Bundle up—it's freezing."

Cynthia nodded, then frowned. "Why aren't you wearing the clothes I gave you?"

"Too expensive to risk staining."

"Wear them. I'll buy more."

"Roger that."

The wool overcoat fit perfectly—latest style, cashre turtleneck underneath.

Natsu checked the mirror, satisfied.

Another day being devastatingly handso!

Before leaving, he hesitated. "Won't we get recognized?"

"There's a self-checkout supermarket." Cynthia dangled sunglasses.

Natsu eyed her golden hair. This won't hide much...

But their relationship was an open secret anyway.

The Sinnoh Champion's shyness... understandable!

Outside, sleet fell through misty streets.

Arcanine could use Sunny Day...

But then we couldn't share an umbrella.

The cold wind bit.

Glancing sideways, he saw Cynthia's petite ears, flushed pink at the tips.

Their arms brushed with every step.

"I want to hold hands." Natsu blurted.

"Just 'want'?"

"Correction: desperately want!"

Cynthia smiled faintly, interlacing their fingers without breaking stride.

"Don't get ideas."

"Impossible—ow!"

Despite the chill, her palm was warm.

Might get bruised from her grip though.

At the automated store:

Selecting ingredients. Comparing prices. Self-checkout.

Live shrimp. Crisp cabbage. Assorted ats and fish balls.

After thirty minutes of deliberation, Cynthia chose... a tub of ice cream.

Natsu likewise pondered the vegetable aisle before grabbing leeks.

Better not use the potted one!

"These go great with grilled chicken."

"You're making yakiniku too?" Her eyes lit up.

"Whatever you want."

An elderly clerk restocked shelves nearby.

Thud—

"Gengar!" It caught a falling can, returning it.

"Oh! Thank you, dear." The woman bead.

"Gengar..." It scratched its head, embarrassed.

Togepi played hide-and-seek with Sirfetch'd.

"Sirfetch'd?" After hiding fruitlessly, it found Togepi staring longingly at chips.

"Sirfetch'd!" Using its leek, it knocked a bag down.

"Togepi doo-ee~(｀▽｀)"

Clutching the prize, Togepi grinned.

"No chips! Hot pot first!" Natsu lifted the protesting Togepi.

Cynthia intercepted the falling bag.

"It's just snacks. They won't spoil dinner." She rolled her eyes.

"...You're spoiling it!"

Technically, Togepi knew Extrasensory.

But Natsu had banned move usage indoors.

Hence the good behavior.

"Sylveon~" Its feelers wrapped around Natsu's arm.

Whether Natsu was walking Sylveon or vice versa... depended on perspective.

Bags in hand, they exited.

Cynthia took one, then gripped Natsu's hand to avoid slush puddles.

Fresh snow lined the sidewalks.

The sleet had stopped. A jet's contrail split the clearing sky.

...

Returning ho, Blastoise cautiously scanned the aura in the vicinity.

"Blastoise..."

Only after verification did it lower its prid Hydro Cannons.

When Natsu opened the door, he was greeted by two ominous tallic barrels pointed his way, making him break out in a cold sweat.

"Lucario..." Cynthia's Lucario exchanged glances with Blastoise, clearly puzzled.

Why... after just a few days apart...

Does this human feel so familiar now?

Lucario coughed awkwardly when Natsu t its gaze.

Must be imagining things!

"Gengar~（-﹃-）" Gengar wiggled its hips while washing vegetables, drooling uncontrollably.

Hot pot ti~!

The rectangular dining table accommodated most of them, though a few Pokémon had to sit out.

Cynthia helped arrange dishes as rich aromas wafted from the kitchen, accompanied by the rhythmic bubbling of broth.

"The base is ready—just cook whatever you want in it."

Natsu finished preparations, wiping his hands on his apron before calling out:

"Chow ti!!"

"Sirfetch'd~" "Sirfetch'd!" "Garchomp!" "Togepi doo-ee~"

Eyes gleaming with hunger, the little ones gathered around the table, swallowing hard.

"There's yakiniku after this," Natsu said with an amused sigh. "Pace yourselves."

Fresh dew-kissed vegetables and steaming Doduo slices filled the table, their fragrance perating the room.

Cynthia inhaled deeply, clasped her hands, and smiled warmly:

"Let's eat!"

...

Through the rising steam, Natsu noticed Cynthia's flushed cheeks.

"Haa..." She tucked golden strands behind her ear, blew on her food, then t Natsu's gaze with steel-gray eyes.

Her crescent-moon smile prompted him to ask:

"What?"

"Nothing." Her eyes crinkled further.

Tearfully, Sirfetch'd grabbed chopsticks and dipped a leek leaf into the pot.

"Sirfetch'd??"

This... actually tastes good?

Post-lunch, tranquility settled over the afternoon.

"Gengar~" It floated off to clear the table.

Natsu and Cynthia remained in the living room for so co-op gaming.

"Is slacking off to ga really okay?" Natsu fretted.

"Waiting for you to take over my duties?" Cynthia teased.

Natsu stroked his chin.

His Celadon University work would conclude after winter break.

Co spring... Sinnoh travel sounds perfect.

"It's the weekend anyway."

Cynthia stretched, her sweater outlining alluring curves. "Any plans these days?"

Natsu pondered.

"Might... visit Galar soon."

After his explanation, Cynthia nodded thoughtfully.

"I'm coming too."

"Huh?"

"Lucian can handle Sinnoh League affairs." She stated. "Your business takes priority."

"...You just want to slack off, don't you?"

Cynthia averted her eyes with a faint smile.

...

Dusk fell.

Outside, snow thickened abruptly.

Indoors, springlike warmth persisted.

An afternoon of intense gaming had drained them.

Natsu yawned lazily.

"Let's continue tomorrow."

"No. One more round!"

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