April 5th, Monday
"Natsu-sensei Teaches Battling #15: Snow Team"* appeared on the hopage as promised.
"IT'S HERE!"
"Gonna sneak in a Max Airstream before anyone notices."
"Do you guys LIVE on NicoNico?"
Before even clicking the video, the comnt section was already buzzing.
[For a patient with a serious illness and a 90% surgery success rate:
"This is in the bag." = Average player.
"Let other patients go first." = Hardcore MMO addict.
"We're dood." = Natsu-sensei.]
I actually laughed out loud.
Would letting Togepi perform the surgery help?
Togepi as surgeon? Natsu-sensei would just Guillotine the patient!
Amid the jokes, fans couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Natsu-sensei.
But in this video, when Blizzard froze the Gigantamax Urshifu, viewers lost it.
"NATSU-SENSEI'S BACK ON TOP!"
"YOU ACTUALLY LANDED THAT FREEZE? WHO EVEN ARE YOU?!"
"THAT FREEZE RATE IS ILLEGAL!"
The handful of Ice-type trainers watching teared up.
"Ice-types have the strongest control—even OHKO potential—but the worst defensive matchups... High risk, high reward. That's the Ice-type life."
"Freezing for the coback! THAT'S the soul of Snow Team!"
"If Natsu-sensei can land freezes, why should I give up?... Thanks for giving a reason to keep using Ice-types!"
Trainers generally fall into two camps: specializing in one type or balancing all.
Ice-types' weak power, shaky accuracy, and terrible defenses made them the butt of jokes.
Many Ice specialists had considered quitting.
But now, watching Natsu-sensei's Rotom freeze the opponent, their hearts burned anew.
"FREEZE! DON'T YOU DARE MOVE!"
"Nostalgia overload! Ti to dig out Grandpa's Lapras and wreck Blue Oak at Viridian Gym!"
"Even Sister Lorelei liked this. Didn't know Natsu-sensei could go so hard with Snow Team."
If the last video's the was "faith"—believing weaker Pokémon could compete at Master-level—
This one was about "perseverance."
Landing that clutch Blizzard freeze when all hope seems lost.
Only the grittiest trainers would dare rely on Snow Team's RNG.
"I'll always love Alolan Ninetales!"
"Snow Team isn't as aggressive as Sun Team... but Lapras and Ice Ninetales are too cute."
"Dracovish in shambles: 'I did all the damage but THEY get the fanart...'"
When the video's regular guest comntator—the billiards guy—appeared, fans cracked up.
"Does Natsu-sensei have a grudge against Sun Team users? They're always the punching bag."
"Wait, I get it! He's saying we should choose Pokémon that fit US, not just chase ta!"
"Sasuga Natsu-sensei!"
"Such wisdom!"
In less than a day, views surpassed a million, with many fans noticing Natsu-sensei's subtle agenda—
Pokémon: FireRed would launch in May, introducing a story mode to its simulated battles.
Natsu's timing with this video clearly promoted the new ga.
"Shouldn't you be updating the PTCG card pool instead of side gigs?"
"Complain all you want... but a Pokémon Company ga? SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!"
"That MV last ti—Aim to Be a Pokémon Master—got so hyped!"
Reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with a few "paid promotion" comnts mixed in—fair enough.
Though Natsu-sensei's "reputation" was... well-docunted.
Smurfing in low ranks? Check.
Dirty tactics? Check.
Occasional noob plays? Check.
Flexing his relationship? Check.
Wait...
HOLY—
That's what "well-docunted" ant!
Ice-Type Trainer Group Chat
After discussion, the Ice specialists agreed Snow Team was statistically viable.
Crit rates, freeze chances, OHKO odds—stack enough probabilities, and miracles happen.
But when Natsu-sensei used it?
Not just crits—he froze them solid!
"You got Ice-type sync too?" Lorelei teased.
"As we all know," Gold blurted, "before Sleep Team, Natsu-sensei was an Ice-type Master."
"You know that ?!" Natsu stared.
Gold grinned. "There's a whole set—Grass, Poison, Steel, Ground..."
Natsu: "..."
Ground was legit though.
Boss Giovanni had even taught him "Giovanni's Techniques."
Gengar kept licking the textbook—the pages were practically dissolving.
Candice smiled. "Most Ice Masters don't master Snow Team strategies though."
"Kanto barely has Snow specialists," Blue Oak said flatly. "Sinnoh has more, plus Galar's tundra."
Silver's eyes flickered.
He rembered that stern old man who'd dedicated decades to Ice-types.
Despite his cris... the way he carved family ice sculptures, that hunched back—it gave Silver pause.
"He never gave up," Silver thought. "Not until he found that Pokémon."
...
Mahogany Town, Johto Region
A city forever blanketed in snow.
Deep within the snow-laden mountains stood a modest gym.
Inside, a stern-faced old man sat in a wheelchair, clink-clinking as he carved a block of ice.
Slowly, the shape of a Swinub erged.
The real Swinub resting on his lap let out a happy snort.
The old man's lips twitched—almost a smile—before he wheeled himself back to his spotless, lifeless room.
There was a ti when this gym echoed with children's laughter—warm enough to lt even the coldest ice.
Now, Pryce sat motionless, Swinub asleep on his lap.
From a distance, he resembled nothing more than a frozen statue.
Beep beep beep—
The sound of a communication device pierced the silence, the only modern touch in Mahogany Gym.
Pryce's sole connection to the outside world was through these old acquaintances.
"There's a youngster who's quite skilled with Snow Team," the Day Care Grandpa said. "Seems to be a Pokédex holder too."
"Snow Team..." Professor Oak stroked his chin. "Sinnoh's Berlitz girl?"
"It's that Natsu-sensei," the Day Care Granny chid in. "Looks pretty capable."
"Natsu?" Professor Oak chuckled. "That makes sense."
Talent like that was to be expected.
"Samuel, aren't you heading to Canalave soon?" Mr. Kurt interjected.
"Ah, right. For that research conference."
"Samuel, aren't you heading to Canalave soon?" Mr. Kurt interjected.
"Ah, right. For that research conference."
"My apprentices are bringing new Apricorn Ball techniques. Try not to lose to them!"
"Hah! Take the trophies. I've got hundreds lying around," Professor Oak laughed.
Kurt: "..."
"Snow Team," Pryce said slowly, "is not for the young."
"They lack resolve. At the first setback, they retreat—placing faith in fleeting bonds. They fail to see that Ice-type's fragility is its edge. A blade in the trainer's hand."
Silence filled the chat.
"Never mind. You wouldn't understand." Pryce logged off.
Grandma Agatha sneered, "You are so rude, Pryce."
Professor Oak thought to himself, you are the sa...
Pryce did not answer.
He turned off his mobile phone, leaned back in his wheelchair, closed his eyes and rested.
Before him stretched an endless frozen tundra—a wounded Lapras and a frail boy.
Outside, blizzard winds howled. A radio crackled with static.
The old man dread of Blizzard.
...
April 6th, Tuesday. Clear skies.
"Arcanine~" Arcanine shook its fluffy mane in the garden, its fiery coat gleaming under the sun.
Natsu was inside, packing his luggage.
"Phone, Poké Ball, hatching jar… No, don't need this one. Sirfetch'd can handle the hatching itself."
Trainer's belt, black-and-red fingerless gloves, deep-purple jacket, baseball cap.
Natsu tilted his cap slightly, standing beside Gengar in the mirror, and nodded in satisfaction.
"Looking sharp."
"Gengar! (´///☁///`)" Gengar rubbed its head bashfully, like Crayon Shin-chan.
Truth be told, Natsu had another outfit on the way—a pink-thed trainer set.
It was a prize sent by Miss Fantina, complete with a hoodie and shorts.
Pink-dominated, supposedly part of the trendy "catboy aesthetic" for young n.
"Absolutely perfect for you! Truly, it is!" Fantina breathed heavily.
"...Could you wipe your drool first?"
"Oh? Was I?" Fantina elegantly dabbed her lips with a handkerchief, smiling. "You're quite the joker."
Natsu: "..."
At six feet tall, pink really wasn't his color…
But unable to refuse, Delibird eventually delivered the package to his doorstep.
"Hey, you're the delivery guy today?" Natsu leaned against the mailbox, one hand on his hip, grinning.
"Delibird!o(TヘTo)" The Delibird covered its forehead.
The boss won't let quit… I walked right into this!
"Here, a little tip." Natsu handed over a crystal-clear Pokéblock.
Normally, Delibird was professionally trained to never accept treats.
But… this one slled too good.
After an intense internal struggle—
"Delibird!" Delibird gobbled it up, then shuddered, wings flapping wildly.
"Ugh… uwaaah!"
Natsu blinked.
Pretty sure I didn't poison it…
The next mont, the effects kicked in, and the delibird broke into a blissful, dopey grin.
"Delibird… (ˉ﹃ˉ)"
Natsu: "...Was that too strong?"
Watching the cheerful delibird waddle away, luggage in tow, Natsu fell deep into thought.
Shaking his head, he headed back inside, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Alright, let's take the ferry to Canalave City. Three-day Moe-Moe! Trip!"
Gengar, sporting a "Gengar Cap", levitated beside him, tiny fists pumping excitedly.
"Gengar! (´▽`ʃ♡ƪ)"
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