Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit Chapter 64 - 064: Eevee's Soothe Bell

Unlike the roaring cheers from the audience stands, the guest panel was eerily silent.

It didn't feel right to applaud when soone else's son had just lost the match, especially in front of the father.

Takuya and Shoya exchanged glances, both awkwardly chuckling. "That was... quite the evenly matched duel."

"Your son perford exceptionally well. It's just that his opponent was a bit too cunning."

Mato's expression was complicated.

You call this evenly matched?

Throughout the entire match, Magneton barely even touched Haunter.

The only damage dealt was from Haunter's Substitute.

It was hard to believe that such a one-sided battle could happen in the finals.

And Natsu's opponent was none other than the heir to Saga City's Electric-type Gym!

Seeing Mato's grim expression, Takuya sighed inwardly.

In this battle, Natsu had completely outplayed Ryosuke.

As expected of a strategy master—his mind was just too sharp!

Mato couldn't help but rub his temples.

He had even prepared a speech for his son's victory ceremony.

Who would've thought reality would slap him so hard in the face?

"Now... I'm starting to believe the rumors online," Mato said with a dry laugh.

"Losing to him... it's not shaful for Ryosuke. Haha!"

Shoya gazed at Natsu in the arena, his eyes filled with deep thought.

From Gastly in the preliminary rounds to Haunter now.

In just two months, his growth speed was nothing short of astonishing.

Though Natsu's true strength was unknown, just based on his Pokémon's condition, it was clear he was no ordinary Trainer.

"Soone like him... coming here just for the prize money?"

Shoya shook his head.

"Maybe he really is the descendant of so legendary master..."

"A hidden family?" Takuya joked.

But seeing Shoya's serious expression, he awkwardly scratched his head.

"Well, it's not impossible..." Takuya muttered.

The arena was filled with cheers as they witnessed the birth of the new Piplup Cup Champion.

This Haunter tutorial match was worth every penny.

And while Natsu-sensei's followers weren't too surprised by his victory, they still learned a lot.

"Why didn't Natsu-sensei use SubProtect Toxic?"

"Steel-types are immune to Toxic, you idiot! Burn Hex was more than enough!"

"Man, Natsu-sensei is seriously dirty!"

The victory ca a bit too easily.

Natsu's expression was complicated.

That's it?

I was planning to seriously train Haunter, but this was the level of competition?

I might as well have played a few rounds with Gold for so real challenge!

"Hmm... the strong ones are too tough, and the weak ones aren't even fun to beat."

Natsu nodded thoughtfully.

"Being a Trainer... isn't as rewarding as just making so quick cash!"

The cheers were deafening, and reporters sward around Natsu.

"Hello, can you share how you're feeling right now?"

Natsu smiled warmly. "Not bad."

A female reporter blushed, while a male reporter quickly interjected, "Can you share your training regin for Haunter?"

Natsu's expression turned strange.

Now you're asking the right question!

"It trained itself," Natsu said through gritted teeth.

"Trained itself?"

Natsu spoke slowly, "That's right. It trained itself!"

The male reporter nodded thoughtfully, scribbling down notes.

[Encouraging Pokémon to develop self-discipline, following the Taoist philosophy of Wu Wei, embodying the spirit of Touran Trainers...]

"As expected of Natsu-sensei!"

The reporter's eyes sparkled.

Just his mindset as a Trainer was miles ahead of the other competitors!

...

The Piplup Cup champion rewards had already been delivered to Natsu.

Fifty thousand dollars was deposited into his account, bringing his savings close to a hundred thousand.

And the item Natsu valued most—the Soothe Bell—was now resting in an exquisitely crafted wooden box.

Natsu opened the box and took out the small, delicate bell, giving it a gentle shake.

A clear, lodious chi rang out. It wasn't particularly special, but it had a soothing effect that lifted the spirits.

Natsu couldn't help but smile. "Eevee's going to love this."

Haunter also seed entranced, its crimson tongue flicking out as it tried to lick the Soothe Bell.

Natsu quickly raised the bell out of reach.

"If you lick this, Eevee's going to bite you!"

Haunter chuckled awkwardly, scratching its head.

It wasn't that it was afraid of Eevee's Bite.

It's just that, as the big brother, it had to look out for its siblings!

Back at ho, Eevee was wagging its tail, sitting in front of the computer watching a video.

[#133 Eevee.Avi]

"Huh?" Natsu raised an eyebrow.

"Learning bad habits from Haunter now?"

Sneaking up behind Eevee, Natsu suddenly shouted.

"Eevee?! ヽ(*.>Д