After calming down, Natsume-sensei carefully examined the manuals.
The manuals from Agatha, the Ghost-type Elite Four member, contained battle techniques for Double Team and Dream Eater.
In terms of practicality and rarity, they were on par with Koga's Toxic Manuscript—a legendary-quality item.
But... Natsume's mixed emotions.
I really don't need more of this stuff!
Natsume cautiously asked, "So... how much will this cost in total?"
Blue Oak thought for a moment. "Grandma Agatha's Gengar cost around 50 million Pokémon Coins to train. It's not much."
Natsume's expression turned odd.
For an Elite Four-level Gengar... 50 million Pokémon Coins isn't just 'not much,' it's actually quite cheap...
But why... does my chest hurt so much?
Natsume shakily sat back down on the sofa.
He reached out and grabbed Growlithe, who had been running around.
After rubbing Growlithe's head in frustration, Natsume sighed in relief. "That feels better."
"Growlithe (O_o)??"
When you think about it, this is just small change.
Once my career takes off, I'll earn it all back eventually.
Besides, once Gengar learns Double Team, it might even be able to take on a few more part-time jobs...
Agatha's manuals officially joined Gengar's luxury textbook collection.
Gengar took the textbook, its expression shifting from confusion to surprise, then to excitement.
It opened its mouth wide, its long red tongue licking toward Natsume.
Natsume dodged to the side and coughed lightly. "Make sure to rest... You need to balance work and relaxation."
Gengar nodded, grinning.
In truth, Gengar had been sneaking in some training during work hours.
But since Trainer said to balance work and rest...
Gengar tried to cross its arms, but its short limbs could only manage to rest on each other, like a little student listening attentively.
Gengar rested its hands on each other and nodded thoughtfully.
Then during breaks, I'll go challenge the Tokyo Gyms!
...
October 10th, Thursday.
It was still early in the morning when Natsume was awakened by the sound of a hamster wheel.
Scratching his messy hair, he walked into the living room to find Sylveon gracefully running on its wheel.
Hmm... The early bird catches the worm.
Natsume yawned. "Let's have breakfast first. No energy to lose weight without food."
"Sylveon..." Sylveon paused.
That... makes sense!
Sylveon jumped down, its sapphire-like eyes looking at Natsume as it tilted its head and pointed a ribbon toward the kitchen.
Then hurry up and cook!
"So I'm just the chef now?"
Natsume complained but still obediently put on an apron.
He turned on the range hood, lit the stove, and as the oil sizzled, the little ones sensed it and obediently sat at the table, waiting for breakfast.
Despite being broke, Natsume's household always had good meals...
This might also be why the Engel coefficient never went down.
"Gengar! (￣～￣)"
Gengar chewed on bread while flipping through Grandma Agatha's manuals, completely absorbed.
The scene reminded Natsume of a high school senior preparing for college entrance exams, studying even during breakfast.
Gengar's current schedule included training Psychic in the morning, part-time work in the afternoon, and practicing Double Team at night...
Study until you drop!
"This is way too hardworking!"
Natsume rubbed his chin, muttering, "Maybe I should prepare some supplements for it..."
Perhaps Gengar's self-discipline inspired the other members.
In the afternoon, Squirtle, who rarely went out, followed Gengar to the club for training.
Growlithe, though new to the team, decided to follow the example of its older brothers and started by running a few dozen laps.
The house suddenly became quiet.
Natsume-sensei, feeling like an empty nester, was about to sigh when his gaze landed on Sylveon, who was taking a nap.
"Hmm?" Natsume rubbed his chin.
No wonder you're getting heavier, Sylveon!
But with Sylveon by his side, Natsume's mood improved.
He quietly approached the dozing Sylveon.
Taking a deep breath, Natsume buried his face in Sylveon's soft, snow-white belly fur.
This feeling!
Natsume's spirits lifted.
So soft! So fragrant!
Before he could enjoy it for long, Natsume looked up to see Sylveon's flushed face.
"Sylveon!! (｀皿｀)??"
"Wait... let me explain! Don't use Iron Tail!"
...
Tokyo Gyms.
The apprentices' Pokémon were taken out one by one by Growlithe's Crunch.
Gengar once again stood before Takuya, a sinister grin on its face as it tossed a Poké Ball in its hand.
Beside it stood Squirtle, cautiously adjusting its sunglasses.
Tokyo Gyms.
The apprentices' Pokémon were taken out one by one by Growlithe's Crunch.
Gengar once again stood before Takuya, a sinister grin on its face as it tossed a Poké Ball in its hand.
Beside it stood Squirtle, cautiously adjusting its sunglasses.
Takuya's the mood is quite complicated.
Why does this guy keep coming to challenge me...
Am I weaker than the other Leaders?!
But even Takuya couldn't gauge Gengar's current strength.
Honestly, even if he used his main team, Takuya wasn't confident of winning.
And then there was this Squirtle...
Takuya's expression turned odd.
It doesn't even have a scratch on it, so why is it constantly spraying Potion on its shell?!
Does Potion grow on trees?!
Looking at Gengar's sinister grin, Takuya sighed. "I get it... Make it quick, thanks."
"Gengar!" Gengar shook its finger, indicating that it wasn't the one challenging this time.
"Then..." Takuya looked at Squirtle.
"Squirtle." Squirtle took half a step back.
This Gym seems to have some strong hidden cards. Better not act rashly...
"Let this Growlithe do it? Ha!"
Takuya rolled up his sleeves. "You're really underestimating me!"
"Go, Swoobat!"
"Gengar!" Gengar gave a look.
Growlithe bared its sharp fangs and pounced forward, landing a Crunch on Swoobat's wing.
Thud!
Looking at the fallen Swoobat, Takuya was stunned.
What the... It's already over?
What on earth does Natsume feed his Pokémon?!
Ten minutes later.
After being swept by Growlithe, Takuya nodded calmly.
Well... If I just accept defeat, no one can mock me!
Speaking of which... Takuya rubbed his chin.
Even this Growlithe already has the strength to compete in Regional tournaments...
If Natsume were to participate... He might actually bring a Regional Champion title back to Tokyo.
"By the way," Takuya casually asked, "Has Natsume already signed up for the Regional Tournament?"
Gengar, who had been coaching Growlithe, suddenly paused.
If Trainer had signed up, he would've told us by now.
But there's been no news about it...
Trainer... Could it be...
Gengar thought for a moment, then had an epiphany.
Is it because he didn't have time to register?
"He hasn't signed up yet?"
Takuya was slightly surprised. "The deadline is tomorrow!"
"Gengar?! Σ(°△°|||)︴"
Noticing Gengar's expression, Takuya nodded understandingly. "If he doesn't have time to register in person, I have a Gym Leader's invitation here. He just needs to fill out the registration form..."
"Gengar! （`▽`)" (Thanks a lot!)
As Takuya handed over the pen and paper, he asked, "Aren't you going to take this back to Natsume? What if he doesn't want to participate?"
Gengar shook its head.
No one understands Natsume better than it does.
The desire to become a Champion burns brighter in Natsume than in anyone else.
Otherwise, why would he have spent last night chatting with the Sinnoh Champion again?
And the Regional Champion title is the first step toward becoming a Legendary Trainer!
Gengar filled out Natsume's name on the registration form and glanced over it.
"Gengar!"
Gengar patted its own shoulder and grinned.
Taking care of Trainer's responsibilities so easily...
That's why you're the best, Gengar!
🌟 Join My Patreon and Unlock Exclusive Pokémon Content! 🌟
👉patreon.com/PokemonStoryWeaver
Are you a fan of the Pokémon series? Become a member today and enjoy amazing benefits!
🌟 Membership: Pokémon Series - Gold Champion
Unlock access to 65 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 2 new chapters every day!
🌟 Membership: Pokémon Series - Platinum Legend
Unlock access to 240 Chapters in advance!
Enjoy daily updates with 5 new chapters every day!
Join now and immerse yourself in the exciting world of Pokémon like never before! Your support means the world to me!