Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

November 28th, Saturday.

A gentle breeze swept across Cerulean City's harbor, carrying the distant horn of a cargo ship as Wingulls circled overhead.

Natsume admired the picturesque scenery, though his mood was far from serene.

I can't believe… I ended up in Cerulean City after all.

"It's fine. Just a fishing tournament—not like I'm challenging the Gym."

He reassured himself, steeling his resolve.

Today, I'll teach Gold what real fishing looks like!

Last night's snooker disaster, where Natsume-sensei's divinely terrible spin shot left Gold questioning reality, had haunted the boy all night.

But today's main event was the Cerulean Fishing Tournament.

The grand prize?

A premium fishing rod set crafted by Silph Co.—the dream of every angler—plus the coveted Mystic Water, a Water-type trainer's treasure.

Second and third place would also receive high-end rods, paired with a Water Stone and a Dive Ball gift set respectively.

As a rare Poké Ball variant, Dive Balls could fetch a hefty price—which explained why Brock the Hustler had signed up.

Natsume checked his phone. "Let's head to the harbor café first. Yellow's waiting there."

Gold, balancing his fishing rod like a monkey king staff, whistled.

"Damn, the competition's packed."

The tournament grounds were jammed, the registration booth swarmed by eager participants.

"Anglers from other leagues showed up too," Natsume said. "And quit waving that rod around—you'll snap it!"

"Relax!" Gold grinned. "It's just like a pool cue. I've got skills!"

With a flourish, he extended the telescopic rod and spun it like a baton.

Like hell it is!

You're gonna make every fisherman in Kanto riot!

"Gengar?"

The Gengar poked its head out curiously.

"Oh, not you."

Natsume patted its round head. "Go have fun. Meet me at the café later."

"Gengar!（`▽`)??"

It popped out fully, beelining for an ice cream stand—a Cerulean specialty, even in winter.

"Gengar~ ( ??﹃?? )"

Drooling, it fished a coin from its bottomless stomach and floated over.

The stand's staff bowed in perfect sync.

"Welcome!"

"Wobbuffet!"

"Quit popping out unannounced, you moron!"

"Gengar?"

The ghost tilted its head.

These guys seem familiar.

...

Harbor Café

A squinty-eyed mountain of a man shoveled curry into his mouth.

"Another round, please!"

"You got it, champ!"

Nearby, Yellow—her Pikachu cradled in her arms—waved excitedly.

"Natsume-sensei! Over here!"

As they approached, Gold sniffed.

"I'm right here too, y'know."

"Ehehe, my bad!" Yellow scratched her head sheepishly.

Natsume eyed the tower of empty plates, wondering how Brock could eat so much—until he spotted the "All-You-Can-Eat Discount" sign.

This man truly has my respect.

"Natsume-sensei."

Brock cleared his throat, extending a hand (eyes still unreadably shut).

"Looking forward to working with you!"

"Likewise!" Natsume shook it firmly.

For a brief moment, their gazes locked in mutual understanding.

...At least, that's what Brock imagined.

In reality, Natsume was still trying to figure out if his eyes were open or closed.

"Do we need to queue up?"

Gold fed his Pichu from a milk bottle. "Registration's swamped!"

"Nope! Sis Green signed us all up already," Yellow said.

"Sweet!" Gold set the bottle down. "Let's head over soon!"

"No rush—starts in an hour."

Brock crossed his arms. "First, we strategize. Know the rules, dominate the game."

"Huh? It's just fishing. What rules?" Natsume blinked.

"Point-based system. Each Water-type has a set value," Brock explained. "Like the Bug-Catching Contest—official tournament balls only, and all catches get released afterward."

"WHAT?!"

Gold groaned. "I was gonna grill some Magikarp at Natsume-sensei's place!"

Natsume stroked his chin.

Ah, the famously delicious Basculin.

But with Squirtle at home, he wasn't looking to expand his Water-type roster.

"Also, contestants can rent boats or use Surf Pokémon," Yellow added. "Offshore fishing nets higher points!"

"I'll ride Togebo," Gold said. "Natsume-sensei?"

"I'll take a boat."

"Surfing scares off rare Pokémon," Yellow mused. "Smart move!"

Natsume-sensei: ?

Isn't it obvious Squirtle's too small to ride?

"I'll stick to the pier," Brock declared. "With the right bait, victory is assured!"

...

Meanwhile, at the Ice Cream Stand

Gengar took the two-flavored ice cream from Meowth's paws.

"This one's on the house, meow!"

Meowth rubbed his hands together with a sly grin. "Hope ya put in a good word for us with the Mentor…"

"Gengar!" Gengar flashed a toothy smile and gave a thumbs-up.

"Ooooh! Much obliged!" The Trio bowed deeply.

They handed another ice cream to Natsume.

Before it could melt, Gengar dashed off toward the restaurant.

Watching Gengar's retreating figure, the Trio huddled together, whispering. "If Gengar's here… does that mean the Executive's nearby too?"

"D'ya think he knows about our plan, meow?"

"Using our stall earnings to build a giant Gyarados robot!" Jessie declared dramatically, throwing her arms wide.

"Then crashing the Fishing Competition while the Twerp's away—to snag rare Water-type Pokémon!" James twirled into a waltz pose, wrapping an arm around Jessie.

"And handin' 'em over to Boss Giovanni for a big promotion, meow!" Meowth rubbed his paws, chuckling.

"This... is the best feeling ever~~~!" the Trio chimed in unison.

"Wobbuffet~~"

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