Trainer's Gambit

In the live stream, as the opponent's final Politoed fell, Natsume officially secured the victory in the battle.

From start to finish, Natsume had only used one Venusaur, yet he managed to torment and defeat all six of his opponent's Pokémon using the "SubProtect Toxic" strategy.

A one-versus-six sweep should have been a Trainer's ultimate glory, but in Natsume-sensei's live stream… it was downright infuriating.

"How can there be such a dirty strategy!?"

"It's not the strategy that's dirty, it's Natsume-sensei's heart that's dirty!"

In the virtual simulation, Natsume recalled Venusaur into its Poké Ball, though he couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.

This Pokémon: Battle game wasn't turn-based—it required Trainers to give real-time commands through a microphone.

If Natsume hadn't been five steps ahead, and if his opponent hadn't been a rookie, he might have actually lost.

"That was close. Good thing I'm just that good," Natsume muttered.

To the live stream audience, this comment came off as sarcastic.

A one-versus-six sweep with Venusaur still at nearly full health, and you call that "close"?

Killing them and then rubbing salt in the wound!?

"I just finished battling a Gym Leader. If you have any conscience, come visit me in the hospital!"

"This strategy is too risky—not for the Pokémon, but for the Trainer's personal safety!"

"This strategy makes me so mad! Natsume-sensei, stick your head out so I can buff you!"

Natsume remained unfazed.

"Thanks to 'Is Natsume-sensei a Trainer?' for the plane gift… Natsume-sensei isn't a Trainer, it's just a hobby."

At this moment, the viewers wished they could drown Natsume-sensei's live stream in a sea of spit.

Your hobby is researching dirty strategies?

And with just a hobby, you can sweep six Pokémon with a single Venusaur?

Natsume-sensei, stop pretending you're not a Trainer!

"Thanks to 'The Battler' for the rocket… big spender!"

Natsume, who had been half-dead just moments ago, suddenly perked up as the rocket特效 filled the screen, his tone rising an octave.

"Thank you, big spender! Huh? Is this ID a fake? Wait…"

Instantly, followers in the chat began lamenting.

"Big spender, you've made a mistake!"

"Red, don't give Natsume-sensei gifts! You'll learn bad habits!"

"Wait, it's really the World Champion! The World Champion just gifted Natsume-sensei a rocket!"

At his computer, Natsume stared at the familiar ID, thought for 0.05 seconds, then swiftly added Red as a moderator and sent him a private message.

[Is Natsume-sensei Serving Dinner Today?: Red, big spender, here's my Line account: XXXX. Let's chat more in the future!]

The message was thoughtfully translated into Japanese, and Natsume couldn't help but pat himself on the back for his quick thinking.

After Red's appearance in Natsume's live stream, the room's popularity skyrocketed to over 500,000, thanks to the World Champion's influence.

Gift data in the backend surged, and the chat was flooded with messages.

"Natsume-sensei, you're famous!!"

"Can you get me Red's autograph?"

"Red, mommy loves you!"

Since it was an international platform, the live stream wasn't just filled with Japanese users—there were also viewers from Unova, Hoenn, Kalos, and other regions.

For a moment, the chat was a lively mix of languages.

"Yo, streamer, did you disconnect? Why aren't you talking?"

"Please, Natsume-sensei, do another SubProtect Toxic tutorial!"

"Protect or no Protect, huh? I've got it now!"

At this moment, even Red hadn't expected his casual gesture to cause such a stir.

Glancing back at Yellow, he saw her smiling helplessly. "You're the World Champion now, a full-blown public figure!"

Red scratched his head. "The battle was just so exciting, I couldn't help it…"

"If Gold sees you gifting his opponent, I wonder how mad he'll be," Yellow said with a soft laugh.

Red chuckled awkwardly, then noticed a private message from the ID "Is Natsume-sensei Serving Dinner Today?".

Reading the message, Red's eyes lit up.

"Exchange… does he want to battle me in Pokémon?"

Yellow couldn't help but laugh.

I think he just wants you to send more gifts.

[The Battler: …We'll have a chance to exchange (smile).]

After replying to Natsume, Red suddenly slapped his forehead. "I almost forgot! I'm supposed to spar with Blue Oak at Viridian Gym today!"

"You can still make it."

"Come on, you're coming too!"

Yellow was taken aback. Watching Red's hurried figure, her cheeks flushed slightly, but she sighed regretfully.

"I still didn't get to bring up the movie…"

As for Red, Natsume now knew three things.

First, this guy seemed to have bought a house on the internet—he was everywhere.

Second, he was now Natsume's big spender, and Natsume needed to cling to this golden thigh.

Third, what the heck does Red's ellipsis mean?!

And that smiley face—is he mocking me?

Just say what you mean! Don't leave me guessing, it's exhausting!

Natsume let out a long sigh, feeling mentally drained. "That's it for today's live stream. See you all next time."

Before the words even finished, Natsume expertly ended the stream, leaving the viewers in chaos.

"Over a million viewers, and you just end it like that?"

"Why are you so good at ending streams!?"

"Even though you ended the stream in a hurry, your one-versus-six sweep was just too cool!"

"Natsume, mommy loves you!"

Even Natsume hadn't noticed that after Red's rocket gift, the number of subscribers was skyrocketing.

The promise of showing his face at 100,000 subscribers was already halfway there—Natsume-sensei's face reveal was just around the corner!

"Let's go, bros! Push a little harder, and we'll see Natsume-sensei's face next week!"

"Does anyone actually think Natsume-sensei is an attractive streamer? No way, right?"

"Handsome or not, I'm just here for Natsume-sensei's stand-up comedy!"

The subscriber count continued to climb, but Natsume had already closed the live stream software.

After ending the stream, Natsume began carefully studying Pokémon: Battle.

"That was way too close… this stupid game is voice-controlled and real-time!"

"Wait, there's no limit to four moves? Does that mean I'm invincible now?"

[Ding… System binding in progress… Binding successful!]

[Host: Natsume]

"Who's talking!?"

[Current BP Points: 1720]

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[Enjoy!]

"Oh, it's just you."

"Should've said so earlier—it's my Gold Finger!"