As one of the Elite Four of Unova, Caitlin owns villas across the world, all of which Cynthia has permission to use. For this proud, almost arrogant young lady, Cynthia is the only Trainer she acknowledges and strives to surpass. However, Cynthia has been busy playing games lately and has declined Caitlin's battle invitations.
In a fit of rage, Caitlin climbed to the Master rank in "Pokémon: Battle" within a single day. The two slacking Elite Four members of Sinnoh were left groaning in despair.
Aaron, the green-haired guy with a cowlick, wailed, "Not only are we getting destroyed by Natsume-sensei, but now Caitlin's here too!"
Flint, the redhead with an explosive hairstyle, clutched his head in frustration. "It's over... There's no way we're climbing back up now."
"Caitlin's a rank climber too, just like Lucian, playing Space Teams!" Aaron gritted his teeth. "No choice, I'm joining them!"
Lucian adjusted his light blue glasses and sighed, "You're playing games at someone else's place, and yet you're badmouthing them right in front of the Trainer?"
Aaron paused, then chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry, force of habit..."
Lucian smiled faintly, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fist.
Flint, trying to defuse the tension, coughed and said, "Anyway, today's Natsume-sensei's live stream. Let's go copy some team compositions!"
After a moment of contemplation, Lucian nodded slowly.
But when they opened the live stream, they were suddenly stunned.
Caitlin, who was currently dominating the Master rank, was matched against the notorious Natsume-sensei?
...
At the Battle Castle in the Sinnoh-Johto Frontier, a private estate owned by Caitlin (unlike the one in Kalos, which belongs to Diantha), the atmosphere was tense.
In a princess-like room filled with luxurious decorations, a delicate girl with golden wavy hair lay on a soft, lace-covered bed, her expression one of annoyance.
"So annoying... Why not just surrender?"
For Caitlin, matching and defeating Cynthia in a game, earning her praise, was her ultimate goal. As one of Unova's Elite Four, losing was simply not an option, even in a game. This was the arrogance of a girl who, though pampered, was dangerously skilled.
The intercom on the bedside table crackled as Darach, the castle's steward, spoke up. "Young Lady, your opponent's record is quite impressive. Please be cautious of his strategies."
"...Shut up."
After a moment of silence, Darach added, "By the way, this opponent has defeated Miss Cynthia before and has a record of all-night gaming sessions."
With a loud bang, the intercom went silent.
Darach sighed and hung up, muttering to himself, "Did she just blow up the intercom with her psychic powers again?"
Caitlin's golden wavy hair floated in the air, bathed in a blue glow. She took a deep breath and turned her sharp gaze to the battle screen.
...
The double battle began.
Dragapult soared into the clouds, while Amoonguss took a defensive stance. Gothitelle's Shadow Tag connected to Amoonguss, but it couldn't catch the ghostly dragon's gliding trajectory. At the same time, a Thunder Wave struck Gothitelle with pinpoint accuracy.
"A Dragapult with Wide Lens?"
"With Natsume-sensei's luck, even if the opponent gets paralyzed, Trick Room will still go up!"
Natsume was momentarily stunned.
Despite being paralyzed, Gothitelle struggled and still managed to set up Trick Room!
"Is this the bond between a Trainer and their Pokémon?"
"Hahaha, Natsume-sensei's luck is just terrible!"
The situation quickly turned dire.
Under Trick Room, Musharna's Moonblast erupted!
"U-turn!" Natsume commanded. "Amoonguss, Spore!"
The moonlight exploded on Dragapult, which then slashed forward, turning into a red light and returning to its Poké Ball. However, Amoonguss's spores landed on Gothitelle, which had teleported in.
Natsume frowned slightly, while Caitlin's lips curled into a faint smile.
Ally Switch!
"The opponent can still move even when paralyzed?"
"This is Natsume-sensei's terrible luck, isn't it? Love it!"
Natsume sighed.
Even though he could predict Caitlin's commands, probability was still a fickle thing.
"But it's fine!"
Natsume tossed out another Poké Ball. "Protect or not, they can't handle this!"
Using Whimsicott's Protect and Focus Sash, Natsume-sensei managed to stall for several turns.
Caitlin's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
She switched out Gothitelle for Metagross, whose iron fists flew like comets toward Amoonguss!
"Amoonguss!"
With a cry, Amoonguss was instantly knocked out.
Natsume nodded tearfully. "Thank you, Amoonguss!"
In the next moment, a majestic Arcanine with a flaxen mane and orange-black stripes leaped forward, letting out a majesty howl!
Natsume-sensei's expression shifted like a Sichuan opera mask, and he smiled. "This is the classic Beat Up Team combo: Whimsicott and Arcanine!"
With the first two Pokémon out of the way, Caitlin no longer had a Space controller on the field. Using Whimsicott's Tailwind to boost speed, Natsume-sensei quickly turned the tide!
"Here it is, Natsume-sensei's classic speed control!"
"Woohoo, we're taking off!"
Caitlin let out a soft 'tsk,' a sense of unease welling up in her heart. It was a feeling of helplessness, though she couldn't pinpoint its source, which made her inexplicably anxious.
"Go, Bronzong," Caitlin commanded. "Trick Room."
Just then, Caitlin's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively looked up.
Whimsicott's 'Beat Up' landed on Arcanine, and the screen was filled with the sound of roaring. Arcanine's 'Justified' ability triggered, effectively giving it a double Swords Dance boost, and its power soared to astonishing levels!
"Arcanine!!"
Flames erupted around Arcanine as its hooves turned into blazing wheels. It charged forward with Flare Blitz, instantly knocking out Bronzong!
Caitlin was momentarily stunned, then muttered, "Restrain it, Metagross!"
But Arcanine turned around and pounced, its fiery teeth sinking into Metagross's X-shaped mark!
In just a few seconds, it had taken down two Pokémon!
The chat was flooded with messages.
"Holy crap, what kind of damage is that?!"
"Is Natsume-sensei's new strategy this broken?!"
Arcanine galloped forward like the wind, crashing into Musharna with Extreme Speed and letting out a fierce roar!
Musharna was knocked out of the field in less than two seconds.
Only the last Gothitelle, still asleep, was left struggling!
The live stream was filled with question marks.
"She's one of the Elite Four! How did she get wiped out like this?!"
"This thing is unstoppable!"
"People always spam question marks when Natsume-sensei pulls off something crazy!"
A moment later, Arcanine stood tall, its mane swaying in the wind.
Seeing the 'Victory' screen, Natsume let out a long sigh of relief.
"That was close... I almost lost!"
The fans in the live stream were used to Natsume-sensei's shamelessness. But this time, he had used a self-created strategy and managed to pull off a quadruple kill despite his terrible luck...
"I'm in shock. How did he even win?"
"New fan, huh? This is just standard for him."
"This guy is ridiculously strong but has the worst luck!"
The live stream's popularity soared past 4 million, with gifts flooding in.
After the intense battle with Caitlin, Natsume-sensei was exhausted. He gently petted the dozing Sylveon in his arms and smiled. "Alright, that's it for today's live stream!"
With practiced ease, he ended the stream, and the screen went black, followed by a wave of question marks.
"That was some fast closing speed. Dude's got 20 years of single life reflexes!"
"Everyone, stand up!"
"See you next time, Natsume-sensei!"
...
Caitlin stared at the screen, biting her lower lip. The word 'Defeat' burned into her heart like a mark of shame.
She was only supposed to lose to Cynthia...
With a loud bang, the LCD screen shattered, and the console began to smoke.
Darach, hearing the noise, knocked gently on the door before cautiously opening it. He saw Caitlin sitting on the bed, her back to the door, her golden hair cascading down as if she were sulking.
Darach sighed in relief and comforted her. "Young Lady, it's just a game. There's no need to be so upset."
He had watched Natsume-sensei's live stream from start to finish. In terms of commands and strategy, Natsume-sensei was on par with Miss Cynthia. Without her psychic powers to rely on, how could the Young Lady possibly win?
Darach thought to himself that perhaps Caitlin's anger stemmed from the sense of helplessness she felt when facing Natsume-sensei.
Caitlin, still facing away, murmured softly, "Darach... Without my psychic powers, I feel like I can't do anything..."
"You're being too hard on yourself," Darach said with a smile. "Even without your psychic powers, you're still the most esteemed Young Lady of the Battle Castle."
The root of her arrogance was her inner insecurity. Darach sighed inwardly. Though the Young Lady always put on a strong front, she would curl up like a hedgehog at the slightest setback.
Caitlin wiped her eyes and let out a soft sigh. Turning her head, she said expressionlessly, "You're so annoying."
"Understood. I'll take my leave now."
Darach placed a hand over his chest and bowed, thinking to himself, Natsume-sensei is truly something... He managed to make the Young Lady cry just by playing a game.
If he ever had the chance to meet Natsume-sensei, he would definitely ask for an autograph!
...
In Sinnoh's Canalave City, Aaron sighed. "I can't believe Natsume-sensei actually beat Caitlin..."
"It's just a game," Lucian said calmly. "Caitlin's strength lies in her uncontrollable psychic abilities. The game limits her."
"But Natsume-sensei's commands were impressive too!" Aaron argued.
"Exactly! If Natsume-sensei can beat Caitlin, then it's no shame for us to lose to him!" Flint nodded solemnly.
Lucian facepalmed, sighing in exasperation.
Are you guys really trying to save face by hyping up Natsume-sensei now?
"Still..." Lucian stroked his chin thoughtfully. "While this Beat Up strategy might not be practical in Champion battles, it could be quite effective in other domains."
"What domains?" Aaron asked, munching on a bag of chips.
"You wouldn't understand even if I told you," Lucian said with a cold smile.
He adjusted his light blue glasses, thinking to himself.
Last time, Natsume-sensei's Rock Slide strategy indirectly led to the medical reforms in Sinnoh's Pokémon Centers...
The deeper meaning behind this strategy he's developed... It must align with what I'm thinking, right?
...
Late at night, after ending the live stream, it was already past midnight.
Though the little ones were drowsy, Sylveon's ribbon was still wrapped around Natsume's arm, refusing to let go.
Natsume smiled and carried Sylveon to its cat bed. The little one mumbled sleepily, "Sylveon?"
"I'm not going anywhere. I'm just making some midnight snacks for you three!" Natsume said helplessly.
Sylveon pouted but reluctantly released the ribbon.
After preparing snacks for the three little ones, Natsume yawned and started editing videos.
To record the card for "Natsume-sensei Teaches Battling 09: Beat Up Team," he had to call upon their old friend, Gold, the "Card Master."
Upon receiving Natsume-sensei's invitation, Gold immediately logged on.
Gold: Alright, let me show you my new Sunny Day Relay Team!
Natsume was momentarily stunned.
You, Gold, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, are playing strategies now?
Natsume-sensei: Sure, let's see it!
An hour later...
Natsume asked sheepishly, "Want to go again?"
Gold let out a long sigh.
"Never mind. I'm not feeling great today. Let's do this another time."
Natsume nodded understandingly. "You've worked hard. Drink more hot water!"
"Oh, and next time, use a different account. Otherwise, people might think I hired an actor!"
Gold went into self-isolation mode, but Cynthia logged on shortly after.
After half an hour of digging for stones with Cynthia, she suddenly asked, "So... You ran into Caitlin today?"
Natsume's heart skipped a beat.
Here it comes...
"Ahem, just a casual game," Natsume coughed awkwardly.
"But I heard from Darach that... you made her cry?" Cynthia's tone was playful.
Natsume was stunned.
I made one of Unova's Elite Four cry?
After the achievement of "I'm Even with Lance," I've unlocked a new one?
"I'm such a badass..." Natsume muttered.
"You're not sleeping tonight," Cynthia said with a smile.
"By the way, I'd like to see your new strategy for myself."
A drop of cold sweat rolled down Natsume-sensei's forehead.
"Uh... Is there a service fee?"
"Obviously."
"Money's not the issue. I just want to play games with you!"
Cynthia chuckled.
...
August 30th, Sunday.
The first rays of morning sunlight filtered into the room.
Natsume-sensei, with heavy dark circles under his eyes, yawned and finished editing the video. As he waited for it to upload, he couldn't fight off his drowsiness any longer and fell asleep at his computer.
Haunter draped a blanket over Natsume.
Squirtle grabbed a small bag and headed to the convenience store on the corner to buy breakfast.
Sylveon, sensing Natsume's body temperature with its ribbon, snuggled into his arms to keep him warm.
The room was silent until the computer's notification sound broke the stillness.
[Video uploaded successfully!]
[Click to view the new video, "Natsume-sensei Teaches Battling 09: Beat Up Team"!]
🌟 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 195 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!