For the members of Tokyo Metropolitan University's team, having Natsume as the assistant coach was a mixed blessing.
On the bright side, his training methods were quite scientific, and he never forced anyone to over-train.
On the downside, Natsume's Eevee was way too enthusiastic, constantly chasing after other Pokémon to battle.
As a result, the infirmary's workload doubled, and the consumption of Potions increased several times compared to usual...
During a break, Sota approached Captain Keigo with a complicated expression:
"I can't help but feel... that Assistant Coach Natsume's training methods... are better than Coach Takashi's."
Keigo quickly hushed him, whispering, "Shh! Don't let Coach Takashi hear that!"
But honestly...
It wasn't just Sota who felt this way. Even Keigo, as the captain, shared the same sentiment.
In just two days, his strength had improved so much that it felt like he had trained for a week or two...
Watching Natsume, who was taking a short nap, Keigo murmured with respect:
"Each person's training plan must have been something the assistant coach stayed up late thinking about, right?"
"Let's not disturb him and just focus on our training!"
Sota nodded, sighing:
"I really envy Coach Natsume... Not only is he good-looking, but he's also so skilled at training!"
...
Natsume had indeed stayed up late.
But it wasn't for the sake of the school team's training.
He had been playing games with Cynthia until late at night, and then spent some time reminiscing.
Looking at the IOU for five million Pokémon Coins in his hand, Natsume felt too embarrassed to ask for payment for keeping her company...
"Ah... It's hard to bring it up when we're so close," Natsume sighed deeply, resting his chin on his hand.
The school team's training method was actually quite simple.
A good coach would tap into each team member's potential and imagination, tailoring the training to their individual needs.
Therefore, Natsume's training plan was—
Simply doubling the training load from Coach Takashi's original method.
This inadvertently gave everyone the illusion that Natsume's training methods were more effective...
Takashi was a bit concerned: "Is such a heavy training load really okay?"
"You're all bark and no bite," Natsume chuckled.
"These guys are all well-off. As long as the training intensity keeps up, their families will provide the necessary resources."
"That's something I hadn't considered."
Takashi nodded, pondering, "But... what about Tomoya..."
"I'll figure something out," Natsume said.
Tomoya, who came from a rural village, was a quiet boy with a modest family background.
Keeping up with the rest of the school team had already drained all his energy.
Even if his efforts didn't yield results...
It was the only thing he could do.
At that moment, Tomoya, who was silently training extra hard and sweating profusely, looked up in confusion to see Natsume smiling at him, holding a small bottle.
Natsume shook the bottle: "Here, this is for you."
Tomoya was stunned, stammering, "I... I can't accept this!"
"It's just a regular Oran Berry Block, meant to heal Torkoal's internal injuries," Natsume said with a light cough.
"After all, Eevee keeps beating it up... I feel a bit bad..."
Perhaps because Torkoal was so tough.
Eevee's favorite opponent was this Torkoal, and it often ended up in the infirmary every few days.
But then again, Torkoal's Iron Defense had been mastered through Eevee's relentless beatings...
This was also why Tomoya was so grateful to Natsume-sensei.
Reina pouted as she approached: "Natsume-sensei! I want a Pokéblock too!"
Natsume glanced at her: "If you let Breloom get beaten up by Eevee, I'll give you one."
Reina immediately started coughing.
As everyone knew, even Torkoal, the tankiest member of the school team, couldn't withstand Eevee's relentless attacks.
So, Natsume-sensei's Pokéblocks were something everyone wanted but didn't dare to take!
Tomoya's lips moved: "I..."
"Tomorrow's the match," Natsume said with a smile. "Get some rest and aim for a strong start!"
Tomoya took the Pokéblock, his eyes welling up. He mumbled for a while but eventually just nodded firmly.
I can't let Coach Natsume down!
...
A day later, on the bullet train to Kobe.
"Coach, can I take another look at the starting lineup?"
Takashi nodded and handed the folder to Natsume, speaking seriously:
"Kobe University's strength is no joke, and that rookie champion from Sakuragawa Prefecture is also quite formidable. We need to be cautious."
As long-time rivals, Tokyo Metropolitan University and Kobe University were closely matched in rankings.
In a tournament system like this, the order of participants was crucial.
"I remember that the tournament system doesn't allow changes to the lineup once it's set, right?"
Natsume said as he scanned the list of starters.
"Keigo, Sota, Reina, Tomoya, Sakurako..."
Before he could finish, Natsume's expression turned odd.
Takashi pretended not to notice, coughing lightly: "Friendly matches are also good for training. It's reasonable to field two freshmen."
"Then what's this about the sixth spot?"
Natsume pointed at his own name, his lips twitching.
"I'm the assistant coach, right? Why do I need to step in?"
Takashi chuckled awkwardly: "I just thought, in case we're about to lose, it'd be good to have a backup."
"We agreed beforehand that I was just here to assist," Natsume said with a cold smile.
"If you really want me to step in..."
"Natsume, listen, it's like this..."
"You'll have to pay extra!"
"Huh?"
Takashi was momentarily stunned, thinking Natsume was joking, and laughed heartily:
"Well... The Tokyo Metropolitan University Pokémon Day Care will have new Pokémon available for selection around early August."
"So I thought, after we're done with the friendly match, I could take you there to pick one."
Natsume was taken aback.
"Didn't you say we could only pick after summer vacation?"
Takashi grinned proudly: "The school never forgets those who contribute!"
Natsume was momentarily speechless, then sighed.
He waited until I was on the bullet train to bring this up...
It feels like this was all part of some deep strategy!
"So... when do I step in?"
"Keigo will start, and once he sets up the Foul Play space, Tomoya's Torkoal will take the field."
Takashi pointed at the strategy board: "You'll be the third, to stabilize the team's morale."
Natsume wanted to say that he could just sweep the entire team himself.
But after some thought, he decided that since he was just here to help out, there was no need to risk his Pokémon getting injured.
Glancing at Haunter, who was pressing its face against the window, curiously observing the scenery outside.
"Eevee!" Eevee, meanwhile, was playfully chasing its tail on Natsume's lap, occasionally rolling around.
Natsume picked up Eevee and whispered:
"Just do your best later."
Eevee's ears perked up, and it suddenly stood up, nodding seriously at Natsume.
"Eevee! ψ(*｀ー′)ψ"
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