Kanto Region, Celadon University.
A poised woman, adorned with a cherry blossom hairpin, wore an elegant furisode kimono, with delicate floral patterns blooming across the fabric.
"Professor Erika," a faculty member called out, "Isn't the Grass-type Expert Tournament tomorrow? Aren't you supposed to be a judge?"
"Yes," Erika replied, brushing her short, ear-length hair gently. "I plan to finish today's courses and leave tomorrow."
As the Grass-type Gym Leader of Celadon City, Erika also held the position of Professor at Celadon University. Beyond her mastery of flower arrangement, perfume blending, and the art of battle, Erika was also skilled in archery and tea ceremonies. Her gentle demeanor, reminiscent of a Yamato Nadeshiko, was unexpectedly paired with a strong sense of responsibility and resilience, making her a paragon of virtue and talent.
"Is Professor Erika's afternoon class about Grass-type moves and their counters?" the faculty member asked.
"Yes," Erika replied softly. "Recently, some students showed interest in Plants vs. Zombies, so I decided to offer a separate course on it."
"Ah... isn't that a game?"
Erika chuckled behind her hand. "The best way to teach is through entertainment."
This game, which Erika had tried after seeing Cynthia's promotion on Twitter, was created by someone who seemed to have a deep affection for Grass-type Pokémon. The game, a tower defense style, included basic knowledge of type advantages and move effects, which, though simple, was a rare find in a game. Erika had also heard about the game's creator—a self-proclaimed sophomore student and independent game developer, known for his dirty strategies and recognized by Red himself.
Erika, clad in her wooden geta sandals, walked gracefully out of her office, a soft smile on her face. Next year, Celadon University planned to add a simulated battle course to its newly established Trainer School. This "Natsume-sensei" was currently making waves in the field of simulated battles. If they could invite him to join, it would be a win-win situation.
"But... we'll have to see his real strength," Erika murmured, shaking her head with a smile. "Natsume-sensei... surely won't disappoint, right?"
After finishing her day's course schedule, Erika boarded a plane to Sinnoh to serve as a judge for the Grass-type Expert Tournament.
The three-day Grass-type Expert Tournament had finally reached its finals. Erika sat in the judges' seat, whispering to the spirited, kindly old man beside her.
"Gardenia and Milo from Galar are the final contenders."
Ramos, the Grass-type Gym Leader from the Kalos Region, known as the "Still Blooming Old Tree," nodded in agreement. Though both were Gym Leaders, their strengths varied. Erika and Ramos were among the closest to the Elite Four in the Grass-type domain.
"Milo is strong... but without Dynamax, I believe Gardenia has the upper hand," Ramos remarked, his round hat tilted slightly as he hunched over.
The orange-haired girl and the tall, burly man began their final battle. Breloom clashed with Appletun, Mach Punches flying and Dragon Pulses erupting.
"Breloom, Protect!" Gardenia commanded.
As Breloom shielded itself from the Dragon Pulse, a faint purple hue enveloped it. While its HP recovered, two Substitutes flanked it, delivering Mach Punches in unison.
Ramos's eyes lit up. "She's mastered Poison Heal..."
Erika smiled. "With the help of Substitute, the toxicity from the Toxic Orb is now manageable... Gardenia has made significant progress."
Without Dynamax, Milo was ultimately outmatched. He scratched his head with a sheepish grin. "I lost."
Gardenia let out a sigh of relief, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Without Natsume-sensei's inspiration, she would never have revisited the Poison Heal strategy!
Gardenia snapped a photo of her trophy and uploaded it to the chat group.
Gardenia: I won the championship! [Image]
Gardenia: Thank you, Natsume-sensei! Your guidance really helped!
Natsume scratched his head. What did her championship have to do with him? He probably couldn't even beat the gatekeeper in this tournament!
Still, he had to offer some encouragement. After a moment of thought, he typed:
Natsume-sensei: Keep up the good work.
Erika approached, gently patting the excited Gardenia. "Your progress is evident to everyone. No need to be so modest."
Gardenia nodded, then suddenly asked, "Professor Erika! I heard the Trainer School is adding a simulated battle course?"
"Yes," Erika replied with a soft smile. "Do you have any recommendations?"
"I recommend Natsume-sensei! He's a Trainer from the Touran Region, with at least Master-level strength!"
Erika paused, then chuckled. Natsume-sensei was already on the shortlist. Gardenia's recommendation only added more weight to his candidacy.
"Is he in Tokyo City?" Erika asked with a smile.
"Next week, I'll discuss it with the Tokyo Association and extend an invitation."
Gardenia's eyes widened. "You're going to Tokyo yourself?"
Erika nodded. "For exceptional talent, a personal invitation shows how much we value them."
She winked playfully. "Besides, it's a paid trip!"
Gardenia scratched her head, thinking to herself. Natsume-sensei really is something... Even Celadon University, the holy land for Trainers, is willing to send a Professor to personally invite him!
Natsume-sensei explained the basic concept of Gold Miners to Kazuya.
Kazuya blinked. "Just the arrow keys? Isn't that too simple?"
"The simpler the game, the more likely it is to catch on!" Natsume shook his head. "Imagine you and your girlfriend sharing a computer, playing together..."
"Oh wait, I forgot, you don't have a girlfriend," Natsume added, smacking his forehead.
"Anyway, I'll try coding it based on your idea..." Kazuya muttered, then suddenly said, "Brother Natsume, I think we should hire some help!"
Though they were called "Pokémon Studio," Natsume only had one assistant so far. Graphic designers couldn't always be outsourced, and promotions needed to be handled properly...
Natsume nodded. "I'll consult a headhunting agency. I'll handle the promotions, but the most important thing is finding a good graphic designer."
The style of a graphic designer could make or break a game. Hiring a qualified artist was something Natsume took very seriously.
That afternoon, Natsume visited a headhunting agency in Tokyo, explaining his requirements. When he handed over his business card, the owner's attitude became unusually enthusiastic, personally escorting Natsume to the door.
Natsume was slightly puzzled but soon received a call from Matori.
"The owner of that headhunting agency used to be a Team Rocket intelligence officer," Matori said calmly. "After all, Team Rocket has always operated cross-regionally in the talent market."
Isn't that a bit too blatant?!
"Of course... the headhunting fee still applies. He'll introduce you to suitable candidates," Matori continued. "I heard there's a Trainer in Tokyo... her graphic design skills won't disappoint."
Natsume looked up at the sky. Team Rocket's intelligence members really are something... Retired and running a headhunting agency—still in the same line of work!
"By the way, I heard traditional medicine therapy can help with foot..."
Before Natsume could finish, Matori hung up in embarrassment.
"Can't even talk about it," Natsume muttered.
But when it came to the talent market, Matori's recommendations were likely reliable. After all, Team Rocket's members, like the trio, had a wide range of skills—aside from their criminal expertise, they had dabbled in almost every odd skill imaginable...
🌟 Join My and Unlock Exclusive Pokémon Content! 🌟
👉.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 178 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!