It had been a week since Cynthia left.
Eevee's "Return" was becoming more skilled, and Haunter had already licked clean one Dusk Stone and started on the next.
Watching Haunter's agile crimson tongue, Natsume's expression was complicated.
Each lick was worth several thousand Pokémon Coins!
"Plants vs. Zombies" had entered its final testing phase and was expected to launch in early August.
Before that, Natsume received a call from Coach Takashi and hurried to the Tokyo Metropolitan University campus.
"This time, it's mainly a friendly match with Kobe University," Takashi said. "The major universities have already started preparing for the Intercollegiate League, and we need to get ready too."
"What do you need me to do?" Natsume asked.
After all, he was being paid, and it wouldn't do to keep slacking off.
"Mainly pre-match training and on-the-spot coordination during the friendly match," Takashi said, frowning. "This year's Kobe University is really strong. They even recruited the rookie cup champion from Sakuragawa Prefecture... If it's a Arena match, we're at a disadvantage..."
The Intercollegiate League is divided into individual events and team events.
Individual events use a single-battle format and tournament system, while team events use a 5v5 group battle format.
Overall, it tests the contestants' individual abilities and the coach's strategic arrangements.
Hearing Takashi's words, Natsume couldn't help but glance at him.
Have you forgotten that there's a Piplup Cup champion standing right next to you?
Even if it's a commercial tournament... don't underestimate the village chief!
"This match is away, and we'll be heading to Kobe in two days. We need to prepare seriously," Takashi said sternly. "This afternoon, I'll gather the school team and let you get familiar with everyone."
It's a bit embarrassing, but after being an assistant coach for half a month, Natsume still hadn't memorized all the names of the school team members.
A friendly match is still about bringing glory to the alma mater.
Natsume coughed lightly and said, "Don't worry, leave the training to me!"
Natsume had always been known as a "training genius."
Although it might be self-proclaimed, training a bunch of inexperienced kids was still relatively easy.
Time flew by, and it was already afternoon.
Tokyo Metropolitan University Arena.
"Natsume-sensei!" Reina waved excitedly, while the shy Tomoya moved his lips but remained too introverted to speak.
Natsume patted Tomoya on the shoulder.
He had always had a soft spot for this kid from the countryside who made it to Tokyo Metropolitan University.
"Don't be nervous during the training later. Just do your best," Natsume said with a smile.
Tomoya was slightly taken aback but nodded gratefully.
Besides training, there was also the task of selecting the starting lineup for the afternoon.
Only two freshmen had been recruited early, both of whom Natsume had met before.
There were six sophomores, and the only one Natsume knew was Sakurako, who wore a single ponytail.
Juniors and seniors in Pokémon studies usually didn't stay on campus.
Either they were challenging gyms for the Touran Conference or training their Pokémon. The Intercollegiate League didn't really concern them.
"This is Assistant Coach Natsume. You've all met him before," Takashi said solemnly. "Our situation is serious, and we need to prepare quickly!"
"But do we really need an outsider to teach us?" a sarcastic voice came from the crowd.
Sakurako frowned and unconsciously took half a step back.
Reina bared her teeth and glared fiercely, but the person who spoke had already hidden in the crowd.
Takashi frowned and said sternly, "Ryota, step forward!"
A short, stocky guy reluctantly stepped forward, moving his lips and looking at Takashi. "Coach, I..."
Ryota was used to making sarcastic remarks, and when he saw a non-specialized student, he naturally wanted to stir the pot.
Who would have thought the coach would value this assistant coach so much?
"Outsider?" Takashi sneered. "If outsiders had Natsume's level, none of you would make it into the school team!"
Natsume was someone Takashi had invited three times before he finally agreed to be the assistant coach.
With Takashi's experience, he could clearly see Natsume's commanding skills.
If Natsume were to leave, Tokyo Metropolitan University would be at a huge loss!
Natsume, however, didn't mind.
But to prepare for the friendly match, it was necessary to establish authority.
Natsume took out a Poké Ball and smiled at Ryota. "I wonder if this outsider can have a match with you?"
A drop of cold sweat rolled down Ryota's forehead.
He knew Natsume had won the Piplup Cup, but that didn't mean he would lose to him...
"Bring it on!" Ryota gritted his teeth. "Go, Graveler!"
Natsume didn't even look. The moment the red light flickered, he raised his hand and said, "Eevee, Iron Tail."
Eevee's movements were almost too fast to see.
A sharp white light flashed in the air, and the sound of shattering rocks echoed as Golem let out a howl.
Eevee landed lightly on the ground. In the few seconds from being released to landing, it had already defeated Golem.
The arena was silent. Even Haruto, the captain of Tokyo Metropolitan University, couldn't help but twitch his eyelids.
Judging Golem's landing spot the moment it was released, then delivering a fatal Iron Tail...
Even with type advantage, how could Eevee just smash Golem like that?!
Coach Takashi wasn't surprised by this scene and just coldly looked at Ryota.
Reina mimicked the sarcastic tone and shouted, "Oh no, could it be that someone can't even beat an outsider? Oh no, oh no!"
Ryota's lips trembled as he stared blankly at the fallen Golem.
"The infirmary should still be open now... Go get Golem treated first," Natsume said with a nod. "Good match."
Ryota didn't know whether to cry or laugh. He recalled Golem and hurried off to the infirmary.
Natsume looked at Takashi. "One down for the starting lineup."
Takashi nodded slightly, quite satisfied with Natsume's calm demeanor.
Natsume turned to the crowd and coughed lightly. "Anyway... if any of you are Dissatisfied, you can still challenge me."
"After all, if you're Dissatisfied, training won't be effective..."
"I'll still use Eevee, and you can all come at me together if you want."
"Eevee!" Eevee stood by Natsume's feet, holding its head high.
Natsume's words were sincere, but the crowd remained silent.
From releasing the Pokémon to ending the battle... it took less than a second...
Who would want to challenge this assistant coach?!
Haruto, the school team captain, forced a smile and said, "Coach Natsume, we'll follow your training. We promise not to complain!"
Natsume's eyes lit up.
He didn't call him "Assistant Coach," but "Coach Natsume"...
Not bad, you're in the starting lineup!
Natsume seriously drew circles on a piece of paper and coughed. "Then let's start today's training..."
"Pair up and start with battle training. I'll join you too..."
For the honor of Tokyo Metropolitan University, even Natsume, the eternal slacker, had started training. This moved even Natsume himself.
Meanwhile, Eevee gave a friendly smile to Torkoal, who was paired with it.
Torkoal shivered, as if recalling the fear of being beaten up...
Watching the orderly training, Takashi nodded in satisfaction.
"Natsume... is really good at training!"
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