By the time Gengar returned home, it was already 5 PM.
Natsume poked his head out of the kitchen, giving Gengar a suspicious glance.
"Did you sneak off to challenge a Gym again this afternoon?"
"Gengar? ∑(っ°Д°;)っ"
No way, how did Trainer find out?
Seeing Gengar's expression, Natsume could guess most of what had happened, and his The mood is quite complicated.
I told you to balance work and rest, and you went to challenge a Gym during your break?
Half an hour earlier, the system interface had displayed a notification: [Gym Challenge Successful].
Now, seeing Gengar clutching a Badge in its tiny hand, Natsume couldn't help but silently mourn for Gym Leader Takuya.
"I'll return the extra Badge next time I visit him," Natsume muttered, his expression odd. "Don't want him holding a grudge and coming after Gengar with his main team..."
But honestly, Gengar's current strength was already on par with some of the weaker Gym Leaders' main Pokémon.
What Natsume feared more was Takuya taking a liking to Gengar and secretly slipping it a few more training manuals...
However, Natsume quickly put the "Gengar Gym Challenge" incident out of his mind.
After all, his Pokémon regularly went to the [Tokyo Gyms] dungeon to level up, and Natsume was used to it by now.
"Go wash your hands. Dinner's almost ready," Natsume said.
"Gengar!" Gengar tugged at Natsume's pant leg, hopping up and handing him the phone on the table.
"Hmm, a message for me?"
Earlier, Natsume had been busy cooking and left his phone on the dining table, not having time to check notifications.
Now, reminded by Gengar, he glanced at the screen and noticed a very prominent "Unread Message."
"Probably another spam text," Natsume muttered, opening the message, only to be stunned.
[Dear Mr. Natsume, your 'Gym Invitation' tournament registration has been approved.]
[This year's Regional Tournament will begin with preliminary elimination rounds on October 15th at various venues. Please stay tuned for updates.]
[Your registration number is: 496. We wish you a pleasant tournament experience!]
Natsume was momentarily stunned.
I didn't even sign up, and it's already approved?
What's this 'Gym Invitation' thing? Can someone explain this to me?!
Suddenly, Natsume's heart skipped a beat, and he glanced at Gengar beside him.
"Gengar!" Gengar grinned, giving a thumbs-up.
Trainer's schedule is tight, so I took care of the registration!
No need to trouble Trainer with such a small matter!
This all-too-familiar scene left Natsume's mixed emotions.
Not only did you sign me up, but you also handled the approval process...
Well done, you've learned to anticipate!
"Participating in the tournament isn't worth it..."
Natsume stroked his chin, his expression serious. "If I send Squirtle, the prize money won't even cover the cost of Potions..."
But the registration had already been approved.
According to the tournament's official introduction, the 'Gym Invitation' seemed to grant seeded status, allowing direct advancement to the top 100...
After some thought, Natsume called Takuya for clarification.
Takuya explained, "The registration deadline is tomorrow. I noticed you hadn't signed up yet, so I had Gengar fill out the form for you."
"With the Tokyo Gym's invitation, the approval process is faster."
Takuya chuckled. "It's no big deal. No need to thank me."
Well done!
So that's why Gengar suddenly signed me up.
You're clearly holding a grudge and seeking revenge!
Natsume, who had just been sympathizing with Gym Leader Takuya, now felt utterly drained. "May I ask... can I withdraw from the tournament?"
"Withdraw?"
Takuya was taken aback. "The Gym's invitees receive a lot of attention... Withdrawing wouldn't look good..."
Inviting Natsume to participate had been Takuya's kind gesture.
If Natsume didn't even compete and just withdrew, it would seem rather ungrateful.
"I'll participate," Natsume sighed, thinking to himself, I'll just coast through the preliminaries. Even if I lose, at least I'll have given Takuya some face.
After all, the tournament schedule was quite long, spanning nearly half a month.
In that time, he could develop a new game and earn more than he would from the tournament.
As for the prize money...
Natsume had already given up on the naive dream of getting rich through tournament winnings.
If I don't end up losing money, I'll be thanking my lucky stars!
"I'm glad you're willing to participate."
Takuya nodded. "With your strength, making it to the top eight should be a breeze!"
"Anyway, do your best!"
Natsume: "Thank you, Gym Leader Takuya!"
Takuya: "No problem!"
Hanging up the phone with mixed emotions, Natsume muttered, "A poor ranking wouldn't look good... Let's set a small goal: make it to the top 64 first."
Gengar had signed him up out of goodwill, and Natsume couldn't really blame it.
Besides, even the top 64 came with a stipend. No reason not to take it...
With a slacker's mindset, Natsume opened the official tournament information.
He had been thinking that if it were a 6v6 battle, he might as well go home without even trying.
But before the top 64, the matches were 2v2; from the top 8 onward, they became 3v3 battles.
On one hand, this highlighted the scarcity of professional Trainers.
On the other hand, the Regional Tournament couldn't compare to the League Tournament.
The 3v3 finals format felt more like the fledgling Alola League.
"I'll send Growlithe when the time comes," Natsume thought, his delicate mood. "If we lose, it's no big deal. I'll just make some good food for the little ones!"
...
The preparations for the Touran League's various regional tournaments were in full swing.
As a precursor to the League Tournament, winning a Regional Championship was a sign of absolute excellence, even in the League Tournament.
Hiroshi, the former principal of Tokyo Metropolitan University, also called to inquire.
Upon hearing that Natsume would be participating, he expressed his satisfaction repeatedly.
Natsume smirked coldly.
Former Principal, you're celebrating too soon!
Making it to the top 64 would already be an achievement... Do you really think I can win the championship?
Meanwhile, Hiroshi was arranging next year's referral plan.
As the world's top-ranked Celadon University, it had nurtured industry leaders like Professor Samuel Oak and Professor Rowan.
The referral slots were extremely limited, even at Tokyo Metropolitan University.
"Once Natsume finishes the Regional Tournament..."
Hiroshi stroked his white beard, muttering, "I'll recommend him to study in other leagues and experience the styles of Trainers from different regions!"
League Tournament champions often traveled through multiple leagues before ascending to the champion's throne.
Aside from anomalies like Red and Blue Oak, even someone as talented as Ash Ketchum, the "Aura Guardian," only won his championship in his sixth league.
Principal Hiroshi had high hopes for Natsume.
With Natsume's current strategic strength, revisiting old grounds and winning multiple league championships...
Principal Hiroshi stroked his beard, smiling meaningfully.
That doesn't seem too difficult, does it?
🌟 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 240 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!