Chapter 0295: Natsume-sensei's Backstab Turn

The moment Natsume turned around, he saw Sirfetch'd's feathers tinged purple.

"It's poisoned," Sabrina stated calmly, standing up.

Poisoning was normal during Poison-type move training.

Natsume didn't panic.

He pulled out a Pecha Berry and stuffed it into Sirfetch'd's yellow beak.

"Sirfetch'd~" Dazed, Sirfetch'd felt sweetness flood its throat.

Poison status cured!

"You licked a poisoned leek?"

Natsume blinked. "That's your idea of hard training?!"

"Sirfetch'd..." Sirfetch'd wanted to cry.

Natsume fell into thought.

So even Sirfetch'd...

Wants to grow stronger like the others.

Natsume: "Don't worry. I won't let you lose to Togepi!"

"Sirfetch'd? Σ(°△°|||)︴"

Training progressed smoothly.

Gengar's talent was monstrous.

Praised by the "Breeding Prodigy" himself, plus its self-discipline—

Its [Sludge Bomb] was already taking shape.

"Gengar~" Grinning, Gengar lobbed two pixelated blobs at the target.

The scene became... indescribable.

Natsume's eye twitched. "Will this even be tournament-legal?"

"Muk's Sludge Bomb relies on stench as its main offense."

Sabrina's face paled slightly.

"For Gengar... just expand the toxin's range."

Natsume nodded.

Physical and mental damage...

This is evil.*

Meanwhile—

Sirfetch'd charged, leek held like a lance.

Charge!!

"It shouldn't take long to master Poison Jab," Sabrina remarked.

Natsume stared at the sky.

With his Pokémon's backstabbing speed...

"Not long" could mean a day.

"Ahem." Natsume coughed. "I'm planning another move for Sirfetch'd."

"Oh?" Sabrina said. "The Fighting Tournament's soon, right?"

"Yeah."

"The others all have multiple manuals."

"Sirfetch'd just joined. It deserves the same..."

"That's thoughtful."

Sabrina smiled, brushing her hair back. "How many badges do you have now?"

"Why?" Natsume blinked.

"Curious." Sabrina met his gaze. "How long until Mentor conquers Kanto?"

Natsume sighed.

"Five..."

Sabrina nodded.

Natsume-sensei's pattern: Invite Leaders to the group after beating them.

So those not in the chat... likely undefeated.*

Her mind raced—then settled.

"I see."

"What do you see?" Natsume was lost.

"Don't worry."

Sabrina tucked her hair behind her ear, smiling sweetly.

"I won't disappoint you, Mentor."

...

By afternoon,

[Sludge Bomb] and [Poison Jab] were half-mastered.

If Sirfetch'd competed in the Fighting Tournament now—

First to eat, first to lose—

Even proud Sirfetch'd wouldn't want that.

"Maybe..."

Natsume eyed the nearby Fighting Gym.

"Try there next?"

Sabrina's smile had been unnerving, but—

As Team Rocket's Mentor...

She wouldn't dare override me.

"No big deal."

Natsume shrugged. "I'll just pay for property damage!"

Watching him leave,

Sabrina stepped into the shadows—

And dialed a familiar number.

"It's me. Got time to talk?"

...

Vermilion City, Port.

Lt. Surge, muscular and blond, cracked open a soda.

"Well?"

He propped his boots on the table. "What's so important?"

Sabrina's frown was icy. "Watch your tone."

"What, celebrity status got to your head?"

Surge scoffed.

"No." Sabrina's voice chilled. "I speak with Mentor's authority."

Surge stiffened, lowering his feet. "Explain."

"You know Mentor is touring Kanto's gyms."

Sabrina sipped tea. "I won't tolerate obstacles."

"His business is none of mine!"

Surge scowled. "I want nothing to do with Team Rocket!"

Silence.

Sabrina's gaze could freeze magma.

"Fine."

Surge relented. "What's your offer?"

"When Natsume-sensei challenges your gym..."

Sabrina said coolly, "Hand him the badge. No battle."

"Natsume-sensei?" Surge's jaw dropped.

"No way..."

He laughed weakly. "They're the same person?"

Sabrina said nothing.

"Look, I don't know where you got your intel."

Surge tapped his temple, deadly serious.

"But I judge with my own eyes."

"Even if it's true... I'll test if he's worthy of leading Team Rocket!"

"Really?" Sabrina's voice dropped.

"Get out."

Surge kicked his feet back up.

When he looked again, Sabrina had vanished.

A chill ran down his spine.

"Worst case..."

He muttered, "I'll just gift Mentor something after our match..."

...

December 18th, Friday.

Fighting Gym.

"Sirfetch'd!" Its leek sliced through three bricks.

"Impressive!" Koichi gasped. "That Brick Break... It's like the masters of old!"

Sirfetch'd stood calmly—screaming internally.

HOLY LIGHT—

Two straight days of training?!

I just wanted to slack off!

Natsume checked [Poison Jab] and [Brick Break] in the move list—

"Togepi doo-ee!"

Togepi leaped, tiny fist glowing white.

CRACK!

Five bricks shattered.

Natsume & Sirfetch'd & Koichi: Σ(°△°|||)︴

Natsume: "M-More training, Sirfetch'd!"

"Sirfetch'd... (⊙▂⊙)"

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