Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

Chapter 108 - 0108:Squirtle Wants to Get Stronger

Natsume sat on the couch, his head in his hands.

He looked utterly dejected, as if he had just watched a house with wings fly away.

Green's suggestion had only added to the financial strain on his already struggling household.

Natsume let out a long sigh.

"With just three Pokémon, we're already barely scraping by..."

"If I were a real Trainer, wouldn't I be completely ruined?"

It was impossible not to feel conflicted.

The sheer cost of being a Trainer was evident.

But Squirtle, like Eevee and Haunter, had already become a part of the family.

If he turned a blind eye... Natsume would feel guilty toward Squirtle.

Besides.

If Natsume-sensei worked hard and earned enough money, he could eventually pay off the debt...

Natsume took a deep breath, his confidence surging once more.

"It's just another million Pokémon Coins," Natsume said with a cold laugh.

"I refuse to believe that with so many games to draw inspiration from, I can't pay off a measly six million Pokémon Coins!"

Natsume thought of Red's Snorlax, which cost 200W Pokémon Coins a month to maintain, and felt a slight sense of relief.

If he thought about it that way... it almost seemed like a small win?

"Thank goodness I'm not a Trainer."

Natsume nodded optimistically. "If I take it slow... I can definitely climb out of this financial hole!"

...

Natsume made a quick call to Wilds Group.

The last time he had custom-ordered Eevee's Power Anklet, he had spent over a million Pokémon Coins and received a lifetime VIP card in return.

With the VIP installment plan, the down payment was only 10W Pokémon Coins.

Gritting his teeth, Natsume used the money he had earned from playing games with Cynthia last night to cover the down payment.

"Next month, I should have some income from the game," Natsume muttered.

"Why do I feel like... this is a one-way road?"

That afternoon, a delivery company arrived at Natsume's house with the items.

Accompanying them was a well-dressed manager, who said respectfully:

"You have a great eye. Only seasoned Trainers come to us for orders!"

Natsume was taken aback.

"This is only my second time..."

"Where there's a second time, there's bound to be a third," the manager said cheerfully.

"You have the look of a champion, destined for greatness."

"Next time you order from us, I'll give you a 10% discount!"

Natsume immediately shut the door. "Haunter, see them out!"

The manager, left standing outside, continued to call out:

"I can give you 20% off! Let's talk this over!"

Natsume clenched his teeth as he placed the package on the coffee table.

"There won't be a next time... I swear on Eevee's running wheel!"

"Eevee?!"

Eevee jumped up, trying to bump Natsume's knee, but Natsume easily grabbed it by the scruff of its neck.

"Nice try," Natsume said with a smug grin. "You're still too green!"

"Eevee! (〃>皿