Huge Thank You And Welcome To Our New Patron: Raff!
----------------------
"So, you didn't bring out Whimsicott?"
Upon seeing these two Pokémon, Aiden couldn't help but chuckle.
What he feared most was Whimsicott because its Prankster ability could outspeed his side and set up Tailwind, giving them a chance to counterattack.
After all, he had no more reserves left and could only rely on this Pickup-Fling setup to slowly wear down the opponent. If they acted first, his strategy would quickly collapse.
However, fortunately, it seemed that Lacey hadn't anticipated him using this tactic.
Next...
How should we proceed with this delightful torment?
The power of Dedenne and Ambipom was already quite average, and with Fling's meager 30 base power, it was literally scratching them.
After throwing items over ten times, it felt like they could have formed a large bump on Granbull's forehead, yet they still hadn't managed to defeat the opponent.
Nevertheless, although Lacey's two Pokémon hadn't fallen yet, it was clearly just a matter of time.
Repeatedly hit by special items, they were now purely sitting ducks, unable to move...
[Too scary, Teacher Azure must be the Torture King of the Pokémon world! How many times have they been hit...]
[In terms of being ruthless, Azure has always been professional. I feel sorry for the opponent for a second!]
[Azure, you've literally violated the Geneva Convention!]
Finally, after the last throw of King's Rock, even Dedenne was panting heavily, and the final Granbull finally collapsed on the field, ending this ultimate torment.
[Finally free! It feels like not only the opponent but even chat was being tortured by Teacher Azure...]
[This is completely not letting the opponent play the game; such tactics have no battle spirit!]
[No need for the streamer to remind us; I already know this tactic can't be used offline. It feels like before the battle ends, IRL combat has already begun!]
"This lineup is indeed meant for online entertainment purposes because in reality, it might not guarantee making the opponent flinch."
After nodding to acknowledge this point, Aiden spoke again:
"However, this tactic also gave some rarely seen abilities and moves like Pickup, Fling, and Serene Grace a chance to shine, right?"
Though he himself thought it was a bit over the top.
Hopefully, Sister Lacey can hold on; he did get a bit carried away earlier...
...
"I actually lost? This tactic was too absurd!"
Originally confident of victory, Lacey's emotions now clearly showed a hint of disappointment.
Several times, she thought about just pulling the plug to end the torment early since her commands were ineffective anyway...
But she endured till the end.
The reason was simple—
After all, this was a rare opportunity to match against Teacher Azure; there might not be another chance!
As long as she could appear in Teacher Azure's video, even as a background character, she accepted it!
"Indeed, Teacher Azure can design such... creative tactics even with these cute critters."
Lacey muttered softly, suddenly realizing something—
It seems the cuter the Pokémon, the dirtier they become in Teacher Azure's hands?
Could it be because Dedenne is cuter than Whimsicott, allowing it to infinitely make opponents flinch?
Just like how she found Chansey very cute...
And during that Master Tournament exhibition match she watched online, Pachirisu's tactical style also wasn't aligned with orthodox aggressive battles.
"Perhaps this is Teacher Azure's tactical style?"
Lacey nodded.
Unfortunately, this teacher who understands tactics well and also excels in doubles...
Isn't from their Unova region, but rather the Gym Leader of Paldea.
Since the main rules of the League are single battles, almost no one from Unova—from Champions to Elite Four members and Gym Leaders—are proficient in doubles.
Even though Blueberry Academy innovatively incorporated doubles rules, there aren't enough excellent teachers to guide them in improvement.
Thus, the academic atmosphere at Blueberry Academy is so free, even having a "Blueberry League" within the school where students spar to improve their skills.
Even Lacey, who hasn't enrolled yet, knows this.
Our Unova also needs a teacher like Teacher Azure who is proficient in double battles!
However, Lacey suddenly recalled another thought—
Didn't Blueberry Academy and Naranja Academy call each other sister schools since their founding?
If Teacher Azure could join Naranja Academy, might there be a chance in the future for our Unova to exchange him over for a period to serve as a battle course instructor?
Thinking about this, Lacey couldn't help but feel a bit excited.
But getting to know Teacher Azure doesn't seem easy either...
Just then, her phone suddenly vibrated.
Upon checking, it was a call from Nemona.
"Nemona...?"
Seeing the name of this good friend she hadn't seen for two years since leaving Unova, Lacey was momentarily stunned.
Although they hadn't met in a long time, they often chatted on the Navigator.
But receiving a direct call was the first time.
Moreover, she had heard before that Nemona had been apprenticing at Teacher Azure's Sunshine Gym for a while.
She couldn't help but feel a bit envious...
If she could continuously learn beside Teacher Azure, perhaps Nemona would soon leave her far behind!
"Hello, Nemona?"
The ringing interrupted Lacey's thoughts, prompting her to instinctively answer the call. Soon, Nemona's energetic voice came through.
"Hey, Lacey!"
"Tomorrow, I plan to travel to Kitakami. Do you want to come along?"
"Kitakami...?"
Lacey began recalling information about this area.
Though located between Sinnoh and Johto, the remote Kitakami falls under Paldea's jurisdiction.
Before Paldea's assistance arrived, Kitakami was a poor, remote area. It was only in recent years, thanks to the decision of Paldea League Chief Champion Geeta, that tourism began to develop.
But why would Nemona suddenly invite her there?
While Lacey was pondering, Nemona quickly spoke again:
"I heard that Teacher Aiden and Sinnoh Champion Cynthia might also go on vacation to Kitakami. Wouldn't it be great if we could meet them?"
Nemona's meaningful voice soon came through, seemingly casually revealing very important information.
"?!!"
"I should be free to go. Recently, Dad has been working on the Blueberry Academy construction, and I've been bored alone at home."
Lacey immediately agreed and, after discussing the meeting time and place, the call was quickly ended.
So there was such an opportunity...
While Lacey sighed in relief, she also began to think—
If I can get to know Teacher Azure, inviting him to teach in Unova in the future should be much easier, right?
On the other end of the phone, Nemona revealed a knowing smile.
"As expected, during our previous chats, I guessed that you're also a fan of Teacher Aiden!"
Teacher Aiden once said that in Pokémon battles, besides studying Pokémon, the trainer's expressions, actions, and inner thoughts are also part of the battle.
She suddenly felt like she understood Teacher Azure's meaning a bit.
If she could predict the opponent's thoughts in advance, guiding them into her desired rhythm would be very simple.
Indeed, Teacher Aiden, I've learned again!
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)