…"I choose Embargo."
Tetsuya's choice took Matsuba by surprise, but he still respected the decision.
To counter the Dark-type Pokémon that restrained Duskull, Raine chose the Bug-type move Infestation. It broadened Duskull's offensive coverage. A safe and sensible choice.
"Since you've both made your choices, I'll give you one week to learn these moves. Morty and I are heading to Hearthome Gym in the Sinnoh region to trade new ways for raising Ghost-type Pokémon. During this week, you'll assist Ryuto with running the Gym and handling Challengers. Of course, special training must continue as usual. After the week, I'll be testing you."
Matsuba's words made Tetsuya and Raine's eyes light up. They'd been waiting day after day for this. Matsuba was finally leaving. It looked like the opportunity had come.
---◓---
That evening during self-study, Tetsuya began using the learning device in the lecture hall. He inserted the TM disc for Embargo.
On screen appeared a Houndoom. Embargo was one of Houndoom's learned moves, so it handled the demonstration with ease, playing the role of a "Move Tutor".
Gastly was fully focused on the screen. Houndoom barked "Houn! Houn! Houn-doom~" in a strange language, completely unintelligible to humans, but Gastly was captivated.
Pokémon language was truly deep and mysterious. Aside from the rare few humans with extraordinary powers who could communicate with Pokémon, most people found it nearly impossible.
Telepathy between people and Pokémon did exist. In Saffron City, a genius Psychic girl named Sabrina would soon emerge. Her use and level of psychic powers already surpassed many Psychic-type Pokémon, and she could communicate directly with them. There were also Aura Guardians in Sinnoh's history who could bond with Lucario through Aura.
However, in his previous life, Tetsuya never experienced anything like that, nor did he have such abilities. In this life, he wasn't counting on it either. What truly mattered was honing his fighting skills. All unrealistic dreams were just fantasies…
There were indeed eccentric "talents" among Pokémon too.
Meowth -yes, the one from Team Rocket's bottom ranks- though nearly useless in battle, had an exceptional IQ. Not only did it learn human language, it was also a brilliant inventor. Some of the large-scale robots it built, when equipped with quality materials, could even rival a low-tier Legendary Pokémon.
In his previous life, Tetsuya had joined Meowth's trio at Snowtop Mountain in Johto, where they caught an Articuno and sold it for a fortune. That was the turning point that got him back on track. In many ways, Meowth had been his benefactor.
'In this life, Meowth… I believe we'll work together again!'
Tetsuya smiled to himself.
Back on the screen, Houndoom wrapped up its "lecture" and began live demonstrations. With a sudden roar, its howl became a terrifying black aura. The force made one's blood run cold, freezing them on the spot, inflicting the Embargo status condition.
Houndoom then demonstrated the move twice more from start to finish before the disc ended.
"While it's still fresh in your mind, start practicing."
Tetsuya spoke to Gastly. It would be a waste of the TM disc if it forgot everything.
In the darkness of night, Gastly tirelessly mimicked Houndoom's motions. But not once did it manage to activate the move successfully.
Learning a move through a TM disc was different from leveling up naturally or acquiring an Egg move. This method relied on external tools to force the move into memory, making it significantly harder. Only through repeated use could the move be fully learned.
Moves learned through leveling up or inherited as Egg moves were different. These were embedded within a Pokémon's bloodline, gifts from Arceus. Even without practice, they could still be used. What differed was proficiency and power, which had to be improved through hard work.
At ten o'clock, Tetsuya left the lecture hall and headed toward the dormitory area.
"…Tomorrow Matsuba's leaving." Raine walked past Tetsuya and spoke as if making small talk.
"Stay calm. Let's wait until he's actually gone."
After speaking, Tetsuya quickened his pace. The closer one got to success, the more they had to keep their composure. One misstep could cost everything.
"Hmph. Overly cautious, if you ask me…" Raine didn't agree.
Back in the dormitory, Tetsuya continued his daily [Tetsuya Move: Shadow Dagger] training. After half a month of practice, his throwing range had extended to eight meters.
Everything was progressing smoothly. Tetsuya couldn't help feeling hopeful about this new life.
---◓---
The next morning, Matsuba handed Ryuto five Ecruteak Gym Badges before leaving with Morty.
Though Tetsuya and Raine were eager to investigate Matsuba's study, Ryuto's presence made it unwise to act recklessly. The two of them could easily overpower Ryuto, sure… but that would be a terrible decision.
If the study really did contain something worth the risk, maybe it'd be justified. But if it didn't, they'd only expose themselves and create a powerful enemy in a Gym Leader. The path ahead would become far more difficult.
In the courtyard, Raine and Tetsuya focused earnestly on their special training. Ryuto kept glancing toward the Gym entrance until Matsuba had gone out of sight.
"Yes!"
Like a wild Ponyta let loose, Ryuto sprang from the Gym doors all the way to the training grounds.
Tetsuya and Raine paid him no attention. Ryuto ran over on his own and said, "Come on~ You two are way too serious. When Leader's here, I feel like I'm going crazy from how strict it is!
Now that he's finally gone, we should totally go out and have some fun. Come on, let's go~"
"No." Tetsuya remained focused on Gastly practicing Embargo.
"Not interested." Raine continued commanding Duskull in Infestation training.
Seeing how the two ignored him, Ryuto sighed. "Fuuuh… Well, I can't really blame you. Leader's way too harsh. Even when he leaves, he gives you guys homework. I mourn for your freedom!"
"If you leave, who's going to manage the Gym?"
Tetsuya asked the question on purpose, calculating quietly in his mind.
"Come on, there's still you two~ You've only been at Ecruteak Gym for half a month, but I can tell! You're both prodigies. Your talent is unreal. Honestly, I already know I can't beat either of you…"
With that, Ryuto stuffed three Ecruteak Gym Badges into Tetsuya's hand.
"Aren't you afraid the Leader might come back suddenly and catch you in the act?"
Tetsuya continued to test Ryuto.
But Ryuto just flashed a sly grin. That mischievous smile looked out of place on someone who usually seemed so naive. It sent a chill down Tetsuya's spine.
"You underestimate me. I did my homework. Know why the Leader brought Morty with him~? I heard the Hearthome Gym Leader has a daughter named Fantina. She's great with Ghost-types, totally on Morty's level. I think sensei's scoping out a future daughter-in-law, fufufu…"
Ryuto wore a smug expression, as if he'd uncovered a great secret.
'To think he could dig up gossip like that… guess everyone had their own talents.'
Still, hearing Ryuto say that eased Tetsuya's worries a little. It seemed Matsuba really was going to be away for a full week, just like he said.
One week.
They had to make it count!