"You don't like battles? But your judgment about Furret just now was spot on..."
Gerwin was a bit skeptical.
"I just like Pokémon a lot, and occasionally look at some tactics, do some analysis," Natsuhiko said casually.
In the Pokemon Realm, aside from the main professions like Trainers, Breeders, and Coordinators, many jobs have branched out related to Pokémon, such as researchers like Sakuragi, Pokémon Wine Servers, Tactical Analysts, and a whole array of jobs intimately connected with Pokémon.
"So you're a Pokémon Tactical Analyst?" Gerwin asked unexpectedly.
If being well-versed in all Pokémon battle game tactics could qualify one as a Tactical Analyst, then Natsuhiko certainly measured up.
But that would barely qualify him as a "King of Strong Words"; real combat requires presence and capability.
"You can think of it that way."
Gerwin showed a look of realization.
Explaining it this way clarified Natsuhiko's accurate judgment about the battle result between Skiploom and Furret.
"No wonder. No wonder you could judge the outcome so accurately and discern the best counter-attack points. In this light, Skiploom's defeat isn't unjust," Gerwin abandoned the idea of inviting Natsuhiko to battle further.
"No, quite the opposite, Skiploom's defeat was quite unjust," Natsuhiko stated.
"Really? How so?"
Gerwin's curiosity was piqued bit by bit.
After some thought and hesitation, Natsuhiko slowly spoke again, "Skiploom has the trait Chlorophyll, and in such a sunny afternoon, its speed reaches the highest, which is the fundamental reason it could pressure Furret initially. If Skiploom's Trainer played their cards right, Furret would've had almost no chance of winning."
Both Pokémon are of the Excellence Level, but even within the Excellence Level, there can be disparities in strength.
Skiploom was slightly stronger than Furret.
But in the end, it still lost.
This blame falls on Skiploom's Trainer.
"Why?" Gerwin promptly asked.
"Actually, Skiploom's Trainer only needed not to rush the attack at the beginning when its speed advantage was greatest, but consistently harass with Hypnosis Powder and Paralysis Powder; even if Furret doesn't fall into abnormal status, it'll be quite distressed."
"But in such a case, Skiploom won't be able to withstand Furret's attacks, it needs to keep attacking to force Furret to defend."
"Quite the contrary, when attacking, Furret's retreat trait can't be utilized effectively, which will undoubtedly grant Skiploom more time to maneuver and prepare. As long as the early damage isn't severe, Skiploom can withstand one Frozen Fist from Furret, since it's not Furret's own type Technique.
And as long as Skiploom can take one hit, the following actions are simpler, it can recover through photosynthesis."
Before Gerwin could speak again, Natsuhiko continued, "Pairing with Parasitic Seed and Super Absorption Techniques, Furret can't outlast Skiploom."
Gerwin fell silent.
Being a Trainer herself, she could naturally simulate in her mind the trajectory and outcome of a battle according to Natsuhiko's explanation.
This thought made her shudder all over.
Paralysis Powder + Hypnosis Powder + Photosynthesis + Parasitic Seed and Super Absorption?
"This..."
This is freakin' not a battle!
This is freakin' being annoying?
Why does such a dirty tactic exist?
Natsuhiko glanced at her and slowly shook his head.
Ignorant girl, hasn't experienced more disgusting tactics, and this gets scared?
"I call this tactic 'Haunt to Understand', or more straightforwardly, 'If you can't beat me, then I'll definitely wear you out'."
Who wouldn't engage in armchair theorizing?
Just starting with an opening line, everything follows, and it's not possible to summon these two again for practice.
Even if a practice was done, Natsuhiko believes, following his tactic, Skiploom's win rate would undoubtedly be higher.
Saying so much at once was partly out of interest.
Also partly to discourage Gerwin from constantly inviting him to battles in the future; he's not interested in meaningless confrontations.
He achieved this goal.
No matter if Natsuhiko's 'dislike for battles' is true or not, the thought of possibly facing such tactics in a fight with Natsuhiko makes her refusal.
Seeing Gerwin fall into prolonged silence, Natsuhiko also gave up the idea of continuing to watch the battle.
Holding the still somewhat excited Togepi, he headed towards the cabin.
This luxury cruise ship is huge, with the deck being just one part of it. He aimed to get a general view of its facilities before it set sail tomorrow.
And after Natsuhiko left, it took Gerwin a while to come to her senses.
"Is this guy really a Tactical Analyst?"
It's undeniable, the 'disgusting' impact from Natsuhiko's tactics was quite intense.
But regarding Natsuhiko, whom she initially thought was a Trainer similar to herself, her perspective has shifted somewhat.
She faintly felt she might not be as good as Natsuhiko.
In fact, most Trainers in the Pokemon Realm are similar to that Skiploom's Trainer.
Though there is systematic teaching in Pokemon School, not everyone loves learning and can become a top student like Kona.
Furthermore, many Trainers start traveling immediately upon acquiring their Pokémon.
This undoubtedly reduces their opportunities to absorb knowledge.
The younger they start traveling, the less comprehensive this knowledge might be.
Currently, the league is divided into two factions.
One is the Academy faction, which insists on systematic teaching, meticulous tactical arrangements, and Pokémon upbringing.
The other is the Free faction, believing in experiences gained by Trainers and Pokémon, the more experiences, the better understanding, as quite a few league big shots have risen this way.
Currently, the Free faction holds the highest popularity in the league.
...
...
After wandering around once, the sky grew dim.
Natsuhiko casually ordered a dinner at the ship restaurant.
It's worth noting.
The meals on the cruise.
Incredibly expensive!
After solving his own dining issue quickly, Natsuhiko didn't forget his Pokémon's needs.
Instead of returning to his room directly, he headed to the training ground at the ship's end.
There was a large, free open training ground, as well as small enclosed private training areas that require payment, billed hourly.
The price wasn't too steep, 200 league coins per hour, including various Pokémon training apparatus, and free tea service.
If special apparatus are needed, they can be rented for a fee.
In essence, the message is, as long as you have money, anything can be acquired.
Natsuhiko spent a thousand league coins and rented five hours.
Following the staff to the training ground, after they closed the door upon leaving, he released all his Pokémon.
Beedrill, Abra, Pidgeotto, Shuckle, and Ditto.
Instead of starting training right away, he prepared their respective exclusive dinners.
Aside from the essential Energy Blocks and milk, he included some small snacks.
Work and leisure balanced, Natsuhiko isn't a rigid person.
Even for the temporarily 'tool' types like Pidgeotto, Shuckle, and Ditto, he wasn't stingy.
However, on the training ground wall, he noticed an interesting notice.
Special Notice:
1. Please protect and treat the training ground apparatus with care.
2. Do not urinate or spit anywhere.
3. If special needs arise, press the button on the wall.
4. Do not release Grimer, Muk, or Gloom in the area!
Natsuhiko raised an eyebrow.
"This is a bit excessive targeting... although it does leave a hard-to-remove smell..."