For now, all of that had nothing to do with Aarav.
After nearly three hours of high-intensity streaming and a seven-win streak, he was genuinely exhausted.
If he just wanted easy money, he could've switched to a casual game—or even lazier, just watched videos with the chat and still farm donations.
But that kind of "playing both sides from the middle" style…
Aarav felt he wasn't built for it.
As a serious Pokémon battle streamer, he simply couldn't bring himself to do that.
"I'll post the full configuration of today's doubles team later," he told the chat, which was still climbing in numbers.
"Feel free to copy it if you want. That's all for today's stream—if you like the content, drop a follow. See you tomorrow at seven."
Then—
he ended the stream instantly.
He didn't need to look to know the chat was probably flooded with question marks.
Ignoring it all, Aarav shut down his computer, scooped up the little companion that had been by his side the whole time, and took a deep breath in.
So fragrant.
The Pokédex wasn't lying—after soaking up sunlight, Sprigatito really did carry a refreshing, grassy scent.
Aarav's face slowly twisted into a dangerously satisfied smile.
Sprigatito, still not used to such intimate physical contact with its new Trainer, instinctively pushed against his face with its soft pink paw pads.
Aarav didn't mind. He set it down and said softly,
"Sorry, Sprigatito. I kept you waiting."
Sprigatito shook its head.
"Meow~"
Watching Aarav's matches had actually been pretty interesting.
Those battle strategies…
Maybe I can try something like that in real fights someday?
Unconsciously, a door to a completely new world had begun to open before it.
After washing up, just before going to bed—
Aarav was lying down with Sprigatito in his arms, scrolling short videos lazily.
Suddenly, his phone started buzzing nonstop.
The avatar of a cute electric frog lit up on the Bubbles Messenger app.
Iono: "So you're clocking out already?"
Iono: "Ten Master Balls still couldn't make you work overtime?"
Even though she was the top donor who had just dropped a small fortune on him, Aarav replied without hesitation:
Aarav: "Didn't you say ten Master Balls if I won that match?
Overtime is a separate price."
Iono: "."
Iono: "Fine. Start streaming now and I'll send more!
(Morpeko grinding teeth.jpg)"
Aarav immediately backed off.
Aarav: "Just kidding, Iono. Mainly because you didn't say anything earlier.
With our relationship, if you had asked, I definitely would've played a few more rounds."
Iono: "You still have the nerve to say that?!
I didn't even get the chance to type before you ended the stream!"
Good thing I ended it fast, Aarav thought silently.
But outwardly, he replied politely:
Aarav: "Next time, next time for sure."
Iono: "Forget next time! Get online now and fight me!
Use the same team you played today!"
Aarav: "…"
Now he understood.
Iono didn't become a streamer for money.
She was just addicted.
And with someone this decisive, you simply couldn't say "next time."
Aarav: "I've been playing for hours. Let's do it tomorrow.
Playing against you is too intense. I'm really exhausted today."
On the surface, it was about fatigue.
Underneath, it was subtle praise of Iono's skill.
The art of social interaction.
Work during the stream, emotional labor after the stream.
No wonder I deserve this money.
Aarav sighed inwardly.
Iono: "Fine, I'll book you tomorrow~
(Pawmi striking a proud pose.jpg)"
Judging from her tone, she was clearly pleased.
Aarav was about to close the chat and sleep when a sudden message jolted him awake.
Iono: "By the way, do you want Sprigatito's training data?"
Aarav froze.
This was like being handed a pillow right when he was sleepy.
Even with the system's support, the stronger Sprigatito itself became, the more terrifying the boost from bonds and equipment would be.
And a personalized training guide for a specific Pokémon…
was priceless.
He had actually considered asking Iono about it before.
Among everyone he knew, she was the highest-level Trainer.
And Paldea was Sprigatito's homeland.
Even if she hadn't trained one herself, as an Electric-type Gym Leader, she definitely had connections that could get high-quality data.
But he felt their relationship hadn't reached that level yet.
Training data was tricky.
If you had connections, it could be gifted casually.
But if you tried to buy it…
good luck even finding a seller.
So Iono bringing it up herself genuinely surprised him.
Aarav didn't believe in free lunches.
He tested cautiously:
Aarav: "But how did you know I caught a Sprigatito?"
Iono: "Didn't you post it on Bubbles Moments?"
Aarav thought back.
…She was right.
He had posted it after getting the Trainer registration earlier that day.
Iono: "So? Do you want it?"
The temptation was too strong.
Aarav surrendered instantly.
Aarav: "I do."
Iono: "Then what's the price?
(Magnezone side-eye.gif)"
Aarav stared at the screen.
So this was the trap all along.
Of course—no such thing as a falling pie from the sky.
But Sprigatito's training data was too tempting to refuse.
He lowered his posture and typed:
Aarav: "You name it.
As long as I get the training data, I'm willing to do anything!"
Iono: "First rule: you must address me with respect from now on."
Aarav: "Then… Iono-sensei?"
Iono: "Everyone calls me that. Too ordinary!"
Aarav: "Miss Iono?"
Iono: "Too formal. Closer. More intimate."
Aarav went silent.
Then typed slowly:
Aarav: "Don't tell me you want me to call you Mom?"
Aarav: "So this is your revenge?
You'd really go as far as making me call you Mom, huh, Haji-Iono…"
Iono: "What are you saying?!
Who told you to call me Mom?!
(Pawmi angry.jpg)"
Aarav: "Relax, I didn't say I wouldn't."
Aarav: "Type 1 to call Mom."
The "typing…" indicator flickered for several seconds.
Then finally—
Iono: "…"
Aarav rubbed Sprigatito's head and sighed dramatically.
"Sigh… Sprigatito, for this family, I've sacrificed far too much."
Sprigatito glanced at his phone, then shot him a look full of disdain.
Are you really doing this for the family?
I don't even want to expose you.
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/lucarioTL