McCann retrieved a Poké Ball and declared, "It's your turn, Pinsir!"
Pinsir, known for its formidable sharp pincers and possessed the remarkable ability Hyper Cutter, allowing it to cut even large trees. With adamant nature, Pinsir had already won two consecutive matches, boosting its confidence to an astonishing level.
Luke nodded in contemplation. It seemed that overconfidence in reality enhanced a Pokémon's mental state, even if it was recalled into its Poké Ball, allowing it to continue its effects.
McCann issued a command, "Throat Chop!"
Pinsir opened its cold, gleaming scythe, producing an eerie clacking sound that sent shivers down the spine. A Dark-type move like Throat Chop had a double restraint effect, and if executed, it would even catch Haunter in a vulnerable position.
Xena's expression shifted, about to intervene, but Luke calmly directed, "Dodge to the left."
Dodge? Xena's eyes widened in surprise. Could Haunter predict Pinsir's attack trajectory?
Haunter gracefully sidestepped the attack, a sinister grin forming as it gathered the surging energy into a Shadow Ball. In an instant, Pinsir was hit with immense force, letting out a harsh scream.
McCann gritted his teeth and commanded, "Pinsir, use Brutal Swing!"
Pinsir brandished its twin sickles, preparing to counterattack. Haunter, as if it had planned it all along, emitted a hypnotic blue light from its eyes. McCann's throat tightened as he realized that Haunter had anticipated his every move.
No need for Teacher Luke's command.
With a tap of Haunter's fingertips, a purple Venoshock burst forth, scorching Pinsir with a resounding impact. As acrid white smoke billowed, Pinsir fell with a heavy thud.
The arena fell silent, only Haunter's wicked laughter echoing through the air.
"Jié jié jié!"
McCann sighed deeply, admitting defeat, "I lost."
As an elite Trainer capable of defeating a group of skilled opponents, McCann's strength was undeniable. However, facing this Haunter, he couldn't last even three rounds. It wasn't due to his lack of skill but rather the exceptional abilities of this particular Haunter.
Xena and the receptionist exchanged glances, their expressions filled with astonishment.
"Coach Xena, you don't need to resign," the receptionist said with a gentle smile.
Xena cleared her throat and responded, "The club should hold elections for a new manager; otherwise, I won't feel at ease."
...
Haunter raked in heaps of prestige points with its triumphs at the gym.
The Tauros Club had indeed found itself a savior.
Following the matches, Teacher Luke joined the celebratory feast arranged by the club in honor of Haunter's victories. The receptionist filled Haunter's glass with orange juice and cautioned, "Take it easy, Haunter!"
The club members all chimed in, "Thanks to Coach Haunter!"
Luke rested his chin in his hand, deep in thought. He couldn't help but wonder, "Do I get no credit for my hard work?"
Xena blushed and, somewhat inebriated, pounded the table, proclaiming, "I propose we nominate a new manager!"
"If the boss doesn't agree, we should go on strike!"
"Alright, I vote for Coach Haunter!"
"Me too!"
"Count me in!"
"Jie jie~! ('▽`〃)" Haunter grinned gleefully.
Luke sighed, thinking to himself, "Just two hours away, and you're already being nominated as the club's manager? Are you going to be best buddies with the boss next time you visit? You deserve it, Haunter!"
That night, Xena and the other club members called the club's boss to discuss the matter.
Responding to everyone's strong request, Haunter was promoted to the manager of the Tauros Club. It took less than two months to transition from a coach to a manager. Considering Haunter's reputation, it was safe to say that it was the club's true boss.
One night, Haunter learned the move [Venoshock] and nearly led Tauros Club from downfall. Luke pondered and wondered if being a Trainer made any real difference.
At the end of the celebration banquet, the receptionist supported the inebriated Xena, waving with a smile, "Farewell, Coach Haunter!"
Luke assumed it was his turn to say goodbye, feeling a mix of emotions, but he still offered, "I'll walk you back."
The receptionist declined, explaining, "No need, there are dormitories behind the club. Thank you so much for your help!"
Xena, roused from her stupor, gave Haunter a kiss and waved, saying, "Goodbye, little buddy!"
"Jie jie~! (๑´ㅂ`๑)"
The night was deep, and it was already late.
Luke chuckled, "Have those two already fallen asleep? Well, forget about bringing them midnight snacks. If they wake up, I'll make some more!"
...
At Teacher Luke's new home, Eevee, renowned for its remarkable learning ability, was teaching Squirtle how to use the move Dig. This knowledge was being passed down from one generation to the next.
Squirtle seemed deep in thought and nodded in understanding. Perhaps, in the future, it could Dig first and then avoid coming out, thereby extending its lifespan. However, these were just theoretical concepts. Without practice, true understanding was elusive.
Squirtle thought of going to the yard to train Dig but was halted by Eevee.
"Vui~! (ノ｀Д)ノ"
Eevee emphatically tapped Squirtle's head, expressing disapproval of its thoughts. This was their new home, and they shouldn't recklessly damage it.
Squirtle was taken aback, realizing that Eevee was right. They were part of this family and had a responsibility not to harm their new home while practicing new moves.
Eevee hung its head in disappointment, curling up into a ball of frustration.
Squirtle, on the other hand, retracted into its shell but suddenly had a gleam in its eye. Could this be the first test the master had given it?
While Squirtle contemplated this, the lights suddenly switched on, surprising Luke.
"Are you two still awake?" Luke asked suspiciously, his gaze falling on the laptop screen.
A bead of sweat formed on Luke's forehead in an instant.
They had unearthed the TM for the move [Dig]!
Luke hadn't been at home, so they had managed to study this dangerous move all night.
Luke carefully scanned the surroundings, inspected the house multiple times, and even checked the yard, but there were no signs of any digging.
Luke was slightly stunned. Had they refrained from backstabbing him this time?
Luke had already mentally prepared himself, ready to give these two youngsters a stern lecture and a lesson about responsibility, even though it meant losing a considerable sum of money. However, the house was intact. Eevee and Squirtle hadn't acted without permission.
Luke contemplated for a while, placing Eevee on his lap and gently rubbing its head.
"You care about this new home, don't you?" Luke said with a warm smile.
Eevee blushed, but its tail wagged unconsciously.
"Vui~! o(´^｀)o"
Squirtle hadn't learned the lesson, and Luke hadn't stopped it either. Squirtle blamed itself, thinking it was too naive. It always seemed like it had to make amends for the mistakes of the younger Pokémon, causing Luke to reflect on whether his parenting was overly indulgent.
But now, the two of them were thinking about the well-being of their new home. Luke's eyes welled up with tears.
The children had grown up!
Luke reassured them, "It's alright, we can't train at home, but we can go to Haunter's club to learn! Besides, all of their training facilities are free!"
"Jie jie~! Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"
Haunter's spirits lifted suddenly.
Master, could it be that all of the happenings tonight was part of your grand plan from the beginning?