Pokemon: A Gym Leader's Rise(SI)

Gladion had decided that it was time for him to buy some TMs for his entire team. He had the money, thanks to the prism scale business. And since he was now legally an adult, he had the right to use the money.

He could already imagine his mother saying something like "Spending money is like eating junk food—feels great at first, but you'll regret it later!"

Gladion chuckled as he remembered his fiery mother.

'I also have to make sure that I have enough money left for my social media project.' Gladion thought as he navigated his way to the Pokemon support shop.

The TM section of the shop in Cerulean City was unlike anything Gladion had ever experienced. Rows of crystalline discs lined glass shelves, each Technical Machine containing a Pokemon move.

The shopkeeper, an older man with spectacles perched precariously on his nose, watched Gladion with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.

'Another young trainer huh? Let's see if this one doesn't get scared after seeing the prices of the TMs.' The shopkeeper thought

Gladion took the TM catalogue, carefully calculating each potential purchase. Technical Machines were astronomically expensive - a single disc could cost as much as a month's worth of supplies for a young trainer.

His previous life's knowledge gave him an edge, but even he knew he couldn't buy everything.

The prices were nothing short of highway robbery. Gladion nearly choked when he saw the costs.

"Protect TM? 250,000 Pokédollars," Gladion mumbled in shock while all his Pokemon were besides him.

He had brought them all out so they could see which moves they want and how much their trainer is willing to spend on them and how much he loves and cares about them.

'Ugh, I should have just kept them in their Pokeballs.' Gladion thought

A single Technical Machine cost more than Gladion's entire travel budget. Protect, a defensive move that could save a Pokémon's life, was priced like a luxury item. Thunder Punch? 180,000 Pokédollars. Poison Jab? 220,000 Pokédollars.

His Pokémon, completely oblivious to the financial strain, began acting like wealthy aristocrats.

Mystique stretched her serpentine body coiling around a display case. [I simply must have the most elegant TM possible,] she declared in a posh voice. [Something that screams sophistication!]

Gladion looked at the TM which was for the move dragon tail and his eyes bulged as he looked at the price.

'Fuckin' five million Pokedollars?' Gladion shouted in his mind as the shopkeeper chuckled while looking at Gladion's expression.

Guy striked a pose already knowing which move he wanted after seeing Hydros use it.

[PROTECT! The move of TRUE WARRIORS! Money is no object for boss!] he shouted, completely unaware that it was, in fact, very much an object for Gladion.

Zeus bounced around, electricity crackling. [I want FIVE TMs! No, TEN! Daddy's got money!] he proclaimed, completely misunderstanding their financial situation.

Nyx , trying to be more sophisticated, delicately examined a TM like she was selecting fine wine. [Hmm, yes, this Dark-type move will complement my evolutionary route to Umbreon perfectly,] she muttered, pushing her imaginary glasses up.

Gladion could only sweatdrop, his eye twitching as his Pokémon continued their lavish performance. Arsenal joined in, attempting to look sophisticated but mostly looking like a small fire-type having a comical identity crisis. He could not chose which move he wanted to learn.

[We are the ELITE!] Zeus proclaimed, doing a little dance that sent sparks flying across the shop.

The shopkeeper watched with a mix of amusement and concern as Gladion's Pokémon continued their ridiculous wealthy-trainer act.

"Young man," the shopkeeper said, barely suppressing a chuckle, "are these... your Pokémon?"

Gladion could only nod, mortified, as Zeus continued to make it rain tiny electric sparks, mimicking a wealthy trainer throwing money around.

In reality, Gladion was carefully calculating each purchase. TMs were an investment, but not an unlimited one. He knew from his knowledge that a TM-learned move was fundamentally weaker than a naturally learned technique. The move would have a lower potential, a "ceiling" that couldn't be easily broken.

So it was better for Pokemon to only learn those moves from TMs that they could not naturally learn. Also learning too many moves from TMs of different energies can be detrimental to a Pokemon. Since Guy learned all of the different energies move himself, he could learn another energy move from a TM.

But some moves were worth the investment. Protect could save a life. The Dark-type move would help Nyx's evolution. Thunder Punch would give Arsenal additional combat options.

"We'll take Protect for everyone except Hydros," Gladion finally declared, trying to sound more confident than he felt.

His Pokémon cheered as if he'd just announced they'd won the lottery, completely unaware of the significant financial sacrifice he was making.

He then looked for the other TMS that he wanted his Pokemon to learn.

Zeus was still pretending to throw imaginary money, Mystique was posing dramatically, and Guy was flexing and shouting about warrior moves.

"I'm surrounded by chaos," Gladion muttered, a mix of exasperation and genuine affection in his voice.

And yet, he wouldn't have it any other way.

His Pokémon seemed to have other ideas.

[I want that one!] Zeus the Elekid proclaimed, bouncing around and pointing at various TMs with electric excitement. The little electric-type was practically vibrating with anticipation, his arrogant personality on full display.

Mystique the Milotic rolled her eyes. [We can't just buy every shiny disc we see,] she said elegantly, though her own eyes betrayed a hint of excitement.

Guy flexed his muscles. [PROTECT!] he shouted, mimicking Might Guy's enthusiasm. [A TRUE WARRIOR needs PROTECTION!]

"I already said that we are buying it. Stop shouting about it now." Gladion said while massaging his forehead.

Gladion decided to teach his team that why they shouldn't be relying on many TM learned movws.

"Not all moves are created equal," he explained to his team, partly to himself. "A move learned through a TM is fundamentally different from one learned naturally."

The shopkeeper overheard and nodded. "Young trainer, you understand more than most. A TM-learned move lacks the depth and potential of a naturally learned technique. It's like the difference between reading a book's summary and experiencing the entire story."

Gladion knew the technical details. A TM-learned move would be weaker, with a lower ceiling for improvement. A Pokémon could learn a move instantly, but that move would never reach the same level of mastery as one learned through years of training and experience.

He began selecting TMs carefully. Protect for most of his team - a defensive move that could save their lives. A Dark-type move called Fake Tears for Nyx, which would help her evolutionary path to Umbreon. Poison Jab to give Guy additional type coverage. Thunder Punch for Arsenal who was slowly growing in strength.

"Rain Dance for Zeus," Gladion muttered, remembering his game knowledge. The Elekid could learn this water-type move through a TM to boost his own electric attacks - a trick few trainers would know.

Zeus looked confused. [Why would I want a WATER move?] he asked, sparks dancing around his body.

"Trust me," Gladion said with a knowing smile.

The total cost was painful. Gladion winced as he looked at the move, watching the shopkeeper carefully place each TM in protective cases.

"I are not coming back here until I am super rich." Gladion mumbled to himself.

---Author Notes-------

I was busy with exams but now that they are almost over expect more frequent chapters.

Y'all can read 12 extra chapters on my pat*reon.

https://pat reon.com/mrmime24

[No Space]