Chairwoman Geeta sat at the back of the class, arms folded, her posture rigid as her golden eyes followed the new teacher's every move. She doesn't expect to learn much from this class, nor from its instructor. After all, she had been the Top Champion of Paldea for over a decade—a title she had earned through countless hard-fought battles. Her understanding of battle strategies felt honed, refined to near perfection. She knew the value of tactics, and she had faced the strongest Pokémon trainers in the region. What could this newcomer possibly teach her?

Still, she was here to observe his first class, to see what the students can learn.

Gram, as he introduced himself, didn't appear particularly imposing. He had an easy smile, the kind of quiet confidence that made her wonder if he really knew what he was talking about. As he paced slowly at the front of the room, discussing the fundamentals of battle strategies, Geeta listened, but with skepticism weighing heavy on her mind.

Then he said it.

"With the right moveset, item, and strategy," Gram stated, his voice carrying across the room, "even a Rattata can defeat a Dragonite."

Geeta's brow furrowed instantly, and a flicker of disbelief sparked in her chest. She almost couldn't help it. Her arms tightened against her chest, and she shifted in her seat, locking her gaze on Gram. A Rattata… defeating a Dragonite? Her thoughts churned, latching onto the absurdity of the claim. Dragonite was one of the strongest Pokémon out there—its raw power, bulk, and versatility made it a near-unbeatable force in battle. It had the kind of dominance that could overwhelm most opponents before they even knew what hit them. And Rattata? Fragile. Inexperienced. The kind of Pokémon you don't ever see in serious matches.

She couldn't wrap her mind around it. How could such a fragile Pokémon stand a chance against something as powerful as a Dragonite? The idea went against everything she knew, everything she had learned in her climb to the top.

Her thoughts clouded for a moment, distracted by the sheer implausibility of it. But then she caught herself. Hold on, she thought. Maybe he's trying to make a point. Gram wasn't some random amateur. If the Academy had hired him, there had to be a reason. His calm, unflinching demeanor suggested he believed in what he was saying.

Still, the Champion in her couldn't help but doubt. Victory was about strength, and there was no getting around the simple truth: Dragonite was strong. Overwhelmingly so.

In front of her, the class seemed to share her skepticism. She could hear the murmurs, soft whispers of disbelief spreading through the students. A few even chuckled under their breath, as if they couldn't believe anyone would make such a claim. Geeta didn't laugh, but the corner of her mouth twitched. She knew the undercurrents of battle too well to dismiss things outright, but even so…

This guy had better have a good explanation, she thought, her eyes narrowing as she waited for him to elaborate.

Then came the scoff from the front of the class. She didn't even need to look to know who it was. Vic—loud, brash, a student who thought strength was all that mattered in battle, and one of the strongest battlers on his year. Geeta had seen his type before. He spoke up with the same arrogance she'd come to expect from him.

"A Rattata beating a Dragonite? Come on. There's no way," Vic said, his tone dripping with condescension. His voice cut through the whispers, and the room fell silent. The class waited, some expecting Gram to back down, to explain away his claim.

But Gram didn't flinch. If anything, he seemed… amused. Geeta caught the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the edges of his lips.

"Why don't I show you?" Gram said, his voice steady and calm. His confidence was almost unnerving. "We'll head to the battle field, and you can choose your strongest Pokémon. I'll show you firsthand what strategy can do."

Geeta sat up a little straighter. Now things were getting interesting. Was he serious? Her curiosity piqued, and a small part of her wanted to see how this would play out. She hadn't planned to be impressed today, but if he could back up his words… well, maybe this lesson wasn't as pointless as she'd thought.

She watched as Vic stood up, more than eager to take on the challenge. The rest of the class began to stir, whispering amongst themselves, unsure whether to be excited or doubtful. Geeta remained silent, though her mind raced with anticipation. If this teacher really believed in what he was saying, he must have something up his sleeve. She wasn't sure what it was yet, but she wanted to see it for herself.

The group made their way to the battle field, the air thick with expectation. Geeta found herself standing near the front of the crowd, arms still crossed but with her eyes sharply focused. She had no idea what to expect, but she was ready to witness whatever came next. Maybe he's bluffing. Maybe this will all fall apart, she thought. But something in Gram's unwavering composure made her doubt that. As Geeta and the rest of the class went to the battle field, her thoughts circled around Gram's bold claim. She couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't adding up. While his composure hinted at confidence, she couldn't recall ever hearing his name in any notable battles or tournaments.

Who even is this guy? she wondered, her sharp gaze narrowing as she considered the man leading the class. He's never taken the Gym Challenge. Never competed in any tournaments, at least none that I've heard of—and I would've heard of him if he had. Geeta prided herself on knowing the major players in every region. From Kanto to Galar, and her home region of Paldea, she was well-versed in the champions, elites, contenders, and up-and-comers. Gram's name didn't appear in any of those circles.

The more she thought about it, the more it bothered her. How could someone who had never proven himself in real competition claim to teach battle strategies at Naranja-Uva Academy—a place that prided itself on excellence? And to make such an outlandish statement, claiming a Rattata could beat a Dragonite? It bordered on arrogance.

Her arms folded tighter across her chest as she mulled over the thought. If he hasn't faced Gym Leaders or Elite Four members, then what kind of experience does he have? Maybe he was a researcher, someone who studied battles from the sidelines but never participated in one himself. But even then, how could he understand the intensity, the pressure, and the unpredictability that came with real battles? There was a world of difference between theory and practice. And Geeta, as Champion, knew that better than anyone.

The skepticism weighed on her mind, almost pulling her focus from the situation at hand. How can I trust someone who's never fought the way we do?

Once they reached the field, Vic wasted no time. With a cocky grin, he tossed his Pokéball high into the air. "Go, Primeape!" he shouted, and in a flash of light, the wild-eyed Fighting-type appeared. Its muscles rippled as it pounded the ground with its fists, growling aggressively. Though a bit smaller than most Primeape Geeta had seen, its raw energy and unpredictability made it a dangerous opponent.

Geeta's eyes narrowed. She had faced Primeape in battle before—fierce, fast, and relentless. Though not the strongest Pokémon, it was a powerhouse. Its furious nature made it a threat, especially if left unchecked. What could Gram possibly send out that could handle something like this? she wondered, her doubt lingering.

She didn't have to wait long. Gram stepped forward, calm and composed as ever, and tossed his own Pokéball into the air. The class held their breath, waiting for something extraordinary. When the flash of light faded, though, what stood before them was a tiny, purple Rattata, its small body practically dwarfed by Primeape's hulking figure. A delicate ribbon was tied at the base of its tail, fluttering lightly in the breeze.

Geeta blinked, feeling a mix of confusion and disappointment. That's it? She glanced at Gram, trying to make sense of the situation. Surely, this had to be some sort of joke. But no, Gram looked serious, his eyes focused on the field. He had chosen this Rattata—this small, unassuming Pokémon—to face Vic's Primeape?

The rest of the class burst into laughter. Geeta heard snickers and muttered comments around her, and even she had to suppress a smile. This was absurd. Vic's grin grew wider as he prepared to call the first move, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

"Well, if that's the best you've got, this won't take long," Vic said, his voice filled with smug confidence. "Primeape, use Brick Break!"

Geeta leaned forward slightly, her attention locked on the battle. She knew Primeape's strength and speed; Brick Break would easily crush that little Rattata. She watched closely as Primeape's fist began to glow, the air around it shimmering as it charged toward Rattata. The attack landed with a deafening thud, sending the small Pokémon flying backward. It tumbled across the field, its ribbon snapping free and drifting to the ground.

Vic began gloating almost immediately, turning back to the class with a wide grin. "See? I told you this was a joke. That's what happens when you put a weakling up against a real fighter."

Geeta's lips pressed into a thin line. Too easy, she thought, her eyes still on the fallen Rattata. She had seen battles end like this before, where one Pokémon was simply too powerful for the other. There was no challenge, no excitement, just raw strength overpowering the weaker opponent. It was disappointing.

But then, something caught her attention. The way Gram's expression hadn't changed at all. He wasn't worried. He wasn't flustered. In fact, he seemed… patient. Like he had been waiting for this exact moment. Geeta's heart quickened, a flicker of curiosity breaking through her doubt.

"Rattata," Gram's voice rang out, steady and composed, "use Endeavor."

Geeta eyes widened in surprise. Endeavor? Her mind raced as she pieced it together. Endeavor was a move that could level the playing field, bringing an opponent's vitality down to match the user's by inflicting damage proportionate to the overall vitality of the target. Her eyes widened in realization just as the battered Rattata sprang back to its feet, eyes glowing with determination.

The class fell into stunned silence as the small rodent charged forward. Its aura flared, and in one quick strike before Vic can give an order, it hit Primeape square in the chest. The Fighting-type staggered, its vitality plummeting in an instant, leaving it gasping and barely standing. Vic's smirk faltered, his confident bravado slipping as he stared at the battlefield in disbelief.

The tension in the air was palpable. Geeta could feel the shift, the sudden realization sweeping over the students. The battle wasn't over. Far from it. The tide had turned in an instant, and now, all eyes were on Gram.

"Finish it with Quick Attack," Gram called, his voice sharp and decisive.

Before anyone could blink, Rattata blurred into motion. Its small body darted across the battlefield with blinding speed. In a flash, it struck Primeape, its tail glowing faintly as it landed the final blow. Primeape let out a groan before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

The entire field went silent. Geeta felt her heart skip a beat. She couldn't believe what she had just seen. A Rattata, an obviously young Rattata… defeated a Primeape?

Vic stood frozen, his mouth hanging open, shock and embarrassment mingling on his face. The rest of the class was similarly stunned, their expressions wide-eyed and slack-jawed. The idea that such a small, seemingly fragile Pokémon could defeat a powerful Primeape was beyond anything they had expected.

But Gram remained calm, his posture relaxed, as if this outcome had been inevitable all along. He crossed his arms, his eyes scanning the students with a knowing smile.

"Remember this," he said, his voice breaking the stunned silence. "Battles aren't just about strength or size. They're about strategy—about using what you have to its fullest potential. Today, a Rattata beat a Primeape. Tomorrow, who knows?"

Geeta found herself nodding slowly, respect creeping into her thoughts. Maybe this Gram has something to teach after all.

As the class silently trooped back into the classroom, Geeta's mind was racing. The strategy Gram had used kept replaying in her head. Using Endeavor to bring Primeape to its last legs in an instant was brilliant. Following it up with Quick Attack to strike before it could retaliate spoke of experience and precise timing. It was a battle technique she hadn't expected from someone she initially viewed with skepticism. But one thing still nagged at her.

How did Rattata take that super-effective Brick Break and not faint? She couldn't figure it out. A hit like that, especially from a Primeape, should've ended the match right there. Yet Rattata had survived and turned the battle around.

When they settled back into their seats, the energy in the room had shifted. Gram, still calm and composed, walked back to the front of the class, and the students now watched him with renewed interest. Gone were the doubtful murmurs and stifled laughs. Everyone, even Vic, was paying close attention.

Geeta tried to focus on what he was saying, but her curiosity about Rattata's resilience was gnawing at her. She couldn't hold it in any longer. As Gram finished making a point about the intricacies of battle, another student raised their hand before she could.

"Professor," Melanie began, her voice thoughtful but firm, "how exactly did Rattata survive that Brick Break? I think I understand the strategy you used after that, but that first hit should've been enough to knock it out."

Gram turned toward the young girl with that same calm and knowing smile he had worn on the battlefield. His eyes met hers for a moment, and she could feel the shift of attention in the room as the other students looked on. He wasn't flustered by the question—in fact, he seemed pleased.

"That's a great question, Melanie," he replied, his voice steady but encouraging. "It's important to understand not just the moves we use, but also how to prepare for the unexpected in battle." He paused, letting the room settle. "But before I explain that, let me ask you something. What are the key things you need to keep in mind when battling?"

Melanie paused, thinking for a few moments. "Well," she began, "my Pokémon's strength, the opposing Pokémon's strength, their moves, and their abilities."

Gram nodded, his smile widening slightly, as if pleased with her answer but also waiting for something more. "That's right," he said, "but there's more to consider in a battle than just that. You've missed a few other crucial factors."

The room was quiet now, the tension almost palpable as everyone waited to hear what he would say next. He let the silence linger for a moment, the anticipation growing. "There are three more things that every great trainer must always keep in mind: the weather, the terrain, and held items."

Geeta blinked, her mind racing as she absorbed the new information. Held items… Of course. That was the missing piece. She knew about them, of course, but in the heat of the moment, she had overlooked the possibility that the tiny Rattata had been holding something to help it survive.

Gram continued, his voice taking on a more instructive tone as he addressed the class. "You see, the ribbon tied at the base of Rattata's tail wasn't just for decoration. That was a Focus Sash. It's a special held item that ensures if a Pokémon with full health is hit by a move that would normally knock it out in one shot, it will remain standing. It's similar to the ability Sturdy, which some of you might be familiar with. So when Primeape's Brick Break landed, Rattata didn't faint because the Focus Sash saved it."

Geeta's eyes widened as the pieces clicked into place. Focus Sash. It explained everything. The Rattata hadn't survived because it was unusually tough—it had survived because it had been prepared to do so. It wasn't just about strength or luck; it was about strategy, about using every tool available. She felt a new level of respect growing for Gram. There was more to him than she had realized.

Gram, sensing the understanding dawning across the room, continued. "Now let me walk you through the entire strategy. First, Rattata takes a powerful hit—a hit that should normally end the battle. But because of the Focus Sash, it holds on. Then, we use Endeavor, which brings the opponent's health down to match Rattata's— down to the edge of fainting, no matter how strong they are. Finally, with Quick Attack, we ensure Rattata strikes first, before the opponent has a chance to retaliate, finishing the battle in one final blow. It's a simple but effective strategy, and it's all based on maximizing the tools at your disposal."

The classroom was silent, every student captivated by Gram's explanation. Even those who had laughed earlier, doubting his methods, now sat in rapt attention. Geeta could feel the shift in the atmosphere—no one would be underestimating Gram anymore.

But Gram wasn't finished. He leaned against the desk, his arms crossed casually, as if he were ready to dive even deeper into the lesson. "Now," he said, "like any strategy, this one has its counters. There's no perfect battle tactic. So let's talk about how you could stop this approach."

Geeta felt herself leaning forward, eager to hear what he had to say next.

"One way," Gram began, "is to use a Ghost-type Pokémon. Endeavor is a Normal-type move, and it won't work on Ghost-types. So that's one direct counter. Another option is to use moves like Protect, which can block it entirely. And let's not forget multi-hit moves, like Arm Thrust or Bullet Seed. These can break through the Focus Sash by hitting multiple times in a single turn, ensuring the Pokémon still faints even after the first hit."

He listed a few more counters, each one well thought out, showing the class that no strategy was foolproof. "Understanding how to counter strategies like these is just as important as knowing how to use them. Adaptability is key in battles."

Geeta's mind buzzed with the new information. It wasn't just the strategy itself that impressed her—it was the depth of Gram's understanding, the way he thought about battles not in terms of raw power but as intricate puzzles with multiple layers. She hadn't expected someone without a record of high-profile victories or tournament experience to be this knowledgeable, but Gram had proven otherwise in a matter of hours.

"As your homework," Gram continued, breaking the silence, "I want each of you to write an essay. I want you to explain how you would counter this Focus Sash and Endeavor strategy in a battle. Consider your team, the Pokémon you'd use, their moves, abilities, and the potential battlefield conditions. This exercise will help you think beyond power and start considering the finer aspects of battle strategy."

As the class began to pack up, Geeta felt a sense of excitement building within her. Gram had defied her expectations and proven himself to be a far more interesting and capable trainer than she had given him credit for.

Geeta approached Gram after the class, her footsteps quiet but purposeful. As she neared, he looked up from the stack of papers on his desk and greeted her with a warm smile.

"La Primera," Gram said with a nod of respect, his tone light but sincere.

"Just Geeta will do," she replied with a slight smile. Her golden eyes studied him intently, searching for the subtleties behind his calm demeanor. "You did well today, Gram. The students seem to be... intrigued by your approach."

He chuckled softly. "I'm glad. Though, I assume you're here for more than just casual praise."

Geeta folded her arms, her expression remaining composed but inquisitive. "I've been wondering, how did you end up here at the Academy? I've seen many battle experts, but I've never heard of you in any major tournaments or the Gym Circuit."

Gram met her gaze without hesitation, his easy confidence unchanged. "That's because I've never competed in Gym Circuits or League Tournaments. It's true I don't have a decorated record in those arenas, but I have extensive experience with Pokémon battles."

Geeta raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

"I've spent years studying battle strategies, mentoring trainers, and honing my skills in unofficial circles. I've faced some strong opponents, often in places where the stakes were different—less public, but no less challenging." He paused for a moment. "My experience comes from the field, from facing unpredictable situations where survival and adaptation were paramount."

Geeta studied him for a long moment, silently processing what he said. His calm demeanor suggested depth, and though his experience wasn't traditional, there was something genuine in his words.

"Interesting," she said after a pause. "You're different from what I expected, but your methods seem to resonate with the students. You've passed the inspection." Her eyes softened just slightly. "Welcome to the Naranja-Uva Academy faculty."

"Thank you," Gram replied, nodding again. "I look forward to contributing."

As Geeta turned to leave, she paused at the door, looking back with a small smile, a twinkle in her eyes. "One more thing, Gram. I expect you to do the Gym challenge during this year's treasure hunt."

Gram blinked in surprise, then let out a snort as if he expected her words as he nodded. "Understood."

With a satisfied smile, Geeta walked out, leaving Gram with the weight of her words lingering in the air.