Throwing a straight ball—dired straightforward—is a high-level yet incredibly effective strategy.

  Though simple and g intricate teiques, mastering this skill isn’t on.

  In tless romanime, there are only a handful of characters who wield this approach effectively.

  Rather than directly expressing feelings, mao prefer engaging in a game of bad-forth probing. Even when a straightforward fession would guarantee success, they insist ing it out.

  It’s like feng, like dang a tango.

  Or like pying Nasus in top ne and being kited endlessly by a Vayne.

  The renowned love theorist Kaguya Shinomiya, who once said, "Love is war—whoever fesses first loses," would argue that the key to winning lies in making the other party fess first.

  To put it pinly, the one fessing first is essentially themselves up as prey for taming.

  Based on this theory, we often see characters in anime saying things like, “She’s cute, but I don’t like her,” or “I’d never be with him,” only to end up eating their words in a er, menting, “I was here first!”

  To such losers, we only say: Please calm down. It’s not the season for White Album anymore.

  Eris Sawamura, a poster child for such characters, would likely have a lot to say. If necessary, she could write a 100,000-word dissertation titled A Hundred Ways to Lose Despite a Perfect Start.

  In trast, there’s the “straight ball” fa.

  Instead of intricate maneuvers and voluted tactics, they believe in boldly ying their emotions bare, presenting their feelings openly, and ensuring the other person uands.

  Love should be shouted out loud!

  Denji, the “uneducated but straightforward” protagonist, once decred, "I want to be Miss Makima’s dog."

  He got his wish, being turned into her literal pything.

  And then he ied her dog.

  It’s like a dog owning an—yers of irony.

  Anyway, ba topic.

  Though Natsume cked romantic experience, his extensive ag history had taught him a vital truth: Hesitation leads to defeat.

  Thus, he was firmly iraight ball" camp, much like how certain generals’ families have unwavering loyalty tur underwear.

  “...Suo...”

  An ued turn of events.

  Zorua, from the sidelines, found the se utterly riveting.

  If only there were snacks to mun while watg this drama unfold—it’d be perfect.

  “Umma…”

  The sudden invitatio Ogerpon flustered.

  When someone is moved, their judgment often falters.

  It’s akin to proposing marriage wheions are high—there’s a good ce of success. Wait until they’re calm, though, and the odds aren’t as favorable.

  Like a four-panel ic where a knight proposes with a ring beled INT-7. The girl, touched, says, “Yes.” But after wearing the ring and gaining intelligence, she rethinks and promptly dees.

  “Mhmm, mmm…”

  C her face, Ogerpon’s mind raced at unpreted speed.

  This was her peak performance, even if her thoughts were absurd—ose should I use to say yes? Would accepting immediately seem too eager? If I agree, should I move in with Natsume right away?

  Amidst the chaos, a shred of logic prevailed.

  Do I like Natsume?

  Yes.

  Is Natsume a good person?

  Yes.

  Would joining Natsume bring any downsides?

  None.

  Would Natsume treat his Pokémon well?

  Absolutely.

  So…

  Is there any reason to refuse?

  None.

  “Mhmm!”

  The answer was clear!

  Behind her mask, Ogerpon’s gaze firmed up, radiatiermination.

  “Mhmmm!”

  I pledge my loyalty! (Or something like that.)

  I’m willing to bee Natsume’s partner!

  With that, Ogerpon reached out her small hand.

  Seeing her response, Natsume smiled aended his hand as well.

  A rge hand and a small hand lightly met in the air.

  With that, their bond was sealed.

  If this were a game, you’d probably hear some narrator deg the partnership formed.

  But this wasn’t a game.

  Here, both humans and Pokémon were alive and real.

  They weren’t just cold data or NPCs ag o logic.

  When faced with living, breathing Pokémon in this world, even the coldest person would iably ge.

  Eveagonists of the Pokémon world rarely aim for ht destru.

  Giovanni sought to overturn the League and reshape the world.

  The goals of Team Aqua and Team Magma were to expand the sea and nd, respectively.

  By the time of Sword and Shield, Team Yell was just Marnie’s passionate fan club.

  Their so-called “evil deeds” often boiled down to blog the protagonist’s journey and creating minor inveniences.

  Some even helped people.

  That’s the kind of “vilins” we have in the Pokémon world.

  Pulling out a Poké Ball from his bag, Natsume held it up terpon.

  Before he could say anything, Ogerpon took the initiative to press her hand against the buttoing the red light envelop her.

  The Poké Ball wobbled slightly before clig into pce with a soft chime, signaling a successful capture.

  Though it was just an ordinary Poké Ball, it now held a mythical Grass-type Pokémon.

  It felt surreal, like a tabby cat falling for a pure white one.

  (For those unfamiliar with the analogy: a tabby cat is like Liu Yifei, while a white cat… well… is like you, dear reader. Crossed out.)

  “Poof!”

  In a fsh of light, Ogerpon emerged from the Poké Ball.

  For her, the Poké Ball wasn’t restrictive at all. She had to be careful not to actally break the delicate device.

  Poké Ball: I’m full! I ’t take it anymore! (g).

  “Feelier?” Natsume asked with a smile, watg Ogerpon, now lively and spirited.

  “Mhhmm!”

  Brimming with energy!

  “Good, the’s get along well from now on, Ogerpon.”

  “Mhmm!”

  Clutg her precious gift tightly, Ogerpon nodded enthusiastically.

  Gcell