April 12th, Monday.

Masago Town's morning began with the rhythmic clanging of metalwork.

Lu Ye opened his sleepy eyes, lying on the soft bed with Sylveon curled up at his feet.

"..." Lu Ye gently rested his feet on Sylveon's back.

"Eevee~(*･ω-q)" Sylveon rubbed its eyes, elegantly jumped off the bed, and yawned while heading to the balcony to sunbathe.

Not discovered, Teacher Lu grinned cheekily.

Clang clang—

The metalwork sounds continued, seemingly coming from outside.

"Did they build a basketball court nearby?"

Lu Ye thought groggily before suddenly realizing.

Sirfetch'd was diligently practicing its leek swings, striving to cut through the Metallic Sheets!

"But isn't this too hardcore..."

After some thought, Lu Ye rolled "gulu gulu" off the bed.

Landing in Arcanine's warm, fluffy mane felt even more comfortable than a Simmons mattress.

"Arf?" Arcanine, who had been snoring by the bed, turned its head in confusion to look at Lu Ye on its back.

"Nothing, just wandering around," Lu Ye said cheerfully.

Wake up, wash up.

"Gengarrr~ lululu~" Mirroring Haunter's toothbrushing and mouth-rinsing motions.

After wiping shaving foam from his face with a towel, a handsome face appeared in the mirror.

Changing into a black-red hoodie, Lu Ye went to the courtyard and confirmed his suspicion.

"Quack! ᕙ༼°益°༽ᕗ"

Sirfetch'd swung its leek, making clean cuts on the Metallic Sheets, leaving faint white marks on the steel.

The Galarian knight didn't retreat, stabbing forward five times like lightning with its lance, sparking another series of sparks!

Lu Ye: "..."

Whoever says Ducklett is a slacker, I'll be the first to argue!

Behind Sirfetch'd, Togepi was cheering enthusiastically.

"Togepriii~ヾ(ﾟ∀ﾟゞ)"

So it woke up early to set an example for Togepi...

Lu Ye nodded understandingly, shifting his gaze to the "old farmer" Blastoise nearby.

"Blas...ヾ(⌐■_■)"

Blastoise squatted halfway, gazing wistfully at the small experimental plot before it.

Just in case, better replant some Revival Roots...

10 AM, sunny - legally permissible construction hours.

Lu Ye glanced at Ducklett before heading back inside:

"Come eat brunch after training... there's soy milk, fried dough sticks, and scallion pancakes!"

"Quack..." Only realizing something was wrong, Sirfetch'd stood frozen, "QUACK!? (;

꒪ꈊ꒪;

)"

In the kitchen, Lu Ye prepared a simple yet delicious breakfast.

Runny sunny-side-up eggs, golden fried dough sticks, crispy fragrant scallion pancakes...

Paired with steaming hot soy milk. The satisfaction of carbs was overwhelming.

The little ones gathered around Teacher Lu, quietly enjoying brunch.

Around 11 AM, Lu Ye went to the front door, greeting the approaching Delibird with its delivery bag:

"Yo, just hand me the newspaper."

"Del~" Delibird instinctively covered its forehead, then tilted its head in realization before taking out the newspaper and handing it to Lu Ye.

"Bye." Lu Ye smiled.

Delibird: "..."

"Why aren't you leaving?" Lu Ye asked curiously.

"Del~" The little penguin ultimately left dejected and crestfallen.

Following its shadow, Haunter suddenly popped out and poked the little penguin.

"Del?" Delibird turned around.

"Gengarrr~" Haunter grinned, opening its small hand to reveal a crystal-clear Pokéblock.

"Del!" Delibird was moved nearly to tears.

Then Haunter tossed the Pokéblock into the air, opening wide to gobble it:

"Gengarrr~(*⊙~⊙)"

Delibird: "..."

I quit! This job sucks, I'm resigning! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

...

Back inside, Lu Ye sat on the sofa reading the newspaper.

The Jubilife Daily headline featured news about a "Johto Special Exhibition - Pokémon All-Around Contest!"

The content roughly stated that an All-Around Contest would soon be held in Olivine City, along with a Johto cultural festival.

"All-Around Contest... this seems more like the Olympics," Lu Ye muttered.

The so-called "Pokémon All-Around Contest," hailed by players as the "Olympics of the Pokémon World," first appeared in the Johto region of HeartGold/SoulSilver.

Players must command three Pokémon to complete events like hurdles, high jump, and relays. This is a special competition format beyond traditional battles.

Notably.

Player A-Jin once achieved a grand slam in the "All-Around Contest." So his self-proclaimed title "Star Trainer" wasn't unfounded.

This was also one of Gold the Fifth's shining moments in the special chapters. Anyway, he's hopeless in serious battles but excels at everything unserious.

"A-Jin should participate this time too, since there's a Johto cultural exhibition..."

Lu Ye continued browsing. The science section featured "Teacher Lu's Research Findings Exposed," while the gym section had "Water Vein Gym Closed"...

Half these news stories involve me.

Lu Ye looked complicated, coughing before setting down the newspaper.

Can't always think about making headlines, need to keep a low profile...

As predicted, A-Jin mentioned participating in the group chat.

"Anyone want to sign up for the All-Around Contest with me?"

A-Jin wiped his nose: "It's pretty far flying from Sinnoh to Johto."

"You can ride my Waterflow!" Marshal said. "Heading to Olivine tomorrow anyway, can drop you in Sinnoh."

"Free ride?" A-Jin asked.

Marshal's eyebrow twitched: "Screw off!"

"Speaking of All-Around Contests, makes me think of marathons," Miss Plantina said.

"This year has riding races too!" Whitney giggled. "Miltank and I are joining!"

"Hah, woman, prepare to cry when you lose to me," A-Jin said.

After a pause, Whitney said: "I already reported you for playing with your phone at work to the Breeder's House granny."

"Nani!?" A-Jin was shocked.

"I'll participate too," Ami said softly, blushing. "As... Johto regional representative and star trainer..."

"Which event are you joining, Miss Ami?" the poor girl Lily asked in surprise.

"Endurance race. Little Steel and Light will join me," Ami said.

"Brock?" Lu Ye blinked. "Oh... Ami's Steelix is named Little Steel..."

"Gengarrr~" Haunter shivered from the cold pun.

That pun was terrible!

"I'll join the strength competition," Lily sniffled. Mainly because the prize money was too good.

"Yo, quite a crowd," Marshal said. "Half-price on my ship then.

Kris: "I'm still in Sinnoh! I can spectate!"

A-Jin: "Huh? Class rep you're here too."

Teacher Lu: "What about Ash? He loves these flashy competitions."

"Hehe." Ash scratched his head, posting a picture. "Already signed up."

Lu Ye was slightly stunned.

Unexpected yet makes perfect sense...

Aaron asked shakily: "Why... do you all seem to have so much free time?"

Lu Ye was surprised: "Why wouldn't we?"

Aaron: "..."

Whatever, just end me, I'm exhausted.

According to "Knowledgeable Person" Plantina's explanation.

The Pokémon All-Around Contest includes riding, brick-breaking, swimming, etc. As a sports event, the prize money is substantial.

Lance sipped tea in his office, casually asking:

"@A-Jin, where'd your grand slam prize money go last time?"

"Donated to the Breeder's House and Trainer School for facility improvements," A-Jin answered honestly.

Lance: "Thumbs up*3"

In some ways, this young man skilled in eating, drinking, and gambling is quite simple.

"Because Togebro crashed into the buildings," A-Jin said with a headache.

Lance: "..."

The girl's eyes lit up: "Another competition... meaning big money! (✪ω✪)"

Teacher Lu's heart trembled.

Meaning Team Rocket can make big money again!

"When's the competition?" Lu Ye asked.

"Day after tomorrow, registrations are open," Whitney asked curiously. "Teacher Lu joining too?"

"Prize money doesn't matter."

Lu Ye said firmly: "I just love sports!"