Far away in Kalos and Galar.

Several martial artists were also watching this exhibition match.

Gurkinn, the Mega Evolution mentor of Kalos, had been guiding his granddaughter Korrina in her training.

The talented Korrina had quickly reached the threshold of Mega Evolution.

But as her strength grew, she increasingly realized how unfathomable Teacher Lu's abilities had been back then.

No aura had ever accumulated with such explosive potential as that Squirtle's.

Moreover... Korrina's eyes gleamed.

Now that Squirtle had evolved into Blastoise...

In terms of status, like Ami, she was one of Teacher Lu's informal disciples.

Currently, she sat before the television, quietly waiting for the afternoon live broadcast.

"Grandfather, tell me..." Korrina asked, "In the field of martial arts, who is stronger - Elite Four Bruno or Teacher Lu?"

"In raw power, no one surpasses Bruno. He's the most outstanding genius I've ever seen, even surpassing Red and Marshal."

The old man spoke slowly: "But between flesh and spirit, body and energy, some martial artists excel in the latter."

"You mean..." Korrina's eyes gradually brightened.

Gurkinn placed a hand on his granddaughter's shoulder and smiled kindly:

"Watch carefully... you'll learn much."

...

Galar, Circhester.

In a traditional dojo, Ami knelt silently on the wooden floor, sunlight illuminating the fine sweat on her forehead, the scars on her ankles, and her wheat-colored bare feet.

A sharp-eyed Sirfetch'd stood beside Ami like a loyal knight.

In just a few months, Ami's talent as a martial arts prodigy had become evident, making her mark in Galar and successfully obtaining a Gym Leader position.

But she could never forget the teacher who had patiently guided her.

Nor the black-haired champion who had smiled under the spotlights of Wyndon Stadium on that snowy Galarian night.

Ami meditated with closed eyes, light refracting around her still form like a sculpture.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes, gazing at the Rotom Phone floating before her.

The screen broadcasted a thrilling exhibition match in distant Sinnoh.

The cheers gradually became real, crashing forward like tidal waves.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Next, please welcome the Fighting-type Elite Four member from Kanto - Bruno!!"

The announcer's shout echoed through the massive stadium as the crowd erupted.

A figure emerged from the player tunnel, sunlight dispelling the shadows on the man's stern, resolute face.

Bare-chested, his bronze muscles were covered in scars, wearing spiked wristbands and anklets that instinctively made onlookers wince.

This was a monster who demanded perfection from himself and thrived in battle.

Bruno walked step by step toward the center, a three-section staff hanging from his neck clanking with each step.

The cheers seemed to pause for this lone figure. All eyes followed Bruno's movement.

When he reached the platform, his cold gaze swept the stands before suddenly raising his right palm high.

Instantly, the suppressed cheers exploded, engulfing the audience like an ocean!

"This is Kanto's Fighting Master Bruno, appearing as this tournament's star competitor!"

The announcer continued: "And next, from the Eastern region—"

Suddenly, someone in the front rows stood up, waving a flag and shouting hoarsely:

"Teacher Lu—"

"Please welcome contestant Lu Ye!!"

Shouts, screams, heatwaves... the air seemed to distort under the blazing sun as people reddened their necks, faces dripping with sweat.

Countless voices shouted the same name - that seemingly omnipotent trainer who could be both disastrous and godlike in battle.

"Teacher Lu!!"

The Team Rocket trio paused their merchandise sales, their vending trays hanging in front as they cupped their hands to shout in unison.

Outside the venue, Ash clenched his fists, eyes burning with excitement as he punched the air.

Even Ami was moved by the atmosphere, her cheeks flushed as she shouted the chant with all her might.

"Teacher Lu!!"

Countless voices repeated the same name.

When his figure appeared in the tunnel, footsteps seemed audible in the silence, sunlight casting dappled shadows on his black hair.

The gentle-smiling trainer lightly pressed a finger to his lips.

The screams seemed to stop instantly as everyone watched him ascend the battle platform, the previous uproar feeling like a dream.

The audience held their breath in this astonishing moment of unity, looking around in amazement.

Then they saw on the big screen - Teacher Lu brushing dust from his shoulder before raising a finger skyward.

The stadium instantly erupted.

"Teacher Lu!!!"

The venue became a sea of cheers. No one knew how long that silence had lasted.

One second? Two? Three?

The eruption after silence was like a crashing boulder, all eyes focused on this meteoric trainer.

"Damn, how can he be this cool?"

"My blood pressure... my blood pressure's rising!"

"Leon? Red? No, he's the coolest, dirtiest Teacher Lu!!"

Bruno observed the trainer before him.

A conviction burned fiercely in his chest, reason and battlelust tearing at his body as he took a deep breath:

"Teacher Lu... It's a shame we couldn't have a wilderness battle."

Lu Ye blinked.

I remember last time you challenged Red to a wilderness battle and nearly got him killed—

Wait, were you coerced?!

Lu Ye nodded: "Next time."

A fleeting smile crossed Bruno's face as he adopted a reminiscent posture:

"A year ago, I caught a giant Onix on Mt. Moon. Its massive body was fragile unlike rock's steadfastness, yet possessed rare mobility and explosive power..."

"I never knew how best to utilize it. Whether through furious offense or decisive ambush."

Bruno stared at Lu Ye, crossing his arms as he said solemnly: "Until you inspired me, Teacher Lu. This will be its perfect tactic."

Lu Ye: ?

Bruno's giant Onix... isn't that from the anime's filler arc?

So you're a Fighting specialist training a Rock/Ground Onix instead?!

But.

Given the sumo-like format, Bruno choosing the weight-advantaged Onix made sense.

After all, Ami had brought a Steelix for the endurance competition too.

Lu Ye frowned slightly.

In a 2v2 format, Bruno's backup would logically be his ace Hitmonlee or Machamp.

Against those powerhouses, Arcanine would struggle... Blastoise would need to go all out.

Since this was sumo-style, he couldn't just OHKO Onix with an illegal Hydro Pump.

Leading with Arcanine might work.

"A giant Onix caught a year ago." Lu Ye smirked, gripping a Luxury Ball. "Timing-wise, mine's about the same."

Bruno narrowed his eyes, slowly removing the three-section staff from his neck. The handle held a black-yellow Ultra Ball.

One year was enough for a trainer to reach astonishing heights.

This giant Onix possessed exceptional talent. Under Bruno's rigorous training, it had mastered unyielding martial principles.

Both starting from zero, differing only in the trainer's conviction, understanding, and command.

"Not leading with Blastoise?" Bruno squinted, lips curling. "Interesting..."

The stronger the opponent, the more it ignited Bruno's boundless fighting spirit.

He and Red shared mutual respect. From Teacher Lu, he sensed a champion's pride—

Even without deploying Blastoise, he could defeat the giant Onix.

This was undeniably provocative. Yet it set Bruno's blood boiling with combat fervor.

"I'll show you." Bruno spoke respectfully but with piercing eyes. "What I've learned— Teacher Lu."

Cheers from all sides surged toward the arena center.

BOOM!!

Sudden tremors made the audience gasp in shock.

Dust swirled as they beheld the colossal beast now in the arena - fear, dread, and confusion spreading through their hearts.

"Th-this is!" The announcer shouted. "How can an Onix be this huge?!"

"It's nearly twice normal size!"

"Regular ones are about 9 meters - this must be 20!"

"Terrifying... who could withstand such a monster?!"

"Whoa!" A-Jin gaped at Ami beside him. "That's way too big!"

"Larger than Leader Brock's... or my Steelix..." Ami murmured. "Incredible."

Ash's eyes sparkled: "Wow, Pikachu look! It's that Onix we saw before!"

The audience reacted variously.

Before this upright Onix overlooking the stadium, they felt the oppressive dread only immense objects inspire.

Compared to normal Onix, this giant's body appeared darker gray, with a cross-shaped scar under its right eye.

The colossal Onix looked down imperiously, making even Bruno behind it seem minuscule.

Wind gusts made Lu Ye's clothes flutter. He too had reasons he must win.

Pressing the Poké Ball, he gripped the enlarged sphere tightly, eyes sharpening:

"Go, Arcanine!"

A fiery figure leaped from the ball - a beast brimming with wild beauty. Arcanine's golden mane shimmered in sunlight as it howled proudly, its intimidating aura stunning the crowd!

Arcanine stared directly at the massive Onix, its expression shifting from simple to blazing with fighting spirit.

Heroes deserve fitting stages.

Under countless gazes, Arcanine's flowing mane swayed in the wind. No longer roaring, it simply lowered its forelegs, bared fangs, and growled deeply.

Though mountains may crumble, I shall advance.

In this moment, its conviction was clear. Fearlessly charging the skyscraper-sized Onix.

Everyone held their breath.

In an instant, flames erupted skyward, dyeing everyone's vision red as Arcanine lunged.

"Now!" Lu Ye commanded sharply. "Close Combat!"

Arcanine's explosive speed made Bruno's eyes flash with admiration.

But this alone was far from enough!

Bruno clenched his fist and roared: "Onix, Bind!"

A teeth-gritting grinding sound filled the air as Onix coiled into a semicircle, waiting for Arcanine to leap into the trap.

Arcanine landed on Onix's body, forelegs and forehead glowing fiercely as Close Combat's power hammered into Onix.

BOOM!!

But Onix's stamina was despairingly vast. As rocks crumbled, Onix moved faster, its body constricting Arcanine like iron walls closing in from all sides!

"This move..." Ash unconsciously hugged Pikachu tighter, eyes darkening as he gritted teeth.

With Onix's size advantage, this cross-lock seemed inescapable!

Trapped tightly in rock, Arcanine was covered in scrapes, its breathing growing labored.

At this proximity, Bruno saw Arcanine's flaxen tail slip between the rocks, suddenly gleaming with metallic sheen.

A-Jin realized instantly: "Closing distance so its unreliable Iron Tail can land!"

"Totally Teacher Lu's style..." Ash sighed.

Unless at 100% accuracy, Teacher Lu rarely used big moves!

Against the giant Onix's constriction, Iron Tail was nearly Arcanine's only option.

Yet this move also dealt double damage!

"Intentional?" Bruno reacted swiftly. "Create distance, use High Horsepower!"

As Onix loosened its grip, Arcanine fell from the sky, Iron Tail smashing onto Onix's body!

"ROAR!!" Onix bellowed in pain, its upper body swirling through the stadium with gale force.

Lu Ye imagined a rollercoaster... the giant Onix's base remained steady while its upper half charged like a tank.

Before Arcanine landed, the stone blade on Onix's forehead glowed red, violently smashing Arcanine away!

The audience winced, almost feeling the pain themselves.

But the moment Arcanine lost balance, Lu Ye commanded sharply: "Reversal!!"

The stadium erupted in gasps.

"Teacher Lu's prediction?!"

"This is trading damage - the lower HP, the fiercer the berserker style!"

Arcanine flipped midair, landing with claws digging deep trenches into the ground.

Dust flew as Arcanine instantly regained mobility, eyes turning red as it roared and slammed into the giant Onix!

BOOM!

The giant Onix's sturdy base shook violently, massive rocks shedding from its body - yet this was precisely the advantage of Weak Armor.

"Why isn't Onix's lower half moving?" A-Jin noticed keenly.

"Probably... storing energy for something..." Ash scratched his head.

"With each attack received before its next move, its power grows."

Ami's eyes flashed as she murmured: "This is... Onix's 'Rage.'"

"ROOOOAR!!!"

A bellow shook the heavens as Onix's eyes burned crimson, terrifying power manifesting as red energy coating its body.

"It has immense stamina, gentle temperament, massive size."

Bruno's gaze was piercing: "Only by continuously provoking its anger can its power peak."

"Since Mt. Moon, I've sought answers. Teacher Lu, this is my conclusion!"

Bruno's muscles bulged as he assumed a horse stance, suddenly punching forward: "Onix, Rage!!"

"ROAR!!" Onix's entire body began plowing forward like a moving mountain.

Simultaneously, Lu Ye spoke:

"Do you know why Kanto's Oddish appears in Sinnoh?"

Bruno had no chance to reply, pupils contracting.

Lu Ye looked skyward, shielding his eyes from the glaring sun.

Endless light bathed Arcanine's mane, the undying feather around its neck glowing with vitality.

Arcanine's wounds visibly healed as it smirked challengingly.

"Is that... the egg move Morning Sun?!"

"Under harsh sunlight, effectiveness increases 1.5x without needing to set weather!"

"Holy crap, that recovery speed looks like full HP?!"

Normal Morning Sun couldn't achieve such effects.

This was the Rainbow Wing's essence, Entei's blessing, Moltres' feather... the trio's 'Flame of Life' reigniting Arcanine's fighting spirit!

Suddenly, flames wreathed its body as Arcanine's eyes shone with pure determination.

BOOM!!!

It stood firm against the charging Onix. Dust exploded, deafening roars drowning all else.

The crowd stared in disbelief.

"It... blocked it?!"

"It actually stopped that?!"

Bruno's expression was grave, silent.

"Teachers always keep tricks hidden." Lu Ye smiled. "Arcanine—"

The giant Onix trembled, lowering its head in shock at this scarred, growling beast.

"Close Combat!!"

Panting heavily, Arcanine smirked before roaring and headbutting Onix with full force.

BOOM!!!

As dust clouds filled the air, the audience gaped at the frozen Onix.

Then the colossal Pokémon toppled backward, revealing Bruno's stern, expressionless face.

"AROOOO!! (｀0´)"

Arcanine howled triumphantly, mane glittering gold in sunlight.

"Hmm... looks like a Husky after demolishing a house and getting scolded." Lu Ye mused oddly.

The stands erupted as everyone cheered uncontrollably.

"One more round." Bruno said.

"Right." Lu Ye gripped a Dive Ball. "One more round."

...