What was supposed to be an exhibition match had turned into a fierce confrontation between the two, comparable to a World Championship battle.

Korrina's eyes sparkled as she shook her grandfather's arm:

"Look, look! Master is so cool!"

Gurkinn was speechless.

Just moments ago she was calling him "Teacher Lu," but now it was "Master" this and "Master" that.

The old man glanced at the live broadcast and muttered, "Well... I was about as good back in my day..."

In the dojo of Stow-on-Side, Galar.

Ami remained kneeling like a statue, though her eyes showed visible ripples of emotion.

Even in adversity, Master's gaze never wavers in the slightest...

Suddenly, Ami felt her heart pounding and her cheeks flushing. She steadied her erratic breathing, focusing intently.

She recalled what her father, who ran the dojo, had once told her.

Among Elite Four Bruno's ace Pokémon, besides his unpredictable Hitmonlee, was the Machamp that specialized in the "Essence of Steel."

The "Essence of Steel" and "Essence of Softness" shared the same origin, both stemming from Chuck's Cianwood Gym.

Chuck had taught the "Essence of Steel" to Bruno when he came to train, while passing the "Essence of Softness" to Hoenn's Fighting-type Gym Leader Brawly.

Perhaps Chuck's skills as a martial artist weren't particularly outstanding. But his teaching abilities were second to none.

He had even taught Green techniques like "Cutting the Formless Enemy" and "Weakness Detection."

Yet later, Chuck was defeated by Green, who relied on techniques recorded in Giovanni's "Essence of Earth."

One could only imagine the psychological trauma Chuck must have suffered.

"If Elite Four Bruno chooses to send out that Machamp..."

Ami's expression darkened as she realized she stood no chance against it in her current state.

But. Ami raised her head, focusing intently on the live broadcast, her chest burning with passion.

If it were Master... he could definitely do it!

In the Kanto region, at Professor Oak's lab.

Professor Oak looked curiously at the two trainers sitting on his couch - one in red, the other in green.

"What brings you here today?"

Red, wearing his signature red vest and cap, smiled: "Heard Teacher Lu was battling Bruno today, so I came down from Mt. Silver."

Green propped his chin on his hand, looking annoyed: "Why drag me along?"

"Aren't you free too?"

"I have Gym business to handle."

"Since when has that stopped you?" Red grinned. "You probably just dumped it all on Daisy!"

Green: "..."

He sighed in exasperation and said to Professor Oak: "Grandpa, switch to Teacher Lu's live broadcast."

"Sure, no problem," Professor Oak said. "I'm free too, might as well watch with you."

Professor Oak sat between Red and Green. Red turned left, Green looked right out the window.

"Let's see..." Professor Oak held his tea while operating the remote. "Should be this channel, 'Teacher Lu's Livestream - Rotom Edition'... Huh? Lu's using Rotom to stream!?"

"That's actually brilliant," Red marveled.

"Galar's Kabu does something similar with Rotom recordings," Green said, still propping his chin. "Pretty much the same... Hmm, already the second round?"

Rotom floated beside Lu Ye, its REC light blinking red.

Viewers flooded the stream, their expressions stunned.

"No tactics today, just live bullying!?"

"Let me see whose pond Teacher Lu's fishing in today... Holy shit! A Kanto Elite Four!?"

"Mind blown, when did Elite Fours become fair game for bullying?"

"Teacher Lu, wreck him!"

Lu Ye couldn't see the barrage of comments.

All he heard was the roaring crowd, all he felt was the biting wind against his face.

Bruno squinted expressionlessly, gripping his three-section staff before suddenly pulling it taut with a clang.

Abruptly, Bruno's eyes snapped open like a beast pouncing. A red beam shot from the Ultra Ball in his staff's groove.

"Hmph, witness our power!" Bruno declared. "Tempered through countless battles, surpassing all limits - Machamp!!"

Machamp spread its four muscular arms wide, eyes gleaming with intensity. Its sturdy legs took a horse stance, generating a shockwave with a resounding boom.

"Elite Four Bruno has sent out one of his aces, Machamp!" the commentator announced. "Will this turn the tide? Or will Teacher Lu maintain his advantage!?"

Ash's jaw dropped: "That Machamp's arms... they're enormous!"

A-Jin clicked his tongue: "Thicker than Ami's thighs!"

Suddenly, Ami's face turned bright red.

Whitney, who had come to watch, shouted: "A-Jin, watch your mouth!"

"Ah, sorry," A-Jin scratched his head, then frowned seriously at the Machamp. "Tough one... even I'm feeling the pressure."

Its simple footwork revealed terrifyingly solid fundamentals.

As Bruno had said, they had tempered themselves through countless battles to reach this level.

Lu Ye exhaled deeply, then smiled before his expression turned sharp.

It really had been a while since he'd had a serious Pokémon battle...

Usually it was against Regigigas, against Palkia, against Dialga...

Almost forgot - I'm at Elite Four level now, able to compete with my main team!

At this moment.

Standing before Bruno wasn't "Teacher Lu," but a powerful, passionate, versatile Pokédex holder.

The Tactician.

The 70,000-seat stadium filled with more and more spectators, their cheers forming deafening waves.

On the giant screens, the exceptionally handsome black-haired young man closed his eyes as an inexplicable breeze ruffled his bangs.

For a moment, everyone felt their hearts struck by a charm transcending gender.

Then Teacher Lu pulled out black-and-red fingerless gloves and put them on, flashing a razor-sharp smile.

"This... this is..."

Mega Evolution mentor Gurkinn's eyes widened in shock.

In the glove's groove was a crystal-clear gem emitting rainbow-like radiance.

No mistaking it - that was a Keystone, the key to Mega Evolution for qualified trainers!

"Grandpa?" Korrina looked at Gurkinn curiously.

"Ahem, nothing, just lost my composure."

Gurkinn shook his head, his burning gaze fixed on the screen.

When he saw Lu Ye take out a Dive Ball, his eyes widened involuntarily.

Could it be...

That Squirtle who mastered Aura?

No, given current circumstances, it should be called—

"Go, Blastoise!" Lu Ye declared.

A red beam shot from the Dive Ball, and in that instant, razor-sharp Aura transformed into a gale that swept through the entire stadium.

Bruno crossed his arms, his wild hair whipping in the wind, his expression unchanged.

His eyes locked onto Blastoise. Within it, he sensed a latent, explosive power.

"Give it your all," Bruno said deeply.

"Guraaa!" Machamp spread its four arms, grinning excitedly.

"Blas...ヾ(⌐■_■)"

Blastoise gave the horse-stancing Machamp a sidelong glance.

That's overwhelming power - almost no chance of winning.

But.

When duty calls, how can I refuse?

Aura transformed into hazy blue light rising around Blastoise. Lu Ye's Aura resonated perfectly with Blastoise's, enabling flawless coordination.

Both inhaled deeply simultaneously.

Then—

"Blas!"

Blastoise removed its sunglasses and tossed them aside. Its cannon barrels gleamed coldly in the sunlight.

The stadium erupted. The stream exploded with comments.

"HOLY SHIT! Since when was the turtle this cool!?"

"Is this powering up? Skipping straight to phase two!?"

"Knowing Teacher Lu's turtle... this is classic Torrent activation at full health!"

Battle lust surged through both Lu Ye and Bruno.

Bruno grinned, eyes sharpening as he punched forward:

"Dynamic Punch!!"

Machamp's No Guard trait made its aggression utterly relentless.

Almost no one could follow its movements. A white flash later, it had closed the distance instantly.

Then Machamp's four arms drew back, gathering dazzling white energy in the sunlight.

Tremendous power concentrated briefly before erupting in a barrage of punches!

"Guraaa!!" Machamp's Dynamic Punch rained down like furious waves, leaving the audience stunned.

What incredible speed!

Could the match end in one round!?

"That's Bruno's strength as a Fighting-type Elite Four," Green said.

"What would you do?" Red countered.

Green closed his eyes and answered without hesitation, in sync with Lu Ye:

"Iron Defense!"

The storm of punches hammered against the dark gray shell, leaving pale white imprints with each impact.

Lu Ye's eyelid twitched violently.

Stop hitting! My wallet can't take this!

"Dammit Bruno..." Lu Ye thought tearfully. "You leave me no choice but to cheat!"

Aura, empower us!!

Torrential Aura poured into Blastoise, nullifying Dynamic Punch's confusion effect.

Not exactly legal, but this isn't a League match - no officers will investigate...

"Blastoise withdraws into its shell, relying on boosted defense to withstand the first assault!" the commentator shouted. "But Dynamic Punch's confusion effect—how will contestant Lu Ye respond!?"

Already handled that...

Lu Ye focused intently.

Besides, even if confused, at this range just attack directly.

"Skull Bash!!"

As Machamp's assault waned, its eyes widened in shock.

The previously immobile "fortress" suddenly extended a gleaming forehead.

The point-blank Skull Bash launched like a cannonball, generating a shockwave as it smashed into Machamp's belt!

Take this skull bash!!

"Withdrawing to charge Skull Bash simultaneously?" A-Jin clicked his tongue. "This turtle's physique is insane!"

"How did Teacher Lu give commands?" Ash wondered. "I didn't see him speak."

"Some trainers have special methods," Ami said softly.

Whitney wagged a finger: "Like Sabrina's psychic powers, or Koga's ninjutsu..."

"Or my pool cue!" A-Jin interjected.

"Shut up, that's illegal in League matches!" Whitney fumed.

BOOM!!

The audience felt a deafening explosion.

A mushroom cloud-like shockwave erupted center stage, leaving everyone sweating.

"That's a Skull Bash, not a missile launcher..."

"Bruh, that was a nuke bash!!"

As the dust settled, a crater with web-like cracks appeared.

Machamp and Blastoise rose simultaneously, battered but ready to brawl.

"Guraaa!!!" Machamp roared, two fists punching alternately while its rear arms clasped together for a devastating hammer blow!

"Blas!"

Blastoise's eyes narrowed as an Ice Punch coated in frost deflected Machamp's right fist while seizing the left in an iron grip.

But.

Machamp's hammer blow descended, leaving Blastoise no time to dodge. The shell cracked visibly!

Lu Ye's eyelid twitched.

Pain. So much pain!

Sunlight glinted off Machamp's bronzed arms as muscles bulged unnaturally—it had used Bulk Up!

"It ends here," Bruno declared. "Close Combat."

"Guraaa!!!"

Machamp's eyes burned with fury as it spread all four arms, the gathered power chilling to behold.

"It ends here," Lu Ye echoed.

He raised his right hand high.

Blastoise's eyes sharpened as a simple straight punch sent Machamp staggering.

The typically expressionless Bruno showed rare surprise.

"It's starting," Green said, sitting upright.

Red tipped his cap slightly in acknowledgment.

"Aura is with me."

As Lu Ye spoke, the Keystone in his glove erupted with rainbow light, weaving brilliant white energy connecting him to Blastoise.

The audience watched in awe. Bruno's lips curved slightly, battle lust blazing in his eyes.

"Blastoise—"

Lu Ye snapped his fingers, sunlight framing him like an undefeated Champion.

"Mega Evolve!!!"

"Blas!" Blastoise's Aura peaked as its twin cannons merged into one massive barrel extending past its head under the white light.

Additional barrels extended from its fists, its body growing more robust. Its eyes turned violent red!

Mega Blastoise!!

"HOLY SHIT, CANNON LOVE IS REAL!"

"Teacher Lu's so cool I feel honored just watching!"

"Mega Blastoise, wreck him!!!"

Gurkinn was stunned. Even through the screen, he could feel this Blastoise's incredible wave motion.

With Mega Launcher, its Aura attacks would reach unprecedented heights!

This was... the clash of two completely different martial philosophies. Power versus Energy!

"Teacher Lu," Bruno said. "You're a trainer worthy of respect."

"Worthy of..." Bruno looked up, his muscles crackling. "My full power!"

Suddenly, Machamp placed its hands on its golden belt, aura intensifying.

Lu Ye blinked.

Wait, you're transforming too?

Then red energy surged from the belt, enveloping Machamp completely.

Machamp grew even larger, matching Mega Blastoise in size!

"Bruno's Machamp stores power in its belt," Red observed. "Meaning... that belt is just a limiter it placed on itself."

"Like you," Green said. "Both battle-crazed maniacs who grow through combat."

Red adjusted his cap, smiling silently.

Professor Oak sipped tea while scanning comments: "Wow, this stream's lively."

The chat exploded as Teacher Lu's stunt shocked everyone.

Not just live Elite Four bullying, but live Mega Evolution!?

"He's gone mad, treating Elite Fours like Baby Cup opponents!"

"Why does everyone get power-ups!?"

"Here we go! Mega Blastoise vs Machamp melee!"

BOOM!!

Mega Blastoise and Machamp collided, crimson eyes locked. Power surged as neither yielded. The ground beneath them shattered, debris flying.

Their sumo-like contest of endurance took on new meaning.

"Machamp, Close Combat!!"

"Mega Blastoise, Skull Bash!!"

Machamp's muscles bulged as punches rained on Mega Blastoise's cannon like tidal waves.

Mega Blastoise stood firm, its forehead smashing into Machamp, generating shockwaves that rippled outward!

BOOM!!

The audience sat parched, expressions oscillating between shock, bewilderment and disbelief.

Both combatants were sent flying, the wind whistling through the ruined battlefield.

Another charge would be unwise - this would end at range.

"Machamp, Focus Punch!" Bruno commanded.

Dazzling white energy gathered in Machamp's hands. All four arms joined, palms coalescing a raging white sphere.

Gurkinn's eyes narrowed.

Focus Punch required charging but was among Fighting-type's most powerful moves. With Bruno's "Essence of Steel," this decisive Focus Punch would end it!

The final exchange!

Dark red Dark Pulse energy gathered in Mega Blastoise's arm cannons.

Condensing hatred, killing intent, god-slaying wave motion... Lu Ye mentally referenced Akuma's move list before declaring:

"Mega Blastoise, Aura Sphere!"

Blastoise's hands gathered radiant energy as intense Aura saturated the field.

Gurkinn's pupils contracted: "The Wave of Killing Intent!?"

Then.

Machamp's Focus Punch unleashed with a sonic boom, hurtling toward Mega Blastoise!

Mega Blastoise's dark red energy beam erupted simultaneously, colliding midair with Focus Punch.

BOOM!!

Lu Ye's eyelid spasmed violently.

Why are we doing beam struggles now...

Glancing down to confirm he stood on the right side, Teacher Lu sighed in relief.

This one's in the bag!

The energy collision shook the stadium, debris swirling within. A war drum seemed to pound in everyone's ears—

Then the Aura Sphere overwhelmed Focus Punch, the dark red energy engulfing Machamp completely!

Silence reigned, leaving only the devastated battlefield.

Only one battered, demega-evolved Blastoise remained.

It calmly retrieved its broken sunglasses and put them on.

"Blas...ヾ(⌐■_■)" Blastoise remained unflappable.

The stadium erupted.

"You seem to have compelling reasons to win," Bruno said deeply.

"I do," Lu Ye replied.

Bruno's eyes flickered before curving slightly as he nodded at Lu Ye.

Lu Ye smiled faintly and nodded back.

"Did the world change? Since when does Teacher Lu do Elite Four matches? Or are Elite Fights Baby Cup now!?"

"Got it - this was a teaser for future Elite-level pond fishing!"

"Teacher Lu's OP!!"