One day had passed since the Hearthome Gym Open Tournament.

The live broadcast of the event had been uploaded to major video sites, attracting countless viewers.

In this tournament, Volkner, hailed as the "Strongest Gym Leader in Sinnoh," only awarded three badges.

They were given to Teacher Lu, Ash, and Darkrai respectively.

Of course, many believed that Teacher Lu defeating Volkner’s main Pokémon was a key reason for Volkner’s subsequent losses in the following matches.

Lu Ye suspected that Volkner intentionally held back against Ash to avoid constant complaints and visits from him.

After all... Volkner still planned to have a one-on-one showdown with Flint — a true man’s battle.

The most eye-catching performance in this match was undoubtedly Teacher Lu’s Sirfetch’d.

Even Ash’s golden-flamed Infernape and Darkrai’s Excadrill didn’t have the shock factor of Ducklett’s "eyes-closed instant kill."

For a time, countless Ducklett fans appeared online—

“Old… Old Duck fans?”

Lu Ye pursed his lips and obtained an important piece of information.

In “Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl,” besides Darkrai and Latios, Darkrai’s other four Pokémon remained unknown.

Many netizens guessed they were four Magikarp... Underestimating this “Mythical Beast Man” who had traveled through many leagues.

According to Darkrai, he lost to Green of the Cerulean Gym, which motivated him to catch an Excadrill.

“It seems Cerulean Gym is truly hellishly difficult for trainers...” Lu Ye thought.

After collecting eight badges, Darkrai began preparing for the Lily of the Valley Conference.

Ash also qualified for the competition, partly thanks to Volkner’s intentional or unintentional holdback.

Neither of them knew they were about to face a "story battle," since Ash was currently focused on crushing Paul, his "nemesis."

Teacher Lu continued to stay at Hearthome Gym.

While charging little Rotom, he also "danced" with Larvitar...

April 29, Thursday.

A gray, rainy haze shrouded the skies over Hearthome City, and the port’s waters were choppy.

Suddenly.

A dazzling lightning bolt streaked across the city sky, followed by thunder.

Volkner looked at the trembling Hearthome Gym and swallowed hard, then turned to Flint:

“Are you sure Teacher Lu is... training?”

Flint scratched his head, recalling Teacher Lu’s explanation.

“You told Teacher Lu to use it casually, didn’t you?”

Volkner was silent, then said, “Maybe... I underestimated the training intensity of a champion’s Pokémon...”

Inside Hearthome Gym, Lu Ye stared up at the heavy black clouds with mixed feelings.

This was the result of Wallace’s "Rain Dance" technique. Since Hearthome City was near the port and rich in water energy, Blastoise used its "Heart Water Droplets" to try again.

After all, it would be hard to find such a high-quality training ground back home!

Boom boom, heavy rain was brewing;

the little ones all looked up at the sky.

Crash—

As lightning flashed, Larvitar stamped its foot in surprise, cracking the ground.

“Yoji!” Larvitar glanced at the ground, then at Lu Ye, blinking.

“Ahem, I should apologize to Volkner after we go out...” Lu Ye said.

“Yoji!” Larvitar nodded seriously, then broke off a piece from the ground fault and chewed it like chocolate.

Lu Ye: "..."

Well, since an apology is needed, might as well break a little more?

In just two days, Larvitar had mastered the "Stomp" technique recorded in the "Essence of Earth."

Additionally, training for "Dragon Dance" was also effective.

The little dinosaur’s snarling and repeated sideways jumps were quite adorable.

Of course, the premise was not dancing at home. This was also why Teacher Lu had come all the way to Hearthome City.

Boom boom—

Clouds gathered in the sky. Lu Ye glanced sideways at Blastoise wearing sunglasses;

its aura was turning into rising water vapor.

Then, Lu Ye muttered while looking at the gray sky,

“This isn’t Rain Dance... This is clearly Kyogre’s Origin Sea!”

...

During Teacher Lu’s three-day stay in Hearthome City, preparations for the release of "Pokémon" were in full swing.

It was expected to launch in early May, and members of the chat group expressed their eagerness to get it.

After all, seeing a game character modeled after oneself was quite a strange feeling.

Far away in Galar, Dan Emperor called to kindly ask if they needed a spokesperson—

“Actually,” Dan Emperor scratched his cheek and laughed heartily, “the recent league is short on funds, and I’m looking for the right sponsor!”

Lu Ye was (watching Haunter) training, startled at first, then asked:

“You mean putting a ‘Pokémon Company’ logo on your cape?”

Dan Emperor: “Exactly!”

Though doubtful about the effectiveness of such sponsorship, Lu Ye still let Olivia approve the endorsement payment.

When "Pokémon" was released, Dan Emperor would handle its promotion in Galar.

With Teacher Lu’s popularity in Galar and Dan Emperor’s influence, the sponsorship was undoubtedly a good deal.

After hanging up, Lu Ye sighed, “Dan Emperor and Steven... those two champions really are completely different.”

One was directionally challenged, the other dug mines all over the world;

one was broke enough to take endorsements, the other was rich second generation.

What they shared was only the belief of being champions... and a love for Pokémon.

Speaking of poverty, Teacher Lu and Dan Emperor had a profound common topic—

Though easily earning tens of millions in endorsement fees, Dan Emperor devoted himself to Galar’s infrastructure projects.

As for Teacher Lu... also devoted to infrastructure (just kidding).

In the chat group, Kris said:

“@Teacher Lu, Professor Samuel Oak is looking for you.”

Lu Ye was surprised: “What does he want?”

“Seems to be related to research on ancient scripts,” Kris said.

Lu Ye responded with an “oh”: “I’m returning to Masago Town today, will contact Professor Oak later.”

Upon hearing Teacher Lu was heading back today, Flint breathed a sigh of relief for Volkner and quietly opened the Sinnoh map.

The closest gym to Masago Town was the Black Gold Gym.

Flint silently mourned for Roark.

“Hahaha, that guy’s Raichu wasn’t all that strong anyway!”

Marshal, who was "broken" at the time, didn’t watch the rest of the broadcast.

Since the ferry was off today, he watched the match at the Withered Leaf Gym.

After seeing Raichu get instantly killed, Marshal opened the chat group and laughed heartily.

“After all, it was a critical hit.” Brock squinted, “It’s normal for Raichu to be instantly killed.”

“One strike to defeat the enemy, that’s the Essence of Steel!” Bruno boasted.

“I think Sirfetch’d could also instantly kill Uncle Marshal’s Raichu,” Ash said honestly.

A-Jin: “Hahaha, same thought!”

Xiao Yin was silent but inwardly agreed with Ash.

“Ash doesn’t lie.”

Nassi tucked her black hair, and there was more to that sentence because Ash wouldn’t.

“Marshal, face reality early.”

Marshal: “...”

They used to be colleagues, no need to be so harsh!

Cold sweat and trembling—could it be just because I’m less popular than Volkner?

“Actually,” Roxie from Team Plasma sincerely said, “I’ve always thought Marshal’s Trap album was ahead of its time!”

Marshal was suddenly touched.

“It’s just not suited for this era.” Whitney casually said, then immediately deleted the message.

Crash—

The sound of a broken heart.

Marshal stood up, deciding to go sailing today;

only the sea could make a man forget his troubles.

Lu Ye chuckled silently and put away his phone.

He stood up and went to bid farewell to the worried “Fourth Generation” Volkner outside Hearthome Gym.

“Leaving, Teacher Lu?”

“Leaving, see you next time!”

Volkner opened his mouth, looked at Teacher Lu waving goodbye, then at the shocking state of Hearthome Gym, wanting to cry but having no tears.

I’m such a fool... Wouldn’t it have been better to stay home at Hearthome Gym?

I had to invite Teacher Lu to battle... and in the end, I’m the one who got hurt!

...

Outside Hearthome City, Lu Ye pushed Rotom’s bicycle toward the open-air transfer platform.

The small dashboard on the bike showed full power... Rotom had charged to its heart’s content these days.

With half an hour before the off-duty train, Lu Ye dialed Professor Samuel Oak’s number.

Professor Oak was tending to Ash’s newly caught Gible when his hand was suddenly bitten, causing him to shout in pain:

“Let go, Green! Hurry and help!”

“Waka waka!” Gible happily squinted its eyes.

Green crossed his arms and leaned against the door rail, using “Psychic” to lift Gible up.

“Ash actually caught a pseudo-legend.” Green expressed surprise.

“Although that kid lacks talent, he always encounters various Pokémon.” Professor Oak skillfully wrapped the injury.

Compared to Red, Green, and Blue, Ash had never won the tournament in so many years—his talent was indeed worrying.

Green slightly raised his eyebrow.

This might be because Ash’s talent was all focused on indiscriminate battles...

“Oh, it’s Lu Ye’s call.”

Professor Oak, truly the first-generation champion, remained unharmed despite being bitten. Upon answering, Lu Ye’s face appeared on the screen.

“Good afternoon, Professor Oak.” Lu Ye greeted.

“It’s Dr. Show you met last time, the ancient script researcher.”

Professor Oak smiled and got straight to the point: “He invited you to explore the Unown ruins in the Johto region.”

“I’ve also informed the Pokédex holders in Johto;

A-Jin and Xiao Yin will come to assist!”

Lu Ye was slightly stunned: “I’m just a researcher.”

You know, as a researcher, you won the Summit Gold Award!

Professor Oak cleared his throat and continued: “I originally wanted to contact my student, Professor Elm.”

“But Professor Elm’s specialty isn’t ancient scripts. After thinking it through, you’re the only one I could find.”

Professor Oak smiled: “Just do me a favor. I’ll reward you afterward!”

A chill ran down Lu Ye’s spine, and he shivered.

“Forget the reward.” Lu Ye laughed dryly, “Thank you for your care as always;

I’ll make the trip.”

For a moment, Professor Oak was moved, smiling warmly:

“No rush. The expedition is scheduled for next month.”

Lu Ye nodded: “No problem, just notify me in advance.”

“There’s one more thing.”

Professor Oak said: “About your last Snow Team, a friend of mine named Liu Bo had some suggestions.”

“He said if you’re interested in Ice-type moves, you can visit Cianwood Town. He’ll teach you what real snow is.”

Lu Ye was stunned: “That... doesn’t sound like a compliment!”

Professor Oak laughed heartily: “That guy may seem cold on the outside, but he always remembers others’ kindness.”

“Don’t worry, he never goes hard on trainers he favors!”

Lu Ye’s expression was complicated.

If Liu Bo really went hard... there would be no fun at all!

Only Red, Giovanni, and A-Jin, those fearless hotheads, could challenge him, right?

In the “Special Chapter,” Liu Bo was the villain of the Johto region, single-handedly opposing all of Kanto and Johto.

But actually, he was a lonely old man.

Lu Ye had no plans to disturb Liu Bo for now...

What if Liu Bo thought Snow Team was too weak and handed over Ice-type move records to Blastoise? Teacher Lu wouldn’t be able to hold back on the spot.

“Better return to Masago Town first.”

Lu Ye murmured, “The expedition isn’t urgent anyway.”

“Then, I can head to Johto and avoid Arceus’s spotlight for a while...”