The friendly battle with A-Jin passed without much turbulence.

After all four Poké Balls dimmed—scratch that, after Crystal was easily pushed aside—A-Jin expressed that he also wanted to learn the Rain Team strategy.

Lu Ye was momentarily stunned. “Isn’t your Politoed’s ability Drizzle?”

A-Jin asked back, “Can’t Politoed manually activate rain?”

Hearing this, Teacher Lu fell into deep thought.

Manually stealing weather... maybe A-Jin was playing on another level here.

It’s worth mentioning that during the decisive battle in Ilex Forest, A-Jin had already commanded his Politoed to use Perish Song.

When it came to unconventional tactics... among all the Pokédex holders, A-Jin was definitely one of the top-tier players.

“Then let’s meet at the Unown Ruins.”

Lu Ye said, “Remember to contact Xiao Yin so he doesn’t disappear again.”

Xiao Yin’s whereabouts were uncertain;

he often acted alone.

Of course, Lu Ye suspected he was just wandering around following Xiao Lan’s stall route.

“Don’t worry, it’s on me.”

A-Jin chuckled, “That guy’s just at my place watching tokusatsu shows!”

“Wishing you guys happiness.” Lu Ye said sincerely.

A-Jin: ???

The footage from the match against Dan Emperor was already enough for a short video episode.

But for teaching purposes, Lu Ye still edited A-Jin’s footage into the video.

The goal was to show counterexamples—not really... the goal was to make learning enjoyable.

This video was edited with Rotom’s help.

Rotom in computer form had high performance, so there was no risk of Premiere crashing halfway.

Considering Rotom’s mischievous nature, Lu Ye cleared his throat:

“Don’t open the learning materials in the D drive;

everything else is fine.”

Suddenly, Rotom announced with righteous indignation:

“Performing full disk antivirus scan. Suspicious MP4 format detected, clearing now. Rotom!”

Lu Ye: ???

Watching the D drive being rapidly formatted, Lu Ye twitched the corner of his mouth and groaned:

“I’ll just edit it myself...”

...

May 1st, Labor Day.

The 16th episode of the “Teacher Lu Teaches Battle” series, featuring the Rain Team Perish Song strategy, was released as scheduled to the audience.

“Labor Day update? Teacher Lu, were you hacked?”

“Let’s welcome today’s victim!”

“Dan Emperor: The victim turns out to be me?”

Dan Emperor was always the one blaming others.

The fans never expected this.

Dan Emperor, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, had his day!

The video was divided into three parts: commentary, actual battle, and analysis of how to counter different team compositions.

Since a video specifically about Perish Song had been released before, Teacher Lu mainly explained the Rain Team system.

In weather-based teams, there were basically four types of weather: sunny, sandstorm, hail, and rain.

This perfectly matched the previously covered Sunny-Sand Team, Ice Team, and this episode’s Rain Perish Song Team.

As Teacher Lu explained, the fans were stunned to realize:

“So you alone explained the entire weather system... and the battle footage is all from champions and elite four?”

“What do you mean by weather master? (leans back)”

“Is that all? Even if you give me a tutorial, I still can’t maintain a weather team.”

“Pelipper is still pretty common... interested students can check out Duck God and Gurdurr.”

The Rain Team usually split into Extreme Rain Teams and Rain Perish Song Teams.

Extreme Rain Teams aimed for ultra-high-speed attacks under Swift Swim, while Rain Perish Song focused more on control and switching.

In this episode, the battle between Teacher Lu and Dan Emperor showcased switching at its peak.

When the Gigantamax Charizard, like a volcano, fell asleep, the entire chat scrolled with “ohhhh”.

“You use bonds for this kind of stuff! (laughs)”

“I have bonds with Suiren too, Teacher Lu, do you think I’m good enough?”

“Officer Jenny warning!”

This episode completed Teacher Lu’s explanation of the four main weather systems and quickly topped the weekly must-watch list.

At the end, Teacher Lu once again explained how to counter the “Sunny Relay” team.

“Hahaha, my favorite part: persecuting relay teams!”

“The commentary was very detailed... relay team players are tearing up.”

Additionally, as a game producer at the Pokémon Company, Teacher Lu also released an advertisement video for the Pokémon game.

With the sponsored content out, the chat burst:

“Brothers, run!!”

“Let him eat, let him eat!”

“Can sensitive skin use it?”

“Don’t delay anymore, the MV has been out for nearly two months, just waiting for the release!”

In the chat group.

Misty forwarded Teacher Lu’s Rain Team video, resting her cheek on her hand:

“If I specialize in Water type, maybe I should consider joining the Rain Team, but I also want to learn from Lorelei…”

Master Lorelei had always been Misty’s idol.

Especially in Water and Ice types, Misty tried to catch up to Lorelei, so she often felt confused.

Red, the practical and straightforward man, said, “Either is fine, as long as it makes you stronger.”

Lorelei pushed up her thin-framed glasses, scoffing at Red’s answer.

Since Misty asked this, she surely already had her own answer.

Hmph, men!

Lorelei smiled, “Just believe in yourself. Maybe there’ll be a new Water-type champion in Kanto?”

Not an Ice-type champion, but a Water-type champion...

Misty pondered, holding her cheek.

Red scratched his head and tagged Bruno: “Want to battle at Mt. Silver this afternoon?”

“No.” Bruno sighed, “All the steamed buns are gone...”

The red-haired Lance’s eyelid twitched: “Didn’t I just send you a box of spicy buns from Cianwood Town?”

“That’s not the flavor I ate.” Bruno looked very dejected.

Teacher Lu: [Copy this link and open TaoXX...]

Bruno’s eyes widened. “A link for Angry Steamed Buns? Teacher Lu, where did you find this?”

“Ha ha, stumbled upon it.” Lu Ye coughed dryly.

“I’ll try this flavor again!” Bruno nodded vigorously.

Xiao Lan opened the store: “Is this really not counterfeit?”

“Amazing, how did you know?” Ami gasped;

she was about to order three boxes to eat when hungry at night.

“No one knows counterfeits better than me!” Xiao Lan proudly declared.

“That’s not something to be proud of...” Lila sighed elegantly.

“Speaking of which.” Ash scratched his head, “Even if it’s simulated battle, if Dan Emperor loses, can we say he’s undefeated?”

“That refers to official tournaments.” Brock squinted, “All rights to explain belong to the official tournament organizers.”

Lu Ye was slightly taken aback.

That explanation actually made sense!

So that means... Teacher Lu is also undefeated in his career!

Since today was Labor Day, the chat was also related to the holiday.

Working man Brock took a day off from the Slateport City Museum to reunite with his siblings at the Slateport Gym.

Marshal stopped sailing and went to Cinnabar Island’s hot springs for vacation, also visiting Old Siebold for some sake.

Lila returned from Rainbow Academy to the perfume shop, taking care of the busy business.

Everything was quite pleasant;

the only ones working overtime were the strongest champion in Galar... and the Psychic-type champion in Sinnoh.

Dan Emperor, relieved of pressure, returned to work with a bright smile.

“Lost?” Rose glanced sideways at Dan Emperor.

“Lost.” Dan Emperor laughed openly, “Lost to Teacher Lu.”

“That’s fine.” Rose muttered, “It wasn’t an official match anyway, and you weren’t champion last night...”

Lucian stayed on Lilycove Island working overtime.

Since he was just reading at home anyway, the overtime was quite leisurely—paid reading was enjoyable... probably.

**

Lu Ye closed the chat group and looked at the adorably clumsy little dinosaur.

Larvitar was competing with Haunter over who could open their mouth wider;

the scene was quite strange.

Larvitar puffed up its cheeks, then suddenly opened wide: “Awoo!”

Haunter opened its mouth, sticking out its tongue: “Gengarrr!”

Not understanding the situation, Arcanine howled loudly: “Awoo~! (｀0´)”

Larvitar looked at Haunter’s big mouth and took half a step back.

I lost, I really lost!

Lu Ye and Sirfetch’d lounged on the sofa, slacking off: _(:3 ⌒ﾞ)_

“Don’t you still have some steel to chop?” Lu Ye suddenly remembered.

“Gah! (´థ౪థ)σ” (Caught, Duck!)

In just a few days, the coal bought from Canalave Gym was almost used up.

Considering Larvitar’s diet, Lu Ye leaned back on the sofa, watching Sirfetch’d head to the courtyard.

Then he took out his phone and privately messaged Steven, who was mining.

Though it was painful... biting the bullet meant it would be earned back soon.

No matter how hard it is, you can’t let the kids suffer! If dinosaurs count as kids...

Lu Ye’s mind flashed to Doraemon’s “Nobita’s Dinosaur” movie and a slight smile appeared.

“Suitable... ore for Larvitar?”

Half an hour later, Steven wiped his forehead, smiled, and replied while holding the PokéNav:

“Yes, I found plenty of Sandstorm-extending Sandshard rocks in Hoenn’s desert area.”

“Teacher Lu, if you need, I can send some Sandshard ore to your residence.”

Steven smiled, “Consider it a small token from me.”

After careful consideration, Lu Ye declined and chose to pay.

Though money was nothing to Steven... friends should keep clear accounts.

For the previous damage to various gyms, Teacher Lu also had Olivia bring the bills... insurance would save some.

Upon hearing this, Steven suddenly understood—maybe Teacher Lu didn’t value these ores much.

“If there’s a chance, find Larvitar’s Mega Stone and give it to Teacher Lu,” Steven thought.

For a rich second-generation who casually gifted a Charizard Mega Stone to newcomers, Mega Stones were just ordinary gifts!

The Sandshard rocks could enhance Larvitar’s future Sandstorm ability.

Teacher Lu didn’t realize this, only thinking it would suit Larvitar’s appetite...

While Larvitar was feasting, the platinum orb shards symbolizing ‘antimatter’ swallowed by Haunter continually enhanced Haunter’s control over Dark Void.

Lu Ye felt that as long as Haunter’s Dark Void successfully induced sleep, even the Kanto-era peak champion Lance could be evenly matched.

“From the start until now.”

Lu Ye murmured with a complex expression:

“It feels like it’s always been fifty-fifty with Doduo...”

Anyway, Doduo and Yellow-haired Ash were always evenly matched... an old unit of measure.

Moreover, after the journey to the flower fields, Lu Ye’s mastery over Haunter’s Mega Evolution had obviously improved.

At least he wouldn’t be powerless to command after Mega Evolving.

Three legendary resources—Rainbow Wing, Purification Water Drop, and Lunar Wing—were constantly boosting the little guys’ power.

If champions were divided into rookie, veteran, and peak stages,

Mega Evolved Blastoise was stronger than peak-stage champion main Pokémon like Bruno’s Machamp.

Arcanine and Sylveon were slightly weaker, matching Flint’s and Lucian’s main Pokémon.

The rest were Ducklett, the ‘lucky’ Togepi, and tool-using Rotom.

Ducklett could one-shot Volkner’s Raichu at champion level, so it should be about as strong as Arcanine.

But why did it always feel like a slacker?

Lu Ye stroked his chin and looked at Sirfetch’d.

Sirfetch’d: (⊙ˍ⊙)

If it doesn’t train soon, will it lose to Togepi?

Or worse, will even the junior little dinosaur surpass me?

“Gah! (´థ౪థ)σ” Ducklett cried tears of joy.

That’s really—great news, Duck!

As the little ones’ strength grew, Teacher Lu’s home became increasingly dangerous...

Lu Ye cleared his throat and pondered:

“No big deal, Togepi’s lucky aura should reduce the risk of disruption!”

**

Taking advantage of the May Day holiday,

Lu Ye decided to return to Goldenrod City in Johto, visit the Pokémon Company headquarters there, and personally handle the new game’s launch.

After finishing, he would stop by Celadon City to complete Professor Samuel Oak’s commission.

This May Day holiday, Cynthia had gone to Unova to meet with Gladion, giving off the vibe of Mengmengda traveling with her best friends.

Friendship and communication were very important... Teacher Lu’s matters shouldn’t interfere with Cynthia’s social life.

The close friend group consisted of Cynthia, Wulong, Gladion, and Karen.

Teacher Lu was not convenient to join them—

He could, but it wouldn’t be appropriate...

While packing, Lu Ye looked up at Sylveon dozing on the sofa.

“I remember... today it’s Haunter’s turn to watch the kids?” Lu Ye wondered.

Suddenly, Larvitar’s high-frequency noise sounded by his ear—

“Yo-ji!! ♪”

“Gengarrr gengarrr gengarrr~~ ♪” Haunter happily pulled out a microphone.

Lu Ye glanced at Larvitar’s [Piercing Noise] move and his expression changed slightly.

Dancing would be fine... but you’re actually singing with Haunter?!

Lu Ye covered his ears and shouted:

“Don’t teach others to sing casually, Haunter!!”

...

In the Johto region, Cianwood Town.

The platform attendant hurried over to an elderly man and helped steady his wheelchair:

“Where are you going? I’ll help you get on the train!”

The old man smiled kindly.

“It’s nothing, I can move myself.”

The attendant was stunned, watching the old man push his wheelchair with effort onto the train.

The old man’s smile was warm... but his tone was uncompromising, like a block of cold ice.

“Such a strange old man,” the attendant muttered.

The old man had short white hair, a hunched posture, and gently stroked the sleepy Swinub in his arms.

Beep beep beep—

His old phone suddenly rang. Flustered, the old man pulled out his phone and smiled apologetically at the surrounding passengers.

They all smiled and nodded politely.

An elderly man in a wheelchair, white-haired and courteous... wouldn’t arouse suspicion anywhere.

He answered the call, his voice turning cold abruptly.

“Don’t bother me, Oak.”

“Ah, I’m not bothering you.”

Professor Samuel Oak laughed heartily, “You’re going to investigate the Unown Ruins, and I even sent you three helpers!”

“Helpers?” Liu Bo said quietly, “I don’t need them.”

“They’re the clumsy A-Jin you’ve seen, the Xiao Yin you know.”

Professor Oak chuckled, “And another one—the Snow Team trainer you don’t respect.”

“A-Jin... Xiao Yin...”

Liu Bo repeated the names quietly, his eyes flickering slightly.

“Then let them come.” Liu Bo said coldly, “I can’t guarantee their survival.”

Professor Oak stopped smiling, his voice becoming serious:

“Are you sure... the Unown Ruins are related to the recent unrest in Sinnoh?”

“I don’t know.”

Liu Bo said indifferently, “I’m just a half-buried wreck. My heart has become as numb as my legs.”

“Only...”

Liu Bo lowered his eyes, gently stroking the Swinub in his arms, a look of remembrance on his face.

If I can find Dialga, the so-called ‘God of Time’...

Maybe I can see my Lapras once again...

There was a long silence on the other end before Liu Bo abruptly hung up.

Professor Oak frowned slightly, looked at the Unown Ruins marked on the Johto map, and sighed softly:

“Don’t let me down... Pokédex holders...”

...