After the opening ceremony concluded, the first day's preliminary matches were about to begin.

The winners of the preliminaries would advance to the tournament's top 64, competing in 3v3 elimination matches.

Ash and Paul headed to different venues while spectators dispersed from the main stadium to various battlefields.

As a seeded player, Teacher Lu could leisurely observe the matches on the first day.

"Shall we go watch Ash's match?" Lu Ye asked Bruno, who stood beside him with crossed arms.

Bruno remained stoic, his muscular arms folded and broad chest exposed to sunlight.

Lu Ye suspected all fighting-type specialists had a habit of ripping their shirts, hence why they simply didn't wear any.

Bruno, Chuck... they all shared this trait;

while female trainers like Ami and Korrina preferred competition tank tops.

As for Lily in her pink tank top... well, that was because she couldn't afford proper clothes.

"Sure." Bruno nodded slightly, reaching into his dirty white pants pocket.

Lu Ye thought he might pull out a three-section staff, but instead the man produced a steamed bun and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Mmm..." Bruno glanced at Lu Ye and offered another bun: "Want one?"

Lu Ye politely declined.

Bruno was followed by his muscular Machamp, while Teacher Lu had his "swimming" Haunter floating behind him.

Their unusual entourage attracted many stares as they walked toward the secondary stadium.

Both men paid no mind, entering through the spectator passage to their seats.

However, when Bruno sat down, the surrounding four to five seats immediately emptied.

Lu Ye: "..."

Bruno: "Do they seem afraid of me?"

Lu Ye: "...They wouldn't be if you wore a shirt."

A scar-covered, bare-chested man with a fierce expression would naturally make people keep their distance!

"I didn't bring a spare shirt. (￣～￣)" Bruno mumbled through mouthfuls of dirty bun.

Lu Ye: "..."

Such minimalism.

Though having Bruno as a "bodyguard" did provide excellent viewing angles.

"Next up, please welcome Ash from Pallet Town!" the announcer boomed.

Amid cheers, Lu Ye explained to Bruno:

"All competitors have eight badges, but skill levels vary. Ash's current opponent..."

Bruno nodded occasionally, finding Teacher Lu's commentary far more professional than the official announcer's.

"Teacher Lu," Bruno interrupted, "have you considered becoming a commentator?"

"After all..." Bruno coughed into his fist, "your opponents seem to have rather poor tournament experiences."

Lu Ye raised an eyebrow at this.

Become a commentator?

Not a bad idea.

As a tactical master, his understanding and insight naturally surpassed most commentators. If he stopped participating in baby cups (scratched out)... league tournaments, commentary might be a good alternative.

"I'll consider it," Lu Ye nodded.

During their chat, Ash successfully won his preliminary match, excitedly high-fiving Pikachu.

Lu Ye and Bruno followed the crowd out, checking their group chat.

Browsing the messages, they saw Ami had arrived at Lilycove Island and was currently with The Girl.

The shy, gluttonous girl had actively helped promote The Girl's business with surprisingly good results.

Chewing on an Angry Steamed Bun, Bruno mumbled: "Well, I'll head back first, Teacher Lu..."

Lu Ye nodded, watching Bruno's burly figure walk away, about to point out that wasn't the hotel direction—

"That's the path to the merchant district."

Realizing Bruno was going to buy freshly baked Angry Steamed Buns, Lu Ye stroked his chin:

"If Team Rocket ever goes public, they'll owe you big time, Bruno..."

As sunset painted the sky, the first day's preliminaries concluded.

Ash, Paul and others advanced as expected, with the top 64 bracket officially announced.

Standing on the grassy field, Lu Ye looked up at the giant screen displaying paired competitor portraits.

"Matched against Kōhei... that name sounds familiar," Lu Ye murmured. "Some minor character from the original?"

Ash and Paul weren't matched against each other. After exchanging glances, they left separately to prepare.

Unexpectedly, both approached Lu Ye.

"You're here!" Ash jumped in surprise.

"I have a question," Paul said coldly, looking up at Lu Ye.

"Teacher." Paul bowed slightly before asking in an icy tone: "I want to ask—what truly is the correct way to interact with Pokémon?"

This question had tormented Paul endlessly.

He couldn't comprehend Ash's so-called "love" for Pokémon, viewing their relationship purely as coach and athletes.

A strict coach selecting talented players to reach the league summit—this seemed perfectly reasonable.

Yet trainers like Ash formed genuine friendships with their Pokémon.

Lost in confusion, Paul practically demanded an answer from Teacher Lu.

"This is something even Professor Oak continues researching," Lu Ye pondered before answering slowly: "What relationship should trainers and Pokémon have... how to strengthen it. Different perspectives lead to different training methods."

"No single approach is absolutely correct." Lu Ye smiled: "Each has pros and cons... The key is finding what works best for you and your Pokémon."

Paul fell silent as Lu Ye added: "I look forward to seeing you achieve Mega Evolution, Paul."

"When that time comes, your relationship with Pokémon and your own strength will reach new heights," Lu Ye said warmly.

Paul clenched his fists, giving Ash a long look before bowing and leaving.

Perhaps I'm still unworthy of Teacher Lu's recognition...

But between my Pokémon and I, we have our own unique "relationship."

Ash remained, watching Paul's retreating figure thoughtfully.

Paul had contributed more to his growth than even Green or Teacher Lu's teachings.

"I'll definitely defeat him," Ash told Lu Ye.

"I might not cheer for you," Lu Ye chuckled. "I quite admire Paul's tactical skills..."

Ash nodded understandingly.

"Also, I'm aiming for the championship too," Lu Ye added. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel-fire.net

Ash scratched his head good-naturedly: "Then let's meet in the finals, Teacher Lu!"

After their fist bump, Lu Ye headed toward the competitor tunnel, muttering:

"Next round, I'll send out Larvitar!"

Using a baby Pokémon in a baby cup—perfectly reasonable!

Nearby, a bespectacled young man looked ready to cry.

His name was Kōhei, a trainer specializing in trick room strategies.

Moreover... he'd once been inspired by Teacher Lu's tactics.

Never imagined he'd face the big boss in the first round!

"Calm down, calm down!"

Kōhei patted his cheeks, took a deep breath, and adjusted his glasses:

"If Teacher Lu gets careless, I might steal one win... maybe!"

Night fell as Lu Ye returned to his lodgings, mentioning Paul and Ash to Cynthia.

"I've been following both of them too," Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, smiling.

"Different trainers, different Pokémon... I'm very curious what sparks will fly when they meet."

"Aren't you curious about my next match?" Lu Ye said in mock surprise.

"We're both eight-badge holders—should be an even match!"

Teacher Lu genuinely believed this... since "Kōhei" sounded familiar, any tournament minor character might secretly be strong.

Send Larvitar first—if that fails, deploy Blastoise!

This was the increasingly prudent Teacher Lu after battling Arceus...

Cynthia rolled her eyes.

If not for champions needing to qualify through tournaments, she'd have fast-tracked Lu Ye straight to the championship league.

Still, he wasn't entirely wrong.

Gradually infected by his attitude, Cynthia's eyes gleamed as she mused: "Indeed, you should prepare properly..."

If Kōhei knew two champions were discussing him like this, he'd weep tears of joy.

Worth it! This life was worth living!

The next day at Lily of the Valley Conference.

64 advancing to 32, competition venue.

Based on preliminaries, Kōhei specialized in trick room tactics with Dusknoir as his ace—clearly a dirty player.

Lu Ye remained vigilant as he stepped through the competitor tunnel, cheers growing louder.

"He's here! The man who brought babies to a league tournament!"

"It's been five minutes since I last heard about Teacher Lu conquering Quartz Plateau!"

"Fast forward to Hydro Pump missing and Teacher Lu getting owned!"

Wave after wave of cheers flooded the battlefield's two trainers.

Kōhei stiffly adjusted his glasses, staring at Teacher Lu.

If he could capitalize on carelessness to steal one win!

"Trainers, send out your Pokémon!" the referee announced.

Playing it safe, Lu Ye threw a Dark Ball, white light flashing forth.

"Go, Larvitar!"

The light revealed green-armored, red-bellied Larvitar with blunt head horns.

"Yoshi~! (▼へ▼メ)"

The crowd gasped—unexpected yet perfectly reasonable.

"Seriously using the league for training?!"

"Larvitar's slow speed becomes faster under trick room—Teacher Lu playing 4D chess!"

"It's a pseudo-legendary baby though... could still choke!"

"Probably delaying evolution for tournament full heal!"

"Damn... so dirty!!"

Hearing front-row commentary, Lu Ye's eye twitched.

These were clearly veteran stream followers!

"Go, Shuckle!" Kōhei threw his Poké Ball.

Thud!

Shuckle's landing cratered the ground, showcasing its incredible shell defense.

Immediately, metallic sheen coated Shuckle's shell as it began Iron Defense boosts!

"Another dirty player!" spectators exclaimed.

"Disgusting!"

"Teacher Lu should teach what real dirty tactics look like!"

Dirty was optional, not mandatory.

Lu Ye opened with his trump card, clenching his fist:

"DRAGON DANCE!!!"

The dragon-type ace move boosting speed and power!

"Why shout so loud?!"

"That Larvitar knows Dragon Dance?!"

"Oh no, this is a trick room team!"

Crimson energy swirled around Larvitar as it stomped excitedly: "Yoshi!!"

Hungry dragon roar!

Tremors shook the battlefield, even affecting Shuckle as Kōhei's eye twitched.

Your Dragon Dance includes Stomping Tantrum?!

When you evolve into Tyranitar, will it come with Earthquake?!

"Yoshi! (▼へ▼メ)"

With a 'crack', Larvitar's powerful punch smashed the ground, rubble and white light erupting skyward before raining down as massive boulders!

BOOM—

Rock Slide!!

Even withdrawn into its shell, Shuckle was buried under collapsing rocks, shell cracking despite two Iron Defense boosts!

Kōhei tensed: "Gyro Ball!"

Spinning free from rubble, Shuckle returned as a red beam.

This was still within tactical expectations!

Eyeing the surprisingly fast Larvitar, Kōhei threw another ball: "Go, Dusknoir!"

Eerie mist spread as Dusknoir materialized, single eye glowing while massive arms swayed.

Both commands came simultaneously.

Kōhei: "Trick Room!"

Lu Ye: "Taunt!"

Instantly, Kōhei paled, staring at focused Teacher Lu.

He was never off-guard!

He predicted my Trick Room timing!

"Damn... saved Taunt specifically for trick room!"

"Classic Teacher Lu read!"

As Dusknoir raised its arms, Larvitar arrogantly placed hands on hips: "Yoshi!"

Try me, bitch?

Taunt was every trick room specialist's nightmare.

Following the commentary, spectators grasped the situation.

"Who do you think you're outplaying?"

"Still not as dirty as you, Teacher Lu!"

Dusknoir's temple pulsed as it ghosted toward Larvitar.

Only brute force remained as Kōhei shouted: "Dusknoir, Shadow Punch!"

Ethereal fists coalesced, streaking toward Larvitar.

"Crunch!"

Larvitar's maw gaped, chomping down on Dusknoir's spectral fist!

"Shadow Punch... got bitten apart?" the stunned commentator said.

Kōhei clutched his face in existential crisis.

"That move is illegal, Teacher Lu!!"

Lu Ye smiled awkwardly—plenty more illegal moves where that came from...

BAM!!

Dust settled revealing fainted Dusknoir.

Larvitar smacked its lips: "Yoshi~"

Tasted awful...

Kōhei's expression twisted before sighing deeply.

After all, this was Teacher Lu...

Getting outplayed tactically wasn't shameful!

"Go, Lickitung!" Kōhei ordered: "Belly Drum!"

White light revealed Lickitung pounding its belly rhythmically.

Thump-thump-thump!

Eyes turning crimson, Lickitung roared furiously.

No trick room, so all-out offense?

Using his Power of Transcendence, Lu Ye commanded another Dragon Dance.

Larvitar stomped, armor gleaming as its aura intensified.

To audience astonishment, Larvitar grabbed a rock slab, leaping to smash this "brick" onto Lickitung!

Kōhei panicked: "Dodge!"

CRASH!!

Lickitung had no chance as shattered debris flew, the Pokémon collapsing.

Taunt for trick room, overwhelming offense against offense!

Teacher Lu perfectly demonstrated a tactical master's fundamentals.

Outpredicted at every turn, Kōhei looked ready to cry as his final Shuckle was buried under rocks.

"Winner: Lu Ye!" declared the referee.

"Yoshi~" Larvitar raised a triumphant arm.

Lu Ye chuckled as cheers erupted.

"Holy shit! That was a live tutorial!"

"Totally worth it—I want lessons too!"

"Here comes every baby cup's tradition—total shutouts!"

Collecting himself, Kōhei shook Lu Ye's hand tearfully:

"Still not as dirty as you, Teacher Lu!"

"...That doesn't sound complimentary."

"Highest praise!"

The first day's matches concluded.

While Teacher Lu advanced to top 32, discussions raged outside tournaments.

Post-match analysis led all competitors to consensus:

Against Teacher Lu, either go all-out aggressive from start.

Or surrender immediately to afford return tickets.

Never try fancy tactics... unless you want to get schooled hard!

"Good news: Teacher Lu only brought baby Pokémon. Bad news: Haunter counts as a baby."

"Top 16 matchups announced—Teacher Lu VS wandering minstrel Nando!"

Nando was a graceful coordinator with elegant battling style, widely respected.

Of course, many fans knew Teacher Lu through contest performances too.

"Contest battles huh..."

Lu Ye gazed at Togepi's Poké Ball, deep in thought.

As everyone knew, trainers had distinct battling styles.

Ash's "all tactics lead to Aerial Ace rushdown", Paul's "switch-and-hazard stacking"...

Teacher Lu could utilize any style effortlessly.

Naturally, as a top coordinator, his battles could also be dazzling—

Lu Ye: "Elegance never goes out of style!"

Sirfetch'd wholeheartedly agreed: "Quack~(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧"