The sun shone brightly as Lilycove Island was immersed in an intense battle atmosphere. For more chapters visit novel(ꜰ)ire.net

Teacher Lu had no match today, so he sat in the second-floor VIP box, overlooking the arena through the glass window.

On the field, a man wearing a tall hat and holding a harp commanded gracefully:

"Roserade, Solar Beam!"

Roserade raised its flower arms, gathering dazzling white light that converged into a brilliant, scorching beam.

The beam tore through the opponent's defenses, the powerful energy impacting the Bastiodon's stone-like head, instantly deciding the match!

"The winner is contestant Nando!" The referee waved his flag.

Cheers rose continuously as Nando plucked his harp, bowing to the audience around him.

In the second-floor VIP box, on the sofa beside him.

Cynthia crossed her legs, resting her chin on her hand. "It's the traditional coordinator's battle style..."

Traditional coordinators favored using flashy, spectacular finishing moves that required charging time, often leaving openings for opponents.

The new generation of coordinators, represented by Wallace and Ruby, tended to achieve gorgeous effects through combinations of moves.

There was also Musashi's style that focused on showcasing the coordinator's own performance... though it wasn't popular in the Sinnoh region.

In the Kalos region, this style was called "Performer" and had professional competitions called "TriPokalon."

"I'm a coordinator too," Lu Ye leaned back on the sofa, casually remarking as Togepi played a handheld game in his arms.

"Though I'm not sure which specific style I belong to."

"The kind that uses dirty... tactics to make opponents lose points?" Cynthia asked with a smile.

You were about to say dirty tricks, weren't you!

However, even in contest battles, one shouldn't rigidly follow conventions.

As long as the performance touches hearts, even a Feebas can earn a Master Rank Beauty Ribbon. (The same goes for dirty tricks.)

Lu Ye always respected coordinators, but that didn't mean he would go easy on Nando.

"Anyway," Lu Ye said, "It's time to show everyone my battle style!"

"What battle style?" Cynthia blinked.

"Crushing the Baby Cup by sheer level advantage!" Lu Ye declared proudly.

Cynthia examined Lu Ye's serious expression, uncrossed her legs, and couldn't help but laugh.

As a tactical master, he's returning to basics in the League tournament...

"Good luck in your match," Cynthia said cheerfully. "I'll be cheering for Togepi!"

Lying in Lu Ye's arms, Togepi shook its handheld game and responded excitedly:

"Togepriii~! (ﾉ´▽｀)ﾉ♪"

**

Different trainers have different battle styles, which is universally recognized in the Pokémon world.

Take Cynthia for example—her approach is straightforward and decisive. Sometimes she can sweep through Elite Four members with just her Garchomp, similar to "level suppression."

Dan Emperor's style is similar to Teacher Lu's but not identical—his strategy boils down to "all tactics lead to Gigantamax Charizard."

The two Hoenn champions—Steven who excels at Mega Evolution and Wallace who specializes in contest battles—are completely different.

As for Teacher Lu—

He knows a little... just happens to know a little bit of everything.

After the morning matches, Lu Ye went to meet up with Ash and others, wanting to bid farewell to Mengmengda with a kiss.

Under the dual pressure of Cynthia's gentle smile and the murderous intent from Garchomp behind her, he had no choice but to give up.

Cynthia watched Lu Ye's retreating figure, her expression slightly shy, saying in an extremely soft voice, "Later... tonight wouldn't be impossible..."

"I heard that!" Lu Ye, with his Aura-enhanced hearing, shouted loudly.

Cynthia froze, then curled her lips into a smile before her voice turned icy. "No."

Lu Ye: "..."

"Gengarrr~" Haunter comfortingly patted Teacher Lu's shoulder.

Damn it, I messed up again!

Steady as I am, I must have been infected by some single-celled organism—

I'll extend A-Jin's mute duration by another two hours when I get back!

**

In the chat group.

The girl (who was well-informed but had few customers) posted the Top 32 bracket in the group.

"Nando," Wallace murmured. "He's a coordinator who participated in the Mikuri Cup. I remember him."

"Mr. Nando is really nice~" Ash said cheerfully. "He even invited me to watch a Contest!"

Melisa, from a fashion designer's perspective, commented:

"It seems he made his own costume. It's quite distinctive."

Then Melisa changed the subject, covering her mouth with a laugh: "Ara, when will Teacher Lu wear the outfit I designed for you?"

"That super cute Sylveon costume!" The girl remembered clearly.

Yu Long Du looked up at the sky, imagining himself wearing pink and becoming champion.

Unable to suppress a shiver, he turned back to his cape, murmuring:

"I think I'll stick to my beloved outfit..."

According to rumors in Celadon City, Champion Lance often buys the same style of cape at the department store.

Among the Kanto Elite Four:

Bruno loves Angry Steamed Buns;

Aunt Lorelei enjoys doujinshi and dolls;

Kukui—

Kukui likes Professor Oak... (crossed out)

Lu Ye coughed lightly and replied, "It's too hot... next time for sure!"

Dodging the topic, Teacher Lu extended A-Jin's mute duration in the penalty box by another two hours.

Then he opened the Lily of the Valley Conference's dedicated forum.

The Top 64 didn't spark much discussion—only Teacher Lu and Darkrai were noteworthy.

"Total sweep! Teacher Lu demonstrates his signature move of flawless victories!"

"Darkrai also swept, but he used a Darkrai."

"Both are sweeps—one using pseudo-legendary babies, the other using mythical Pokémon... Need I say which has more merit?"

"Shocking! What Teacher Lu did to that Trick Room player... Click for details!"

Lu Ye's eyelid twitched as he clicked the last post.

It turned out to be just an analysis post explaining Teacher Lu's tactics to confused viewers.

[Starting with Dragon Dance creates the illusion that 'Trick Room benefits me.'

But Teacher Lu had Taunt ready. Psychological warfare and close combat—a double whammy that utterly destroys morale!]

"So that's how it was!"

"I was there and barely followed. Thanks for the analysis!"

"I get the logic... but that title is pure clickbait!"

Just after the first elimination round, the forum was already flooded with posts from participants.

"We all have eight badges, but looking closely—one is Teacher Lu, the other is the Legendary Pokémon guy?!"

"The competition level this year is insane~(ಥ_ಥ)"

"Not getting flawlessed by these two counts as winning!"

Kōhei, who lost in the first round, felt somewhat comforted seeing everyone else's panic.

No matter what, I'm the man who went toe-to-toe with Teacher Lu without losing ground for a while!

Worth it. This Lily of the Valley Conference was worth it!

...

The next day, Lily of the Valley Conference.

Top 32 advancing to Top 16, at a sub-venue.

Thanks to their outstanding sales performance, the Team Rocket trio had been transferred inside the main venue by the vendor area supervisor.

Although the indoor venue had air conditioning and better conditions, they had to rebuild their customer base and reputation from scratch.

Standing behind their empty stall with stiff smiles, the trio couldn't help but feel dejected.

"Starting over again, meow~" Meowth sighed.

"That's the Team Rocket spirit!" James encouraged. "Like Boss Giovanni and the executives—unyielding perseverance and backbone!"

"You're right!"

Musashi slapped James and Meowth on the back, making them tremble in pain, tears welling silently.

"Even if we have to start over a hundred times, we'll make sales! Understood?!"

"Soo~nansu!!" Wobbuffet, wearing a service cap, shouted loudly.

"Shh." James put a finger to his lips, looking toward the corridor. "A customer's coming!"

A graceful blonde beauty in a black trench coat walked slowly with her hands in her pockets, a faint smile on her lips.

Her gaze settled on the shelves before looking at the trio, her eyes curving into crescents. "My, it's been a while."

"It's Champion Bamboo Lan, meow." Meowth lay on the shelf.

"Champion?!" The trio snapped to attention, trembling as they saluted stiffly. "Y-yes, it's been a long time!!"

"No need to be so formal," Cynthia said with a smile. "Last time, I didn't get to properly thank you~~"

"Haha, it was nothing!" James scratched his head, then rubbed his hands together. "What would you like? Feel free to pick anything!"

Cynthia bent slightly, her gray eyes scanning the shelves full of merchandise as she fell into deep thought.

The trio maintained their stiff smiles and posture, whispering through gritted teeth:

"She seems really indecisive, meow?"

"She was like this last time too—takes forever to choose."

"But thanks to her, customers are swarming in!"

The trio's stall became bustling again. Finally, Cynthia made up her mind, lightly clapping her hands with a smile:

"One ice cream, please~~"

**

The competition venue was lively and packed to capacity.

Flint glanced at Cynthia sitting beside him, happily eating her ice cream.

"Big sis really loves ice cream, huh," Aru's antenna hair swayed as he whispered to Flint.

"It's Teacher Lu's match today," Flint whispered back. "Otherwise she wouldn't risk the ice cream melting to come watch."

"What happens if the ice cream melts?" Aru asked curiously.

Flint fell silent, looking up at a 45-degree angle, recalling when he first became the Fire-type Elite Four member and challenged Cynthia, only to suffer a flawless loss.

"That's another story," Flint said profoundly.

Looking down at the arena through the glass window, cheers surged like tides.

Lu Ye and Nando stood on the battlefield, nodding to each other.

"Teacher Lu," Nando said with a smile. "I've studied your performance in the Mikuri Cup."

"Really... I'm not that skilled in Contest Battles," Lu Ye answered honestly.

Knowing Teacher Lu's humility, Nando shook his head with a smile, his gaze profound.

"For this battle, I hope you won't hold back on guidance."

This was a Contest Battle invitation from a coordinator.

Lu Ye smiled slightly and nodded. "I'll try my best to fulfill your wish."

Nando plucked his harp, and amidst the noisy venue, a refreshing, harmonious melody rose.

"Both contestants, send out your Pokémon!" the referee announced.

"Go." Nando held a Poké Ball, releasing a red beam. "Roserade!"

Roserade crossed its arms, eyes closed in meditation, but upon appearing, its petals suddenly spread open like a masked lady making a grand entrance.

"Rosss~!"

The flashy entrance typical of coordinators instantly ignited the audience's enthusiasm.

In terms of spectacle, Contest Battles were undoubtedly among the top battle styles!

"Is he going to use dirty tricks again...?"

"He might win, but the opponent's performance might outshine his?"

"Wait, I remember Teacher Lu knows Contest Battles too!"

As Lu Ye threw his Poké Ball, the audience froze for a moment before their eyes lit up.

A small, adorable Pokémon hopped out of the ball, its entire body sparkling 'bulingbuling'!

Grand entrance—Follow Me!

Togepi became the center of attention!

"Togepriii~! ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ"

Instantly, the venue erupted.

"Awsl!!!"

"Togepi angel, mommy loves you!"

"That's definitely Master Rank cuteness..."

"Besides tactics, is Lu Ye also a Contest master?"

"So you know a little bit of everything!!"