The Full Recovery Potion looked like a bottle of green medicinal liquid spray, with effects that healed injuries and cured all abnormal statuses.

Meanwhile, the Revival Herb and Revival Root that Blastoise cultivated in its own yard could restore near-death conditions.

Therefore, these two could be used internally and externally, truly double the happiness!

Misty relaxed her shoulders when Teacher Lu finished the transaction.

Great! o(╥﹏╥)o

Although it couldn’t compare to that Meowth’s stall... the outcome of this stall was still a success!

Having gone through the top sixteen tournament, Larvitar’s battle experience improved significantly.

Its sparring with Mega Haunter gave Teacher Lu a direct impression of Larvitar’s temperament.

This was a polite, adorable, yet powerful quasi-legendary youngling.

Under the influence of Teacher Lu’s family atmosphere, it lacked the usual brutality and fierceness of a Pupitar.

But it still possessed the persistence to keep fighting and the pride of never accepting defeat.

This was a little creature constantly growing... destined to become the Sandstorm King Pupitar!

Additionally, Larvitar inherited Teacher Lu’s consistent tactical style. Its future move ‘Sandstorm’ could become the decisive factor in weather battles.

Bearing the pride of the tactician, reforging the glory of the champion, because I am Pupitar—

Seizing the weather means victory!!

This sounded a bit like a broken sentence.

But it was no big deal.

Back at the residence,

Lu Ye had the team’s professional medical Pokémon, Blastoise, check Larvitar’s wounds, then used intangible Aura to produce a ‘Healing Pulse’ for treatment.

“Yoji~!” Larvitar’s dark green armor seemed to have a layer of light cast upon it, yet Blastoise’s ‘Healing Pulse’ did not stop.

“That’s enough.” Lu Ye interrupted, “If I keep going, other players will report me for doping!”

“Blaastoise!ヾ(⌐■_■)” Blastoise pushed up its sunglasses, indicating that this kind of Aura was undetectable by the organizers.

Lu Ye was momentarily stunned, stroking his chin.

“Hm... You make a very good point.”

Since Nassi and Caitlin’s psychic powers were considered legal in Pokémon battles,

then starting with a ‘Aura Power’ buff and enhancing emotional bonds with ‘Power of Transcendence’ was also reasonable, right?

Considering that once entering the top eight, the matches would become full 6v6 battles—

Turtle was right;

I should act more cautiously!

“Beep beep... Analyzing Larvitar’s physical condition.”

The Rotom Pokédex emitted a faint blue light, scanning the obedient little dinosaur up and down, then broadcasted:

“Under the premise of suppressing evolution, you can start training new moves, Loto~!”

Trainers generally fall into two tendencies: ‘Early Evolution’ and ‘Evolution Suppression.’ Teacher Lu belonged to the latter.

The advantage of ‘Early Evolution’ was forming combat power quickly but possibly missing some crucial moves.

The benefit of ‘Evolution Suppression’ was obvious—it allowed the Pokémon to learn moves that couldn’t be learned after evolving and accumulate energy for the final form.

It’s worth mentioning that these two evolutionary styles result in no difference in final stats, so it depends on the individual.

Teacher Lu wasn’t opposed to evolution, but a thick accumulation with a sudden burst, like Turtle, was also acceptable...

“Starting to train new moves?”

Hearing this, Lu Ye and Larvitar exchanged a glance, then Lu Ye asked, “Which move specifically?”

Rotom cheerfully announced: “Rock-type Sandstorm, Loto!”

Lu Ye’s heart skipped a beat.

‘Sandstorm’ was Larvitar’s core move, related to Pupitar’s future proficiency in ‘Sandstorm.’

Since Rock, Steel, and Ground were inseparable, the Earth Essence mentioned by Giovanni also discussed training strategies for ‘Sandstorm.’

Although there were some risks... it was indeed necessary to start training early.

“There should be a professional training ground on Lilycove Island.”

Based on the resources mentioned in the manual, Lu Ye pondered, “I also need to buy some ore from Steven…”

“Yoji! (✪ω✪)” Hearing there was delicious food, Larvitar’s eyes instantly gleamed.

Winning battles means good food;

big sis really didn’t lie to me~!

From a certain perspective, the most temperamental one in Teacher Lu’s family was actually usually the delicate and gentle Sylveon...

A mineral called ‘Sasha Rock’ could enhance the power and duration of Sandstorm and was also on Larvitar’s dietary list.

Although rare, it was impossible that Steven’s collection didn’t have any—

“Got it.” The most update n0vels are published on novel·fire·net

Steven, wearing miner gloves, pointed at his PokéNav, smiling: “If you need it, I can send someone directly to your residence.”

“No, no, just the market price is fine.”

“Is that so...” Steven mused for a moment, then changed the topic: “Actually, I’m planning to go to the Kalos region;

I heard it has the world’s most dazzling diamonds.”

“Kalos is the origin of Mega Evolution and abundant in Mega Stones.” Steven smiled, “Teacher Lu, I’ll keep an eye out for Pupitar’s evolution stones. You can rest assured.”

Lu Ye opened his mouth, looking complicated.

I came to buy 200 Poké Balls, and you’re trying to sell me Master Balls worth 99,999…?!

He glanced sideways at Larvitar, who looked determined.

No cutting corners on education funding!

“Thank you, Steven.” Lu Ye gritted his teeth, “I’ll contact you when I reach Kalos!”

“Ha ha, of course, no problem.” Steven laughed heartily.

“One more thing.” Lu Ye remembered the outstanding girl from the morning, “Wen Nai is quite strong;

I promised to say a good word for her to you.”

“Is that so? Got it.” Steven smiled happily;

nurturing new talent was one of his few hobbies.

Discovering people like Ruby, Sapphire, and Shota naturally proved Steven’s good eye.

He was also the first to discover Teacher Lu was a champion... right when the Tree of Beginning collapsed.

After some small talk,

this handsome and strong perfect gentleman logged off and went back to mining.

The ‘Sasha Rock’ would serve as Larvitar’s next food supply.

“Yoji… (✪ω✪)” Larvitar was happy, dancing around.

Lu Ye looked at the trembling, wailing ground beneath Larvitar’s feet, feeling a little strange.

“As long as you don’t start snacking on Mega Stones... everything’s fine!”

At this moment, Larvitar could rival the Gym Leader’s main Pokémon.

Thanks to Teacher Lu’s ‘Weakness Insurance’ tactic, it could also completely defeat Wen Nai’s Mega Haunter.

However, the gap with Brock’s, Misty’s, and others’ Mega Steelix and Mega Gyarados was still considerable.

Comparing the two—

Hoenn trainers went out and met champions who gave Mega Stones.

Kanto trainers went out and met Gym Leaders using Mega Evolution.

Although Gym Leaders would choose lower-level Pokémon to fight,

the difference was obvious... like heaven and hell!

May 25, Tuesday, overcast.

Today’s battles were held indoors.

The professional training grounds were vacant, so Lu Ye let Ducklett coach Larvitar’s training.

Let Mr. Ducklett teach you a bit!

In terms of theoretical knowledge, Ducklett was professional, especially with Haunter, who had studied ‘Essence of Earth,’ standing by.

“Yoji~!” Larvitar raised a Sandstorm, the flying sand pummeling the protective barrier, faintly cracking it.

Lu Ye twitched his eyelids, quickly having Sylveon use Light Screen to repair it.

What was up with the committee responsible for the barrier facilities?

Didn’t they work overtime today?!

Meanwhile, in the chat group,

“Is nobody battling today?” Misty asked curiously.

“Teacher Lu’s match is tomorrow afternoon;

I’m the first match tomorrow.” Ash said.

In the top four tournament, Ash and Paul were grouped together, starting a fateful rivalry.

In the anime, Infernape achieved the feat of defeating three opponents at once.

In this ‘Battle of the Gods,’ Ash’s Infernape gained countless fans and became the acknowledged Tier 0 member of his team.

Teacher Lu was also interested in this battle and planned to watch live tomorrow.

“Darkrai has already advanced to the semifinals.”

Lucian pushed up his rimless glasses, holding a book, and said calmly, “He maintained his usual efficiency. Even in 6v6, he didn’t send out a second Pokémon.”

Flint asked curiously, “Weren’t you working overtime repairing the Light Screen barrier today? How do you still have time to chat?”

“Although it was overtime...”

Lucian rolled up his suit sleeves, glanced at his watch, and said elegantly, “Let’s finish the afternoon tea before talking about work.”

Lance, drinking tea in his office, agreed: “Indeed, work-life balance is necessary.”

Grimsley, Lance’s subordinate investigator, secretly complained: “Clearly, I’m the one working every day!”

Of course, the righteous Lance’s actions were often cross-regional inspections.

On free days, having tea and smoothing the cape was far better than ‘creating a new world.’

Lu Ye thoughtfully looked at the training ground’s Light Screen barrier that needed reinforcement.

It seemed Lucian, responsible for barrier maintenance... just happened to be having afternoon tea...

Lu Ye looked up at the hardworking little creatures training, suddenly inspired.

“Little Rotom—” Lu Ye called, “Report the time!”

“Beep beep... 3:05 PM, Loto!”

Lu Ye shuddered.

It was past three;

training was pointless now!

“@Lucian, I’m coming for afternoon tea too!”

...

The ‘Sasha Rock’ had been delivered to Lilycove Island by Rocket Delivery.

“Yoji~ (￣～￣)” Larvitar chewed on the mineral, and the ‘Sandstorm’ training plan was proceeding smoothly.

Lu Ye treated the trio to afternoon tea and glanced over the financial report.

“So much!!!” Lu Ye stared at the document in shock.

“This isn’t even enough to make one large machine, meow~” Meowth rested its arm on the table.

“Yeah, after two or three machines, funds will be tight again.” James added.

“There’s still a week left;

we’ll definitely earn more by the finals!” Jessie clenched her fist with fiery determination.

Lu Ye: “...”

Their working ability had already exceeded my understanding!

“You guys...” Lu Ye said seriously, “Don’t act rashly during this period. Follow my plan;

accumulating funds is your primary mission!”

“Why, Meowth?” Meowth asked curiously.

“Yeah, we’ve saved enough to really shine for Team Rocket!” James said excitedly.

Because your stalls are more reliable than other operations... Teacher Lu rephrased:

“Because we’re going to do something big!”

“The current funds are far from enough!” Lu Ye said solemnly, “Keep saving and stop making those unreliable machines!”

The trio shuddered all over.

Something big!

“Th-the current funds are far from enough, meow?” Meowth asked in a trembling voice.

“That’s right.” Lu Ye nodded.

“How long do we...” James swallowed, “Keep accumulating?”

“Wait until the Lily of the Valley Conference ends first.” Lu Ye mused, “During this time, don’t cause trouble on your own!”

The trio looked up at the sky, as if already seeing themselves promoted to senior officers.

Before that, the senior officers symbolized by Nassi, Marshal, and Grimsley were idols in the hearts of all Team Rocket members!

Such a wonderful feeling~~

“Understood!” The trio saluted abruptly, shouting loudly, “We will develop new projects and continue earning funds!”

Lu Ye nodded slightly.

Letting them save funds themselves was better than making robots that got blown up.

If it really didn’t work out, this money could also support Meowth opening a ramen shop, Jessie becoming an actress, and James collecting limited-edition bottle caps...

The next day, at the Lily of the Valley Conference, Ash and Paul’s semifinal match.

Lu Ye and Cynthia arrived at the spectator seats to watch this classic showdown.

“The encounter between life and life...”

Cynthia gazed at the two completely opposite trainers and whispered.

“Always gives birth to something new.” Lu Ye naturally finished the sentence.

Cynthia glanced at Lu Ye, showing a faint smile, then turned her head, her profile sharp and delicate.

“That is... bonds.”

This famous phrase from Bamboo Lan symbolized the tangled bonds between Ash and Paul since the beginning in the Sinnoh region.

At this moment, emotions clashed, tactics faced off, and Pokémon battles unfolded!

“Go, Pikachu!” Ash shouted.

“Blastoise, it’s your call!” Paul snarled.

The field rumbled as the armored metallic beast Blastoise shimmered with cold light;

Pikachu crouched low on all fours.

“Pika!” Iron Tail hit Blastoise with little effect. Ash recalled Pikachu and sent out Infernape.

“Wooar!!” Infernape burst with incredible speed, its iron fists glowing white as it slammed into Blastoise!

“Ash finally learned type advantage.” Teacher Lu was very pleased.

“But Paul is also good at switching.” Cynthia rested her slender hand on her cheek.

Paul sent out Gastrodon, spinning murky water to form a revolving shield, combining elegance and defensive strategy, impressing the audience.

“I’ve learned that move too!” Ash’s eyes blazed as he recalled Infernape, “Come on, Buizel!”

According to the agreement, Ash only sent out his Sinnoh partners besides Pikachu to prove his tactical and nurturing abilities were not inferior to Paul’s.

But obviously, Ash was not good at command and was almost unilaterally suppressed by Paul, the situation turning bleak!

After Torterra was nearly one-shot by Drapion, Cynthia frowned slightly:

“Ash... isn’t very good with this kind of stall Pokémon.”

Lu Ye nodded, “Ash isn’t good at spatial tactics;

his high-speed style clashes with Torterra... losing was inevitable.”

“But,” Lu Ye smiled, “he has his own ace Pokémon.”

“Go, Infernape!!” Ash shouted as flames behind Infernape suddenly rose, shining with brilliant golden light!!

In a near desperate situation, Infernape strongly reversed Paul’s Drapion, the scorching heat of Flare Blitz melting the Toxic Spikes on the field.

Lu Ye was slightly stunned.

Flare Blitz can clear spikes... Ash, that move’s illegal!

Infernape won battle after battle and finally clashed fists with Paul’s Electivire.

“Mach Punch!!”

“Thunder Punch!!”

Ash and Paul shouted simultaneously.

The raging Infernape roared, clashing fists with Electivire’s lightning.

Boom!!

The despair when abandoned by Paul, the dawn upon meeting Ash, the confusion when losing to an old rival.

At this moment, Infernape’s eyes blazed with golden flames, finding its own bond.

“Wooar!!” Infernape’s Mach Punch surged with fierce light, fiercely defeating Electivire!!

Amidst the silence, the stadium suddenly exploded with cheers.

Ash stood in the noisy stadium, murmuring, “I won...”

Then he and Infernape leapt into a hug, laughing loudly, “We won!”

Lu Ye twitched his eyelid.

Silly guy, didn’t you see Infernape was about to be hugged unconscious?

Know your own strength, please!!

Paul’s face was gloomy as he looked at the injured Electivire in the Poké Ball.

In the end, he smiled faintly and said quietly, “Thank you for your hard work.”

Even though I didn’t win, I showed my results to Champion Cynthia and Teacher Lu...

Then Paul turned to leave, and Ash called out loudly behind him.

“Paul!!”

Paul stopped.

“Next time, let’s battle together again!” Ash shouted.

“Pikachu~!”

Paul was stunned for a long moment, smiled quietly, still facing away from Ash, and waved as he left.

The rivalry between these two enemies finally came to a close.

In the anime, Paul was once considered the most successful rival character.

But in later anime episodes, Paul never returned, and the rival changed from a person to a dog...

Lu Ye stroked his chin, analyzing Ash’s battle strengths and weaknesses.

Ash, who excelled at high-speed face-rushing, struggled when using stall-type Pokémon.

As a senior, of course, I have to show some textbook-level maneuvers!

“What Pokémon will you use this afternoon?” Cynthia rested her slender hand on her chin, asking with interest.

“Heavy armored tanks.”

Lu Ye said thoughtfully, “Showing off Arcanine’s stall tactics!”