The reason Teacher Lu loved Pokémon so much was mainly because Pokémon had their own unique emotions.

Every encounter between a Pokémon and its trainer could cultivate a new bond.

Ash’s rebellious Charizard, the show-off Sceptile, the determined and unyielding Big Brother...

A-Jin’s ‘little sister protector’ Togebro, Tail Boy who was good at billiards, Pikchu with the same hairstyle...

Steven’s unbeatable Platinum Metagross;

Cynthia’s imposing Garchomp;

Red’s legendary Venusaur—

And the Baby Cup champion’s Haunter, the tsundere Sylveon, the cautious Blastoise...

Trainers and Pokémon gradually become more alike, their emotions and bonds growing ever tighter.

This was an important truth that Teacher Lu grasped in just over a year.

Dimly, Lu Ye opened his eyes, and what met his gaze was Haunter yawning on the ceiling.

“Gengarrr~~” Haunter lay like a balloon on the roof, its sleeping face adorably innocent.

But waking up to see a ghost was still pretty terrifying.

Lu Ye: “...”

If Haunter climbs into bed in the middle of the night, does that count as sleep paralysis?

Morning light filtered through the window screen, shining into the room where a golden-haired beauty lay on her side with her back turned, wearing a blue shirt on a white pillow.

Her golden hair was spread across the white bed, with several strands of black hair resting against her delicate, snow-white neck. Her breathing was even, her aquiline nose high, and the corner of her lips curved in its usual arc from the side.

Lu Ye got up quietly.

He greeted the Rotom in its vacuum cleaner form working in the living room with a ‘beep beep’.

A faint wave of aura came from the cubic fish tank.

Then he walked into the kitchen and called Rotom to activate the ‘Legendary Kitchenware Mode’, thinking over today’s menu.

Sylveon would half-sleepily stroll into the kitchen, swipe half a tree fruit off the cutting board with its ribbon, then stagger back to sleep.

Sirfetch’d sometimes helped cut vegetables, sometimes practiced wielding its leek outside in the open space: “Gah! (´థ౪థ)σ”

Arcanine lay in the living room like a lion guarding its territory, but when it stuck out its tongue, it looked like a goofy husky.

“Yoji…” Larvitar watched Togepi play games with intense focus, or stared unblinkingly at the TV.

Lu Ye prepared a delicious breakfast, waiting for the golden-haired beauty to come out of the bedroom, scratching her messy hair, exchanging morning greetings.

This was a normal day on Lilycove Island during the Lily of the Valley Conference.

**

The Lily of the Valley Conference finals were a battle between Ash and Teacher Lu.

To fight at full strength, Ash recalled veteran ace Pokémon from previous regions, including Lucario from Cameron Palace.

At the Tree of Beginning, Teacher Lu and Blastoise saved the withering World Tree;

Lucario also met Ash, a Wave Warrior whose aura matched that of Aogen, and promised to follow Ash into battle if needed, so Lucario was Ash’s starting Pokémon for the Lily of the Valley Conference.

In the training grounds on Lilycove Island, Aogen, wearing a gentleman’s hat, stood with Lucario by his side, looking at Ash with some surprise.

“This is the one you mentioned,” Aogen asked in astonishment, “the Lucario guarding the World Tree?”

“Yes,” Ash smiled, “this guy’s always pretty cold!”

Lucario crossed its arms and glanced at Aogen with red eyes.

So he’s a descendant of Aogen...

Lucario closed its eyes again, a slight smile curling at the corner of its mouth.

It seemed Aogen’s descendant had inherited his aura talent.

Aogen’s expression was subtle.

As an Aura Guardian, Aogen could sense the aura power in Lucario, sharing the same source as his ancestor.

This feeling… was like the ancestor had just crawled out of a seal, only to be tamed by Ash!

“Cough!” Aogen changed the subject, “To face Teacher Lu, we must target his Blastoise as much as possible.”

“Teacher Lu’s Blastoise’s mastery of aura… is truly rare!” Aogen said with deep feeling.

Ash nodded, exchanging a glance with Lucario beside him.

Lucario’s eyes flickered with fierce fighting spirit:

“I look forward to battling Lu Ye and that Blastoise!”

That fighting spirit transformed into swirling aura, igniting Ash and his ace Pokémon.

“Sceptile!” The Sceptile held a leaf in its mouth, its Leaf Blades shimmering cold light on its arms.

“Charizard!” Charizard arrogantly breathed a stream of fire into the sky, spreading its wings.

“Infernape!” The Fire/Fighting-type crouched low, golden scales burning with flame, its gaze deep and resolute.

“Snor… (￣—￣)”

Snorlax was sleeping, and Gible bounced on its belly, laughing loudly.

“Pika!” Pikachu was panicked, trying to call Gible down because Snorlax’s temper was quite violent when woken.

“Gible, get down!” Ash ran back to rescue the situation, playing around with his Pokémon.

Paul stood with his hands in his pockets, watching coldly. Inside, a block of ice quietly melted.

“Different trainers have different styles,” Paul murmured with eyes closed.

At this moment, he understood Bamboo Lan’s championship philosophy and Teacher Lu’s teachings.

Gradually, Paul pursed his lips and looked at Ash’s figure.

This guy... will become my strongest rival.

**

In the chat group.

“Ash and Teacher Lu meeting in the finals?”

Lila blinked, covering her mouth with a smile: “I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Ash once defeated the Pharaoh Brandon from the Exploration Zone,” Brock said, “recalling the old teammates should also bring some brilliant performances.”

Green said coldly, “Ash is already the most dragging trainer in Pallet Town.”

Lu Ye was slightly stunned.

Why does it feel like Pallet Town is dead last again?

Lorelei sighed, resting her chin on her hand: “Isn’t that because Pallet Town is full of monsters… No comparison, no hurt!”

Lance sat in the office drinking tea, wrapped in a cloak, casually said:

“Professor Oak said every league conference has Pallet Town trainers present. It’s an old story passed down.”

A-Jin chuckled, “So that’s why Red Senior crushed you, Doduo!”

With the release of Pokémon, Doduo’s nickname gradually spread.

But for the Dragon-type champion Lance… it was undoubtedly a provocation!

Lance’s red hair bristled like an angry dragon!

[Group member ‘A-Jin’ was removed from the chat group by admin ‘Yu Long Du’!]

“Just got out of the penalty box and kicked out again.” Whitney said gleefully, “That’s rough!”

“I feel sorry for A-Jin.” Red cleared his throat, “Just released him from the penalty box, didn’t expect…”

“Setbacks are an important part of a trainer’s growth.” Steven smiled.

“Why have time to chat today?” Wallace asked.

Lorelei’s mouth twitched crazily.

Could it be Wallace set a special ‘concern’ for Steven? Every time Steven logs in, Wallace shows up!

“Ah, helping Teacher Lu inquire about Mega Stones, so I gave myself a day off.” Steven explained.

Teacher Lu: ???

Damn Steven... (×)

Damn Gold the Fifth! (√)

“I rejected A-Jin’s application to join the group.” Lu Ye said calmly, “Need to calm down.”

Flint scratched his afro: “What lineup will Teacher Lu use in the finals?”

“Asking about a trainer’s tactical arrangements is out of line.” Lucian closed his folder elegantly, “We’ll see the results in the match the day after tomorrow.”

Whoever wins the championship will challenge the Champion League.

Lucian will welcome the challenge as Sinnoh’s strongest monarch.

Because—

A gleam flashed in Lucian’s eyes behind his glasses.

“I’m tired, don’t want to work overtime anymore! (;

´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)”

The understanding Krista invited A-Jin back into the chat group.

This time A-Jin was smart, privately messaging Teacher Lu first to show revolutionary friendship.

“Next time we play billiards, how about I let you have ten strokes?” A-Jin said sincerely.

Teacher Lu: “…”

For Teacher Lu, who could pocket the white ball around the black eight ball—

This sentence hit the mark perfectly!

“Looks like after the Lily of the Valley Conference,” Lu Ye thought quietly, “I’ll have to host another feast again...”

**

Closing the chat group, Teacher Lu glanced at the tournament schedule.

The semifinals had just ended;

the finals would be held at the main venue with the eternal flame the day after tomorrow.

Sinnoh Champion, the Elite Four, and Chairman Mr. Goodshow would all attend.

Visitors to Lilycove Island were increasing rather than decreasing, many coming just to watch the finals.

Marshal focused on his captain duties after losing confidence, shuttling guests between Kanto and Lilycove these days.

Delia and Mr. Mime also took the Waterflow to cheer for Ash and meet Teacher Lu.

“Ash has caused you so much trouble~” Delia held her cheeks, handing over handmade pastries, smiling softly.

“Not at all.” Lu Ye replied politely, “I came for the Sinnoh Champion too, so...”

“No, no need to hold back. Please give Ash a good scolding.”

Delia’s eyes were serious;

this gentle woman was also a strict mother.

“Let that child experience the harshness of the trainer’s path—”

A trace of melancholy flashed in Delia’s eyes. Ash’s father was a trainer but went missing during an expedition.

She raised the family alone. This resilient mother had her own considerations.

“If after such a setback, he still doesn’t give up on this path...”

Delia’s gaze was firm, smiling:

“Then I can only continue supporting Ash to become a Pokémon Master!”

Lu Ye was stunned for a moment, then nodded: “Rest assured—”

“I will make Ash truly experience what harshness means!”

**

In the afternoon, visitors to Lilycove Island increased further.

Misty’s booth was deserted;

Team Rocket’s business was booming.

“Darkrai passionately endorses, card pack drop rates are truly generous, meow!” Meowth shouted from the booth.

James rubbed his hands, smiling: “Yeah yeah, we definitely won’t say this was deliberately designed—”

Jessie covered James’s mouth, stiffly smiling: “Ha, anyway, everyone come buy quickly!”

Tourists looked at each other, and despite the trio’s nervousness, surged forward like a tide.

“I want Teacher Lu’s merchandise!”

“I want the champion Bamboo Lan’s ice cream!”

“Card pull! Blue sky and white clouds? Pull again! I’m gonna pull till I explode!”

The pre-finals hype stage was well prepared by media and reporters.

News reached the Pokémon metropolis, and Lu Ye, the dazzling genius trainer, attracted countless eyes.

“Teacher Lu is playing Baby Cup again!” ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novel(ꜰ)ire.net

“After conquering the Sinnoh League... Teacher Lu should come back to challenge the Champion Road and compete for the championship title!”

“Champion Road? No more than the Junior Cup!”

Teacher Lu planned to return and challenge the Champion Road, aiming for the Eastern Champion title.

However, only two Pokémon on the team currently had champion-level strength… so prudently, more training time was needed!

The ore sent by Steven, Sasha Rock, was almost worn down by Larvitar’s gnawing.

Larvitar had already mastered Sandstorm, but future training goals were tough—especially on the wallet.

One of Larvitar’s signature moves was Sharp Stone Attack, smashing the ground to raise rows of sharp rock pillars. With an 80% hit rate, the power was impressive.

To let Larvitar master the Rock-type Sharp Stone Attack, there could be no skimping on ore or training ground rental fees.

But Teacher Lu was currently worth over a hundred million.

His stomach was the real problem;

otherwise, he’d consider sponsoring Bamboo Lan!

Ash’s parents, traveling in Alola, learned of the Lily of the Valley Conference finals and called via video chat.

“The finals of the Lily of the Valley Conference should be much higher level than your previous Piplup Cup, right?” His mother Liang Fang had looked it up and asked tentatively.

“About the same level.”

Lu Ye smiled, “No need to trouble you two!”

Liang Fang relaxed and began nagging about dressing warmly and eating well, like a gentle breeze blowing through a reed field.

Lu Ye listened quietly, glancing at Haunter beside him watching with a concerned face: “Gengarrr?”

“Nothing.” Lu Ye couldn’t help but smile.

...

June 3rd, Thursday, clear and windless.

The main venue on Lilycove Island, with stands on all four sides seating 100,000, was packed to capacity.

The finals of the Lily of the Valley Conference were about to begin in the main arena!

The momentum turned into a terrifying wave of sound, cheers shaking the venue, excitement and passion pouring out.

A-Jin sat with Bruno and Marshal.

They looked across a few seats at Xiao Yin and Misty, Krista and Ami.

A-Jin sighed, “Why do I have to sit with these two big guys?”

Marshal wore sunglasses, a gold chain, and a camouflage vest, arms crossed: “That’s the result of that so-called king Lucian looking out for us!”

Bruno’s broad back blocked the view of the audience behind, so he had to bend down, clasping his hands.

Today he wore an oversized white T-shirt hiding his fierce scars, looking disappointed: “The steamed buns are all gone...”

A-Jin patted Bruno’s shoulder with a grin: “Persuade Doduo... persuade Lance to let me join the group, I’ll have Tail Boy buy you some Angry Steamed Buns?”

Bruno’s eyes lit up, shaking hands with A-Jin: “Deal!”

Professor Oak and Green came all the way to Lilycove Island, buying tickets normally without special treatment from the Sinnoh League.

“Oh!” Professor Oak wore his white coat, surveying the field: “The scale is no less than Quartz Plateau!”

“The entire Lilycove Island is planned for the League Conference.” Green wore a purple top, one hand in pocket: “Not surprising to see this level.”

Delia waved a cheer baton excitedly: “Mr. Mime, look, Ash is coming on stage!”

“Bari!!” Mr. Mime cheered accordingly.

“Next, please welcome the trainer from Pallet Town, contestant Ash!!”

Ash appeared from the player tunnel, the cheers growing louder, excitedly waving around.

This was the closest he had ever been to the league championship.

Ash’s chest warmed, waving his hand, eyes looking toward Delia in the audience, smiling widely.

Even if he couldn’t defeat Teacher Lu… he would prove the bond between me and everyone with battle!

“Next, let’s welcome the contestant from the Pokémon Metropolis, Lu Ye!!”

Cynthia in a black trench coat crossed her legs, the corner of her mouth slowly curving upward.

Aru’s cowlick shook: “Lu... Teacher Lu is on stage!”

“Why so excited?” Flint asked curiously.

“If Teacher Lu wins, he might challenge the Elite Four’s spot.” Aru stammered, “Now is the time to observe his tactics carefully!”

Flint put his hands in his pockets, his expression strange.

If Teacher Lu really challenged… it would be with Blastoise, challenging me, right?!

Glancing at the elegant Lucian, Flint’s heart sank.

Lucian was working overtime... definitely no time to accept Teacher Lu’s challenge!

Cheers were enthusiastic. Lu Ye reached out to the camera, showing a slight smile.

Next to him, Haunter stretched its mouth sideways, eyes rolling left and right, sticking out its tongue making a funny face: “Gengarrr!”

Laughter with good intentions echoed in the arena.

“Gengarrr!” Haunter grinned, then dived back into Lu Ye’s shadow like a diver.

The Rotom Pokédex flapped its mechanical arms, flying beside Lu Ye, broadcasting:

“Personal live stream started, Rotom~!”

Fans who couldn’t reach the scene flooded into Teacher Lu’s first-person perspective live stream.

“Here, brothers!”

“My Poké Ball moved!”

“Go go go!”

On all sides of the stands sat Doduo in a cloak, the cold-faced Paul, Aogen wearing a gentleman’s hat.

The Sinnoh Elite Four, Champion Cynthia, and the far-traveled Professor Oak...

Trainers familiar and unfamiliar focused on this Lily of the Valley Conference final.

Ash’s blue vest fluttered in the wind. He took a deep breath and adjusted his hat’s brim.

The first starter for the entire match had already been decided before the match began.

Lu Ye looked at Ash, smiling faintly: “Attack with everything you’ve got, Ash!”

Ash’s eyes hardened, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth, and he suddenly reached out:

“It’s decided, Pikachu!”

“Pika!”

Pikachu jumped from Ash’s shoulder to his arm, then leaped into the battle arena, four paws on the ground, cheeks crackling with electricity!