Looking at Pikachu crouched low on all fours, Teacher Lu’s heart stirred slightly.

Pikachu’s performance in league tournaments was often erratic, a true wild card.

When facing strong opponents, Pikachu would often erupt with fierce fighting spirit, transforming into the “Pikachu God.”

But most of the time, Pikachu coasted along, earning the nickname “Drama King.”

When battling Pikachu, the key was to prevent it from entering its berserk state... psychological warfare was therefore a crucial tactical element.

“Starting with Pikachu, huh.” Lu Ye clenched the Poké Ball, just as expected.

According to the pre-match lineup, Teacher Lu sent out his “counter to Pikachu’s treasured weapon” —

“It’s decided then, Togepi!”

Togepi was no weakling;

it had joined the team even before Sirfetch’d.

Only because of its cute baby form did many overlook its formidable strength.

Starting with Togepi, even if the initial read was off, the “relay” tactic allowed for seamless switching.

Moreover... Togepi’s luck could rival the Pikachu God’s berserk power!

At this moment,

a fierce battle of adorable youngsters officially began!

A beam of white light shot from the Poké Ball, and the little one popped out with a joyful ‘bang.’

“Chajiduyi~! (◍˃̶ᗜ˂̶◍)✩”

After landing, Togepi swayed, steadied itself, and happily waved its tiny hands.

The crowd outside erupted, and the livestream chat exploded with messages.

“Using a baby to fight in the Baby Cup finals, that makes sense!”

“Blastoise in a good position, Togepi in adversity!”

“Sirfetch’d in an absolute pinch?”

“This isn’t throwing the match, this is damn well prepared!”

Around the stands, A-Jin’s Togekiss shot out of its Poké Ball with a ‘bang,’ excitedly flapping its wings.

“Pokku pokku!!” (Go, little sister!!)

“You’re blocking my view, Togekiss,” A-Jin said.

“Pokku? (╬◣д◢)”

On the other side of the stands,

Delia smiled gently, resting her cheek in her hand: “Oh my, both Togepi and Pikachu are so adorable~”

Green frowned slightly and whispered, “This is Teacher Lu... trying to limit Pikachu’s performance, isn’t it?”

“Then let’s compose a haiku for Togepi—”

Professor Samuel Oak folded his arms, nodded, eyes brightening as he clapped his hands laughing:

“On a cold morning, Togepi snuggles in the blanket, truly adorable!”

Though inspired, Professor Oak was ignored as all eyes focused on the arena.

“Togepi is so cute!”

“One cute kid is enough for me…”

“Oh no, Ash’s Pikachu is about to perform!”

On the official battle stage,

“Pika...” Pikachu crouched low, glanced at Ash with some reluctance.

In the anime, Pikachu held back when facing Misty or Dawn, let alone battling Togepi.

“Don’t underestimate Togepi, Pikachu!” Ash said seriously. “That’s Teacher Lu’s Pokémon, give it your all!”

“Pika!” Pikachu nodded, looking at Togepi again, eyes focused, cheeks crackling with electricity.

The referee looked around and raised the flags: “Battle start!”

Ash suddenly reached out, shouting, “Pikachu, Quick Attack!”

“Pika!”

Pikachu crouched low, dashing forward like a streak of white light!

Teacher Lu already knew Pikachu’s usual move set by heart: Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Volt Tackle, Thunderbolt.

All reckless moves, and the tactics often failed, but that was Ash’s strongest strategy from Pallet Town!

“Togepi,” Lu Ye said, “use Charm!”

Charm greatly reduces the opponent’s aggression, a huge debuff against the Pikachu God’s three physical attacks.

As the saying goes, the best way to win is to defeat the enemy without fighting.

Conquering the city is low;

conquering the heart is supreme!

“Chajiduyi~ξ(✿＞◡❛)”

Togepi’s eyes sparkled, sending a cute gaze toward the charging Pikachu.

“Pika!” Pikachu was momentarily stunned, its speed slowing a bit.

“Duyi~” Togepi held a sparkling Evolution Stone in its tiny hands, greatly boosting both defenses!

Bang!

Togepi easily blocked the charge, twirled in the air, and landed lightly.

No one doubted either side’s opening choice now, and everyone held their breath.

For Teacher Lu, sending out Togepi seemed the best choice!

“Pikachu!” Ash immediately changed tactics: “Keep your distance, use Thunderbolt!”

“Pika!” Pikachu stood upright, leaping backward, cheeks crackling with surging electricity.

Teacher Lu raised an eyebrow, alert.

There was no way the Pikachu God could unleash Thunderbolt!

“Use mental focus to control Pikachu!”

“Chajiduyi~(ﾉﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉ”

Pikachu was midair, unable to dodge as Togepi waggled its finger, instantly entrapping Pikachu with pink psychic energy!

“Pika...” Pikachu struggled, trapped in pink psychic light, electricity unable to flow through its body.

During the Goldenrod City Psychic Gym challenge, Jynx’s near-bug psychic control had troubled Pikachu significantly.

Fortunately, its tail could still move. Ash shouted, “Pikachu, Iron Tail!”

“Pika!”

Pikachu’s Iron Tail slammed down with a loud boom!

“Ash’s Pikachu has broken free!” the commentator announced. “Next choices—”

A cloud of dust rose, blocking vision.

Lu Ye sensed Togepi’s position through the Power of Transcendence and gave a command.

‘Angel’s Kiss!’

“Go, Pikachu!”

Ash waved his hand fiercely, burning with fighting spirit: “Volt Tackle!”

Through the dust suddenly burst a pale blue electric light.

Pikachu glowed fiercely, sprinting across half the field like a lightning steed!

“Pikachu charges at incredible speed!” the commentator’s eyes widened. “This is the ultimate Electric move!”

“That commentator’s unprofessional,” Marshal pushed up his sunglasses, the golden chain on his camo vest gleaming in the sun.

“Of course,” A-Jin, playing the expert, commented, “Ultimate move? Still gotta watch my Pikchu’s Super Sunrise Shock!”

Marshal was stunned for a moment, muttering, “You say it so grand, but it’s really just Volt Tackle...”

The ultimate Electric move should summon lightning at the level of Raikou to perform “Ten Million Volts.”

Ash and Pikachu could use Z-Power to unleash “Ten Million Volts,” but Ash’s strength as a trainer was far from that yet!

Facing the dazzling, charging electric light, Lu Ye’s expression remained calm.

“Chajiduyi~”

Togepi placed its tiny hands behind and ran to the side, effortlessly dodging the charging Pikachu!

Bang!!

Pikachu crashed into the protective barrier at the field’s edge, smoke billowing, leaving a large scorched crater!

“Volt Tackle missed!” the commentator said stunned. “Togepi dodged so easily?!”

Sitting in the champion’s seat, Cynthia propped her cheek, a slight smile curling on her lips.

As Togekiss’s trainer, Cynthia naturally recognized the “abnormal state” just now.

Togepi’s “Angel’s Kiss,” boosted by luck, caused nearly guaranteed confusion.

In the earlier dust cloud, Lu Ye had indeed issued the “Angel’s Kiss” command!

Replay on the big screen showed Togepi’s movements.

“Chajiduyi~(୨୧•͈ᴗ•͈)◞︎ᶫᵒᵛᵉ♡”

The dazzling pale blue electric light streaked across the field as Togepi blew a flying kiss, quickly dodging aside.

The kiss struck the oncoming Pikachu, causing it to lose its target and crash straight into the protective barrier!

“Pikachu!” Ash shouted anxiously.

“Pika...” Pikachu staggered up from the barrier, eyes spinning, dazed and disoriented.

“Pikachu is confused!” the commentator said. “The dodge just now was thanks to Angel’s Kiss hitting successfully!”

The chat already scrolled with “dirty dirty dirty.”

“Togepi’s tactic can be so good?”

“No need to fight, Pikachu just knocked itself half out!”

Togekiss bounced excitedly beside A-Jin: “Pokku pokku!”

A-Jin’s face was pushed by Togekiss’s wings: “I see it, no need to get so excited!”

At the stands, Green’s expression was subtle;

he increasingly admired Teacher Lu’s insight.

Truly worthy of the title, Tactician!

Ash shouted: “Pikachu!!”

Whether Ash’s roar could clear the confusion was unknown.

Seizing the opportunity, Lu Ye commanded: “Magic Flame!”

“Chajiduyi~”

Taking advantage of Pikachu’s daze, Togepi traced a circle in the air. Elegant patterns glowed outside the circle, and a burst of orange flame shot from the center!

Bang!!

The magic flame engulfed Pikachu easily, the explosion sending it flying!

Ash yelled: “Pikachu!”

Pikachu flipped twice midair, shook its head, and barely stayed on its feet after landing.

“Come back for now.” Ash breathed a sigh of relief, looking at Pikachu.

“Pika pi!” Pikachu nodded and lightly ran back to Ash’s side, adjusting its disordered breathing.

Lu Ye’s heart tightened.

This is bad;

the Pikachu God wasn’t fully restricted!

Every time Pikachu returned, it seemed to regenerate...

I suspect this Pikachu’s illegal, has the “Regenerator” ability!

Behind Ash in the stands, Paul stood with hands in pockets, face cold.

Looking at the deep-in-thought Ash, Paul frowned.

Teacher Lu made thorough tactical arrangements to face you.

How will you respond, Ash?

“I have to take down Togepi before Angel’s Kiss is used again...”

Ash muttered, staring at the Poké Ball in his palm, eyes firm again.

In other words, he must gain the speed advantage!

Ash: “I choose you, Sceptile!”

The Poké Ball flew out, releasing a beam of white light.

Sceptile held a twig in its mouth, eyes sharp, leaf blades on its arms shimmering with an eerie glow: “Chao!”

“That’s Ash’s ace in the Hoenn region.”

Professor Oak crossed his arms, smiling: “A swift swordsman indeed!”

A breeze blew as Sceptile crossed its arms, closing its eyes, chewing the leaf.

“Ka’ao…”

Move with the gale, but remain cautious behind.

Seeing Sceptile, Lu Ye raised an eyebrow and recalled Togepi.

Against a sword master, one should fight with a sword saint!

“It’s decided, Sirfetch’d!”

Teacher Lu threw a Commemorative Poké Ball, releasing the snowy-white Sirfetch’d.

The white light faded, revealing Sirfetch’d on the field.

Sirfetch’d held a sword and shield, its V-shaped brows sharp, eyes piercing and extraordinary.

“Gah!”

Focused willpower that can pierce stubborn stone!

In the semifinals, Ducklett left a deep impression on the Lily of the Valley Conference audience.

Now, Sirfetch’d appeared again, facing Sceptile, who also specialized in Leaf Blade!

The entire livestream began to shake;

cheers erupted from all sides of the stands!

“Great Swordsman VS Great Swordsman!”

“Swagger like the wind, always by my side.”

“Who truly is the King of Swagger?!”

“Ducklett, kill for me!!”

No matter how loud the cheers around the stadium,

Sceptile and Sirfetch’d in the center remained unmoved.

“Chao...(｀⌒´メ)” Sceptile chewed its twig, half-closing its eyes, calmly sizing up Sirfetch’d.

It sensed the powerful aura, which made its eyes gleam, invigorating its fighting spirit.

“Gah! (´థ౪థ)σ” Sirfetch’d was resentful.

We just battled the day before! Why am I up again now?

Even a slacker carry must follow the basic rules~!

At the stands, Bruno chewed his bun steadily, watching the field with a calm gaze.

Whether Sceptile or Sirfetch’d, both were skilled swordsmen.

But their sword techniques differed entirely.

Rapid strikes like a sudden storm;

piercing thrusts like shooting stars.

Who will win... perhaps that is the true battle of minds!

This Sceptile had once recorded a god-slaying feat;

Teacher Lu was on high alert.

“Sirfetch’d, strike head-on!”

“Gah!” Sirfetch’d raised its sword and shield like a charging knight, its lance gleaming fiercely!

“Chao…”

Sceptile leaped forward at incredible speed, twig in mouth!

Your speed is too slow!

“That Quick Attack is so fast!” Bug-type King Aru exclaimed wide-eyed.

Even his famed Iron-Faced Ninja might not catch this Sceptile’s speed!

“Ash specializes in high-speed rush tactics,” Cynthia smiled slightly. “That’s also his advantage.”

Tactics? Charging headfirst is the best tactic!

Sceptile’s speed was truly impressive.

As they brushed past, Sceptile easily dodged Sirfetch’d’s lance.

Leaf Blades gleamed sharp green;

Sceptile’s counter sliced Sirfetch’d’s back!

Bang!!

“Teacher Lu’s move missed again!”

“Just like Ducklett, always like Teacher Lu!”

The hit did not slow Sceptile’s offense.

Blow after blow, rising in strength, raining down like a swift storm!

“This is Sceptile’s Night Slash move!” the commentator said. “Thanks to incredible speed, each slash grows sharper!”

“Chao chao!!”

Sceptile, twig in mouth, leaf blades glowing green, flashed back and forth, slicing Sirfetch’d repeatedly.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

In a short instant, Sirfetch’d’s back was covered in wounds, with no chance to counterattack!

“Sirfetch’d’s big leek is too clumsy!”

“Speed too slow... getting crushed by the fast rush!”

“Is this a case of ‘random punches kill the master’?”

Ash quietly clenched his sweating palm, continuing: “Sceptile, Night Slash!”

“Chao!” Sceptile’s Night Slash rose sharp and fierce, leaping to strike down!

While Sceptile attacked, Teacher Lu observed its openings.

“See through it!” Lu Ye said.

At the critical moment, Sirfetch’d turned, raising its shield;

Sceptile’s afterimage paused.

“Chao?!” Sceptile blinked twig in mouth, surprised.

“Gah!” Sirfetch’d raised its shield with sharp eyes, smiling calmly.

Bang!!

Sirfetch’d pushed forward with shield, performing a shield counter, forcing Sceptile’s attack to pause!

“Chao!”

Sceptile lightly jumped back, chewing its twig, glowing green all over.

“Sceptile!” Ash seized the chance, clenching his fist: “Use Leaf Storm!!”

Grass energy continuously poured into Sceptile’s lush tail, yellow sacs on its back shining with crystal light particles.

Sharp leaves whirled around Sceptile like blender blades, intensifying their barrage!!

“Forcing Sirfetch’d’s see-through ability out first, then Leaf Storm?”

Green smiled faintly with one hand in pocket: “Ash has improved a lot.”

“Just with this, it’s still far from enough to beat Lu Ye’s Sirfetch’d,” Professor Oak said solemnly.

Back in Oak’s backyard, this Sirfetch’d left a deep impression.

At this Lily of the Valley Conference, Sirfetch’d perfectly matched its aura with power!

“Endure it, Sirfetch’d,” Lu Ye said. “Use Swords Dance!”

In the next moment,

Countless leaves flashed with sharp edges, like thousands of blades raining down!

“Gah!!” Sirfetch’d centered itself, spinning shield and blade.

Like a duel between storms.

Cling! Cling! Cling!

Leaves and metal sparks flew in sharp, piercing sounds!

“This is...” Paul said blankly. “Counter Punch Shield?”

Even offensive or transforming moves could perfectly protect. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the Nov3lFɪre.ɴet

Both Paul and Ash used this move skillfully.

And as the “Tactician,” Teacher Lu... just barely mastered it!

Leaf Storm tore at Sirfetch’d’s blade;

many leaves penetrated defenses, hitting Ducklett’s body.

But more leaves were blocked by Sirfetch’d’s broad leek and sturdy shield, sparking and ringing sharply!

The huge leek was Sirfetch’d’s clumsy part but also its strength!

To use Leaf Storm, they kept a long distance, giving Sceptile a running start.

“Chao!”

After using the move, Sceptile made no pause, stomping the ground with a ‘bang,’ stirring airwaves, and leapt forward at high speed!

“Sceptile!” Ash shouted: “Leaf Blade!!”

“Chao!”

Sceptile clenched its twig, arms behind, leaf blades glowing sharp green, suddenly leaping!

Leaf Blades swept through a residual shadow net, slashing toward the looking-up Sirfetch’d!

One slash, a thousand strikes!!

“Gah...” Sirfetch’d looked calm but steady in stance.

Eyes shining brightly, it fixed its gaze on Sceptile.

“Chao!” Sceptile twitched sharply.

A true master always keeps a learner’s heart.

“Sirfetch’d,” Lu Ye said sharply, “use Brave Bird, full attack!”

Sirfetch’d raised its leek.

Behind it rose a golden shining giant bird, circling the blade, then slashing out with the sword’s momentum.

Enemies abound, every strike cuts deep!!

Bang!!

The brave bird’s cry tore through the leaf blade’s afterimage, shattering the slash, then dove down toward the airborne Sceptile!

“Chao!” Sceptile’s pupils contracted, twig in mouth, a cold sweat dripping from its brow!

Boom!!

A violent shockwave shook the stadium, and Sceptile was knocked back, crashing heavily to the ground.

Thud!

“Sceptile lost fighting ability!” the referee raised the flag.

Sirfetch’d’s snowy white body was covered with fine wounds, but its eyes gleamed brightly.

“Gah~(๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧” Sirfetch’d raised its blade.

The livestream lagged briefly, then flooded with ‘666’ everywhere!

“Rush attack? You call that a rush attack?”

“This Lily of the Valley Conference MVP is definitely Sirfetch’d!”

“My Ducklett is the number one great swordsman now!”

Around the stands, Bruno said solemnly: “Enduring the furious onslaught... deciding the outcome with one decisive strike.”

He closed his eyes and nodded: “Like a boxer’s knockout, that is the essence of fighting.”

“I thought Sirfetch’d was about to be crushed by the rush attack...” A-Jin muttered: “Good thing it had a shield wall!”

“Not a loss,” Marshal grinned: “Ash forced Sirfetch’d to use four moves already, that’s pretty good!”

“Good job, come back, Sceptile.”

Ash recalled Sceptile, closing his eyes to review the battle.

Teacher Lu’s Sirfetch’d didn’t carry any Fighting-type moves... that’s my chance!

“If strength decides the outcome, then it’s your turn!”

Ash threw out a Poké Ball sharply: “Please, Snorlax!”

The livestream chat flooded with ‘???’

“Reverse attribute master?”

“No, this should be the trainer’s thoughtful decision.”

Lu Ye raised an eyebrow.

Ash’s trainer skill had improved leaps and bounds since Sinnoh.

As for his Pokémon... many pros helped him train them, a privilege of Pallet Town trainers!

Bang!!

“Snorlax! (ー`´ー)”

When Snorlax landed, the whole stadium shook, but only for a moment.

In the chat group, Brock commented: “Ash’s Snorlax is comparatively slim for its kind.”

“Snorlax can also use rush tactics?” Misty asked curiously.

“Ash prefers that style,” Red said with a smile. “My Snorlax is a different style.”

Red’s Snorlax was a terrifying brute maxed on power, able to withstand Shinkansen-level attacks barehanded!

Ash’s Snorlax was a nimble chubby, doing fancy butterfly strokes and sumo wrestling.

Teacher Lu hadn’t known Ash’s starting lineup before.

Now, looking at Snorlax, Teacher Lu’s mood was complex.

Did Ash bring his full main team...?

This Snorlax from the Orange Islands had fewer battles but an impressive record, recognized as one of the aces.

“Gah! Σ(°△°|||)︴” Sirfetch’d, just done showing off, looked up at Snorlax, startled.

“Come back, Sirfetch’d!”

Lu Ye took out the Commemorative Poké Ball and recalled it. Ducklett finally relaxed.

Time to rest, Ducklett~ﾚ(ﾟ∀ﾟ;

)ﾍ=З=З

In this final, Teacher Lu didn’t give Sirfetch’d Fighting moves but gave other Pokémon Fighting moves.

“Go, Arcanine!” Lu Ye threw out a Luxury Ball.

“Howl!” Arcanine crouched, baring teeth, flaxen mane swaying, its black-red stripes majestic.

“Strategy against physical attackers!” the commentator said. “Lu Ye sent out Arcanine with the Intimidate ability!”

Snorlax and Arcanine stood facing each other.

Ash’s blue vest fluttered;

beside him Pikachu, ahead a solid Snorlax.

Seeing Teacher Lu’s Pokémon, Ash took a deep breath and said seriously:

“Snorlax, use Mega Punch!”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

“Snorlax!” Snorlax stepped solidly, eyes squinting, right fist glowing white, striking heavily at Arcanine!

“Charge in, use Close Combat!” Lu Ye said.

“Howl!” Arcanine crouched and lunged forward, mane flowing backward, limbs glowing sharp white!

Bang!!

Mega Punch hit Arcanine first, which growled low and kept charging!

“Protect!” Ash seized the chance, commanding.

Lu Ye was slightly surprised.

Didn’t expect you, big-eyed Ash, to bring Protect?

At the stands, Paul smiled slightly.

Rivals sometimes cooperate, Teacher Lu!

“Snorlax!” Snorlax crossed its arms, light green Light Screen glowing ahead, firmly blocking Arcanine’s charge.

Then Ash shouted: “Snorlax, Earthquake!”

“Snorlax!” Snorlax used its bulky body to shove Arcanine aside and nimbly leapt off the ground.

Thud!

The ground cracked!

“Ash’s Snorlax!” the commentator said, looking at the huge Snorlax. “Its jumping power is amazing!”

“Snorlax!” Snorlax spread its limbs, belly down, as if able to suppress all Pokémon with gravity’s blessing.

“Dig!” Lu Ye said.

Arcanine moved its front paws, burrowing underground before Snorlax’s descent.

Ash’s gaze hardened as he shouted: “Keep descending, use Mega Punch on the ground!”

“Snorlax!” Snorlax slammed down like a mountain, belly down, swinging its heavy right fist!

“Crash!”

Professor Oak’s eyes shone: “Is this causing an artificial earthquake?”

Green also looked surprised, arms crossed, smiling slightly:

“This flash of inspired command might be Ash’s unique talent.”

Teacher Lu looked up at the sky.

This command feels familiar!

Every tournament, Ash always has such spontaneous, inspired moves!

Ash jolted?

Rumble rumble rumble!

Snorlax fell from the sky, its heavy punch striking the ground, shaking the whole stadium violently.

Boom!!

Arcanine leapt out in time;

the terrifying shockwave swept through!

Facing it directly, Arcanine’s injuries were severe, baring teeth fiercely: “Howl!”

“That’s right!” Ash’s eyes gleamed, pumping his fist: “Snorlax, last Ultimate Impact!”

“That’s it.”

Lu Ye reached out: “Arcanine, Revival!”

Revival: the lower the health, the stronger the power;

doubles Fighting-type move effectiveness against Snorlax!

“Snorlax...” Snorlax barely got up from the sunken ground, stepping forward as a sharp light charged toward it.

Bang!!

“Howl!” Arcanine crashed fiercely into Snorlax’s abdomen.

Revival reversed the situation, slamming Snorlax hard and sending it flying into the protective barrier at the field edge!

Boom!!

Snorlax embedded in the barrier’s dent, shaking the entire stadium!

The audience was stunned, swallowing nervously.

“What... just happened?”

“Wasn’t Teacher Lu at a disadvantage? How did it suddenly turn?”

“This is part of your plan, right, Teacher Lu!”

“Snorlax...” Snorlax struggled out of the barrier, arms drooping, gasping, barely holding on.

Lu Ye looked surprised;

didn’t expect Snorlax could still stand.

But that’s why he liked these tenacious Pokémon.

Because of this, in battles expressing bonds, he must give his all!

Ash: “Snorlax, use Sleep—”

“Arcanine.” Lu Ye said sharply: “Extreme Speed!”

“Howl!”

Arcanine moved swiftly on powerful limbs, mane flowing, turning into a sharp white light, striking Snorlax first!

“Snorlax...” Snorlax groaned and fell backward.

Thud!!

Dust rose as the referee waved the flag.

“Snorlax lost fighting ability!”

“Howl~!” Arcanine raised its head and howled;

its black-red stripes showed courage and reliability.

Turning to Teacher Lu, it showed a hint of goofiness: “Howl! ᕦ(･ㅂ･)ᕤ”

“Good job~” Lu Ye petted Arcanine’s big head as it left the field.

Amid roaring cheers, Ash lowered his gaze and quietly clenched his fists.

It’s over... can’t go further?

“Ash.” Lu Ye suddenly spoke.

“Huh?”

“After this match...” Lu Ye smiled slightly and invited: “Come to my house with your Pokémon for dinner.”

“I made energy cubes, and... spicy curry.”

Ash’s blue vest fluttered with the airflow;

his eyes brightened as he nodded vigorously, grinning:

“No problem!”

“Please send out the next Pokémon!” the referee waved the flag.

Ash’s eyes regained faith, tipped his cap, and threw a Poké Ball like a baseball pitcher.

“Please, Infernape!”

“Woo!”

Infernape’s scales burned with flames, crouched low, eyes resolute, staring at Lu Ye.

“You’ve grown stronger, Infernape.” Lu Ye smiled, recalling the weak Chimchar from Sinnoh’s early days.

“Woo!!” Infernape nodded strongly, looking at Teacher Lu, eyes blazing with stronger fighting spirit.

Continuously challenging the strong, until trainer and Pokémon reached the peak of strength!

Lu Ye closed his eyes slightly, sensing Infernape’s emotions, whispering: “Challenging the strong...”

After recalling the hard-fought Arcanine, Lu Ye took out a Dive Ball, releasing a beam of white light.

The light faded, revealing Blastoise, its powerful aura overflowing and rippling outward.

“Woo!!”

Flames on Infernape’s scales surged;

it clenched its fists, eyes sharp.

“Ka-meh...”

Blastoise removed its sunglasses, casually tossing them aside, stretching its neck.

This tangible battle intent ignited the audience’s emotions, and everyone held their breath silently.

“Ash, Infernape.”

The breeze blew through Lu Ye’s black hair, his eyes flashing as a smile curved his lips.

“Let me see your current strength.”

...