Bang! Bang!

Brilliant fireworks still bloomed above the stadium.

The audience's shouts and cheers were generously bestowed upon the Champion League victor.

The large screen reflected the black-haired young man, who still wore a gentle smile.

Haunter floated beside him, pulling open its mouth corners and wiggling its tongue at the big screen with a 'ReoReo' sound.

The audience erupted in good-natured laughter.

"Brothers, Teacher Lu is showing off!"

"Why does your Haunter have Levitate ability?"

"Is Teacher Lu going to continue challenging the Sinnoh Champion right away!?"

Amid the stadium's roaring atmosphere.

Lucian stood with one hand in his burgundy pants pocket, giving Lu Ye a questioning glance.

According to Champion League rules, the victor could immediately challenge the League Champion.

Just like Red in the "FireRed" game, who battled the 'gatekeeper' Green immediately after defeating Lance.

This battle created the tragic case of 'shortest-reigning Champion ever,' while also illustrating the Champion League's rules.

But from a humane perspective.

The League usually gives tournament winners several days of rest—

Only extremely confident trainers, or those already possessing great strength, would choose to continue challenging for the Champion title!

"It's not about challenging the Champion..."

Lu Ye chuckled wryly.

"But for me, it might be a challenge nonetheless."

Lucian raised an eyebrow slightly, adjusted his glasses, and said with apparent understanding: "Then I shall take my leave first."

Clap clap clap—

The audience gave warm applause to Lucian, who had fought with all his might.

This elegant scholar always wore burgundy suits and carried a hardcover book, no matter the occasion.

Even losing to Teacher Lu didn't diminish the popularity he'd gained through the Champion League.

Lucian walked slowly toward the player tunnel, smiling gracefully at the cameras.

He exhaled a barely noticeable sigh.

"After this league, I should be able to rest for a few days..." Lucian thought to himself.

Suddenly, Teacher Lu's shout came from behind:

"You're the one who used Earthquake on your own field, it's not my fault!"

Lucian stumbled slightly, turned around and said with difficulty:

"Ahem, I'll take care of it... please don't worry about that!"

With that, Lucian walked away with a weary figure, slowly disappearing into the player tunnel.

Lu Ye watched him go, sighing with emotion:

"Good thing I'm not taking over as an Elite Four member..."

The commentator announced: "After the post-match segment, we'll have a personal interview with Teacher Lu!"

After exchanges between trainers.

The female host and her equipment-carrying partner hurried to the main stage at one side of the stadium.

The center of the main stage held a burning sacred flame basin, with a red-carpeted staircase extending forward to the highest Champion throne.

When a league winner challenged the Champion.

The League Champion would descend these stairs, staking their Champion's honor on a full battle with the challenger.

Lu Ye stood with hands in pockets, gazing thoughtfully at that position.

"Gengarrr~" Haunter floated nearby, covering its mouth with a sly laugh.

Seeing Teacher Lu showed no intention of leaving.

The entire live stream exploded with excitement.

Viewership numbers were even higher than before!

"Holy crap, is Teacher Lu going to continue challenging?"

"Is he crazy? Battling both Elite Four and Champion back-to-back?"

"Whoever wins between Teacher Lu and Cynthia... Lucian might be the biggest loser!"

The live audience also sensed something unusual.

Restrained yet excited emotions spread continuously through the stadium.

A-Jin placed a hand over his black bangs, looking around:

"What's happening? What's going on!"

"Teacher Lu... seems to be continuing his challenge against the Sinnoh Champion!"

Bruno stood with arms crossed, eyes shining intensely.

This confidence and courage stemming from immense strength.

Truly sets an example for us martial artists!

"I think..." The Girl opened her mouth but hesitated.

Among the Kanto trio, The Girl was first to recognize Ash's female identity and noticed Ash's feelings for Red.

She was the most perceptive among Pokédex holders of the same age, especially sensitive about romance matters.

'I think the atmosphere feels somewhat ambiguous.' The Girl didn't speak the latter half aloud.

By the second-floor floor-to-ceiling window.

Aru and Flint's gazes focused simultaneously on Cynthia standing by the window.

"Will big sis accept Teacher Lu's challenge?" Aru whispered speculatively.

"Idiot!" Flint scolded in a low voice: "Taking advantage of Teacher Lu's weakened state, she'd definitely win the battle!"

Grandma Kukuno sat on the sofa, holding a thermos cup, slowly blowing away the heat.

With her extensive experience, Grandma Kukuno's wrinkles smoothed out, revealing a slight smile.

Flint and Aru were still too young...

But... even I feel somewhat excited!

Cynthia gazed at Lu Ye, her black trench coat exuding noble elegance, one arm crossed, the other hand elegantly supporting her chin.

Her dazzling, smooth golden hair cascaded beside her face, her profile elegant and refined, carrying a faint curve at the corners of her lips.

Tap, tap.

Her heels beneath wide-leg black pants tapped the floor.

Her long golden hair reaching her slender waist, Cynthia turned and walked toward the Sinnoh Champion's seat.

"I'll be back soon."

The main stage buzzed with excitement.

Meowth said through tears: "Why aren't we taking photos for the boss~ meow!"

"Because everything happened too suddenly, we didn't have time to disguise and sneak in..." James sighed.

Musashi similarly clenched her fist: "Damn it... that female host isn't even as pretty as me!"

Musashi shot them a cold glance.

James: "Yes, haha, what Musashi says is right!"

Meowth: "With some makeup, Musashi could be a great beauty too~ meow!" For original chapters go to novel·fire.net

Musashi crossed her arms proudly, turning her head away as Wobbuffet 'popped' out of its Pokéball.

"So~~ nan su!"

The female host and her camera-equipped partner approached, microphone pointed at Lu Ye.

After some routine questions, the host asked: "Are you planning to take up the Sinnoh Elite Four position?"

The big screen showed Lu Ye being interviewed, causing another stir through the stadium.

That meant—

The host's eyes flashed with excitement, her voice slightly trembling:

"Th-then, does that mean you plan to continue challenging, the Sinnoh League Champion!?"

The entire stadium fell strangely quiet, as if awaiting Teacher Lu's response.

In the Sinnoh League's most prestigious tournament, completely defeating Sinnoh's strongest Elite Four member.

Teacher Lu had already demonstrated a Champion's strength, strategy, and demeanor.

Just as Lu Ye was about to answer.

The entire stadium suddenly erupted with uncontrollable cheers.

"Champion Cynthia is making her appearance!!"

Lu Ye paused slightly, looking up at the long, red-carpeted Champion staircase.

Cynthia was descending gracefully from the symbolic Champion throne, down the lengthy steps, her eyes clear, beautiful golden hair swaying in the wind.

She extended her arm sideways, a red beam shooting from the Pokéball in her palm.

"Grah!!"

Garchomp's eyes burned crimson, radiating fierce killing intent, its white bone spikes glinting coldly.

Spreading its scythe-like arms, Garchomp followed slowly behind Cynthia, gradually approaching the main stage.

The entire main stage resembled a natural battlefield.

Whoosh!

The sacred flame in the silver basin burned brightly.

The audience held their breath, as if the very air froze under this tangible, chilling aura!

"This aura, it's simply..."

Ami lowered her blushing face, feeling both envy and inexplicable insecurity, whispering softly:

"This is... Champion Cynthia..."

The female host and cameraman stared at Cynthia, arms stiffly raised, momentarily forgetting their duties.

"Huh?" The host started.

Looking around, on east and west sides of the main stage.

Stood Teacher Lu and Cynthia respectively.

She and her camera partner had become unnecessary characters, blocking the entire audience's view!

Lu Ye comforted with a smile: "Let's continue the interview later—"

Then, looking up, he met Cynthia's meaningful gaze.

"Ahem, right now I have more important matters."

"Whew... th-thank you!"

The host nodded gratefully and hurried off the main stage with her partner.

"Champion Cynthia has entered the battlefield!!"

The commentator said passionately: "This may mean that after the Champion League, we'll witness a second round of competition!"

After all—love is war!

The packed stadium focused all attention on the stage center.

"Grah!" Garchomp looked down disdainfully, standing behind Cynthia.

"Gengarrr~" Haunter grinned toothily, floating cheerfully behind Lu Ye.

It was June, the heat hard to bear.

Rotom amplified her voice throughout the entire stadium.

"Isn't there something you should say?"

Cynthia's gray eyes beneath golden hair shimmered with light, she asked calmly.

The stadium fell dead silent.

A-Jin turned to Xiao Yin: "Pre-match trash talk?"

Xiao Yin maintained his stoic expression, speechless: "..."

The big screen showed Lu Ye's unusually serious expression.

Noticing the sweat on his forehead, his dry throat, the heartbeat more nervous than when facing Arceus.

Even so, there were words that must be spoken again, feelings that must be conveyed once more.

This was the moment when the Sinnoh League was about to conclude.

The entire audience heard the clearly amplified voice.

"Bamboo Lan, I like you."

Lu Ye's eyes were clear, his face resolute, black hair ruffling in the breeze.

The fireworks from their first meeting, the spacetime turbulence of White Poplar Town, the embrace in Michina's wilderness.

Just like the brilliant white light of 「Power of Transcendence,」 their hearts were already deeply connected.

Cynthia's gaze turned toward him, like ripples forming in clear water.

Countless words stuck in his throat, language lost all meaning in this moment.

A strange loneliness assaulted his body, Lu Ye stood at the center of nowhere, saying again:

"Please be with me."

The live stream's bullet comments experienced a three-second freeze.

As if someone had grabbed the audience by their throats.

Silence reaching the ends of the world, while simultaneously, the stadium's energy was brewing.

Cynthia gently closed her eyes, a faint curve appearing at her lips, one hand resting on her black trench coat's waist, her dazzling beautiful golden hair flowing in the wind.

Encounters between lives always nurture precious bonds.

I like you too... this shines as brightly as diamond and pearl.

"Okay." Bamboo Lan said softly.

The breeze blew, after a brief silence.

The live stream and stadium erupted.

"Ohhhhhhh!"

"Official announcement and dog food?"

"I object to this relationship!"

"This isn't dog food, this is Acid Spray!"

Amid the stunned, bewildered, or excited stadium.

Lucian arrived at the commentary booth, took the microphone, and said calmly:

"The two trainers are currently in a relationship... Whether there will be a Champion challenge will be announced later."

"In other words—"

Lucian said helplessly:

The audience seats emitted collective 'hiss' sounds, the stadium filled with intense sourness.

"Mengmengda was actually Cynthia?"

"Lu Bao has really made it!!"

In the vibrating stadium.

"Grah!"

Garchomp felt complicated emotions, somehow visualizing their precious cabbage being taken.

"Gengarrr~~"

Haunter floated mid-air, grinning triumphantly.

Watching the live broadcast, Professor Mustardseed tapped her cane and snorted coldly.

In the group chat, Wallace laughed: "I guessed they'd go public at this critical moment."

Saphira inexplicably recalled her own confession to Ruby, cheeks blushing.

"Maybe... the purpose of challenging the entire Sinnoh League." Misty said.

Ash scratched his head: "Then will the battle continue later?"

Red took over: "Having just defeated Lucian, Teacher Lu would probably choose to rest before battling."

Bruno agreed: "That makes sense..."

"That's not the point at all!" The Girl said.

Lorelei scrolled up through the chat history, still somewhat confused, asking curiously: "What public announcement?"

"Huh? Sister Lorelei doesn't know yet!" Whitney said in surprise.

A-Jin: "Hahaha, don't tell me Aunt Lorelei still doesn't know!"

【Group member 'A-Jin' has been muted by group admin 'Lorelei' for 3 days】

Lorelei said smilingly: "Next time someone releases A-Jin from the penalty box, I can't guarantee I won't use ice dolls..."

Red paused expressionlessly, silently going silent.

Steven said kindly: "Teacher Lu and Champion Cynthia have gone public with their relationship."

Lorelei was stunned.

"You all already knew?"

The chat group suddenly went quiet.

Lorelei: "..."

Lorelei: (;

´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)

So I was the last to know!

Many fans had already been speculating about the two Champions' relationship.

Using the Champion League victory as opportunity, the announcement came naturally.

When Cynthia went to Undella Town for vacation, she had already revealed this matter to Caitlin and Fumiko.

Caitlin buried her head in the blankets, heart bitter, tightly clutching her small pillow.

Caitlin: (つД`)

Since the Champion League had just ended, Pokémon needed recovery time.

After the relationship announcement, the stadium gradually emptied.

However, even while leaving.

The audience still looked incredulous, realizing belatedly:

"Damn it! Teacher Lu showed off again!"

"The chef stopped serving rice... this time he's directly shoving lemons into my mouth!"

That afternoon.

Teacher Lu also informed the Sinnoh League—

He would not take up the Sinnoh Elite Four position, and had given up challenging for the Sinnoh League Champion title.

"Let's congratulate this Champion couple!"

"Challenging the Champion by day, being challenged by Champion at night!"

"When Bisharp took off its mask, it cried..."

The entire Sinnoh League journey had reached its endpoint.

That evening.

Cynthia appeared in Teacher Lu's personal live stream, playing games together.

Watching the well-matched pair, fans felt mixed emotions.

"Teacher Lu has Mengmengda now, my youth is over!"

"Male fan there, quickly return the controller to the streamer!"

"I'll go back and eliminate the prophet, then steal my Yamper's dog food to end myself!"

"Cabbage, my cabbage! o(╥﹏╥)o"

"Typical Teacher Lu behavior!"