The next day.

"Teacher Lu's Battle Tutorial 017: Sandstorm Team" topped the daily trending charts.

This was Teacher Lu's first livestream since his "brutal domination" of the Champion League, and also marked Cynthia's first appearance as a guest instructor.

"Missing person returns!"

"Who are you and why are you on my follow list?"

"Teacher Lu actually updated!!"

Every day, fans would open the rankings hoping to find new Teacher Lu content to enjoy with their meals, only to be disappointed.

There were plenty of parody and meme videos about Teacher Lu that often dominated the music section's top spots.

Today, fans' eyes lit up as they tore open takeout packaging while clicking on the video.

Unlike the control-focused "Sunny Sand Team" or "Rainy Day Bye Bye Song" strategies, the sandstorm team represented a classic aggressive lineup.

Having been active across multiple generations, sandstorm teams naturally had many trainers and devoted followers.

Finally getting to see Teacher Lu explain "sandstorm teams" left fans barely containing their excitement.

"Going head-to-head with Steel-type Champion Steven!"

"Sandstorm looks so cool - Rock, Steel, and Ground types all share common traits."

"Holy crap, did Lu-bao just predict Steven's prediction read?"

In a situation where Mega Metagross could one-shot Mega Garchomp with its powerful Ice Punch, Steven chose to blindly predict Rotom's switch.

But clearly Teacher Lu was thinking one step ahead - not only did he not switch, he countered with Earthquake that instantly KO'd the invincible Platinum Metagross!

"The invincible Platinum Metagross gets owned again! (sobbing)"

"I understand the theory, but that 'white skin red eyes' shiny Metagross is truly top-tier!"

"While trainers' preferences are their own freedom, I still suggest you see a doctor."

President Steven's devotion to Metagross matched President Kaiba's love for Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

And in this simulated battle, Teacher Lu used Cynthia's signature Pokémon Mega Garchomp to shatter the Platinum Metagross.

Fans once again witnessed Teacher Lu's commanding ability, terrible luck... and his bond with Mengmengda.

"This is a real 'wife team' composition!"

"Last time at Gongmen City, Teacher Lu borrowed Cynthia's team... so this is where the connection comes from."

Outside of battle facilities, only the closest emotional bonds - like comrades or partners - could lend teams to each other and use them with perfect coordination.

For example, Red and Green often swapped Venusaur and Charizard;

Red's Pikachu would willingly follow Ash's commands.

As for Teacher Lu and Cynthia—

"Wuwuwu, I'm not jealous, not jealous at all!"

When Cynthia's light laughter appeared in the tutorial video, the comments all turned lemon-yellow.

"Why do I get stabbed in the heart even while learning tactics?"

"More of this, I love this content!"

And when Excadrill transformed into a drill piercing through the heavens, achieving a magnificent one-versus-three sweep, the comments erupted in fiery red.

"Here we go, Excadrill!"

"This is double, no, triple spiral!"

Steven's Hypno, Cradily, and Skarmory fell one by one before Excadrill's sharp drill horn.

Comments flooded with 'ohhhh' and 'teary-eyed' as view counts and concurrent viewers suddenly skyrocketed!

With the rumbling Earthquake that took down Mega Metagross, the first half of the video concluded.

Comments filled with uniform 'amazing' messages.

"Group photo moment!"

"Jump to 7:03, my favorite sunny team bullying segment!"

"Here it comes, fast forward to Pupitar beating up little Groudon!"

The essential "sunny team tragedy" segment in each video had gradually become a running gag in Teacher Lu's content.

In this tutorial match, Pupitar demonstrated what it meant to steal weather from the backline, with "Weakness Policy" Earthquake killing both opponents and teammates alike.

"Roar!!" Pupitar roared angrily, slamming the ground as a question mark was photoshopped above Excadrill beside it.

Then, the rumbling Earthquake instantly KO'd A-Jin's Coalossal and Typhlosion along with them, brutally achieving a triple kill!

"Sacrifice teammates, gain boundless power!"

"Even though I can't afford one, I absolutely love Pupitar."

"Excadrill: Please turn on your microphone for communication!"

**

Unova region, Nimbasa City.

Skyscrapers housing musical theaters, arenas, amusement parks and other entertainment facilities, with the landmark Nimbasa Ferris Wheel.

Legend said that two people who rode this ferris wheel would become close partners or lovers.

Ash showed no interest in such urban legends, recklessly asking Nurse Joy excitedly:

"When does Nimbasa Gym open? Can I challenge Leader Elesa?"

Nurse Joy smiled: "Once Miss Elesa finishes her modeling show, it should be available."

"Great!" Ash clenched his fist, exchanging a look with Pikachu on his shoulder, "Today we'll push forward and claim the Bolt Badge!"

Beside Ash stood Alice wearing oversized shrine maiden robes, her purple twin tails tied up.

This future Unova Champion was still training and happened to be traveling with Ash.

With Axew resting on her shoulder, Alice sighed:

"Ash really is such a child."

"What? I'm a trainer who's participated in four regional conferences!" Ash argued.

"Oh~" Alice half-squinted her eyes: "And then?"

Ash's shoulders slumped: "And then I didn't win any championships..."

"Exactly." Alice spread her hands: "Studying basic knowledge well and building a solid foundation is what's important~"

Ash scratched his head: "That may be true... but Senior Red told me to just battle with intuition."

"Red!" Alice's eyes lit up, exclaiming: "That's right, you're both from Pallet Town!"

"Senior Red battles with intuition and became champion," Ash said.

"You can't even compare to him!"

Alice said angrily, then crossed her arms and turned away: "Enough talk, I'm going to study Excadrill techniques!"

"I know Teacher Lu too," Ash said, "I just watched his latest video."

Alice paused, puffing her cheeks: "Hmm..."

I'm actually feeling a bit jealous of Ash!

**

Isle of Armor, Master Dojo.

Early morning dawn.

Master Ma rose early, hunched over as he walked cheerfully to the living room with kind eyes:

"One more win today should make me world number one~"

"Haah—" Master Ma yawned as he opened the game, then suddenly stared wide-eyed in shock, "Wh-what happened!"

The screen displayed a dazzling Champion Throne, the golden crown emblem shining brightly.

World number one, Master Ma!

The master stared for a long time, browsing yesterday's battle reports, breathing rapidly as his blood pressure suddenly spiked.

"What's wrong, master?" Mustard hurried over in his tall hat, concerned: "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

Master Ma waved his hand, eyes slightly moist:

"Heavens, I need to thank Steven... but mainly I need to thank Teacher Lu!"

**

Kalos region, Miare City.

The café's tranquil afternoon atmosphere had only one "guest".

She wore a light blue shirt and black wide-leg pants, sitting at a small round table leaning on her hand while reading, golden hair spilling across the pages that she casually brushed aside with slender fingers, gray eyes focused.

Cool air circulated indoors as steam rose from the "Eevee Latte" before Cynthia, its latte art showing a cute Eevee pattern.

"Bui~" Snow-white Sylveon leaped onto the black-gold counter, stretching its front limbs in a regal manner while squinting its round eyes.

Shopkeeper Lu brought over a fresh berry salad, placing it before Cynthia.

The apple-shaped berries were skillfully carved into "Scorbunny" shapes.

Cynthia lifted her gaze, looking at Lu Ye with a slight smile as she supported her cheek:

"Isn't this too cute?"

Lu Ye speared a "Scorbunny" with a toothpick, crunching it crisply before saying around the pick:

"Being fussy."

"Hmm..." Cynthia sipped her coffee, steam rising as she simply stared at Lu Ye with profound gray eyes.

Lu Ye sat before her, spearing a "Rowlet" with his toothpick, about to put it in his mouth when Cynthia leaned over and snatched it away.

Lu Ye froze.

Cynthia elegantly chewed the apple berry, her lips tender as she raised an eyebrow suggesting he saw nothing.

"Ga~(›´ω`‹)"

Sirfetch'd stood on the rug under the air conditioner, half-crouching as it gradually squinted its eyes.

Suddenly, Sirfetch'd opened its sharp eyes, expression turning stern.

Sirfetch'd, oh Sirfetch'd, you need to set an example for your younger siblings!

"Ga..._(:3 ⌒ﾞ)_" Sirfetch'd lay down again.

Then training will start tomorrow~

The shop remained silent as Lu Ye glanced at the mythology book before Cynthia, casually asking:

"Which region's legend is that?"

Cynthia lowered her gaze: "The intersection of truth and ideals, the hero who controlled Unova's twin dragons."

"...There wouldn't happen to be a Victini too?" Lu Ye said.

Cynthia looked up, slightly surprised: "You've read this mythology picture book too?"

Lu Ye hesitated.

Haven't read the mythology picture book, but have seen the Unova region movie.

"Victini and the Black/White Hero" featured Reshiram and Zekrom, the black and white twin dragons representing truth and ideals respectively.

This twin dragon legend was widely spread throughout Unova, with connections to Team Plasma, N, and Interpol in both games and anime...

Lu Ye felt complicated emotions, shaking his head.

Probably just me being overly concerned.

As a mythology scholar, Cynthia researching Unova's twin dragon myths was perfectly reasonable.

"What's wrong?" Cynthia asked.

"I wanted to ask..."

Lu Ye paused: "Has Team Plasma's leader been arrested by now?"

"Why suddenly ask this?"

"Because Rocket Delivery plans to expand operations in Unova," Lu Ye answered truthfully.

After the Michina incident, Cynthia roughly understood Lu Ye's connection with Team Rocket but didn't probe further.

Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, contemplating: "I heard from Alder that the criminal called 'Ghetsis' has been arrested... but Team Plasma remnants still operate in Unova."

"Like the previous Sinnoh poaching syndicate?" Lu Ye said.

Cynthia shrugged, indicating each region had its own troubles.

"Looking at it this way... probably left as training opportunities for Ash and Alice."

Lu Ye pondered: "After Alice cleans up Team Plasma's remnants... that experience would count as champion credentials."

Unova's twin dragon legends had many versions, and Teacher Lu didn't know which event would unfold.

But one thing needed confirmation first—

The trio was operating in Unova, hopefully they wouldn't encounter danger.

Lost in thought, Lu Ye felt a cool touch on his forehead.

Focusing his gaze, he saw Cynthia reaching out to lightly touch between his brows.

"You seem preoccupied," Cynthia said.

"Just preparing for rainy days," Lu Ye sighed softly.

"Regardless." Cynthia's eyes deepened as she smiled, "I'll be with you."

Warmth flowed through his heart as Lu Ye said:

"By the way, I need to visit the Battle Chateau."

Cynthia asked curiously: "When?"

"The day after tomorrow."

Lu Ye glanced back at Larvitar's location, where it was thoughtfully chewing potato chips.

Sensing Pokémon's feelings was also an important responsibility for trainers.

Togepi currently had no thoughts of evolution, remaining a cheerful little one.

But Larvitar was different - under Sirfetch'd's guidance, Larvitar had aspirations to grow stronger.

Looking up to its seniors, proving its strength... and getting to eat more delicious food!

"Yoji! (✪ω✪)"

Larvitar chuckled to itself foolishly.

Lu Ye stroked his chin: "Really wonder who Larvitar takes after."

"Perhaps symbolizing a champion's strength," Cynthia said with a smile.

Lu Ye paused: "Strength?"

"Undisputed power, absolute weather control, turning weaknesses into tactical advantages."

"It will be a Pokémon skilled in battle..." Cynthia paused, then laughed: "It will become one of the champion's aces."

Lu Ye rubbed his chin.

Larvitar was born right after his battle with Giratina.

Trainers' beliefs influenced Pokémon, and Pokémon also symbolized certain traits of their trainers.

But the common point was that they "worked together," wanting to contribute to their trainer's strength.

Teacher Lu looked skyward:

"I just checked - Kalos's Rock-type Gym Leader, Grant, will also be at the Battle Chateau the day after tomorrow."

Lu Ye: "He'd make a suitable opponent for Larvitar."

Cynthia blinked slightly, sighing helplessly:

"He'll definitely regret accepting your challenge."

**

Unova region.

The dusty trio walked through wilderness when their communicator suddenly lit up.

"It's a call from the executive, meow!"

Meowth pulled out the communicator, blue light projecting a virtual image in the air.

The trio suddenly saluted: "What are your orders, executive!"

"Nothing too important."

Lu Ye paused: "Team Plasma remnants are still active in Unova... remember to prioritize your safety above all else, understood?"

The trio exchanged glances, saluting: "Understood!"

Lu Ye nodded slightly - the trio's self-preservation abilities were reassuring.

Interpol headquarters was located in Unova, and they wouldn't allow Team Plasma to remain active... though it meant troubling Mr. Handsome with more overtime.

After hanging up.

The trio whispered among themselves, Musashi said: "The executive's meaning probably isn't that simple."

Meowth rubbed its chin, then began gesturing excitedly:

"The executive is telling us to absorb Team Plasma and expand Team Rocket's business scope, meow~!"

"Oh, that makes sense."

Jiro praised: "As long as we eliminate Team Plasma, we can definitely prove our capabilities to the executive."

"Just Team Plasma." Musashi clenched her fist fiercely: "We're elites who've even captured Pikachu before!"

"But we never actually caught Pikachu, meow..." Meowth said quietly.

"Quiet!"

Instantly, the trio ignited with fierce determination.

Musashi, Jiro, and Meowth had all been top scorers in Team Rocket's division exams, so their elite status wasn't unfounded.

As the saying went.

Except for catching Pikachu, Team Rocket excelled at everything!

"Change of plans, leave the kid alone." Musashi placed one hand on her hip, smoothing her long hair, "Time for us to take action."

Jiro produced a rose, smiling: "Time to let Unova and Team Plasma learn about Team Rocket's evil ways."

"Rather than an evil organization, it's more about serving the executive... ahem, serving Boss Giovanni, meow!"

Meowth jumped between them.

"Eliminate Team Plasma, conquer Unova, get promoted to executives!"

"Such a wonderful feeling~"

Wobbuffet 'popped' out of its Pokéball, saluting:

"So~nansu!!"