August 1st, Sunday.

Lu Ye had already returned to his café in Miare City.

Cynthia had gone back to the Sinnoh League to deliver the champion’s report.

The resolution of Unova’s “Tao trio” and Team Plasma incident owed much to the stellar performances of these two champions.

As for the rewards from the Unova trip—

Lu Ye looked around the café at Victini. It sat in a high chair, crumbs of macarons clinging to the corners of its mouth, happily chewing on a little sweet.

“Nimi~” Victini squinted, the V-mark gleaming as it emitted a wave of “victory.”

A surging energy filled the café.

Anyone who inspected the café’s furnishings carefully would notice that on the sunny side of the room, a potted plant held a translucent Rainbow Wing.

The DNA Splicers sat in the cabinet behind the bar, placed inside a glass dome and floating in midair, its three-color lights—ice, fire, and electric—flickering like an ambient lamp.

Rainbow Wing: (￢_￢)

You’re not doing so hot yourself, little bro.

DNA Splicers: (￣ェ￣;

)

It’s okay… at least there’s Aura as the bonus.

With these three buffs applied, the café practically felt like a paradise!

“Melo~”

Meloetta sat on the swing in the courtyard, softly humming a tune that wrapped the café in a peaceful atmosphere.

Lu Ye said, “We tricked two little cuties this trip, huh…”

Those two little ones were both Pokémon Teacher Lu met in Unova.

Their bond with him was similar to the one between Lu Ye and Darkrai.

These two mythical Pokémon specialized respectively in battle and emotion, providing powerful support effects.

Meloetta could sing at night to help Teacher Lu sleep more soundly, making it easier for everyone to slip out for training.

And with Victini’s Infinite Energy boosting them, their training duration and efficiency would increase dramatically—

This was what you called Pokémon “self-management awareness”!

Green’s talent as a breeder gave Pokémon extra experience.

Ash’s opportunity was that Professor Samuel Oak and Green would help level his Pokémon.

Teacher Lu’s cheat… Haunter could idle-grind and farm dungeons in a team;

with Victini on board, it also came with infinite stamina!

Moreover, after the Unova trip, the Tao trio had been added to Teacher Lu’s roll calls.

Even if Hoopa showed up,

when it came to rallying allies, Teacher Lu probably had no fewer legendary beasts at his disposal than Hoopa did…

Back at the café, preparations for the welcome party began.

Lu Ye chopped ingredients and glanced at the little ones clustered around Haunter.

“Gengarrr! (￣▽￣)／”

Haunter stretched its little hands and cleared its throat.

I’ll host today and say a few words!

Today was Victini’s and Meloetta’s official first day joining the café.

So tonight, I suggest we go train outdoors to celebrate properly!

Immediately, the café filled with cries: “Bu-bii,” “Doo-ee,” “Nimi.”

The proposal received the big sister’s approval and passed unanimously.

“Nimi~” Victini’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Training… sounds fun!

“Melo~(◕ᴗ◕✿)” Meloetta floated in the air.

I’ll cheer everyone on with my song!

“Ka-may…” Blastoise’s eyes flashed with a dangerous glint.

Indeed, having been away from Miare City for a long time, it was necessary to clear potential threats nearby!

After Haunter’s persuasion,

Meloetta and Victini smiled brightly, happily looking forward to tonight’s training.

“Am I being assimilated…”

Darkrai hid coolly in the shadows, sweating nervously and muttering:

“What a hellish team atmosphere!”

A sharp gaze shot over.

Darkrai, through the shadows, locked eyes with Sirfetch’d and froze.

“This guy… can see through my shadows?”

Is he disdaining me for making sarcastic comments…?

Darkrai frowned slightly.

He hadn’t thought much of it before, but now Lu Ye’s team really was full of hidden talents!

Sirfetch’d used “Insight,” looking at Darkrai hiding to the side, and was filled with sorrow.

“Gah! (´థ౪థ)σ”

I also want to hide in a corner, skip the meeting and avoid training.

But I’d get mauled by big sister!

If only I could be as carefree as Darkrai!

Lu Ye put the prepared ingredients into the pot, glanced at the heated little ones debating, and felt conflicted.

Surely on the first day back they weren’t already planning training, were they?

People still lived in this house!

The tomato chowder pot bubbled “dudu du,” and Lu Ye absentmindedly adjusted the soup while thinking about how to reasonably guide the little ones’ training.

After all, he himself already had champion-level strength.

Training was necessary.

But even with Victini’s Infinite Energy, it shouldn’t be unchecked.

First, the best nearby training facility he could rent was Clemont’s Prism Tower.

The lower levels of Prism Tower could be used for training, but they had a daily capacity limit. With their Pokémon’s strength, they could accidentally collapse Prism Tower in no time.

That would be bigger news than Ash jumping from the top of Prism Tower!

Second, Infinite Energy was just an energy buff;

it couldn’t remove mental fatigue.

If the little ones basked in Infinite Energy and kept pushing themselves, it would bring unnecessary physical risk.

Lu Ye frowned deeply.

Judging by his Pokémon’s personalities… that possibility was high.

So, with Infinite Energy as a premise,

how to guide the little ones’ training reasonably

was Teacher Lu’s top priority after returning from Unova!

While the tomato pot simmered, Lu Ye rested his arms on the table and watched the noisy little ones.

Actually, Teacher Lu felt his current team was already strong.

Without bringing mythical beasts, defeating Alder would be no problem.

But after seeing those legendary Pokémon and being encouraged by Darkrai,

Haunter, Sylveon, Blastoise… they all had an inner drive to prove they were not inferior.

For that reason, Lu Ye felt he needed to be more attentive.

Within the premise of keeping the little ones healthy and not having the renovation team come running—legally strengthen the team!

Regarding how to “guide training reasonably,” Lu Ye was confident he already had a near-perfect plan.

That was to strictly limit training slots and durations.

No more than three Pokémon could train each day, and training time could not exceed three hours per day.

Because 3v3 was one of the most common formats. This way, he could take care of everything and plan tactics reasonably;

the little ones wouldn’t need to sneak out for training anymore!

Killing two birds with one stone.

Lu Ye patted his shoulder and said cheerfully:

“You kid, you really are a training genius!”

The welcome feast’s preparations were complete;

Lu Ye had specially set a long rectangular table.

Its design resembled a Pokémon version of The Last Supper.

The menu included chocolate cake, Italian tomato chowder, and Ho-Oh-flavored omelette rice… colors inviting and mouthwatering.

A rich aroma drifted through;

the little ones stopped their discussion and all turned their heads in unison: ˚*̥(∗*⁰͈꒨⁰͈)*̥

“Let’s eat.”

Lu Ye laughed, “After the welcome feast I have something to discuss with you all!”

At once, the café reverberated with the little ones’ calls.

Surrounded by Pokémon, Lu Ye sat in the center and scooped omelette rice.

Just then, the café door opened.

Little Penguin stood at the entrance, scratching its head: “Uwu…”

Um, well, I heard you returned today, so…

“Perfect timing!”

Lu Ye grabbed Little Penguin and gave a crisp forehead bop, then said:

“Little Rotom, bring out the gift I prepared.”

“Beep beep… received, Roto!”

“Uwu?” Little Penguin cocked its head, temporarily forgetting to be angry.

Then it looked at the transparent chunk of Iceproof Ice in Rotom’s hand.

“Uwu!” Little Penguin excitedly covered its little mouth and glanced up at Lu Ye.

This, can I really have it?

“Of course.” Lu Ye said.

Putting Iceproof Ice into a Delibird’s satchel means the ice cream won’t melt during deliveries!

“Uwu~” Delibird blew happy little bubbles and scratched its head.

“Have a piece.” Lu Ye said with a smile.

After enjoying the delicious food, the little ones wore expressions of utter satisfaction.

“Nimi~” Victini cradled its round belly, unable to fly, dozing on the counter.

“Melo…”

Meloetta hiccuped, opened her eyes wide, checked that no one noticed, then sighed in relief as her cheeks flushed.

“Gengarrr~”

Haunter imitated Teacher Lu, picked up a toothpick and flossed, holding it in its mouth with a swaggering look.

“Shajidu…(இωஇ)” Pupitar curled in a corner.

Do you really want me to look at you with utter disappointment…

Lu Ye glanced and cleared his throat:

“Rotom hasn’t eaten… it needs to switch to dishwasher form first before it can recharge later.”

“Beep beep… incomprehensible, Roto! o(TヘTo)”

After the welcome feast, Lu Ye announced very seriously:

“Starting tomorrow, I will train together with all of you!”

“Gengarrr? Σ(っ°Д°;

)っ”

“Bu-bii… (°ー°〃)”

“Beep beep… incomprehensible, Roto! (⊙x⊙;

)”

Seeing their shocked reactions, Lu Ye stroked his chin:

“Does this news really surprise you?”

They all nodded in unison.

“I have trained you before.” Lu Ye said, “Not many times… but quality over quantity.”

The little ones looked at each other.

“Gengarrr~ o(*≧▽≦)ツ” Haunter slapped Teacher Lu’s shoulder.

Lu Ye: “……”

Damn… being underestimated by my own Pokémon!

“In short.” Lu Ye cleared his throat and spoke seriously: “Considering the future, the opponents we face will likely grow stronger.”

“Even if it’s not at the scale of Primal Kyogre or Primal Groudon, we must remain vigilant!”

Darkrai, hidden in Lu Ye’s shadow, paled.

Please stop talking, I beg you!

I didn’t believe it before… now I feel the chance of encountering those two is getting higher and higher!

“So from today I’ll train with you all, using Aura and the Power of Transcendence to help.”

Lu Ye shifted tone: “However… considering tactics and health, daily training slots and durations are limited.”

Silence fell across the café;

the Pokémon’s eyes glittered as they stared blankly at Teacher Lu.

Lu Ye was very pleased with their reactions.

If he could dissuade some of them from training, fewer slots would be taken and his training would be easier.

“Warning in advance: training will be very tough,”

Lu Ye said, “Think of your own good—if no one wants to train, we’ll adjourn…”

Before he finished,

Lu Ye suddenly froze and looked toward the little ones with ferocious expressions.

“Huh?”

A subtle atmosphere spread through the café.

The little ones exchanged glances, then in perfect unison let out cries.

“Gengarrr~ (✪ω✪)” (I get to train with my trainer!)

“Bu-bii! (#｀皿´)” (Don’t you dare snatch me!)

“Chajidu doo-ee~ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ” (I want to play too~)

“Awoo!! (｀0´)” (I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ll yell first!)

“Shajidu… (艹皿艹)” (If I had evolved earlier, I’d get food sooner!)

Sirfetch’d raised its leek blade and shield, looking at the crowding teammates through streaming tears.

Although the trainer’s training slots are precious… I really don’t want to go, quack~!

Meloetta covered her mouth and giggled;

Victini lay atop Lu Ye’s head, grinning tiny fangs:

“Nimi~! (≧∀≦)♪”

No matter who trains, I can help them~!

The situation began to spiral out of control. Lu Ye looked at the clamoring little ones, a cold sweat running down his forehead.

I know you’re all highly self-disciplined…

But isn’t extra training supposed to be like Lucian’s overtime—something everyone hates?!

He was preparing to visit Hoenn next.

Yet the little ones didn’t know the original story;

by rights they shouldn’t be this enthusiastic!

Suddenly, Lu Ye realized this was probably a side effect of “limited slots.”

Supposedly meant to dissuade, it instead increased enthusiasm…

“It’s getting competitive.” Lu Ye muttered.

Letting them argue more wasn’t a solution.

To maintain team morale and stability,

Teacher Lu decided to work overtime and take everyone to train himself!

“Gengarrr~ (⁎˃ꌂ˂⁎)” (I’ll help train!)

“Beep beep… I can help too, Roto~!” Rotom said.

“Sirfetch’d will come too.” Lu Ye smiled, “So you don’t need to worry about being left out.”

Sirfetch’d, relieved at first to have escaped, suddenly froze.

“Gah?! (´థ౪థ)σ”

Haunter training is one thing, but now extra practice too…

Life is too hard for me quack~!

Considering the home visit to Hoenn next month

and wanting to take a steady approach… Teacher Lu officially joined the training lineup.

Besides Victini’s Infinite Energy,

with the Rainbow Wing and DNA Splicers equipped, Trainer Lu could also provide powerful support.

Currently, the team’s strongest Pokémon was Haunter, possessing champion-level main strength.

It matched up to Steven’s Metagross… still a bit behind Cynthia’s Garchomp.

However, Teacher Lu excelled at Mega Evolution;

Mega Haunter and Cynthia’s Mega Garchomp were nearly on par.

Next was Blastoise, also champion-caliber, enough to crush secondary legendaries like Moltres.

With the Mega boost, Turtwig could tank attacks from a primary legendary without issue.

Then came Arcanine, whose power had recently surged.

With boosts from V-Heat Flame and Interlaced Flames, Arcanine officially stepped into champion territory, though it needed real matches to solidify the rank.

The champion road in Donghua would open at year-end;

sending Arcanine back to train there might snag a championship… perhaps.

Lu Ye’s training direction for Arcanine focused on Flame of Life, using it as a defensive attacker—bulky with output.

After all… Arcanine’s classification as a legendary in the Pokédex as “Little Entei” wasn’t baseless!

Sylveon’s advance had slowed lately…

Because Fairy-types were rare and few trainers cultivated Sylveon.

But Lu Ye wasn’t worried about the big sister’s position.

This lag was only temporary.

Once he obtained the Fairy Plate promised by Arceus, Sylveon could even surpass Haunter!

As for Togepi and Ducklett—their natures were too peculiar.

Ducklett boldly drew its blade against Arceus, yet usually cowered;

its combat power fluctuated too much.

“Gah… _(:3」∠)_”

Having a lazy Ducklett during training would actually make things easier for Teacher Lu.

August 5th, Thursday.

After three days of training, Lu Ye learned that the Unova Conference was about to open.

At the same time, he had a reply regarding Lance.

“As for the inspector matter, the higher-ups have given an answer…”

Lance said:

“A Nurse Joy from Goldenrod City happens to be preparing to retire… she wants to find a trainer worthy of entrusting her partner, and she needs to personally evaluate them!”

“Which Pokémon is it?” Lu Ye asked curiously.

Lance feigned mystery:

“You’ll know when the time comes…”

……