The Tree of Beginning was now connected to the café, making it much more convenient for Mew to visit as a guest.

Additionally, the life-infused energy waves could effectively accelerate the growth of the Revival Root that Blastoise was cultivating in the courtyard.

Lu Ye contemplated whether he should simply enter the Tree of Beginning through the light barrier and start growing medicinal herbs directly inside...

What kind of setup was this?

A spiritual paradise was one thing, but having a pocket dimension specifically for cultivating rare treasures?

"The style is drifting more and more toward cultivation fantasy..." Lu Ye murmured to himself.

August 3rd, Tuesday.

Miare City was shrouded in drizzle, with Prism Tower standing tall in the fine rain, the sky painted a layer of gray.

Pressing her small face against the rain-streaked shop window, Victini gazed outside blankly.

"Since it's raining, let's just stay home."

Lu Ye approached, gently pinched Victini's V-shaped ear, and smiled. "You can play games with Togepi and the others."

"Nimi?" Victini tilted her head to look at Lu Ye, then turned back toward the corridor leading to the courtyard.

"Chuckydoo! (ﾉﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉ"

Togepi waved enthusiastically from a distance, then turned and scampered back with pitter-patter steps.

Come on, come on, let's play together~

For Victini, who had been confined in Ein for a hundred years, a warm current flowed through her heart. She bared her little fangs and flew over.

"Nimi~"

"If Jirachi were here, the little ones would have another playmate," Lu Ye thought to himself.

The shop grew quiet again. Lu Ye wiped the glass cups at the counter, poured himself a glass of sparkling water, leaned forward against the bar to drink, and scanned the peaceful interior.

Mew and Togepi were playing games in the back room. Because of the rainy weather, the other Pokémon were mostly staying in the back room too.

Only Teacher Lu remained in the front shop. The familiar noise suddenly gone, there was an inexplicable sense of calm and comfort.

The heavy rain continued. Lu Ye drank his sparkling water contentedly.

He had originally planned to officially open for business today, but it seemed that would have to wait another day...

Profit wasn't the goal anyway. This was meant to be a haven—a place to settle down, enjoy peaceful daily life and good food, and entertain friends and Pokémon.

It might sound a bit like a humble brag, but this was indeed a champion's wish.

After battling so many legendary Pokémon, couldn't Lu Ye enjoy himself a little?

"Keep the music playing, keep dancing!" Lu Ye declared loudly in the empty shop.

At that moment, a soft glow blossomed in the shop.

Meloetta's hair, smooth as seawater, flowed as she canceled her invisibility and appeared, opening her emerald eyes.

Amid the patter of rain, Meloetta sang softly into her microphone-like hair accessory, the melody flowing through the shop like a clear spring.

"Melo~ Melo~♫"

Lu Ye was slightly surprised, having not noticed Meloetta earlier, but then smiled understandingly and quietly listened to her song.

Darkrai had already returned to White Poplar Town and would be back to work in a few days;

otherwise, it would definitely love this tune.

After all, with its appreciation for "Oración," Darkrai had a bit of artistic sensibility.

Lu Ye let his thoughts drift until he felt a small hand tugging at his pant leg. Looking down, he saw a purple chubby hand emerging from the shadows, holding a wooden guitar neck.

"Haunter?" Lu Ye was momentarily stunned, then took the guitar neck and pulled the wooden guitar out from the shadows as if drawing a sword.

"Gengarrr~" Haunter's lower body submerged in the shadows, his sly red eyes peeking out.

I won't fight Meloetta for the mic today... Master, you provide the accompaniment~

Lu Ye held the guitar neck, raising an eyebrow.

Wow... the Reversed World has really become storage space!

A substitute that knows Shadow Punch, comes with an interdimensional pocket and Hypnosis—would you love such a substitute?

With nothing else to do, Lu Ye pulled up a chair and sat down, accompanying Meloetta's singing in the summer drizzle.

Raindrops splashed on the tender leaves of the Revival Root, creating a misty spray under the eaves.

The bond with the mythical Pokémon grew stronger...

His affection for Pokémon deepened even more.

**

In the chat group, The girl mentioned that the Vertress Conference was about to begin.

"A trainer who usually only watches beauty programs, why would she pay attention to the Vertress Conference?" Green said.

"What, is that not allowed?" The girl snorted.

"Previously, it was always Sister Lila who shared announcements about such events, so Senior Green is just curious," Ash said, trying to smooth things over.

Xiao Yin: "Because Sister The girl is going to set up a stall in Vertress City."

"Bingo~ Correct! Reward: one Evolution Stone discount coupon!" The girl snapped her fingers and laughed.

Lu Ye's heart sank.

The girl was going to set up a stall at the Vertress Conference again?

Oh no... If she runs into Team Rocket consecutively, The girl might even have her makeup ruined!

A-Jin looked disdainful: "The only things anyone ever buys from your stall are fakes!"

Red thought this was spot on but didn't speak, just poked A-Jin.

[‘Fighting Man’ patted ‘A-Jin’ and said, ‘Lord Jin is mighty!’]

A-Jin laughed exaggeratedly: "Hahaha, I screenshotted that!"

Red: ?

The girl: "Hmm... Looks like I won't need to intervene."

Marshal: "Farewell, young man."

Teacher Lu: "You really outdid yourself, A-Jin."

Red adjusted his cap and said, "Little Jin, come to Mt. Silver for training this afternoon. Don't be late."

"Oh, special training for Electric-type moves, right?" A-Jin rolled up his sleeves. "I'm ready!"

Question: Who would dare interfere with the training sessions between Red and Green on Mt. Silver?

Answer: Eliminating one wrong option, it's definitely not Ash!

The conversation returned to the main topic, thanks to the dignified Miss Lila.

"There aren't any students from Celadon participating in the Vertress Conference," Lila said, tilting her head. "But... I think Ash is competing, right?"

"Yes," Brock said, squinting. "This is already Ash's fifth League Conference."

Marshal clicked his tongue: "Five times? That's really something."

An ordinary person who hadn't won a Conference championship in five tries would have long since retired and changed careers!

Oh... Ash is a trainer from Pallet Town, no wonder he hasn't retired...

Ash didn't seem bothered, scratching his head and laughing: "Don't worry, I'll definitely place this time!"

"Um... making it to the Top 16 is also placing," Ami said softly.

Alice said smugly: "I bet Ash only makes it to the Top 8."

"Nonsense! Pikachu and I will definitely make it to the finals!" Ash clenched his fist.

Lu Ye looked skyward.

With Ash's baby Pokémon team from the Unova region, plus Pikachu's acting...

Forget it, let fate decide.

Let's just hope Green doesn't have a sudden spike in blood pressure when he hears Ash's placement!

"@Teacher Lu, when does the PTCG World Championships start?"

Aru said: "I've already built my Bug-type deck, ready to dominate!"

"Don't any of you have to work?" Lu Ye asked.

Cynthia said with a smile: "The Sinnoh League's tasks haven't been too heavy recently, so I gave them three days off."

You just want to take a break yourself!

Lu Ye coughed lightly. The slacking culture was thriving in the Sinnoh region, with only one amiable Psychic-type Elite Four member carrying the burden.

Look at Caitlin's psychic power: destructive Psychic, capable of destroying a castle when out of control.

Now look at Elite Four Lucian's psychic power: speed reading, photographic memory, extensive reading...

See, this is what you call surplus value!

Flint chuckled: "I've already made plans with Volkner to go play at the Sinnoh Battle Zone. Anyone want to join?"

Bruno, chewing on an Angry Steamed Bun, nodded: "Count me in."

Flint's habit of smurfing at the Battle Zone was learned from Teacher Lu.

As for Bruno's Angry Steamed Buns—Team Rocket's certified choice, Bruno's trusted selection!

Lance, taking a break during work hours, made himself a cup of tea, adjusted his beloved cape as he sat down, and seized the opportunity to lurk in the group chat.

Considering his duties as the Kanto Champion, Lance coughed and announced:

"@ALL, fellow Kanto Gym Leaders, the inspector for this round of gym evaluations has been confirmed."

Inspectors were responsible for supervising and assessing gyms across the regions, wielding significant personnel authority. To evaluate Gym Leaders, they themselves couldn't lack strength.

The Kanto Gym Leaders were all veterans and weren't particularly nervous.

However, Janine, who had taken over her father Koga's position as Gym Leader, sounded a bit anxious:

"Will the inspector be very strict? What happens if we fail the assessment?"

"Strict—well, quite strict."

Lance thought of the 'Baby Cup Killer' nickname and coughed. "If you fail, there will be a gym review period. During this time, the gym cannot issue badges or operate, and subsidies will be suspended."

Lily, who was strapped for cash, breathed a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness it's only assessing the Kanto region—

If my gym got shut down, Lucario and I would starve!

Green said calmly: "That inspector can just assess the secondary team I left at Cerulean Gym. Just don't blow up Cerulean Gym."

Green had heard anecdotes about the previous Gym Leader Giovanni, hence his comment.

It was said that Giovanni had subordinates manage Cerulean Gym for him, but when he returned, he found the gym had been blown to pieces...

Teacher Lu was momentarily stunned.

Don't blow up Cerulean Gym?

I... I can't guarantee that!

The Kanto Gym Leaders, including Brock, Misty, Nassi... their skills were evident.

What Teacher Lu needed to do was visit each gym, and incidentally check the quality of their facilities.

When he revealed his identity, the expressions of the various Gym Leaders would likely be quite spectacular.

Of course, one gym absolutely required strict assessment—

That was Marshal's Vermilion Gym!

Teacher Lu pondered. It was one thing for Marshal to lose to Ash in an unrestricted format, but for his Raichu to lose to Pikachu?

So embarrassing, Unova Major!

In the end, Lance didn't reveal the inspector's identity, as it would violate regulations.

However, inviting Teacher Lu to serve as the inspector was already a form of leniency... right?

Yu Long Du's expression was complicated.

Or would this year's failure rate set a new historical record?!

...

The next day, the Unova Vertress Conference officially began. Ash advanced to the Top 32 on the first day.

In this match, Ash encountered his old rival Trip. Pikachu activated 'serious mode' and swept three Pokémon single-handedly.

Aunt Delia's youthful and energetic cheers from the sidelines were even captured by reporters and featured in the tournament news.

As for Trip... he was utterly dumbfounded.

This Pikachu was incredibly weak when they first met, but as soon as the League Conference started, it switched to its main account?

Teacher Lu had some recollection of this Vertress Conference's champion: a Ranger who raised six different Eeveelutions.

He wasn't sure about Ash's final placement this time, but he knew Ash was about to face the 'comedy character' Tocci.

This Tocci forgot to bring enough Poké Balls to his match, fighting Ash's 6 Pokémon with only 5. At the critical moment, his 'Coach' Riolu evolved into Lucario and swept three Pokémon to reverse the match against Ash.

Teacher Lu didn't particularly dislike Tocci either;

after all, Riolu evolving at critical health showed a deep bond.

Following the principle that 'comedy characters are undefeatable.'

All one could say was... good luck, Ash.

That evening, Lu Ye had a video call with Cynthia, discussing his upcoming trip to Kanto.

"If you need transportation, I can lend you my private aircraft," Cynthia said, her gray eyes serious.

"This... isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

"Since you're afraid of heights anyway, maybe you won't be satisfied with the partner the League provides," Cynthia said, giving him a sidelong glance.

This... this is what a sugar mama is like!

The Flying-type Gym Leader of Floccesy City, Curator Fenglu, piloted a biplane cargo aircraft.

Wallace was even more outrageous;

his high-tech sports car was amphibious and could even fly, with a price tag that was daunting.

Lu Ye calmed himself and said firmly, "Don't make assumptions. Let me meet the Pokémon the League provides first, then I'll give you my answer."

"Alright~"

Cynthia said, "What if it's a Flying-type Pokémon with extremely fast flight speed?"

Extremely fast flight speed?!

Lu Ye's mood turned subtle, remembering his fear of heights. He said:

"The League probably... isn't that generous, right?"

...

Cerulean City, Kanto League.

A woman with pink hair, dressed in black attire, stepped out of the Pokémon Inspection Bureau, removed her sunglasses, revealing the face of Nurse Joy.

Formerly the Nurse Joy of Goldenrod City, she had been promoted to Senior Inspector and was known as the 'Ace among Aces.'

Her rapid promotion could be traced back to when she unintentionally blew a flute she obtained, which attracted the attention of a Legendary Pokémon.

Passing by the solemn and traditional Cerulean Gym, Nurse Joy glanced at the notice posted at the entrance and sighed softly:

"Really... today the gym is being managed by Pokémon accepting challenges again."

Similar to how Teacher Lu's Pokémon would go challenge gyms on their own—

Green's Pokémon would guard the gym for him and accept challenges from trainers.

This was the atmosphere at Cerulean Gym... none of the successive Gym Leaders stayed at the gym regularly!

Standing at the gym entrance, Nurse Joy looked up at the clear blue sky, recalling her encounters with Teacher Lu.

A year ago, she was just an intern. After teaching Chansey various 'dirty tricks' like Minimize... she was instead promoted to the Inspection Bureau.

She had crossed paths with Teacher Lu a few times and even had the 'immature' idea of having Chansey knock him out...

"Just drugging him would have been easier..." Nurse Joy murmured, resting her cheek on her hand.

Of course, that was just a joke.

Nurse Joy's intention today was to formally discuss matters with her partner.

Pushing the door open and entering Cerulean Gym, she found a quiet corner, took out a Poké Ball, and said softly:

"Come on out, Latias."

A red beam shot out from the Poké Ball.

A sleek body designed like a fighter jet for exceptional flight speed, glass-like red and white feathers refracted the sunlight, a small red patch on its forehead, its lively and sparkling orange eyes gazing at Nurse Joy.

"Latii~" Latias affectionately nuzzled Nurse Joy's cheek.

Strictly speaking, Latias was merely temporarily residing in the Poké Ball.

She had followed Nurse Joy out of fun;

similar to how Entei once followed Siebold, or Suicune followed Misty.

Not officially caught, but staying in the Poké Ball temporarily;

she obeyed commands but could leave at any time.

However, the two had formed a deep friendship. More like close friends than trainer and Pokémon.

"It's like this... Latias."

Nurse Joy said, "Last time you mentioned wanting to try fighting like your brother does. I've been thinking about it seriously for a long time."

"With my level, I can't fully bring out your potential... And I have no right to keep you bound to me."

"So, I'd like to introduce you to a trainer. He possesses a desire for victory, powerful commanding skills, and a kind heart."

Nurse Joy smiled. "It sounds a bit like matchmaking... but, would you be willing to meet him?"

"Latii..." Latias floated in mid-air, showing a thoughtful expression.

Latias had a gentle nature, but occasionally displayed bold, mischievous, and playful traits.

In the "Special Episode: Emerald," Latias loved Pokémon battles and tactical charm, having followed Mira.

For this particular Latias, fighting valiantly like her brother was a matter of great pride.

After a long moment, Latias nodded gently, then asked: "Latii?"

«How can you be sure his heart is kind?»

A soft, pleasant little girl's voice, telepathic communication echoed in Nurse Joy's mind.

Latias was quite young, not even having mastered transformation abilities yet, but she could already sense the good and evil in people's hearts.

Nurse Joy took out an ancient-looking flute.

"Do you remember this?"

Latias happily curved her eyes: "Latii!"

«Yes! The flute's sound was very, very beautiful!»

"They say that ringing the large bell at the top of Unova's Tower of Heaven allows one to hear a person's inner self."

Nurse Joy said: "This 【Infinity Flute】 works on the same principle."

"Blowing the 【Infinity Flute】 can discern a trainer's soul."

Nurse Joy stroked Latias's forehead and said with a smile:

"And this is one of my assessment criteria for him..."