Thursday, November 8th.
With Squirtle's training retreat finally over, Teacher Lu officially added "traveling to Celadon University for work" to his agenda.
Currently, Pokémon TCG sales were booming, making his new job's salary seem insignificant in comparison.
However, since he had promised Erika, and his travel expenses could be reimbursed by the old principal, Teacher Lu—despite his black-hearted, poker-faced nature—was a man of his word.
"Hmm... Kanto isn't far from Sinnoh. Maybe I can meet up with Cynthia for some offline battles," Lu Ye mused, nodding to himself.
And most importantly, he had to avoid Red, the walking disaster zone.
If the legendary Red really came looking for him, he'd be dead before even setting out on his journey!
---
The Kanto Alliance visa process for Teacher Lu was personally handled by the old principal.
With the honor of Modu University on his shoulders and his well-established tactical prowess, winning a league championship would likely be a breeze.
However, while handling the "Trainer Visa," Principal Du Yuanshan made an unexpected discovery.
"This brat... still isn't a registered trainer?"
Principal Du's expression was priceless.
Lu Ye—winner of the East Donghuang Division Championship—was still officially just a hobbyist?
Typically, students in the Battle Department would register for a Trainer License, as it was a crucial credential for challenging Gym Leaders. It also granted discounts at Pokémon Centers and Friendly Shops.
But when the old principal thought back, he realized all of Lu Ye's competitions so far had been by invitation.
And since he was a Finance major, no one had ever reminded him about this...
"Unbelievable..."
Muttering to himself, Du Yuanshan brought up the issue with Lu Ye.
Lu Ye's expression turned strange.
A Trainer License meant discounts at Friendly Shops?
Why didn't anyone tell him sooner?!
Just the cost of healing items for Squirtle alone could have saved him a fortune!
Feeling like he had missed out on a jackpot, Lu Ye regretted deeply, "Is it too late to register now?"
"That's exactly why I'm calling you."
Principal Du explained, "Your visa requires a registered Trainer License. Any rank will do, as long as you pass the exam."
According to Principal Du, the Donghuang Trainer License was divided into six ranks: Junior, Elite, Advanced, Professional, Gym Leader, and Master.
Since Lu Ye needed the visa as soon as possible, he had to complete the exam at the Trainer Association. Fortunately, the process was straightforward.
At Modu's Pokémon Association, the fastest processing time was three days.
After thinking it over, Lu Ye reached out to Chairman Song for a little… negotiation.
"Chairman Song, can I take the test today?" Lu Ye asked.
Receiving Lu Ye's personal call, Song Pengcheng nodded.
"Of course. Tang Hui is free this afternoon, so he'll be your examiner."
"What level of test are you taking?"
Given Lu Ye's shocking performance in the East Donghuang Division Tournament, Song Pengcheng had already assumed he was at least Professional-level.
Even if Lu Ye requested a Master-level evaluation, he wouldn't be surprised.
After all... for all they knew, Lu Ye might already be a Master-ranked trainer in another region!
"Junior," Lu Ye replied.
"Okay, no probl—"
Song Pengcheng absentmindedly checked the "Master" box before suddenly freezing.
"Wait... what did you just say? I think I misheard."
"Junior," Lu Ye repeated. "Is that not allowed?"
He only needed the license for the visa.
Since he wouldn't be staying in Modu for long, the extra discounts weren't that useful.
And a Junior License was much easier to obtain than a Professional one.
Song Pengcheng's expression turned odd.
The East Donghuang Division Champion... was taking the Junior-level exam?
Was something wrong with Lu Ye, or was something wrong with him?
Then, he suddenly recalled Lu Ye's championship victory at the Piplup Cup.
Right... acting completely unhinged was just normal for this guy.
"...Fine. Come over this afternoon, I'll arrange your test," Song Pengcheng sighed.
"You're not planning to use Gengar for the Junior exam, are you?"
"Of course not," Lu Ye replied indignantly. "Am I that unreasonable?"
For a Junior match, sending out Togepi should be fine, right?
Using Gengar... even Lu Ye himself felt that would be overkill.
Song Pengcheng let out a deep sigh.
"Just… take it easy. Don't crush the poor kid's spirit."
"Relax," Lu Ye patted his chest confidently. "I'm a professional at stomping noobs—"
"Hmm?"
"I mean, I will respect my opponent and ensure a fair fight!"
---
That afternoon, Lu Ye arrived at the Modu Association to take his Junior Trainer License exam.
The test was simple and direct—1v1 battles in paired matchups.
Upon seeing him, those who recognized him looked as if they'd seen a ghost.
"The East Donghuang Division Champion?"
"What the hell is he doing in a Junior-level match?"
"Wait… he's actually here to compete?!"
The absurdity of the situation left the spectators wide-eyed.
But those who were familiar with Teacher Lu nodded knowingly.
"Yep… classic Teacher Lu."
Even the examiner couldn't bear to watch, coughing awkwardly.
"Let's just… get this over with."
Lu Ye's opponent was a freshman from Zhejiang Tech named Fan Song.
Fan Song's top choice had been Modu University, largely because of his admiration for "The Pride of Modu"—Teacher Lu.
Seeing that Lu Ye had sent out Togepi, Fan Song was touched.
"Thank you for going easy on me!" he said earnestly.
"I won't hold back," Lu Ye replied with a serious expression.
Fan Song was momentarily stunned but quickly shook his head and commanded, "Doduo, Fury Attack!"
The two-headed Doduo stretched its necks, sharp beaks lunging toward Togepi.
But before Doduo could charge in, Togepi had already begun wagging its tiny fingers.
Flash!
Out of all the possible moves, it just had to roll a disruption skill.
Lu Ye's expression turned odd.
So... bad luck was contagious, huh?
A blinding light erupted across the battlefield. Doduo froze mid-attack, then suddenly let out a pained screech.
Even Lu Ye was caught off guard.
When the light faded, a scorched mark had appeared on Doduo's torso.
"You used Flash to cover up the execution of Dazzling Gleam and mess with my judgment..." Fan Song murmured.
"As expected of Teacher Lu!"
Lu Ye's expression grew even stranger.
That was all Togepi's doing! He hadn't planned any of it!
While Doduo was still dazed, a thin mist of purple gas drifted from Togepi's little horns toward its opponent.
Poison Gas!
In an instant, Doduo was afflicted with Poison!
On the sidelines, spectators exchanged knowing glances.
Wasn't this the signature Substitute-Protect-Toxic strategy of Teacher Lu?
Even an adorable Pokémon like Togepi had been trained to play dirty?!
This was way too Teacher Lu!
A few turns later, Doduo staggered, then collapsed in defeat.
Togepi happily bounced in place before turning around to beam at Lu Ye.
"Tchugki-briee~~ (⁎˃ꌂ˂⁎)!"
Lu Ye looked up at the ceiling.
Why did this strategy feel so… familiar?
So underhanded… It had to be Gengar's doing!
"There were a few small mistakes," Lu Ye whispered to Togepi. "You failed a double Protect earlier."
"Remember, you have to Protect, fail, then Protect again. That's the right sequence…"
Listening to Teacher Lu's patient guidance, Togepi's eyes began to sparkle.
While Lu Ye was battling with Togepi, Gengar—bored out of its mind—wandered over to the Professional-tier testing area to spectate.
There, exam proctor Tang Hui immediately spotted his old acquaintance.
Taking a seat next to Gengar, Tang Hui asked curiously, "Where's Lu Ye?"
"Gengaar!" Gengar pointed to the nearby field.
Tang Hui recalled the rumors he had heard earlier and his expression turned complicated.
So the "shameless trainer" everyone was talking about… was Teacher Lu!
Seeing Gengar's eager gaze, an idea struck Tang Hui, and he smirked.
"Just watching isn't any fun. Why don't you battle too?"
"Gengarr?" Gengar tilted its head.
"One of the candidates had to forfeit, which means his opponent doesn't have anyone to test against," Tang Hui explained, nodding toward a young man on the sidelines who looked thoroughly frustrated.
That was Miao Hao, the runner-up in the South Donghuang Division Tournament.
Since his residency was in Modu, he had to take his certification exam here.
These two… were actually a pretty even matchup for the Professional-tier assessment.
"Gengarr!" Gengar's eyes lit up.
This was a great opportunity for everyone to get some real practice in.
Surely his Trainer wouldn't miss out on it either!
Watching Gengar dash off excitedly, Tang Hui chuckled and turned toward Miao Hao.
---
Miao Hao was fuming.
His opponent had forfeited, which meant he couldn't take the test.
Now what?!
When Tang Hui approached with a proposal, Miao Hao feigned surprise.
"A match against the East Donghuang Division Champion?"
Tang Hui nodded. "A 2v2 Singles Battle, the standard for Professional-tier exams."
Miao Hao had only lost in the South Donghuang Division Tournament finals due to a single mistake.
If given another chance, he was confident he could claim the championship.
And as for Lu Ye…
Miao Hao crossed his arms, eyes narrowing.
This might be the perfect opportunity to prove himself to the media.
If he could defeat the East Donghuang Division Champion, his endorsement fees would skyrocket!
This was a no-risk, all-reward investment!
"Please tell Teacher Lu," Miao Hao said with a bright smile, "I admire him greatly and would love to spar with him!"
Tang Hui nodded.
Challenging strong opponents was the spirit of young trainers, after all.
"Gengar has already gone to fetch him," Tang Hui chuckled. "Consider this your Professional-tier assessment. Get ready."
Dragged by Gengar, Lu Ye jogged all the way to the Professional-tier testing area.
All eyes turned toward the legendary East Donghuang Division Champion.
Under the weight of their stares, Lu Ye's expression grew complicated.
Good grief.
Were they seriously trying to sneak him into the Professional-tier exam?!
Tang Hui stepped forward and introduced Miao Hao.
"This is the runner-up from the South Donghuang Division Tournament. His opponent forfeited… but since you're here, I thought you could step in as a replacement. It'll count as part of the Professional-tier exam."
Miao Hao smiled warmly and extended a hand.
"Teacher Lu, I'm looking forward to our match!"
Lu Ye frowned.
He had already obtained his Junior-tier license, which was all he needed for his visa.
Taking the Professional-tier test wouldn't really benefit him…
Tang Hui added, "By the way, Professional Trainers receive an annual subsidy of 500,000 Pokedollars. It's not much, but hey, it's better than nothing."
Lu Ye froze.
His gaze slowly shifted toward Miao Hao, who was smiling politely but starting to look a little nervous.
With utmost sincerity, Lu Ye declared,
"Money doesn't matter. What's important is that I am always willing to help others!"
"Oh, thank you so much!" Miao Hao grinned brightly.
Internally, he smirked.
Once he won, he'd make sure the media broadcasted his victory far and wide!
The two trainers stepped onto the battlefield.
The surrounding trainers, drawn by the commotion, turned their curious gazes toward the match.
"Wait… this is the East Donghuang Division Champion versus the South Donghuang Division runner-up?"
"A battle between titans!"
"Runner-up? Come on, this is just another poor soul for Teacher Lu to crush!"
Miao Hao's smile stiffened, but he quickly tossed out his Poké Ball.
"Go, Crawdaunt!"
A Crawdaunt with blood-red armor appeared, its body layered with a tough exoskeleton. Its massive pincers clashed together with a metallic clang, exuding an intimidating presence.
In the South Donghuang Division Tournament, this very Crawdaunt had used Guillotine to instantly KO multiple opponents.
For this 2v2 singles battle, Miao Hao had sent out his trump card right from the start!
"Hmm… doesn't look that strong," Lu Ye muttered before nodding to himself.
"But I should show some respect."
"Go, Squirtle!"
The moment a sunglasses-wearing Squirtle appeared, the audience fell into stunned silence.
"No way, a basic-stage Pokémon?"
"Have you guys never watched Teacher Lu's battles?"
"Wait… oh s***! I just remembered—this Squirtle is insane!"
The murmurs of the crowd reached Miao Hao, but he scoffed internally.
Strong?
How strong could a Squirtle possibly be?!
Miao Hao sneered, "Crawdaunt, use Crabhammer!"
With the Hyper Cutter ability boosting its attack power, Crawdaunt's claw surged with tremendous force as it swung toward Squirtle's face.
Squirtle stood firm, not flinching, not even blinking—calmly waiting for Lu Ye's command.
Lu Ye's lips twitched slightly.
"A lobster using Crabhammer? Alright then… Squirtle, Ice Punch!"
It didn't matter if the move wasn't super effective.
Against an opponent of this level, all Squirtle had to do was punch it straight into the ground!
"Squirtlee!"
Squirtle's eyes flashed with determination as frost-coated energy gathered around its fist.
Charging straight into Crawdaunt's attack, Squirtle met the giant claw head-on.
Miao Hao smirked.
Using Squirtle's pathetic Attack stat to trade blows with Crawdaunt's monstrous strength?
Ridiculous—
BOOM!
A gust of wind exploded across the battlefield.
Crawdaunt was sent flying, tumbling across the ground several times before finally coming to a stop.
Miao Hao stood there, dumbfounded.
What… just happened?
His Crawdaunt—his Hyper Cutter Crawdaunt—had just been launched across the battlefield… by a Squirtle?!
"Holy s***! That was Hyper Cutter, though!"
"Wait… don't tell me this Squirtle is actually a Machamp in disguise?!"
Squirtle furrowed its brow and casually shook its fist.
Hmph… weak.
But at least strong enough for me to take seriously!
A surge of powerful Aura gathered around Squirtle, forming a glowing blue sphere in its palms.
Not just the audience—even Gym Leader Tang Hui let out an audible "Holy s**!"*
This Squirtle… could use Aura Sphere?!
"Squirtlee!"
Bringing its hands together, Squirtle launched a textbook Hadoken, releasing a pulse of concentrated energy.
Surrounded by the overwhelming force of Aura, Crawdaunt let out a terrified shriek.
The blast struck with pinpoint precision.
BOOM!
Crawdaunt was sent flying yet again, slamming into the arena barrier before collapsing into unconsciousness.
Silence fell over the entire battlefield.
The sheer power of that Aura Sphere had left everyone speechless.
Whoever faced this thing… was going to get obliterated!
Miao Hao's smile had completely frozen on his face, looking more like an awkward grimace.
A Squirtle… that knew Aura Sphere?!
No doubt about it—this had to be Lu Ye's trump card!
Keeping it unevolved to lull opponents into underestimating it… was this how the East Donghuang Division Champion fought?!
Such a deep and sinister mind!
Lu Ye, however, looked a bit troubled.
Crawdaunt was double-weak to Fighting.
Hopefully, it hadn't just been blasted into a million pieces…
"Uh… do you still want to continue?" Lu Ye asked, clearing his throat.
Miao Hao swallowed hard, stealing a glance at Lu Ye.
I-It's fine…
I still have a chance to turn this around!
Taking a deep breath, Miao Hao threw out his second Poké Ball.
"Go, Poliwrath!"
A muscular Poliwrath emerged, its bulging arms flexing as it glared menacingly at Squirtle.
"A Water Absorb Poliwrath, huh?"
Lu Ye glanced at his Pokédex and muttered, "That makes sense…"
For a normal Squirtle, dealing damage to Poliwrath would indeed be difficult.
However…
Even Lu Ye himself didn't know the full extent of his Squirtle's move pool.
"Squirtle," Lu Ye commanded, "use Skull Bash!"
This was a move that had appeared on Squirtle's list after its training retreat.
By all logical standards, Squirtle was already strong enough to evolve into Blastoise.
But this overly cautious little guy… still refused to take off its Everstone.
"Squirtlee!"
Squirtle leaped high into the air, tucking its head into its shell.
Then, like a launched projectile, it rocketed toward Poliwrath.
A shockwave rippled through the air as Squirtle turned itself into a living missile.
This wasn't Skull Bash—this was a damn rocket launch!
Miao Hao's face paled.
"Poliwrath, catch it!" he shouted desperately.
Poliwrath's expression twisted.
Catch it?!
You want me to catch a freaking rocket?!
BOOM!
A bone-rattling thud echoed through the arena.
The entire facility trembled from the impact.
Tang Hui looked up at the ceiling, watching bits of debris crumble from the walls.
Silently, he wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Lu Ye's Pokémon…
Every single one of them was an absolute menace.
Miao Hao stared at his Poliwrath, which was clutching its stomach, face twisted in pain.
His lips trembled.
Was this guy even human?
Instantly knocking out both of my Pokémon…
Has the East Donghuang Division really gotten this strong?
And to think… I thought I could use him as a sharpening stone…
"The South Donghuang Division runner-up… is this weak?"
"No, it's just that Teacher Lu is way too strong!"
"That's true… And the fact that he's still willing to guide his opponent shows what a true mentor he is!"
Hearing the murmurs around him, Miao Hao's face alternated between red and white.
Lu Ye took the initiative to step forward and shake hands.
"Good match," he said.
Miao Hao felt a surge of humiliation, but he couldn't show it. He forced out a couple of awkward laughs.
"Squirtlee."
Squirtle rubbed its head thoughtfully.
If its shell gets injured, a Max Potion can fix it…
Then what about its head? Shouldn't I be even more careful with it?
Seeing Squirtle deep in thought, Lu Ye's expression grew strange.
This opponent was so weak—he really shouldn't have sent Squirtle in.
Even Growlithe could've won with proper commands, despite the type disadvantage.
"Congratulations, Lu Ye."
Tang Hui smiled as he handed over a small badge and a certificate.
"This is the symbol of a Professional Trainer. It also represents Donghuang Trainers in other leagues."
Lu Ye nodded.
With this, his visa issue was officially resolved.
Taking the badge, he casually pinned it onto Gengar.
"Huh, that actually looks pretty good!" Lu Ye remarked in surprise.
"Gengarr!"
Gengar was stunned for a moment, then quickly grinned.
Continuing to train everyone…
That's what Master wants from me, right?
Alright! I, Gengar, will keep working hard!
"And one more thing… As a Professional Trainer, you can apply for advanced TM moves from the association."
Tang Hui chuckled. "Since I happen to be free, I'll take you there later!"
Surrounded by envious gazes from the other trainers, Lu Ye's expression changed slightly.
Old Tang… You never mentioned this before!
Now that I've already signed up for the visa, you're still finding ways to mess with me?!
Lu Ye sighed. "You really live up to your reputation, Gym Leader Tang."
Tang Hui laughed heartily. "No need to be polite. You earned it!"