November 10th, Saturday.
After packing up, Lu Ye and his Pokémon were ready to depart.
Aside from taking a three-day leave from his livestream, everything at the Pokémon Studio was running smoothly under Oleana's management.
Oleana had even suggested that Lu Ye establish a branch office in Kanto to expand overseas operations.
It was tempting, but it would cost a fortune.
Despite appearing well-off, Lu Ye was actually drowning in debt, making his feelings rather complicated.
Going bankrupt from playing games?
Still, even the smallest income was better than nothing.
Whether it was streaming, gaming, or other ventures, Lu Ye had no intention of giving them up.
The weather was clear, with wispy clouds drifting across the blue sky.
Pulling his suitcase behind him, Lu Ye headed to the airport with a Gengar floating at his back.
"Veeon~"
Sylveon sat elegantly on top of the suitcase, cheeks puffed in displeasure.
Not being able to perch on his shoulder—totally unacceptable! (◦`~´◦)
---
The trip to Kanto wasn't too long, about four to five hours.
Since this was a parallel world, it was quite different from the Kanto in Lu Ye's memories.
Once on the plane, Lu Ye closed his eyes to rest.
Meanwhile, Gengar stretched out its tongue, licking its in-flight meal completely clean before pulling an ice-cold soda from its dimensional belly and taking a satisfied sip.
"Gengarr! (*≧▽≦)"
---
Time passed quickly, and Lu Ye was jolted awake by the vibration of his phone alarm.
"Are we there?" He yawned. "Let's go, Gengar."
"Gengarr!" Gengar nodded.
Pressing its face against the window, it gazed at the approaching land below, eyes sparkling with excitement.
New Trainers, new Gyms… Here comes Gengar! (๑`▽´๑)۶
---
Viridian City, Kanto.
A young girl with a yellow ponytail looked up, getting her bearings before pushing her bicycle toward Saffron City.
She glanced down at her phone and typed a message.
[Yellow: Teacher Lu, have you arrived?]
---
Saffron City Airport.
Lu Ye, pulling his suitcase with Gengar floating behind him, looked around with a hint of nervousness.
[Lu Ye: I just got off the plane and am heading to the main hall now.]
[Yellow: I'll be there soon!]
On the other end, Yellow hurriedly hopped onto her bike and sped away.
--
Meanwhile…
The polished marble floor of Saffron City Airport gleamed under the lights.
Huddled in a corner, three figures peeked out sneakily.
"Where's the boss?"
"That's him, Meowth."
"Wait, why is he being questioned by Officer Jenny?!"
James panicked. "We have to save him!"
"You idiot!"
Jessie smacked James on the head.
"That's the same Officer Jenny from our last drill—she and the boss go way back!"
"Is that so, Meowth?"
Meowth tilted its head.
"Wait, Jessie, how did you recognize her?"
Jessie smirked. "Women naturally pay attention to each other's outfits."
"That Officer Jenny slyly shortened her skirt. No way I'd miss that!"
"That makes sense..."
"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet popped out excitedly, only to be shoved back down in a panic.
"Don't just jump out like that!"
---
"Did you hear something?"
Officer Jenny, in the middle of a conversation with Lu Ye, turned to glance around.
"Probably just a traveler dropping something."
Lu Ye chuckled awkwardly, sneaking a glance toward the corner.
The classic trench coats, hats, sunglasses—not even bothering to change their hair color.
Their disguises were so obvious, anyone could see through them!
And yet, they still had the nerve to openly show up at the airport to meet him?
A man in a brown trench coat approached and shook Lu Ye's hand.
"Finally caught you!"
"Huh?"
"Ahem… Force of habit."
The man cleared his throat. "I mean, welcome to Kanto!"
"No need to go out of your way." Lu Ye smiled.
"Of course there is! You're one of us, after all!" The man grinned.
Officer Jenny glanced between them, surprised.
"Teacher Lu, you're a member of Interpol?"
"That's right."
The man rubbed his chin. "Technically, his rank is two levels higher than mine."
After Lu Ye's video on the Surprise Raid strategy went viral, Interpol had given him high praise internally.
The man felt a bit conflicted.
It wouldn't be long before this recruit he brought in might end up as his boss…
Meanwhile, Officer Jenny from Celadon City widened her eyes in shock.
No wonder Teacher Lu could come up with such an advanced Surround Tactics Strategy...
It must be related to his background in Interpol!
"Arf!"
Recognizing an old friend, Growlithe wagged its tail happily and nuzzled against Officer Jenny's leg.
"This is…"
Officer Jenny looked at Lu Ye questioningly.
"The one you entrusted to me." Lu Ye nodded.
Growlithe had come from Celadon City's police force.
Since Celadon City wasn't far from Saffron City, Officer Jenny had come to the airport to welcome him.
"I almost didn't recognize it."
Officer Jenny patted Growlithe's head before standing up and saluting.
"On behalf of the Kanto Alliance's Jenny family, I welcome you!"
"Also, since the Joys couldn't make it, they asked me to pass along their greetings."
Officer Jenny smiled. "I hope you have an unforgettable trip!"
Lu Ye had a complicated expression.
This trip was already unforgettable enough!
If more people showed up, things would definitely spiral out of control!
As he was deep in thought, a graceful figure dressed in a kimono approached with her hands neatly folded in front of her.
"Teacher Lu."
The short-haired woman with a headband smiled. "Welcome to Kanto."
It was Erika.
---
"What do we do?!"
The number of people gathering around Lu Ye kept growing, and Team Rocket's trio was sweating bullets.
"If we don't step out, we won't complete the mission!"
"L-Let's wait a little longer," James stammered. "At least until Officer Jenny leaves!"
"I can't wait any longer! At this rate, the boss is going to be exposed!"
Jessie gritted her teeth and was about to rush forward when Meowth and James quickly held her back.
"If you go now, you'll be the one exposing him, Meowth!"
"Exactly! With your intelligence, Jessie, don't make things worse for Teacher Lu!"
"What did you just say?!"
A vein popped on Jessie's forehead as she clenched her fist, her voice suddenly sharpening—
"Eeek! B-Boss!"
James and Meowth froze.
Turning their heads, their faces instantly turned pale with sweat.
Long black hair, a purple top, an icy expression, and an air of superiority.
One of Team Rocket's former three executives—Sabrina.
"What are you three doing here?" Sabrina's cold voice cut through them.
"W-We're here to w-welcome Teacher Lu!"
James stammered out a response.
Sabrina's sharp gaze swept over them.
Her overwhelming presence made the trio break out into a cold sweat.
In their minds, an image of Teacher Lu's warm and reassuring smile surfaced.
Tears welled up in their eyes.
Yep, life was definitely better under Teacher Lu's care!
"I'm not an executive anymore."
Sabrina brushed her black hair back.
"Lu Ye is."
With Team Rocket lying low, Giovanni must have already decided to let Lu Ye take over the Kanto branch.
Not a bad choice…
A small smirk appeared on Sabrina's lips as she took the lead.
"Follow me."
"Huh?" The trio stood frozen.
"Didn't you want to greet Teacher Lu?"
Sabrina raised an eyebrow. "Come. Together."
---
At least things hadn't gone completely off the rails.
Erika and Officer Jenny from Yuhong City were acquainted and were having a pleasant conversation.
The Interpol agent, though left out, still chatted with Lu Ye.
"If you spot any trace of Team Rocket, let me know immediately," the agent said seriously. "I'm currently tracking Giovanni's movements."
Lu Ye responded with righteous conviction, "Of course! That's my duty!"
As they spoke, a sudden wave of intense pressure made Erika frown slightly.
Even though they were in the same group chat…
She had never liked Sabrina, the one who had once thrown Kanto into chaos.
As Sabrina approached, Liza's eyes curved into a crescent as she smiled.
"I believe I mentioned that I would be the one welcoming Teacher Lu, didn't I, Lady Sabrina?"
"Saffron City is under my jurisdiction."
Sabrina's voice was calm. "I am more qualified than you, Miss Erika."
…Miss?
Liza's smile grew even softer.
"A Gym Leader neglecting her duties during work hours… As Kanto's commanding officer, I do have the authority to report such conduct to the League."
"Go ahead."
Sabrina lazily brushed back her hair.
"Not like some university professors are any better."
"Teaching and nurturing Trainers is an important way to strengthen Kanto."
"And opening psychic training courses—I believe I'm more qualified to speak on that, don't you?"
Invisible sparks clashed in the air.
Despite the fiery tension, an icy chill spread around them.
"I-I just remembered I have something to do! I'll be going now!"
Officer Jenny, sweating profusely, quickly made her exit.
The Interpol agent swallowed nervously.
His gaze shifted to the bizarrely dressed trio standing beside Sabrina.
Who exactly were they?
How were they able to stand firm in this suffocating atmosphere?!
On the surface, they seemed composed.
But beneath their disguises, Team Rocket's trio was trembling like leaves.
This mission was a hundred times harder than catching that brat's Pikachu!
"So scary!" the three of them screamed internally.
Standing at the center of this crossfire, Lu Ye felt chills run down his spine.
If you two want to fight, take it outside!
More people were still on their way—couldn't they at least clear some space first?!
Wiping his sweat discreetly, Lu Ye glanced at his phone.
[Yellow: Teacher Lu, I'm lost (′▽`〃)]
[Lu Ye: ???]
[Yellow: I entered Viridian Forest and got distracted chatting with a Butterfree… before I knew it, I got lost.]
[Lu Ye: [Ah, this… .jpg] ]
[Yellow: Sorry, sorry! Just give me a little more time, I'll be there soon!]
Lu Ye sighed.
[Yellow: But no worries! Red's Charizard already came to find me. I should be out soon~ (╹▽╹)]
Lu Ye was speechless.
You totally planned this, didn't you, Yellow?!
Come to think of it…
So Red really did catch Charizard after all.
Lu Ye fell into deep thought.
Lu Ye looked up—Sabrina and Erika were still locked in their silent standoff.
"Are there still more people coming?" Erika asked with a warm, spring-like smile.
"P-Probably…"
"The Gym is closed for today."
Sabrina crossed her arms and closed her eyes. "I can wait."
"So can I~" Erika responded sweetly.
Meowth quietly crept behind Lu Ye and poked his side.
"B-Boss, can we leave now, Meowth?"
"No way!"
Lu Ye gritted his teeth. "None of you are running away!"
"Eek!" The trio's faces turned pale.
At that moment, the Interpol agent coughed awkwardly, his expression complicated.
"Well, uh… Chief Inspector, I have other tasks to handle, so I'll be heading out first!"
Watching the agent's retreating figure, Meowth blinked and scratched his head.
"Boss… did he just call you 'Chief Inspector,' Meowth?"
"Yes."
Lu Ye nodded.
"I'm actually a police officer."
"Haha, very funny, Meowth."
"Yeah, yeah, no way it's that much of a coincidence!"
Even as they waved it off, sweat poured down their foreheads.
Something… felt off.
Maybe their boss wasn't as simple as he seemed?!
---
Seeing that the deadlock wasn't going to break anytime soon, Meowth gritted his teeth.
He dragged Jessie and James to the side and whispered, "Here's the plan, Meowth~~"
"Will this really work?" Jessie looked skeptical.
"If something goes wrong, we'll be in deep trouble," James hesitated.
"Hmph, this is the perfect moment to prove our loyalty, Meowth!"
Meowth put his paws on his hips and smirked.
"If we can save the boss, he'll definitely have a good impression of us. Then he can put in a good word with Giovanni~~"
"Hehehe."
The three of them grinned in unison. "What a fantastic idea!"
---
Saffron City Airport.
The sudden descent of a Garchomp caused an uproar.
"Wait… isn't that Sinnoh's Champion?!"
"Why is she here?!"
"This is an airport, right? Is she here to pick up some big-shot professor?"
The blonde beauty in a black trench coat casually recalled Garchomp into its Poké Ball.
Her heels clicked against the ground as she strode forward, exuding an undeniable aura of power.
The Interpol agent, sitting on the stairs and eating his bento, struggled to swallow his rice ball.
A ridiculous thought crossed his mind.
Could it be…
She's here to pick up Lu Ye too?!
---
Inside the terminal, the familiar sound of high heels made Lu Ye's heart skip a beat.
The glaring sunlight outside cast a golden glow as Cynthia approached, fastening the Poké Ball to her waist.
The sight of her was like seeing someone holding a cleaver in a tense standoff.
Lu Ye gulped nervously.
I didn't even do anything.
Why do I feel so guilty?!
Sabrina and Erika exchanged glances, both equally surprised.
Lu Ye…
Even has connections with Sinnoh's Champion?!
Sunlight gleamed across the floor.
Cynthia stopped beside Lu Ye, her heels giving her an absolute height advantage.
She nodded slightly.
"I'm late."
---
BOOM!
Suddenly, chaos erupted at the airport.
Jessie and James, now in their Team Rocket uniforms, burst out laughing.
"Hand over your Poké Balls, now!"
The three elegant women instinctively turned toward the commotion.
For a brief moment, the impending disaster of a romantic showdown was averted.
Meowth, operating a remote control, subtly gave Lu Ye a thumbs-up.
Boss.
This is all we can do for you!
Lu Ye's eyes suddenly felt a little misty.
Thank you, Team Rocket!
---
"Garchomp!"
Cynthia's golden hair flowed as she tossed out her Poké Ball.
"Dragon Rush!"
BOOM!
The airport's ceiling exploded, leaving a massive hole.
Jessie, James, and Meowth were sent flying, screaming—
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off agaaaain!"
Lu Ye wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
Even after getting sent sky-high by Garchomp, they seemed… completely fine.
Are they even human anymore?!
---
Thanks to Team Rocket's "help," the near-battlefield scene had finally been defused.
Sabrina, losing interest, waved her hand and returned to her Gym to continue crushing new challengers.
Erika, being perceptive of the atmosphere, gave a polite smile.
"Well then, I'll be waiting for you at Celadon University."
"Don't worry," Lu Ye coughed. "I'll be there tomorrow for sure!"
The once-crowded airport quickly quieted down.
Cynthia stared at Lu Ye, lost in thought.
"…What?"
"I was just thinking. It's been a long time since we last met."
"…Yeah, exactly 44 days." Lu Ye responded seriously.
Cynthia blinked in surprise before glancing away.
"W-Well, for now, let's get you settled."
"Huh? I haven't even booked a hotel yet."
"I already took care of it."
Cynthia crossed her arms. "I have a private residence in Saffron City."
Lu Ye: ???
When I put a question mark.
It's not me who has a problem. It's you who has a problem!
---
Stepping out of the airport, Lu Ye looked up at the sky.
A sudden realization struck him.
Could this be…
The Sinnoh son-in-law, returning to Kanto?!
—
Meanwhile, still en route to the airport…
Yellow giggled.
"Red-senpai~ (′▽`〃)"