Celadon University.
Located on the outskirts of Celadon City, the campus was vast and expansive.
In front of the main entrance lay a circular plaza, flags fluttering in the breeze.
A few Pidgeot perched atop a fountain sculpture, drawing the eye upward to the grand and imposing school gate.
"The campus is divided into several sections—Medical School, Art School, Research Institute…"
As they walked, Erika explained, "The Trainer Academy isn't here. I'll take you there after we meet the principal."
Lu Ye nodded, his gaze shifting toward a row of bronze statues in the distance.
"What are those?"
"Each school builds statues to honor its distinguished alumni," Erika replied.
"That one belongs to the Business School—Zinnia Tzukihara's statue."
"And over at the more renowned Research Institute, you'll find statues of Professor Oak, Professor Rowan, and others."
She smiled. "Maybe if you work hard, Teacher Lu, you'll have a place here too?"
"The Business School, maybe," Lu Ye mused, stroking his chin. "But the Trainer Academy? No chance."
"Hm?"
"I was a Finance student, after all," he shrugged.
Erika paused momentarily before realization struck—Lu Ye was the mastermind behind the massively successful Pokémon card game.
Achieving such remarkable success in both the Trainer and business world…
She lowered her gaze, deep in thought.
So this is what they call… a true all-rounder!
---
After arriving at the principal's office, Lu Ye completed his employment paperwork.
Scanning the faculty list, he noticed several familiar names—Erika was a lecturer at the Trainer Academy, and Bill was teaching a communications course.
Like Lu Ye, they only taught a few classes per week, spending most of their time on their primary careers.
After a brief visit to the Research Institute, Bill, fresh out of class, grabbed Lu Ye and took him to the student cafeteria.
"Order whatever you want—it's on me!" Bill grinned, waving his meal card.
"Hm?" Lu Ye sensed something off.
"Gengarr?" Gengar rubbed its belly, its eyes gleaming with eerie light…
A few minutes later, under the bewildered stares of the students, Gengar licked its plate clean and silently gave a thumbs-up.
Bill, on the verge of tears, mumbled, "M-my card's out of money… Let's save the rest for next time."
Lu Ye patted him on the shoulder. "Thanks, Bill!"
Bill scratched his head and chuckled.
Watching Gengar, he could see Lu Ye's genuine love for Pokémon.
That was one of the reasons they got along so well.
"By the way, are you teaching at the Research Institute?" Bill asked.
"No, the Trainer Academy."
"Ah… what a shame. I was hoping to discuss some academic theories with you." Bill sighed dramatically.
Erika, however, looked at Lu Ye with newfound curiosity.
So… he's also a researcher?
On top of being a Trainer, a Breeder, and a business prodigy…
It was getting harder and harder to figure out Teacher Lu's true identity.
"Oh, right."
Bill suddenly remembered something. "Teacher Lu, if you have time, you should visit Professor Oak."
"He's a titan in the academic world and a spiritual leader for Trainers in Kanto."
"Since you're already here, it'd be a good opportunity."
Lu Ye nodded.
It was only polite to visit the honorary principal.
His classes wouldn't start for another three days—plenty of time.
---
After parting ways, Erika returned to Celadon Gym, and Bill headed toward the lighthouse near Vermilion City.
Lu Ye returned to his villa in Goldenrod City and opened the group chat.
To his surprise, before he could say anything, Blue sent a message.
[Blue: Teacher Lu, are you free tomorrow? Professor Oak wants to meet you.]
[Gold: Huh? Why is Professor Oak looking for Teacher Lu?]
Earlier that afternoon, after getting utterly wrecked by Red at Mt. Silver, Gold had temporarily switched off his 'reckless mode' and even used honorifics when referring to Professor Oak.
[Brock: Trainers visiting a new region usually stop by to meet the local professor. It's tradition.]
[Gold: But Professor Oak was the one who brought it up.]
[Gold: Could it be… he's taken an interest in Teacher Lu?!] Gold rubbed his chin.
[Silver: …Do your thought processes always work like this?]
[Blue: Well… technically, you're not wrong.] Blue's expression turned odd.
[Lu Ye: ???]
[Everyone in the chat: ???]
Blue coughed.
[Blue: Just come over tomorrow, and you'll see.]
---
One Day Earlier
Blue Town, Professor Oak's Laboratory.
Night had fallen.
Blue, hands in his pockets, strolled past the lab, glancing at the light shining through the windows.
"Still awake, huh…"
He muttered to himself and pushed open the door.
Inside, the elderly Professor Oak, his hair now streaked with gray, stretched as he spotted Blue.
"Oh, it's you. Still up so late?"
"You're the one who should be sleeping earlier."
Blue's eyes flicked toward the desk, cluttered with various documents.
A bright red Pokédex stood out among them.
Oak chuckled. "At my age, a few hours of sleep is plenty. I'd rather spend the extra time working."
He gestured for Blue to come closer.
"Here, take a look at the new Pokédex I made!"
As Blue approached, his own Pokédex vibrated in his pocket with a familiar 'beep beep beep.'
"Another special edition?" Blue asked in surprise.
Each year, Professor Oak distributed Pokédexes to Kanto's new Trainers. However, he had only ever personally crafted a handful of special edition ones.
These were reserved for Trainers who had earned the recognition of regional professors—those with exceptional skills.
For example, Red, known as the 'The Fighter', and Gold, known as the 'The Hatcher'.
Now, seeing yet another new special edition Pokédex, it was no wonder Blue was surprised.
"Oh, I've got to keep up with the times!" Oak grinned.
"I added smartphone functions to this one—it's an upgraded version of the previous models. I'll be upgrading yours later, too."
"You've already picked a Trainer to receive this?" Blue asked.
The special edition Pokédex wasn't just more accurate; it was a symbol of recognition.
Whether it represented courage, perseverance, or an unyielding spirit akin to gold—Red, one of the previous recipients, was a perfect example of these values.
To preserve this legacy, Professor Oak was incredibly selective about who received one.
"Not yet."
Oak stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"I originally wanted to give it to Ash, but he left in such a hurry… and with the Lily of the Valley Conference coming up, I didn't want to disturb him."
Blue pondered for a moment before nodding.
"…I do have a candidate in mind."
"Oh?"
Oak looked intrigued. "Which region is the Trainer from?"
"Donghuang."
Blue took out his phone and scrolled through the chat.
"He's already in Kanto… and with his skills, I'd say he's more than qualified for your Pokédex."
"I'll think about it."
Oak nodded, then smiled.
"Hearing you talk about him like this… now I'm actually looking forward to meeting him!"