Blaine was momentarily stunned. Reflected in his sunglasses was the silhouette of a Trainer.
Compared to his handsome features, it was the burning determination in his eyes that stood out—hot and fierce like the volcano of Cinnabar Island.
"Of course." Blaine adjusted his sunglasses, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
This feeling of excitement…
The last time I felt this was during my battle with that reckless kid.
What was his name again…? Ah, Ash!
A Trainer who was stubborn yet full of conviction, constantly moving forward on the path to becoming a legend.
Fighting against Trainers like that… even an old man like me can't help but get fired up!
"Let's go," Blaine turned around, "I'll take you to Cinnabar Gym!"
---
In the courtyard of the hot spring inn, Blaine twisted a stone statue, revealing a hidden underground passage.
The tunnel led toward the subterranean Cinnabar Gym, located near the island's volcano. As they descended, the temperature steadily rose.
Sweat dripped from Blaine's forehead, yet his expression was one of anticipation for the upcoming battle.
Suddenly, he felt a chill from behind. Turning around, he saw a Gengar floating beside Lu Ye.
"You lead the way. I'm right behind you," Lu Ye said casually, completely unaware of anything unusual.
"Ahem!" Blaine clenched his fist and coughed, "Normally, challengers must complete a puzzle challenge before facing the Gym Leader. But since this request came from Red, I'll make an exception."
Lu Ye blinked. "Red?"
"Wasn't it you who asked Red to send me back here for a challenge?" Blaine said as he unlocked the gym's security system, "Otherwise, I'd still be at the lab working on my research paper. Your challenge would've been delayed for at least three or four days."
A series of ellipses popped up in Lu Ye's mind.
So it was that little brat Red who lured the Gym Leader here?!
I helped you out with your romance, and in return, you sold me out?!
As a Battle Legend, this betrayal… I will remember—
No.
No, I can't hold this grudge.
Lu Ye quickly changed course and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.
"Gold, I'll remember this grudge!"
---
Far away in Johto, a certain egg-hatching expert sneezed.
"Huh?" Gold scratched his head, mumbling, "Did I tick someone off recently…?"
Lately, he had been helping Crystal at the Trainer School, playing pool, and taking it easy.
Gold's life was unusually peaceful.
If it weren't for Aunt Lorelei suddenly flying all the way from Kanto for a 6v6 battle, things would've been even better…
Still, seeing how everyone else had lost to Teacher Lu, Gold finally relaxed.
Everyone got 3-0'd… So if I went up there, I'd be fine too!
---
Meanwhile, in the open plaza of Cinnabar Island, vendors were selling steaming hot takoyaki.
Red and Yellow stood side by side in their yukatas, watching as faint snowflakes drifted down from the sky.
"It's snowing," Yellow murmured.
Red held out his palm, watching the flakes melt upon contact.
This kind of weather… might not be favorable for Blaine.
Red fell into deep thought.
If he truly wanted to win against Teacher Lu… would Blaine call upon that Pokémon residing in Cinnabar Island's volcano?
If he went all out, what were Teacher Lu's chances of victory?
The two stood quietly together.
Under the night sky, the glow from the streetlights cast a hazy radiance over the falling snow, blurring the line between raindrops and snowflakes.
---
Blazing flames surrounded the battlefield of Cinnabar Gym.
The challenge had already lasted for over ten minutes.
Blaine raised his hand and shouted, "Magmortar, Sunny Day!"
The Fire-type Pokémon, with its cannon-like arms and orange-yellow patterns, lifted its arm and fired a glowing orb into the air.
Under the artificial sunlight inside the enclosed gym, the temperature soared.
A bead of sweat trickled down Lu Ye's cheek.
"Squirtle, Water Pulse!"
Squirtle took a deep breath and unleashed a torrential wave, crashing down from above like a collapsing skyscraper, nearly engulfing Magmortar entirely.
—BOOM!
As the water receded, the glowing protective shield around Magmortar—Protect—flickered with a faint crack.
The sheer power of Water Pulse even made Blaine's heart skip a beat.
The next moment, Magmortar raised its cannon arms, heat surging from within, forming a blazing orange fireball.
"Fire Blast!" Blaine roared.
A wave of searing heat rippled outward. Under Sunny Day's effect, Fire Blast roared forward like a raging fire dragon!
Even with a type advantage, Squirtle would still take significant damage if it took this hit head-on.
"Water Gun," Lu Ye said calmly.
Blaine hesitated for a moment, puzzled by the seemingly passive command.
But in the next second—BOOM!
A deafening explosion drowned out all doubt.
The collision of water and fire triggered a massive blast, sending thick white steam billowing into the air.
Water Gun alone… caused this much destruction?!
Blaine hesitated only for a brief moment before his sharp gaze locked onto the cloud of steam.
Fire Blast wasn't my real attack—
Hidden within Magmortar's cannon, the true finishing blow was already prepared!
—ZAP!
A golden surge of electricity crackled through the smoke—Thunderbolt!
—CRACK!
"Did it hit?" Blaine muttered to himself, voice trembling slightly.
Sunny Day and Fire Blast had only been a feint.
Would his trap work?
Magmortar, a Pokémon known for its exceptional Special Attack, only needed a single Thunderbolt to take down Squirtle.
As the thick smoke cleared, Magmortar lowered its cannon arms—but for a brief moment, it stiffened unnaturally.
"Arrooo!!"
Emerging from the smoke, Growlithe had tanked the Thunderbolt head-on, baring its fangs with a fierce growl.
Blaine's expression turned serious.
He switched Pokémon the instant Thunderbolt was used?
That kind of reaction speed…
As he processed what had just happened, Blaine's eyes suddenly widened.
Growlithe's injuries were healing at an astonishing rate—visible to the naked eye!
"He's using Sunny Day and Morning Sun to keep Growlithe on the field," Blaine muttered. "A remarkable defensive strategy..."
Lu Ye's expression was equally serious.
Using Magmar would've been fine, but you had to bring out its evolved form?
This is only my second Gym battle. If I fought Blue, would he bring out a full Champion-tier team?!
In this 3v3 battle, Squirtle had already defeated a Rapidash earlier.
But due to the threat of Thunderbolt, Lu Ye was forced to swap it out.
Right now, the priority was taking down Magmortar!
"Take Down," Lu Ye commanded.
Growlithe bared its teeth and charged forward at full speed, aiming straight for the towering Magmortar.
Facing the lunging Growlithe, Magmortar remained unfazed, raising its preheated cannons.
Orange flames twisted the air as a massive fire blast erupted from its arms!
—BOOM!!
The collision sent both Pokémon flying backward.
Magmortar slammed its fists into the ground to stabilize itself, skidding several meters before stopping, breathing heavily.
Meanwhile, Growlithe tumbled through the air three or four times before hitting the ground with a heavy thud.
Compared to Magmortar, Growlithe was clearly at a disadvantage.
Lu Ye hesitated, reaching for its Poké Ball.
There's no need to let this little guy take heavy injuries just for a Gym battle…
Blaine noticed his movement and frowned slightly.
If he sent out Growlithe, wasn't the plan to wear down Magmortar?
Why withdraw it now?
But before Lu Ye could recall it, Growlithe suddenly jumped to its feet, dodging the red recall light.
Lu Ye raised an eyebrow.
Growlithe shook its head, then grinned foolishly, baring its fangs.
"Arrooo!"
I can still fight!
Though panting heavily, its dark eyes were ablaze with a hunger for victory.
For the longest time, Growlithe had been content standing behind the team's big sister and their Trainer.
Even when making mistakes, its Trainer would only sigh helplessly and forgive it.
It could've lived a carefree, spoiled life forever.
But… I want to be strong too.
Just like my mother, I want to be a hero.
I want to win a battle for my Trainer and see him smile with pride.
I want to…
Help my Trainer become a true Pokémon Trainer!
"Arrooo!!"
Growlithe bared its fangs and, despite its battered body, charged forward at an incredible speed toward Magmortar.
Magmortar's pupils contracted as Growlithe's silhouette grew larger in its vision.
—THUD!!
Magmortar was sent flying backward, crashing against the edge of the battlefield. It barely managed to prop itself up using its arm cannons.
"This… what incredible determination!"
Blaine muttered in disbelief, his voice rising with excitement.
"I cannot let this conviction go unanswered! Magmortar, Fire Blast!!"
Growlithe's battered figure was reflected in Lu Ye's deep gaze.
Then, he suddenly smiled.
For their Pokémon… Trainers have to work hard too.
"Growlithe, dodge!"
"Arrooo~!!"
With a sudden burst of energy, Growlithe leaped sideways, narrowly evading the roaring flames. It retaliated instantly—Flamethrower!
—BOOM!!
The fire engulfed Magmortar, who staggered before collapsing, black smoke rising from its body.
Lu Ye had perfectly seized the moment to issue his commands.
Seeing such precise decision-making, Blaine couldn't help but take a deep breath.
"This is the final round."
Recalling his fallen Magmortar, Blaine adjusted his sunglasses.
"OOOOHHH!! Burn bright, Arcanine!!"
Blaine roared as he hurled his Poké Ball—only to suddenly stiffen.
…Crap, I threw my back out!
But the battle had reached its climax.
The legendary Arcanine from Eastern Asian mythology had finally appeared before Lu Ye.
Its flowing flaxen fur, tiger-like black and orange stripes, and piercing gaze radiated an undeniable aura of dominance.
Growlithe had no physical or stamina advantage against it.
"Arooo!"
Yet, Growlithe crouched low, baring its fangs fearlessly.
Despite its wounds, it was determined to fight to the bitter end!
Seeing this unwavering resolve, Blaine was deeply moved.
"You and your Pokémon…" he said. "You both have the willpower of a volcano!"
It was the same indomitable spirit he had once seen in a certain Battle Legend.
The bond between Trainer and Pokémon—something words could never fully describe.
Watching the exhausted yet defiant Growlithe, Blaine suddenly saw Lu Ye raise his hand.
"Mr. Blaine.," Lu Ye glanced at his loyal, battle-worn Growlithe and hesitated for a moment, "In Gym battles, items are allowed, right?"
"You can use one," Blaine nodded. "Do you need a Potion or—"
He suddenly froze.
"Wait a minute…"
His expression changed as realization dawned upon him.
Blaine sighed, then chuckled in admiration.
"A bold Trainer, indeed."
Lu Ye extended his hand. Gengar, understanding immediately, retrieved a Fire Stone from its dimensional stash, handing it over.
"Gengarr!"
Gengar's eyes flickered—it was both sentimental and happy.
It could feel Growlithe's desire to become stronger.
If that's the case… let's keep moving forward together!
Images of Growlithe flashed through Lu Ye's mind—its toothy grin, its mischief, its lazy naps with Togepi, its ridiculous tantrums after getting scolded…
And all the times he had ruffled its head in exasperation.
For a brief moment, Lu Ye felt reluctant.
But he knew what had to be done.
He took the Fire Stone in his hand, then tossed it to Growlithe—just like the times they played fetch at home.
"Arrooo!!"
Growlithe caught the Fire Stone in its mouth, and instantly, a radiant white light enveloped its body.
Lu Ye took a deep breath.
And finally, he declared: "Burn bright, Arcanine!!"