Chapter 674 Teacher Lu’s Ho Visit! End of the Unova Trip
Under the world’s gaze, the World Championships Junior Cup semifinals were about to begin.
There was half an hour until the official matches started.
Manchong stood at the door of the guest lounge and took a deep breath to muster his courage.
It had been three days since arriving in Lacunosa Town… and he still hadn’t managed to speak to Teacher Lu.
Every ti he saw Lu Ye surrounded by people, he wanted to go over and ask whether he still rembered him, but Lu Ye had so many students…
Just like Professor Samuel Oak… Oak clearly rembered that I helped take care of the Treecko, yet in the end he gave Treecko to soone else…
Those mories flickered and passed. Manchong, his smooth green hair drooping, tugged at his backpack straps and prepared to go back stage and get ready for the upcoming semifinal.
At that mont, the door opened and a beam of light appeared as Blastoise stuck its head out wearing sunglasses.
“Blastoise?” Manchong murmured.
“Blastoise!” Blastoise slightly nodded.
Noticing soone peeking at the door, it nearly blasted a Hydro Pump out… speak up if you have sothing to say!
“Y-you know ? I’m from Celadon University, um… Teacher Lu’s student.” Manchong stamred.
“Blastoise?” Blastoise looked puzzled.
I can even tell by Aura… my lord surely wouldn’t fail to recognize!
A faint sparkle lit Manchong’s eyes as he shyly nodded: “S-sorry to intrude!”
“Manchong and Paul haven’t co to see you?” Cynthia sat with her back to the door, legs crossed on the sofa, and asked.
Lu Ye sat on the single sofa to her right, watching the doorway as he said:
“Paul’s busy trading techniques with Ash.”
“I did run into Manchong a few tis, but he’s always been avoiding … maybe he thinks I’m too ordinary and doesn’t want to recognize as his master?”
“You know that already.” Cynthia laughed.
“That can’t be… I rember that kid was really into battles as well.” Lu Ye said, puzzled.
Manchong didn’t expect to hear his teacher speaking about him. A warm current flowed through his chest. He knocked on the door and whispered:
“Teacher Lu, Champion Cynthia…”
Both of them looked over at once. Manchong felt the nervous anticipation of facing a strict teacher;
he said anxiously:
“I-I’m Manchong. I heard you were a guest at this competition, so… I wanted to et you.”
“Of course I know you’re Manchong!”
Teacher Lu smiled, rose to his feet, inspected Manchong closely, and nodded: “Not bad… your body looks a lot stronger.”
“It’s because the rehabilitation worked.” Manchong said shyly, “Also, Gallade helped a lot.”
“Why did you co to see only today?”
“I, I thought…”
Seeing Manchong hesitate, Lu Ye patted his shoulder and said:
“Let’s not talk about that. Focus on your match. Do your best.”
“The aning of Pokémon battles isn’t just winning or losing, but expressing the trainer’s philosophy and the Pokémon’s feelings through combat.”
Lu Ye folded his arms and smiled: “Of course, winning would be even better.”
Manchong listened to the familiar, affectionate words and nodded vigorously, then added quietly:
“I want to prove to Professor Oak and Gym Leader Qianli that even I can beco an excellent trainer…”
“Teacher Lu!” Manchong lifted his earnest eyes. “Please witness the battle between Gallade and !”
For Manchong, who ca from an ordinary background, Ruby always felt like “the gym leader’s child,” and he had lived under the insecurity of being frail and in soone else’s shadow.
But Lu Ye knew that this boy had a strong heart. In the ga world, Manchong, to make up for lack of resources and catch up to Yuuki, obsessively chased eggs, moves, and IVs.
But honestly, individual values an nothing in the face of belief… after all, Pachirisu can beco a world champion.
‘Bond’ is the eternal the of Pokémon battles.
Lu Ye was gratified to see Manchong find his own path — choosing Gallade as his partner and growing together.
“Don’t brag yet.” Lu Ye said. “If you lose I won’t bla you;
just enjoy the battle.”
“I understand.” Manchong said cautiously. “Also… Teacher Lu, if I win, can I invite you to my house?”
“My parents have always wanted to thank you… and Gym Leader Qianli too. I think you two would have a lot to talk about about battles!”
Gym Leader Qianli was Ruby’s father and Manchong’s neighbor. He was fad in the Special Episode for riding Rayquaza — a macho man whose strength was rumored to be near champion level.
Lu Ye felt oddly conflicted.
Whether Manchong’s parents were grateful or not, he didn’t know… but he and Qianli definitely don’t have a lot in common!
Lu Ye: “Visiting is fine… but where do you live again?”
“In Hoenn, Green Shade Town!” Manchong said hopefully.
Lu Ye said “Oh,” and looked up to the sky: “Ti-wise it’s okay…”
But wasn’t there sothing to watch out for in Hoenn?
Oh well… what’s a day or two? It’s not like we’ll coincidentally catch a volcanic eruption or seawater flooding.
“No problem.” Lu Ye put his hand on Manchong’s shoulder. “Show how you perform!”
Manchong nodded hard, thanked him, and left the backstage to prepare for the semifinals.
Lu Ye returned to the sofa. Cynthia handed him an Oran Berry and glanced: “What are you doing.”
“I want it peeled already.” Lu Ye sat upright, speaking in a deliberative tone.
Cynthia considered for a mont, then used her delicate fingernail to peel the berry and leaned in with a mischievous smile: “Here.”
“Ah—” Lu Ye opened his mouth, then froze: “Why did you feed it to Haunter?”
“Gengarrr~ (￣～￣)” Haunter held the segnt in its hands and chewed.
“You could also feed it to Garchomp.” Cynthia said smugly.
Lu Ye glanced behind the sofa. Garchomp wore a face of impatience.
“Grrr…”
So annoying, always showing off affection in front of Mom!
Lu Ye sensibly peeled a segnt himself, thought for a mont and handed it back to Cynthia, who returned a slightly playful, beautiful smile.
At that mont the lounge door was knocked again. Lu Ye sighed:
“The security at this event is really poor.”
“Maybe it’s your student from backstage again?”
Cynthia’s prediction ca true.
Paul stood at the door with deadpan eyes.
“Teacher… may I call you that?”
Paul had his hands in his pockets then crossed his arms. He said:
“Thank you for your guidance. Between bond and tactics there is always a balanced correct approach.”
“No matter what… Teacher Lu.”
Paul raised his eyes. “I’ll take you as my direction to chase after, and then steamroll Ash completely.”
“Just wait and see!”
After his monologue, Paul rudely and awkwardly turned and left. Cynthia smiled with a hand on her knee:
“That’s exactly that kid’s temperant…”
“Still better than so rivals.” Lu Ye said with feeling. “Co on, the semifinals are starting!”
**
In the Junior Cup semifinals, the first match was Manchong versus Ash, 3 vs 3.
To everyone’s surprise, the Pikachu who had been favored before the match was completely overwheld by Manchong’s Gallade.
Pikachu fully demonstrated what an “emotional actor” it was, once again showing the ‘paddling’ state from the BW days.
“Pika!”
After a Gallade karate chop, Pikachu staggered, spun three tis, finally landed with spiraled eyes and collapsed groaning:
“Pikachu…”
“Ash!” Ash cried, rushing forward to scoop up Pikachu.
Pikachu half-opened his eyes and looked at Ash weakly, calling: “Pikapi…”
“Pikachu gave everything… and still couldn’t win.” Ash gritted his teeth.
I should train harder so I won’t embarrass Teacher Lu and Gym Leader Green!
Lu Ye sat in the guest seats with a black line across his forehead;
Cynthia glanced sideways, surprised:
“Is Ash’s Pikachu not in form?”
“That’s normal.”
Lu Ye was already thinking about the trip to Hoenn, casually saying:
“It was Pikachu that lifted Ash to a level that wasn’t his own.”
Manchong’s Gallade swept through, defeating Ash’s Snivy and others in succession, unstoppable.
Lu Ye had conflicted feelings.
Snivy, Piplup, Tepig… none of Ash’s Unova starters had evolved into their final stage. With that team, Pikachu had to perform.
Of course, trainers are inherently double-standard.
His own Togepi hadn’t evolved and was still strong, and he had no intention of evolving it;
Lu Ye happily stayed in “childcare” mode.
Little dinosaur Pokémon are different… to beat Abomasnow it evolved into Pupitar;
if stuck at the second stage not evolving—
then it’s a tragedy and can’t make progress.
By the way, bofuretsu doesn’t work on tapod, Kakuna, Shelt, Pupitar and other pupa Pokémon… the reason is obvious.
Ash’s final Pokémon in this match was his stalwart Krookodile. Compared to the original story it had evolved earlier, and it fought Gallade for a long ti.
In the end, Krookodile defeated Gallade. Manchong sent out a second Pokémon, Roselia, and took the victory.
Roselia, like Manchong, was timid and unwilling to evolve;
Manchong had no intention of forcing it.
There had been a case at the Quartz Conference of a “kung-fu” Bellsprout that was more powerful without evolving — Lu Ye ntioned this as an example to Manchong.
After beating Ash 3–1, Manchong wiped his brow and looked hopefully toward the judges’ stand.
Lu Ye returned his gaze and nodded with a smile.
Manchong’s progress was obvious. Even if he still had a ways to go to be on par with Ruby, he had already beco an independent trainer.
As for Ash… he deserved the loss!
Even Trip can lose in Unova, so Lu Ye didn’t dare tell Green—he’d get hypertension!
A Pallet Town trainer not winning the tournant was one thing — after all, they’d run into the “dinsionality reduction” of Teacher Lu at the Lily of the Valley Conference — forgivable.
But bringing underleveled babysitter bug and slug Pokémon and failing to perform ans Ash’s trainer level still isn’t there.
He needs to train in a few more regions!
“You promised Manchong you’d visit Hoenn?” Cynthia asked softly.
“No rush. First I’ll go back to Miare City.” Lu Ye said.
Teacher Lu planned to seriously consider transportation arrangents.
For travel, it was clear he should ask the “Dragon Ace” Yu Long Du… pfft!
Lu Ye rembered that title and stifled a laugh, covering his mouth with a soft cough.
A-Du said that the league provides professional Pokémon transport for inspectors and marshals. For example, in Alola Charizards used as vehicles and in Galar flying taxis.
Given his connections with the League and Interpol, he should be able to apply for a slot.
If possible, Teacher Lu wanted to get a “Dawnwing” Corviknight in steel armor…
Because it’s big and handso, with wide wings that won’t lead to falling — the dream bird!
“Next, the B-group semifinalists!” the announcer called.
Ash wasn’t discouraged by his loss to Manchong… after all, he’d lost plenty in Unova already.
During the interview, Manchong again ntioned his ntor’s na with shining eyes, which made listeners imagine the coach-and-student relationship and feel moved and respectful.
B-group was the showdown between Paul and Alice.
Alder folded his arms, his ssy red hair a tangle, his face serious.
This match might even determine Unova’s future champion…
A biting cold wind blew from the snowy peaks at the edge of Lacunosa Town.
There heavy snow covered the Giant Chasm and the trace of Teacher Lu directing Reshiram’s fierce battle.
At the open-air venue in Lacunosa, Paul stood with one hand in his pocket and said quietly:
“You’re strong. I can feel it… but I advise you to give up the dream of becoming champion early, because that’s just an illusion.”
Paul had once thought he would beco Sinnoh Champion. He challenged Cynthia and the pyramid pharaoh Brandon and had been decisively beaten each ti.
He had heard Alice’s ideals, but they crumbled before reality.
“How will you know unless you try!”
Alice’s tanned skin showed vitality. Her determined little face and dark eyes shone as she smiled:
“I’m different from others… because I’m a genius. I’ll carry more people’s futures!”
The audience stirred. Drayden in Twinleaf City stared at the broadcast screen, astonished.
Your progress astonishes … Alice.
And this growth was not baseless — it ca from the trainers and Pokémon around her.
The cara panned to the black-haired man in the guest seats. A Victini lay on his dark hair, flashing a cute V to the cara. Lu Ye glanced up and obligingly flashed a V as well.
Comnt stream exploded with “2333”
“Forced to promote.”
“Teacher Lu, blink if you’re being kidnapped!”
In Twinleaf City, Drayden watched the broadcast.
It was because of this champion role model… on that frozen night in Twinleaf, a seed of championship sprouted in Alice’s heart.
Paul seed touched by Alice’s words.
Absolute confidence, absolute trust in Pokémon… Paul said coldly:
“Boring.”
“Electivire, use Thunderbolt, finish that Dragonite!”
“Use Dragon Rush to dodge!”
Alice’s Dragonite wore a ferocious expression. Muscles tensed on its face as its wings cut the air and it dove.
Paul briefly saw the image of Cynthia’s Garchomp, and said in a low voice: “Bolt Strike!”
Boom!!
Electivire surged with electric power, attempting to take the diving Dragonite head-on, but the sheer collision force pushed it back!
“Dragonite, use Flare Blitz!”
Dragonite didn’t even listen to Alice’s command. It bore the crossed currents on Electivire’s back and swung a fist toward Electivire with a feral snarl!
Bang!
Electivire took the ga Punch with an electrified punch to the face. Paul said coldly:
“Don’t boast. You can’t even make Dragonite fully obey you!”
“No… I don’t need to command because I and this child are in sync!”
Alice’s eyes were clear. Her hands clasped in a prayer-like position, hem and purple hair ribbons fluttering.
The dragon-blooded inheritance, the Dragon Heart!
“Wha—” Paul’s face stiffened.
Ash’s Infernape can cheat, fine, but your trainer is illegal too now!
Have I, as Teacher Lu’s pupil, still not learned the core?
True essence isn’t strategy, but illegal tactics!?
Alice’s “Dragon Heart” response erupted in Dragonite, which unleashed astonishing power and defeated Paul’s Electivire.
Paul then swapped in his Torterra forcibly to trade with Dragonite.
Finally, Drapion defeated Axew, which fell before Alice’s Excadrill.
“3–2.” the referee announced. “Winner: Alice!”
“Yes!” Alice bead and cheered with sunlight in her smile.
Paul had his hands in his pockets and stared at the wobbling Poké Ball. Aggron looked depressed at being unable to battle;
Gastrodon seed to be comforting him.
For a mont, Paul felt the emotional resonance between him and his Pokémon and murmured:
“So… this is what Teacher Lu ant by the aning of feelings.”
A curl tugged at Paul’s lip. He didn’t say goodbye to anyone. Amid the cheers for Alice, he turned and left the venue.
“Paul!”
Paul turned, looking back at Ash who had breathlessly chased after him. He arched a brow: “You wanna fight?”
“No, I an…”
Ash grinned widely: “Let’s go to Kalos together! Teacher Lu said there are new bonds and moves there;
we might get stronger!”
Paul eyed Ash silently, then after a long pause, with hands in pockets, turned and left.
“I’ll be the one who gets stronger, not you.”
“Also.” Paul stopped mid-step. “Tell Teacher Lu and Champion Cynthia thank you. I think I understand what Cynthia ant.”
“Which phrase?”
“Life and living… never mind, you wouldn’t understand. See you.”
Paul’s back receded into the distance.
Lu Ye leaned on the second-tier railing, body tilted forward;
Cynthia stood beside him curious.
“I thought they’d battle each other.” Cynthia said.
“So did I.” Lu Ye nodded. “Maybe the Pokémon were injured and that affected the choice?”
“That child got stronger…” Cynthia touched her chin, her eyes glinting.
“Of course.”
Teacher Lu said without modesty: “Because I taught them.”
Cynthia: “But Ash…”
Lu Ye: “Ash was taught by A-Jin, that’s not my fault!”
**
Paul forfeited and didn’t contest third place with Ash.
Perhaps he felt there was no need to fight soone of Ash’s ability.
The final for first and second unfolded between Alice and Manchong.
Even though Manchong used tactics, switching, and commands to the fullest, he still lost to Alice’s Dragonite.
“The champion of this Junior Cup has been crowned!”
Amid cheers, the audience applauded as Alder placed the dal on Alice.
“Who do you want to thank most?” Alder asked cheerfully.
Alice made a silly face: “Anyone but Grandpa Alder!”
Alder felt a sting in his chest, as if an arrow had struck him.
That can’t be… my charismatic charm shouldn’t lose to Lu Ye and Cynthia!
After the match, Lu Ye leaned in the shadow of the players’ tunnel and looked toward Manchong, who was downcast and drooping his shoulders.
“Teacher…” Manchong choked out.
“That’s how the world is.”
Lu Ye said: “Effort may be worthless before talent;
individuals face an insurmountable gap against wealthy families… but everyone has the right to resist fate.”
Manchong’s coughing grew urgent. The bronchitis clutched his throat. His face flushed and he could barely speak.
Lu Ye half-squatted and tried using Aura to ease Manchong’s symptoms, saying earnestly:
“Fate isn’t equal, but it is fair. You can complain, resist, or fail, but you mustn’t fall.”
“Manchong, you are a trainer.”
Glistening blue motes flowed into Manchong’s body;
the redness on his face faded and his breathing cald.
In Teacher Lu’s deep black eyes, Manchong saw himself, tearful and unwilling to accept defeat.
“As long as you don’t fall,” Lu Ye said, “a trainer can create miracles.”
The outside cheers no longer concerned Manchong.
He stared at his rising teacher, dazed, and saw him raise a warm smile.
“Co on. I’ll treat you to curry rice and then we’ll talk about the ho visit!”
“Not a ho visit… an invitation to your house.” Manchong said softly.
“Sa thing, haha. I’ll say a few nice words!”
The two of them disappeared into the players’ tunnel.
The cheers ebbed like a receding tide and faded away.
The World Championships Junior Cup officially ca to a close.
…
In the group chat.
“Hmm… I think I’m still within the age limit to join the Junior Cup, right?” A-Jin crossed his arms and nodded now and then.
“You can’t even beat the Pioneer Zone, why join the World Champs?” Xiao Yin sneered coldly.
“Hey, why are you so harsh today.” A-Jin protested.
“Because the special effects show got postponed due to force majeure.” The girl put her chin on her hand: “Seems Hoenn’s having strange weather again.”
“Extre weather is too common in Hoenn.” Old Man Ironspin chuckled. “But that’s also why Hoenn’s tides and volcanic energy are so developed!”
Teacher Lu: “Don’t say that… I was planning to visit Hoenn.”
Lucian said furiously: “You want to go to Hoenn for holiday after the Junior Cup?!”
“It’s not over yet.” Lu Ye said sheepishly. “By the way, are you off today? @Lucian.”
“Today is Sunday.” Lucian replied softly.
“No closing ceremony yet ans the finals are done already.” Flint said.
Cynthia: “Yes, the champion is Alice.”
“Oh?” Yu Long Du said. “Congratulations.”
“Warm congratulations! ✿✿ヽ(°▽°)ノ✿” The girl typed.
“Hehe… actually it was luck.” Alice scratched her head: “I t a strong opponent and Dragonite was willing to obey …”
“I saw Manchong at the Junior Cup. @Ruby.” Saphira said. “He’s gotten so strong!”
“He had talent from the start.” Ruby said proudly. “I even helped him catch Pokémon!”
The rivals of the second generation Gold &
Silver were silly and grumpy.
The third generation rivalry between Ruby and Manchong was the kind of CEO-chase drama…
Poor Manchong’s tragedy almost rivals N.
Fortunately his rehabilitation went well and he found his trainer path again.
The planned ho visit to Manchong in Hoenn was scheduled for next month.
Teacher Lu planned to return to Miare City first to prepare the café opening and travel arrangents.
After the closing ceremony, Ash stayed in Unova to prepare for the Vertress Conference a week later.
Lu Ye boarded his private aircraft piloted by ngngda.
“Going back to the Sinnoh League to work?” Lu Ye looked at the yawning blonde beside him.
“Yes…” Cynthia lazily stretched. “Can’t always trouble Lucian.”
That was hardly convincing!
Lu Ye looked up at the sky, tallying this Unova trip with a strange expression.
A nearly month-long vacation coming up… poor Lucian.
But it didn’t matter.
Because future vacations would be even longer!
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