Generally speaking, a Pokémon's strength determines its position within the team.

But for Lu Ye's little companions, rankings aren't important - what matters is working together to help their trainer achieve championship dreams.

Thus, everyone continues striving toward this goal.

"Quack~(*｀▽´*)"

The usually carried Ducklett walks home, calmly accepting its position at the bottom.

"Togepriii~ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ"

Togepi waves its toy clappers, making popping sounds while bouncing cheerfully ahead.

"Gengarrr~" Haunter follows anxiously like a nanny behind Togepi.

The two run toward the golden sunset on the horizon as Lu Ye smiles and strolls behind them.

Togepi didn't participate in this combat drill.

But based on his understanding of his Pokémon, Lu Ye contemplates:

Togepi's main combat strength comes from its unpredictable "Metronome" technique.

Unless someone gets luckier than Togepi or I interfere with its performance,

Togepi's strength is actually quite considerable...

Looking at it this way, the only slackers left are me and Ducklett!

Far from feeling ashamed, Teacher Lu comforts Ducklett instead:

"They don't understand you, but I do!"

Under the sunset, Sirfetch'd gives Lu Ye a sharp look - confident, composed, and extraordinary.

Lu Ye sighs, realizing Ducklett also has dreams of carrying the team.

Being perpetually at the bottom must feel discouraging.

"I'll have Rotom intensify your training regimen. Don't worry, we'll definitely find your path forward!"

Sirfetch'd looks at Lu Ye, its beak trembling as it's 'moved' speechless.

"Quack! (´థ౪థ)σ"

Slackers get forced into training, but trying hard still can't beat Togepi...

Life's so hard for Ducklett~!

Returning home, Lu Ye reflects on today's battles.

He vaguely senses his team has grown stronger yet again, but can't pinpoint why.

Has my cooking improved recently?

Or is it the energy boost from the "Rainbow Wing" providing buffs to the team?

Lu Ye touches his shirt pocket where the slightly warm "Rainbow Wing" rests, pondering.

Then his gaze shifts to the "Lunar Wing" hanging above his bed like a dreamcatcher, and he chuckles.

Surely you're not dreaming about training too?

If your sweet dreams are about training, then mine must be about post-destruction renovation crews?

Lu Ye: "That's clearly a nightmare!"

Night falls over Masago Town bathed in moonlight.

Lu Ye puts on an apron, uses his 'cooking tools' to prepare dinner, then takes Arcanine for a walk.

They encounter an Exploud wiping sweat after serving as the 'sound system' for square dancing, gulping mineral water.

Lu Ye pauses.

"So the 'sound system' Grandma Vendor mentioned sending to the Pokémon Center was this Exploud?"

"Gengarrr! (*⊙~⊙)" Haunter slurps its Toxic Orb, acting like this is no big deal.

I even hired it as DJ for my concerts!

The big dog wags its tail goofily as it follows Teacher Lu home.

Sitting cross-legged, Lu Ye plays games with Mengmengda while Togepi battles Mew on a handheld nearby.

"Togepriii~(ﾉﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉ"

"The Mikuri Cup is tomorrow?" Cynthia asks curiously.

"Yep. Besides the main stage performances, Lake Valor will host speed swimming, fishing tournaments and other commercial events."

Lu Ye marvels: "Wallace is truly a business genius!"

"Maybe Steven gave him the idea," Cynthia ponders. "Aaron will represent the Sinnoh League at tomorrow's opening ceremony."

Poor Aaron! Let's award him 'Most Beautiful Wage Slave' prize!

"Also, he'll deliver that Pokémon egg to you."

Lu Ye's heart skips a beat.

Though mentally prepared to play egg-hatcher,

he didn't expect this day to come so suddenly!

"It's fine," Lu Ye comforts himself. "At worst, it won't be as extreme as Gold's berserker Togepi."

After some battles using a sandstorm team where Tyranitar overpowered Garchomp, Cynthia smiles icily:

"Again!"

The rematch sees Tyranitar lose to Swords Dance Garchomp.

Maintaining a 1-1 record, Cynthia logs off satisfied while avoiding tilt.

Then an unknown fan with a 'Miss Walnut' avatar challenges Lu Ye.

Gold: "On?"

Teacher Lu: "Logging in."

Five minutes later.

Lu Ye posts a brutal [4:0] result in the group chat.

"Ouch, that's rough," Old Man Ironspin comments. "Want to try my 'disconnect hack'?"

Steven looks stunned.

The game department recently reported mysterious hacks...

And here's the culprit admitting it outright...

Gold crosses arms thoughtfully: "I think I lost because Teacher Lu's playstyle counters mine."

"You lose in real battles too," Silver says expressionlessly.

"Damn it..." Gold considers challenging Silver but changes targets: "Ash, let's battle!"

Can't beat Teacher Lu? Just find weaker opponents to practice!

Ash scratches his head: "Can't right now - challenging Kizuna City Gym but the leader's absent..."

Teacher Lu asks curiously: "Why is the Gym Leader never there when you visit?"

"Eh? Now that you mention it..." Ash ponders deeply.

"Kizuna's leader specializes in Ghost-types - Melisa," Aaron helpfully adds. "I can inquire for you."

"Really? Thanks so much, Senior Aaron!" Ash sends a Pikachu sticker.

"I recall Melisa's also a Coordinator?" Lila taps her chin thoughtfully.

"Correct!" Ruby's eyes sparkle discussing contests. "Miss Melisa excels at dance coordination and fashion design!"

Sapphire smiles: "Ruby and I consulted her about our performance costumes."

"Come to think of it..." Aaron adjusts his glasses. "Melisa probably went to Lake Valor for the Mikuri Cup."

"Eh? That's so far—"

Ash slumps, then reignites with determination.

"Alright! I'll head to Lake Valor to challenge her!"

Teacher Lu deadpans: "By the time you arrive, she'll probably be heading back."

Lu Ye happens to be going to Lake Valor too,

having accepted Ruby's invitation to judge the Contest.

"Nonsense!"

Celadon Anemone clenches fists, unusually motivated with flushed cheeks:

"I checked the schedule - the Mikuri Cup lasts 2-3 weeks with fishing tournaments and doubles matches at lakeside hotels!"

Near Twinleaf Town, Lake Valor's shimmering waters host both the Mikuri Cup and Sinnoh Grand Festival, surrounded by luxury hotels and seven-star restaurants.

Holding joint events during the Cup fits Wallace's commercial approach.

Brock's eyes gleam:

"Doubles matches at luxury hotels... Winners get a month of free meals!"

"Really?" Celadon Anemone scratches her head. "I didn't notice that..."

But fishing tournament winners get that super rod I've always wanted!

The blonde girl gazes skyward with a dreamy smile.

Hearing "free meals" triggers both the broke Lily and gluttonous Ami.

Lily: "I can't go! Have exchange matches with Galar fighters!! o(╥﹏╥)o"

Ami blushes slightly: "I...I'll attend to watch..."

She's always been interested in Contests,

believing dazzling performances might make ordinary her feel special...

Seeing so many group members approve of his mentor's event, Ruby proudly crosses arms.

Sapphire hugs him from behind: "Still going to Lake Valor?"

"Nope, I invited Teacher Lu as judge."

Ruby adjusts his white headband, eyes sparkling.

"I can't wait to see his Sylveon perform!"

"Eh?" Sapphire blinks. "Why would a judge perform?"

"It's tradition," Ruby explains.

"Judges demonstrate exhibition matches before competitions."

"With Teacher Lu judging," Ruby grins,

"we're guaranteed spectacular performances!"

Group admin Green grows annoyed by spam and creates a "Mikuri Cup Attendance" poll.

Final tally shows six attendees:

Celadon Anemone for fishing;
Ami for spectating;
Teacher Lu judging.

Aaron...handing the opening ribbon-cutting then delivering Lu Ye's egg.

Ash arrives days later;
Blue accompanies Celadon Anemone to...set up shop.

"Such dedication, Blue!" Lorelei exclaims.

"Hehe, saving up for a proper dowry!" Blue declares proudly.

Silver checks his bank balance expressionlessly.

...Should be enough.

The word "dowry" stabs Lorelei's heart.

Having a dowry doesn't guarantee marriage! (;
´༎ຶД༎ຶ`)

As an Ice-type Elite Four with houses, cars and Lapras in the Sevii Islands, I still binge romance dramas alone!

With so many peers watching his judging debut, Teacher Lu feels slightly nervous.

But judging and commentary are his specialties.

No need to compete - just ask "What's your dream?" a few times.

Lu Ye nods, packing for tomorrow's trip.

Rotom assistant reminds: "Suggest booking hotels in advance~"

Lu Ye looks up thoughtfully.

His Pokémon prefer staying outside their balls,

but organizers only provide single rooms.

Better find suitable lodging for Sylveon's treadmill...

Discovering the only vacancy at a luxury resort, Teacher Lu feels conflicted.

'Why not ask Team Rocket?' he realizes.

Calling Matori, he inquires about discounts.

"Unnecessary."

Matori says flatly:

"That resort's owner is Rocket-affiliated. Just check in directly."

Lu Ye: "!?"

Teacher Lu again contemplates life's inequalities.

Some Rockets can't afford phone bills.

Others own luxury resorts!

"If those two worked properly, they could buy ten resorts..."

Lu Ye makes another request.

After a long pause, Matori lowers her head shyly.

"Y-Yes?"

"Can you reimburse my electric bill? Normal operational expenses."

"...Fine."

"Should I send the bill? Or mail it?"

Hearing dial tone, Lu Ye persistently photographs and sends the bill.

Soon, his phone pings with payment notification.

"Efficient...quite capable."

Praising her, Lu Ye packs the dreamcatcher-like Lunar Wing.

This guarantees good sleep anywhere!

Satisfied, he tells Haunter:

"Tomorrow we're going to Lake Valor for spring break~"

"Gengarrr~（๑`▽´๑)۶"

Sinnoh Region, Lake Valor.

A cream-colored Milotic leaps from sparkling waters, pink tendrils waving,

creating such fantastical beauty that passersby stand transfixed.

Lakeside, a tall green-haired man wears traditional white attire.

Unlike Steven's jade-like refinement, his elegance stems from the ancient lost "Rurisuto" people.

Wallace calls Ruby:

"When will your invited Teacher Lu arrive?"

"He said tomorrow!"

Wallace nods.

Steven mentioned Teacher Lu -

a champion exemplifying both strength and character.

Unexpectedly, this "Steven's savior" is also a Coordinator.

Even Wallace admits Teacher Lu's mere appearance could make girls swoon.

"His judging participation honors me."

Wallace smiles. "After Lake Valor's performances, I'll invite him to judge the main stage."

The multi-week event rotates venues for optimal settings.

"Main stage location decided?" Ruby asks.

"Near Jubilife City."

Wallace gazes through mist,

vision fixed on a solemn white tower matching his aesthetics perfectly.

"At Michina Town."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read