December 20th, Sunday.
The highly anticipated P1 Fighting Tournament officially kicked off.
As the most prestigious Fighting-type event in Kanto, it attracted Trainers from all major Alliances.
Among the competitors were seasoned Trainers and even Gym Leaders who specialized in Fighting-types.
Among today's Fighting-type Elites, whether it was Kanto's Bruno or Unova's Marshal, both had once claimed the P1 Fighting Tournament's Championship Belt.
That's why martial artists from all over flocked eagerly to this year's event.
The morning was bright and clear.
"Looks like the opening ceremony's today," Lu Ye put on his workout gear and opened a video sent by Green.
In the video, a sea of people crowded the venue—no less packed than any of the major events before.
[Lu Ye: Pretty big turnout.] Lu Ye remarked.
[Green: Well, Trainers from multiple Alliances are here, I'm about to head out too.] Green smiled.
Brock squinted and typed.
[Brock: The committee doesn't seem to allow Steelix to compete. So I'm planning to let Geodude get some training in.]
He was planning to use the opportunity to train a recently caught Pokémon. That idea was inspired by how Lu Ye had entered the Baby Cup several times.
The prize didn't really matter—the real point of battle was to have fun.
Lu Ye blinked, 'Whoa, you're a type-disadvantage master too, huh?'
[Lorelei: You two don't have to rush, I already drew lots for you… No need to queue up in that mess.] Lorelei smiled.
[Green: Lorelei-sis is on the organizing committee?] Green asked curiously.
[Lorelei: Yup.]
[Green: Gah! If I'd known, I'd have asked for a vendor spot inside the venue!] Green smacked her forehead, full of regret
[Blue: This year's tournament has Mr. Bruno as one of the judges. Mr. Chuck will also be present.] said Blue.
[Yellow: You're not going, Master Blue?] Yellow asked.
[Blue: Nope, The outcome's the same either way.] Blue replied.
Lu Ye was a little surprised.
Was there a contender here worthy of that much respect from Blue? One of his fellow disciples? Or a visiting master from another Alliance?
"Well, for now I'll have Sirfetch'd handle the first couple of rounds," Lu Ye thought: 'Once we're in the Top 16, I'll send out Squirtle.'
His obsession with reaching the Top 8 was simple: that's when prizes unlock.
[Quest: I'm Really Not a Fighting Master]
[Goal: Reach at least the Top 8 in any division of the P1 Championship.]
[Reward: Depends on performance.]
Judging by past rewards, there might even be a new Berry variety to unlock. Lu Ye was getting bored of the old flavors anyway.
After packing his things, Lu Ye set out for the outdoor arena in the outskirts of Celadon City.
"Squirtle."
Lu Ye sighed, "We're only going for three or four days. You don't need to bring your fish tank!"
Three or four days?!
Squirtle's eyes widened.
Out in this kind of wilderness, being exposed for several days? Way too risky!
In the end, Lu Ye still packed up the fish tank and shipped it ahead.
Sure, he could've stuffed it into "Dorae-Gengar's" pocket dimension but somehow, it felt a little wrong to do that to Gengar.
"Gengarr?"
Gengar gave Lu Ye a blank stare, sensing his gaze. No idea what you're scheming… but it can't be good!
Lu Ye gave a polite cough.
Among the known participants were Bea, Brock, and others. Surely once on-site, more familiar faces would pop up too.
"Let's go," Lu Ye picked up Sylveon and smiled, "Time for some friendly matches!"
---
Outskirts of Celadon City.
Under a deep blue sky, the grass rippled in the breeze.
"Grandpa, hurry up!" A cheerful girl called out, skating lightly down the slope in her rollerblades.
Behind her, a kindly old man walked steadily. He had two long drooping eyebrows, and a Lucario walked by his side.
"Korrina, Grandpa can't keep up," he chuckled.
His name was Gurkinn, the guardian of Mega Evolution in the Kalos Region. This trip, he had brought his granddaughter to test her skills—and pass on the Key Stone.
The blonde girl with pads and rollerblades grinned brightly.
"Grandpa, do you think we'll run into strong opponents this time?"
Gurkinn nodded with a warm smile, "Yes, perhaps even stronger than anyone you've met before."
Instead of being discouraged, Korrina clenched her fists with excitement, eyes shining, 'This time, i'm going to prove myself and Grandpa will teach me Mega Evolution for sure!'
"Excuse me," Just then, a gray-haired girl with dark skin and bare feet cupped her fists politely: "Is this the way to the P1 Fightning Tournament arena?"
"Yup!" Korrina nodded. But when her gaze dropped to the girl's bare feet and defined muscles, she froze, "Barefoot… Doesn't that hurt?"
"This is how I temper my mind and body, It's the only way to catch up to my seniors" Bea replied seriously.
"Seniors? You mean…"
Bea said nothing, but her eyes were sharp as blades, 'This tournament, i'll prove myself to Teacher Lu and make him take me on as a student!'
"I'll be off now," Bea cupped her fists again and passed the stunned Korrina.
Korrina could feel the heavy aura fade. She was speechless.
"What's wrong, Little Pickle?" Gurkinn caught up and gave her her nickname with a smile.
"…Nothing," Korrina shook her head, then beamed.
"I just think… Lucario and I need to work twice as hard!"
---
Fighters from all over the world were gathering in Kanto.
An old man who bore a strong resemblance to Gurkinn—Mustard—received an invitation to judge from the committee.
"The old man's not going," The hunched elder, wearing a green baseball jacket, smiled gently, "I'd rather stay home and train the next generation."
"I see," Bruno nodded in understanding.
He had always held great respect for the legendary master. If he chose not to attend, Bruno wouldn't push the matter.
"By the way…" Mustard grinned, "Will Little Lu Ye be competing?"
"Lu Ye… Little Lu?" Bruno blinked at the nickname.
"Well, if this is a celebration of all things Fighting, then he has to be there, right?" Mustard rambled to himself, "If he's away for a few days, that means I can sneak in some rank grinding!"
"Sweet!" Master Mustard's eyes sparkled.
Bruno scratched his head.
He did have some impression of this "Lu Ye."
Even Blue, a disciple of Mr. Chuck, had spoken highly of him.
Now with Mustard's personal praise… Bruno couldn't help getting curious.
"Looks like…" Bruno stroked his chin with his huge palm and smiled, "This year's tournament is going to be one hell of a show."