Celadon City outskirts, P1 Fighting Tournament Championship's Arena.
"We're registered in the lightweight division, right?" Lu Ye asked Brock beside him.
"That's right," Brock crossed his arms and nodded, "The heavyweight and lightweight categories are further divided into three classes. For example, the super heavyweight class features Pokémon like Snorlax and Hariyama. As for your Sirfetch'd, he's basically one of the heaviest in the lightweight group."
Sirfetch'd weighed 117kg, and his giant leek probably made up over half of that. Of course, Conkeldurr's concrete pillars or Throh's martial gi are considered part of their bodies too, just like Gardevoir's dress.
If that thing ever came off... it might not be broadcast-safe.
Lu Ye cleared his throat and shook off the weird thoughts, looking around.
The stern-faced Trainers were mostly flanked by their Fighting partners.
Mighty-armed Swamperts, dark-skinned Machamps, blazing-orange Blazikens... The dense crowd was proof of how hyped the event was.
Just then, the crowd parted on its own.
Walking toward them was a mature woman with an intelligent aura, glasses perched on her nose, long burgundy hair cascading over her shoulders, and high heels clicking with grace—Lorelei, the Ice-type Elite Four of Kanto.
That piercing aura was like eternal frost, making nearby Trainers instinctively back off.
Lost in her usual daydreams, Lorelei only snapped out of it when she stopped in front of them.
"Oh my, Welcome" Her smile melted the icy presence instantly, like glaciers thawing in spring.
With Lorelei leading the way, the two checked into the hotel arranged by the tournament committee.
"The matches start tomorrow, right?" Brock asked.
"Correct," Lorelei nodded. "The first day is just for competitors to familiarize themselves with the area."
"So Lorelei a—Achoo!" Lu Ye sneezed mid-sentence, "I mean, Sister Lorelei, what brings you here?" he corrected himself.
"I was bored and thought I'd lend a hand," she said with a smile, "Mainly because you two are participating… and as the group mod, I had to come check things out."
Lu Ye discreetly wiped his cold sweat.
Phew! That was close! Almost got sent to the Sevii Islands to feed the seals!
"I'm not too worried," Brock said. "Making the Top 64 already gets us a stipend… but as for Teacher Lu… He's one of the tournament favorites to win."
"True," Lorelei nodded.
Lu Ye entering rookie cups was already routine at this point.
Of course, it was also likely that he was just here to train his Pokémon while farming easy prize money.
Lorelei suddenly sighed, "While I was standing over there, two young girls already came over asking about you."
"Me?" Lu Ye blinked and pointed at himself.
"One with gray hair, the other a blonde following the gray-haired one…" Lorelei crossed one arm and rested her chin on the other, clearly a bit put out, 'Why is it that no good men ever come to chat me up?'
"Probably fans of Teacher Lu," Brock said, "That last match with the light gear squad… really blew up."
Lu Ye scratched his head.
Gray hair—probably Bea, whom he'd met before.
But the blonde? No clue.
He looked up at the sky, 'So in the end… another viewer match, huh...'
"I've got to get back and handle some committee work," Lorelei waved a few fingers in the air, "If anything comes up, feel free to find me."
"Got it."
"Oh, and one more thing," Lorelei adjusted her glasses, her voice turning cold: "If your opponents try to cheat, let me know directly… I'll take care of it for you two."
The temperature seemed to drop instantly.
Lu Ye and Brock's expressions shifted.
"Uh… what if we're the ones cheating?" Lu Ye asked meekly.
"That's fine," Lorelei smiled again, warm like a big sister: "Just don't let me catch you doing it!"
Their jaws dropped.
So this is how the Ice Elite handles things, huh?!
As Lorelei walked away, her heels tapping against the floor, Lu Ye watched her black stockings and dark uniform skirt, frowning.
"Sister Lorelei should be super popular, right?"
"Maybe…" Brock mused, "That cold, intimidating aura… probably scares guys off."
"Yeah, that checks out," Lu Ye nodded, genuinely impressed, "You're amazing, Brock-san!"
"Oh, not at all," Brock crossed his arms, nodding in sync with Lu Ye, "I'm just speaking from the average man's perspective."
Spoken like a true thirsty philosopher, Mr. Brock!
---
According to the schedule, Lu Ye's first match was held that very afternoon.
Winning the first match would put him into the Top 64.
All matches followed a single battle format.
Trainers entered the arena and fought alongside their Pokémon.
Though direct attacks on Trainers were prohibited, being so close to battle tested a Trainer's mental toughness.
Lu Ye had already fought in several wild scuffles. He was used to no-rules combat, so this was fine.
"Good thing they don't allow attacking Trainers directly, "Lu Ye mumbled, "Otherwise, one punch from the other guy and I'd be GG."
Close distance allowed for better command and even exploiting a Pokémon's weak points—
something Blue was especially good at.
Lu Ye's first opponent was a martial artist from Unova.
They sent out a yellow-skinned, mohawk-headed Scrafty.
Thanks to its Intimidate ability, Scrafty was a strong counter to physical attackers, and could even check dual-types like Gallade or Medicham.
But then the guy saw Sirfetch'd—eyebrows thick, eyes full of righteousness.
"You dare intimidate my Sirfetch'd?!" Lu Ye shouted from the sideline: "Show him what long arms can do to short ones!"
"Sir~fetched!" Sirfetch'd excitedly spun his giant leek. After getting bullied in the team for so long, he finally got to bully someone else!
With a loud smack, the leek landed square on Scrafty's head.
One hit KO!
The opposing Trainer looked at that 1-meter-long leek and gulped.
"Ref, that's a foul, right?"
"You can't bring weapons into a Fighting match!"
"He has no respect for sportsmanship!"
But the referee, under Lorelei's secret instructions, remained calm. Besides… the Pokédex clearly showed Sirfetch'd always carries a leek.
The leek is basically its body!
Lu Ye crossed his arms and chuckled smugly. Even the committee's on my side—how are you gonna fight me now?!
"The winner is… Lu Ye!" the ref blew the whistle.
"Sir~fetched!" Sirfetch'd pulled back his lance and stood tall, unfazed.
Up in the spectator seats, Bea watched quietly, her face burning red.
After a long pause, she muttered under her breath: "So… cool…"
One-hit KO.
That's what happens when you fight a type disadvantage at a fighting tournament.
Lu Ye suspected the guy brought Scrafty to counter Psychic-types, but clearly, he got outplayed by someone one step ahead.
---
"Can't see through his depth," In the VIP section, Bruno frowned.
"Maybe it's a newly caught Pokémon," Lorelei adjusted her glasses and smiled, "That hit just now was straight to the weak point."
"If that's a newly caught one…" Bruno's face grew serious, "Then I'm really… looking forward to its future!"
First match wrapped up.
Both Bea and Korrina advanced smoothly to the Top 64.
"Nice work, Little Pickle, "Gurkinn beamed, patting his granddaughter's shoulder.
"Thanks, Grandpa~" Korrina smiled brightly, then unconsciously drifted into thought.
That gray-haired girl… probably made it through too. Remembering her fighter-like presence, Korrina clenched her fists, "I really want to battle her!"
Meanwhile, Bea followed silently behind Lu Ye.
"You following me won't make me take you as a student, you know," Lu Ye said helplessly.
You're basically a human Fighting-type who punches Machamps… Ten of me couldn't teach you anything!
"I know," Bea nodded, deadly serious, "At my current level, I'm not worthy of your attention but please don't worry," she thumped her chest, "I will prove my potential to you!"
Lu Ye sighed. "We'll talk when that day comes…"
Bea paused, then smiled faintly and gave a respectful bow, "Yes!"
Taking on a disciple wasn't out of the question.
After all, Lu Ye already had three personal apprentices. He just worried he couldn't offer Bea much in terms of Fighting-type techniques.
"Well, worst case… I'll just teach her some dirty tricks," Lu Ye muttered.
The first day of the P1 Fighting Tournament was booming with activity.
Around the arena, tons of vendors had set up booths.
Apparently, Green had asked Lorelei for her own dedicated booth.
Lu Ye looked around at the crowded stalls, rubbing his chin, "…Maybe I should apply for one too?"
In that moment, his eyes sparkled.
A whole new get-rich path had just opened before him!
He pulled out his phone and dialed a number, "Jessie, James, Meowth. I've got your next assignment."