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February 23rd, Monday.
Aiden's latest masterpiece went online again, with countless viewers flooding in the moment the video was uploaded. The popularity instantly soared to the top ten of the overall rankings.
From midnight on Monday, Teacher Azure's updated videos would regularly refresh at the top of the charts for at least a full day every week, bringing tactical shockwaves to Pokémon TV's battle section users—a routine many viewers had long grown accustomed to.
Although Aiden's update schedule was somewhat unorthodox, for viewers from regions like Kanto that had time differences with Paldea, this was actually a good thing.
Waking up and opening Pokémon TV while eating breakfast, only to be immediately greeted by Teacher Azure's unorthodox tactics on the homepage...
Hmm, just thinking about it was a happiness so overwhelming it could make one's eyes roll back.
[Front row warning: today's victim is Unova region's popular model Miss Elesa—Teacher Azure has done terrible things again!]
[Live on site: Teacher Azure actually did such an outrageous thing to Miss Elesa... (referring to the 4:0 shutout—those who thought otherwise, go stand in the corner~)]
[Teacher Azure's doubles lineups get more unorthodox by the day—I'm already laughing before even starting to watch!]
[Infected by Teacher Azure, everyone is now trending toward becoming a sunny, cheerful big boy. Our battle environment has truly become too bright! (cap)]
The freshly uploaded video was immediately flooded with chat messages.
"Rain brothers take their seats, Palafin isn't bad either."
"Hello everyone, today we'll introduce rain doubles team strategies centered around Palafin~"
After this simple opening verse, the chat immediately refreshed with question marks.
[Teacher Azure, you're getting cultured now? Since you're reciting poetry, next time can you do some Pokémon haiku that I love so much?]
[Rain fam don't even include the legendary weather-controlling Pokémon Kyogre, and not even Pelipper? What kind of fake Rain team is this? Record it again and repost!]
[The person above—you'll never know how many cards Teacher Azure has hidden in his pants. This strategy is actually quite interesting. I never expected Politoed could be this unorthodox...]
The video continued playing. Even in doubles, Aiden maintained his understanding of Rain teams from last week.
Besides Politoed and Palafin—these two Water-type Pokémon—the other teammates seemed to have little connection to Rain teams.
However, even just looking at Whimsicott and Amoonguss gave an inexplicable sense of trust, making one feel the overall team strength might actually be quite good...
And this was indeed the case.
This episode featured quite a lot of battle footage, almost showcasing every possible combination of these Pokémon.
Politoed + Palafin—the only two true Rain team cores in the lineup—requiring rotation to fully unleash Palafin's strength.
Palafin and Mega Manectric formed a dual-rotation system. While rotating, they also handled chip damage and assisted teammates, making it difficult for opponents to predict their next move.
Manectric and Amoonguss formed two walls of despair, with excellent defensive synergy against non-Ground-type Pokémon.
When facing opponents that Rain teams struggled with—like Elesa's pure Electric-type team—there was also Mega Salamence, a nuclear-level powerhouse. Combined with Amoonguss's taunting ability, it directly became a team-wiping machine, easily annihilating opponents.
When the video was halfway through, viewers who hadn't watched the live stream were stunned.
How could one team play so many different styles?
[Teacher Azure, wasn't this supposed to be a Rain team tutorial? How did so many weird things get mixed into the Rain team...]
[Didn't Teacher Azure say last time that Rain teams are all about inclusiveness? Most Pokémon can be added to expand team depth, so bringing Amoonguss is completely normal!]
[To be fair, although this Pokémon seems super sneaky when encountered in the wild, when its back is turned to you, it inexplicably feels reliable...]
[Too bad—he should have shown Amoonguss's Spore too to make it more authentic. Teacher Azure was too conservative today. Sigh—after becoming a big streamer, he clearly has idol burdens and doesn't dare play unorthodox strategies anymore!]
[It's already unorthodox enough—Teacher Azure should rein it in a bit for everyone's sake...]
Before the words faded, near the end of the video, last night's legendary scene from the live stream appeared.
Facing a guaranteed 4v2 win, Aiden's playful side emerged. He rotated in Politoed and used Perish Song as a death sentence, leaving the opponent completely unable to recover.
Starting Perish Song in an endgame situation—seemingly safe but actually absurdly ridiculous behavior—completely shattered viewers' imagination of Pokémon battles.
[I know this one—Protect, not Protect, Protect again. But relying on Amoonguss and Protect to stall until Perish Song triggers—is that correct...]
[Stop it, be a human, Teacher Azure! This isn't Pokémon battling anymore—why are you the only one playing while the opponent might as well be AFK? Teacher Azure, you've done terrible things again aaaaaah!!!]
[Teacher Azure, are you even human??? Is Perish Song meant to be used like this? This is too broken—giving the opponent absolutely no chance to live...]
"Politoed has a very special Perish Song strategy in doubles. This move has infinite possibilities, but the difficulty is quite high—students should consider carefully."
"The kind of mindless Perish Song we just used can only be considered an introductory understanding of Perish Song tactics. Of course, if it works, it's very powerful—it has stable match-killing ability and can completely lock in victory."
Before the video ended, Aiden appropriately reminded viewers.
"Of course, our singing Politoed also knows Hypnosis. If the battle is difficult, you might as well entrust your fate to the god of luck and take a gamble."
[The last time Teacher Azure used Perish Song was against Mr. Lance during that bug-baton pass strategy battle, right? Kricketune singing Perish Song back then was absolutely epic. Unexpectedly, in a similar situation this time, my brain is filled with only one word—dirty...]
[Haha, as long as I'm a useless person, I don't need to learn this strategy. My few remaining brain cells should be used for important things!]
[I originally thought Rain teams couldn't get much dirtier, but I underestimated Teacher Azure's dirty strategy research abilities!]
What started as a very serious Rain team explanation suddenly took a turn at the end, causing countless viewers to exclaim "this is exactly what I wanted" while silently noting down Politoed.
Originally, few people might have known these tactics, but after Aiden's explanation, various strange strategies centered around Politoed would inevitably appear soon.
So in the future, one must be extra cautious when encountering it!
When Pokémon TV users were most active, it was late night in Paldea region.
In a guest room at Sunshine Gym, Mewtwo was curled up in bed, using its psychic power to sense the surrounding environment while keeping its phone volume at minimum and brightness at lowest, silently watching Aiden's new video.
Due to the "anti-addiction version" agreement with Aiden, Mewtwo's internet time was now very limited. Once the time was up, it had to go offline and couldn't play games anymore.
However, Aiden one foot high, Mewtwo one foot higher.
Even if it couldn't play against "equally matched opponents" on the computer, Mewtwo could still use its Rotom phone to browse Aiden's latest works, analyzing his tactical thinking and personal style.
For Mewtwo, the most excellent human trainer it had encountered so far was undoubtedly Aiden.
Therefore, if it wanted to become an equally excellent trainer, aligning with Aiden was clearly the best and most convenient path.
"Rain teams... Squirtle should be adaptable too, right?"
"And Tangela as well—in Rain weather, it should be able to play a similar role to Ferrothorn."
While watching Aiden's new video, Mewtwo silently pondered in its heart, trying to incorporate the cloned Pokémon that recognized it as a trainer into the rain system.
It wasn't suitable to use a notebook while in bed to record all its insights.
But for Mewtwo—who continuously developed its body through psychic power and had memory far surpassing ordinary humans—temporarily storing this content in its brain was effortless.
It could transcribe everything to its notebook after getting up tomorrow.
Currently, Vulpix, Charmander, and Bulbasaur were clearly future Sun team main members, while Squirtle leaned more toward Rain.
Tangela could adapt to both weathers, as for Abra...
It didn't need to practice anything else—just continue improving its psychic abilities like itself, aiming to reach what Aiden called the "overwhelming power breaks all techniques" level.
"I can also ask Aiden's opinion on specific training methods."
Mewtwo thought silently.
Under the diligent learning of knowledge-hungry student Mewtwo, the video quickly reached its conclusion.
Soon, some chat messages caught its attention.
"Dirty... does this mean Aiden's tactics are very unexpected and unconventional?"
"For Aiden, this should be considered praise, right?"
Mewtwo quickly nodded.
Aiden's thinking was definitely correct. The purpose of Pokémon battles was to determine victory and defeat. Without explicit prohibitions, any tactic was reasonable and legal—even "dirty tactics" had their value.
After all, through friendly sparring with Paldea's rookie trainers in recent days, Mewtwo had quickly realized one fact—
Although humans verbally complained about Aiden's tactics being unorthodox, they all learned them very diligently. At least 90% of its opponents clearly showed Aiden's influence in their commands and thinking.
That's right—what humans say isn't important; what matters is what they do.
Since everyone was willing to learn, it meant Aiden's approach was correct—and it couldn't fall behind either.
After yawning, Mewtwo curled up in bed again, planning to review Aiden's video once more.
...
Kanto region, Celadon City.
Early morning. Celadon Gym's new leader, Miss Erika, had completed her flower arrangement and tea ceremony practice. She was now sitting in standard seiza position on the wooden floor, elegantly sipping freshly brewed hot tea.
"Since the Team Rocket problem was resolved, gym leader work has become much easier."
After exhaling a breath of warm air, Erika softly sighed.
When Miss Sabrina first contacted her, although she was wary of this somewhat cold, seemingly unfriendly psychic-type trainer, Erika ultimately made a bold choice.
Like other gym leaders, she trusted Sabrina's judgment, accepted Team Rocket's invitation to infiltrate them, gathering information about their bases in various cities before taking coordinated action.
The facts proved Sabrina's judgment was correct.
After all, before this, no one would have ever thought that Gym Leader Giovanni—who had always opposed Team Rocket and completely cleared them from Viridian City—would actually be Team Rocket's deeply hidden leader…
With her, Mr. Lance, and Aiden—who came all the way from Paldea—as the core of the decapitation operation, ultimate success was achieved.
These gym leaders were then able to completely wipe out Team Rocket from each city.
The Kanto region, after clearing out Team Rocket, finally welcomed long-awaited peace.
However...
"Suddenly having so much free time, I don't even know how to spend it anymore."
Thinking this, Erika couldn't help but show a troubled expression.
Besides being a gym leader, she actually had many other identities.
Guest lecturer at Celadon University, teacher of noble courses like flower arrangement and tea ceremony, city ambassador of Celadon City, and partner of nearby perfume shops.
Usually, she had no spare time at all—naturally, she didn't know how to kill time either.
Just as Erika was troubled by this, her phone suddenly vibrated.
It was a message on the Navigator from Jasmine, Gym Leader of Olivine City in the Johto region—and one of her few friends.
[Jasmine: I saw a very interesting video today, so I'm forwarding it to you too!]
Followed by a video link.
Erika's lips couldn't help but curl into a smile as she immediately clicked it.
As expected, the video was indeed from "Azure Wings"—that is, Mr. Aiden who had a good relationship with Mr. Lance.
Regarding this rumored "leftover ash from Arceus's human creation," "destroyer of Pokémon battle ecology," and "sage who saves newcomers twenty years of detours," Erika had actually been quietly following him for some time.
The reason was simple—like other gym leaders, Erika actually quite admired this popular Paldea gym leader.
Although he hadn't specifically explained strategies centered around Grass-type Pokémon, his previous sun teams and even earlier Morelull had given her some insights.
Honestly, compared to conventional battle methods focusing on sun teams and Chlorophyll, she actually appreciated Aiden's alternative uses for Grass-type Pokémon more.
Stun Spore, Toxic, Sleep Powder, Leech Seed—these were special moves mostly only Grass-type Pokémon could learn.
On this point, her understanding aligned highly with Aiden's.
After all, most Grass-types were paired with Poison-type, and having various powder moves was indeed a unique characteristic of Grass-types.
Since the creator god Arceus designed it this way, using these moves naturally came with no psychological burden~
That's right—this was Erika's main style as a gym leader when accepting newcomer challenges.
On this point, her close friend Jasmine had deep personal experience.
Although she appeared gentle and polite to everyone—completely embodying the modern version of a Yamato Nadeshiko—in reality, Miss Erika's heart was absolutely mischievous...
She often told terrifying urban legends in a joking tone, deeply traumatizing the timid Jasmine.
And in battles, her performance was even more obvious.
Her Vileplume and Bellossom, constantly starting with Toxic and Sleep Powder, left deep impressions on opponents regardless of whether the moves connected—very sneaky tactics.
Even if you won by luck, there was no sense of accomplishment—it felt like you merely got lucky not to be affected by these powders.
Therefore, Erika had only just become gym leader last year, yet she quickly became the Kanto region trainer's most dreaded opponent—bar none!
She had even contributed an urban legend to Celadon City:
Before challenging Celadon Gym, it's best to test your luck and see if Safety Goggles are still available at the department store.
If they're sold out, it means today isn't suitable for challenging the gym—definitely come back tomorrow!
However, Erika herself had no reaction to these rumors, only silently increasing the challenge difficulty.
"A video that even Jasmine actively shared should have some relation to Grass-type, right?"
With strong curiosity, Erika quickly began playing the video.
Soon, her eyes became clearer, and she froze in place.
The Amoonguss in Aiden's team left a very deep impression on her, even making her feel the unique charm of Grass-type Pokémon once again.
"Excellent durability, with Regenerator ability and Synthesis to improve sustainability..."
"It can learn almost all interference moves, even Rage Powder and Spore—which only 'Mushroom-type Pokémon' can learn..."
"I never knew Grass-type could be played like this..."
Erika subconsciously murmured to herself.
"It has almost no weaknesses, perfectly showcasing the charm of Grass-type Pokémon!"
"Mushroom-type Pokémon" was a classification method Aiden proposed when introducing Morelull. At that time, Erika thought he was just joking.
Who would have thought... Mushroom-type Pokémon actually referred to Pokémon that could learn Spore?
Unfortunately, Amoonguss didn't seem to be distributed near Kanto. To catch one, she might need to travel far.
So she could only wait for future opportunities...
Erika quickly sighed.
Although catching an Amoonguss might be temporarily difficult, Aiden's thinking was quite interesting.
Especially for trainers from their Kanto region—it was even more effective.
After all, Doubles was a very niche battle format in other regions, but in Kanto, it was pretty normal.
Forget about doubles—even 7v7 battles where trainers personally entered the field were mainstream battle formats.
In such situations, a Pokémon that could continuously harass opponents with Spore to cause temporary knockouts while also attracting hate with Rage Powder would have practical significance that far exceeded Amoonguss's role in doubles...
Such a Pokémon actually existed in Kanto region too—and that was—
Parasect!
After being parasitized by mushrooms, academics had long debated whether the insect below or the mushroom above controlled this body—still without a definitive answer.
However, because of the mushroom on its head, Parasect could also use Spore.
Perfectly matching Aiden's demonstrated strategy.
Thinking this, Erika's lips couldn't help but curl upward slightly.
Her gym battle style seemed to have new variations after this video.
However...
Using such means against a rookie trainer—wouldn't that be a bit excessive?
Erika couldn't help but ponder this question.
Just at this moment, the door to Celadon Gym suddenly opened, and a light brown spiky-haired youth dressed as a trainer quickly appeared before her.
"You are..."
Erika had some impression of this youth.
He had been squatting outside Celadon Game Corner, preparing to challenge an entire Team Rocket branch with just two rookies—a reckless young man.
However, Miss Sabrina seemed to highly value them both, even prophesying that "this year's champion will definitely emerge from these two."
Although it sounded unreliable, a psychic's words still carried weight. Thus, Erika couldn't help but feel curious about this spiky-haired young man, silently observing him for a few moments.
"Hello, I've come to challenge the gym."
As Erika watched him, Blue quickly smiled and confidently stated his purpose.
After the small Team Rocket incident, he and Red had rested and sparred in Pallet Town for a while before again setting off on separate journeys.
Also because he felt Red's growth, Blue developed a clear sense of crisis—
If he didn't speed up, Red might reach the Champion's Path before him and challenge the Elite Four first!
Therefore, Blue hurriedly arrived at Celadon City to continue his journey.
"I understand."
Erika nodded.
For an ordinary trainer, the tactical difficulty she had just simulated was indeed quite high.
However... if the challenger's goal was to become Champion?
This small test shouldn't be difficult for him at all, right?
After finishing her thoughts, Erika immediately suppressed her gradually upturning lips, turned to Blue and said:
"Today's gym challenge difficulty might be a bit high—would you like to lower it somewhat?"
"No need! I'm a man who will become Champion. If I can't even pass gym challenges, there's no hope for the Champion's Path."
Blue confidently patted his chest, seemingly not picking up on the implication in Erika's words.
"Then... please follow me."
Erika nodded slightly, bowed politely, and gracefully walked into the battle field, quietly waiting for Blue to enter.
...
Half an hour later.
When Blue regained consciousness, he was already lying on the lawn outside Celadon Gym, his memories blurry.
His main Pokémon, lying scattered around him and not yet recovered, seemed to remind him that something definitely happened just now.
"Didn't I come to challenge Celadon Gym... why am I sleeping here?"
Blue scratched his head, momentarily confused.
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